Wellbeing in the North I am approaching 10 years call next month, and have noted during my own time at the Bar those exceptionally talented members we have sadly lost from the profession due to serious emotional health and stress-related issues. Positively, however, in that decade and more recently, I have observed a significant shift […]
I need help
Barristers inherently face very specific challenges on a daily basis. If you need some help click on support to find contact details and advice on seeking support.
The professional lives of clerks and chambers’ staff include many potential stressors. If you don’t know how to broach an issue, want advice on your options.
These resources have been designed specifically for those who have completed their BPTC and for pupils up to tenancy.
Resources
Guidance on how to introduce wellbeing policies and initiatives and on tackling a wellbeing issue in chambers.
Examples of successful wellbeing initiatives adopted by chambers, Specialist Bar Associations and the Inns of Court.
Support
Who to talk to, how to get help in coping with the pressures and demands of life at the Bar.
Who to talk to and how to get help, resources are for clerks and staff themselves.
Support for students and pupils
Who to talk to and how to get help for those who have completed their BPTC and for pupils up to tenancy.
The confidential 24/7 helpline with access to counselling for barristers, pupils, clerks and chambers’ staff.
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News
Wellbeing at the Bar Blog: Sarah Vine
The Counter-Intuitive Solution Barristers hate not working. We complain incessantly about how much work we have to do, but there is no more accurate metric of a barrister’s self-worth (at least in professional terms) than how busy they are. Respond to this refrain by suggesting to a barrister that they need to take more time […]
Wellbeing at the Bar Blog: Rachel Crasnow KC
A new kind of first aid: mental health first aid Determined, energetic and purposeful high achievers can be the most vulnerable to mental health issues because they push themselves so hard. Barristers, who often work alone, often with long commutes to courts, their self-employed status removing them from any managerial oversight, are particularly susceptible to […]
Wellbeing at the Bar Blog: Helen Randall
Wellbeing from the start Speaking to mini-pupils and conducting interviews for pupillage recently, it has struck me how unwilling anyone wishing to join the profession is to acknowledge the need for a work/life balance. I entirely understand the dilemma, and am sure I was guilty of it too. They want to join a profession with […]
Wellbeing at the Bar Blog: Amanda Hardy KC
Chancery Bar Association From 2015 the Chancery Bar Association (ChBA) has been committed to initiatives to make all its members aware of the fundamental importance of wellbeing at work and, at the same time, provide information to ensure a healthy work/life balance for its members and their staff. The ChBA has over 1,300 members. There […]
Wellbeing at the Bar Blog: Victoria Wilson
“Why do you want to be a barrister?” As I type this I am averting my gaze from my epic list of Things That I Need To Do. The most mundane jobs, such as weeding out dead briefs to send back to solicitors, can be immensely appealing when there are far more pressing tasks to […]
Wellbeing at the Bar Blog: Stephen Innes
Barristers’ partners: a different perspective – what does the other side look like? I have recently joined the Wellbeing at the Bar Committee as a representative of Gray’s Inn. Having been an admirer of the website and of the pioneering work of the Committee, it was a great honour for me to be invited. My […]
Mental Health Awareness Week: Wellbeing at the Bar Blog
Mental Health Awareness Week: Wellbeing at the Bar Everyone at some point in their lives will experience low points and challenges. The stigma associated with mental health is unjust because poor health can occur in any part of our body and we don’t have the same negative associations with a broken leg or arm after a […]