For anyone practising at the Bar, the management of stress is part of your daily professional life. We all experience stress in different ways, with different symptoms and different tell-tale signs that the pressure is building up beyond what is sustainable. Learning how to deal with it comes from experience and over the course of […]
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
Bar Council’s Head of Equality & Diversity and CSR to present on Wellbeing at the Bar at 7 Harrington Street Chambers
7 Harrington Street Chambers (Liverpool), Thursday 26 April 2018, 5.00-6.30pm The Bar is a high pressure, high performance profession where both barristers and their staff have traditionally been wary about sharing their wellbeing challenges. Over the last four years the Bar Council has been working closely with the Inns of Court, Circuits, the IBC and […]
Bar Council pledges to tackle mental health stigma
On 19 February 2018, Malcolm Cree (CEO of the Bar Council) and Vanessa Davies (Director-General of the Bar Standards Board) signed the #TimeToChange pledge to ensure that we support our own employees’ wellbeing as well as that of the profession. Time to Change is a national campaign aimed at reducing the stigma of mental ill health […]
Wellbeing at the Bar blog: Valerie Charbit
During my term as Recorder of the South Eastern Circuit, I enjoyed the privilege of assisting two inspirational leaders, each so supportive of the Bar and the profession. To succeed at the Bar requires drive and determination. It also requires sleep. Matthew Walker[1] a sleep scientist says that “sleep could save your life” and that […]
Introducing new case studies: Grant Warnsby
As we sat down on a cold, damp Monday afternoon in October it became evident those Monday afternoon blues would be blown away. We were there to review submissions made by chambers, Inns, organisations and Specialist Bar Associations as part of the profession-wide Certificate of Recognition for Wellbeing at the Bar. Far too often these […]
Introducing student wellbeing resources
Introducing student wellbeing resources As a student or pupil, you face challenges both in your work and personal life outside work or studying. Many of you will be young adults in ‘role transition’. In your personal life, you may be forming or indeed breaking relationships, moving to a new house, starting a family etc. and […]
Wellbeing at the Bar blog: Helen Randall
Court Sitting Hours It must surely be obvious to anyone who takes a second to think about it that a barrister’s working day extends far further than the time they spend in a court room. Every case needs to be read in detail and carefully prepared. Trial strategies need to be planned, speeches written, applications […]
Wellbeing at the Bar blog: Nicholas Peacock
Every September, the PNBA holds a Clinical Negligence weekend conference for its members. We alternate between Oxford and Cambridge and usually have 90-100 members coming along for lectures over a couple of days, with a couple of dinners. Speakers are drawn from the medical and legal worlds. It’s a chance to learn from some people […]