The clerks’ room is often called the ‘engine room’ and ‘heart’ of chambers; its bustling atmosphere, a hive of activity and seemingly never a quiet moment. Phones ringing and the discussions that ensue, clerks calling across the room to one another and barristers talking to their team – downloading the most recent outcome of a […]
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
“You are not a failure but a leader. By speaking up you will help the next person speak.”
When I joined the Wellbeing at the Bar [‘WATB’] committee in 2018, firstly I was very excited to be involved but shamefully my first query, was ‘Wellbeing? Is that for me or the client?’. Never did it occur to me that in fact yes, mental health is important to me too and not just my […]
My Life during Lockdown
Coronavirus has been with us since the beginning of the year. However, I personally did not feel the impact until 16 March 2020 when I was at Court. As 10am approached, the waiting areas filled up and social distancing was impossible. I started to feel anxious. A colleague confessed to “feeling paranoid”. My lay client […]
Suffering Tech-Fuzz? A Middle Temple Survive & Thrive – Covid-19 Wellbeing Special (June 2020)
The Survive and Thrive Programme was set up in 2016 to provide events for members of the Inn and cover topics which go beyond their practice at the Bar. We aim to give our members skills which will assist them both at the Bar and beyond. Our sessions have covered optimising memory, public speaking (out […]
Reflecting on a year of wellbeing (and social responsibility) – Chancery Bar Association (July 2020)
We have had a busy and productive year promoting members’ wellbeing, which is an increasingly important part of the Association’s work and has taken on an even greater role due to the pandemic. We continue to work closely with the Bar Council’s excellent Wellbeing Working Group. The recent work of the Wellbeing and Social Responsibility […]
Stressors at the Bar
The concept of “wellbeing” at the Bar has been floating around for quite some time now. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, wellbeing has now been thrust directly and more sharply than ever into the legal spotlight. Many barristers are wondering just what the long-term impact of the national public health emergency will be […]
Recovering from a set-back in your career
Everyone joining or practising at the bar will have experienced setbacks in their career. As a student applying through Gateway for pupillage, as an established practitioner applying for silk or judicial positions, or as any barrister managing the failure of their advice or judicial acceptance of their legal opinion. Failure isn’t something that high functioning […]
Mental Health and me (Mental Health Awareness Week 18 – 24 May 2020)
Mental Health Awareness Week 18 – 24 May 2020 I am aware of how much being aware of my mental health helps others around me. How it also helps me. It makes me kinder to myself and kinder to others. For example, it allows me to pause and think about how I ask my children […]