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Help for barristers

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.

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Help for clerks and staff

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.

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Help for students and pupils

These resources have been designed specifically for those who have completed their BPTC and for pupils up to tenancy.

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Resources

Our vision

Find out what Wellbeing at the Bar aims to achieve.

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Policy & practice

Guidance on how to introduce wellbeing policies and initiatives and on tackling a wellbeing issue in chambers.

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Media pack

Logos and banners to help you to promote wellbeing.

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Case studies

Examples of successful wellbeing initiatives adopted by chambers, Specialist Bar Associations and the Inns of Court.

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Support

Support for barristers

Who to talk to, how to get help in coping with the pressures and demands of life at the Bar.

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Support for clerks and staff

Who to talk to and how to get help, resources are for clerks and staff themselves.

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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.

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Assistance programme

The confidential 24/7 helpline with access to counselling for barristers, pupils, clerks and chambers’ staff.

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Help for clerks and staff

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 or need to know who talk to click on the support button. To find out more about symptoms and for specific help use the search facility below, or browse our help and support information for symptoms and problems.

Talk to someone

There are a range of organisations which can help with specific issues. Click here for some advice on seeking help and for a list of organisations and their contact details. Support

Find help for a symptom or support information:

Unfortunately we don’t have resources for all conditions, if you are feeling this way your first step should be to see a GP, talk to someone and seek help.

Common problems, support and information

Alcohol addiction

Alcohol addiction

Quick thinking and intellectual capacity is a vital strength in the legal profession and can be significantly damaged by alcohol dependence.

Bullying

Bullying

“Bullying may be characterised as offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, an abuse or misuse of power through means intended to undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient”

Dealing with Bereavement

Dealing with Bereavement

Grief is a normal part of life, but when it hits, it affects all individuals differently.

Drug addiction and dependency

Drug addiction and dependency

Addiction refers to the long-term compulsive use of a drug. Dependence refers to the body’s natural way of normalising levels of a drug and the consequent requirement of higher doses in order to give a ‘high’.

Eating disorders

Eating disorders

There are three main types of eating problem; Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia nervosa and Binge eating.

Excessive workload

Excessive workload

“I can’t cope with how much work I have to do now”

Gambling

Gambling

Gambling takes many forms, from the seemingly innocuous lottery and scratch cards many of us use weekly to online bingo and sports betting on the high street.

Lack of sleep

Lack of sleep

Sleep appears to have some key physiological and psychological purposes. Primarily, sleep allows our bodies and minds recovery time.

Made a mistake

Made a mistake

When you have made a mistake but are not sure what to do to fix it.

Personal problem

Personal problem

“I can’t cope with the divorce/bereavement/family upset and it is affecting my day job”

Self-harm

Self-harm

“Self-harm is often understood to be a physical response to an emotional pain of some kind, and can be very addictive”

Stress

Stress

When you are overwhelmed by all of your responsibilities as a clerk or member of chambers’ staff, and feel out of control of the situation.

The information and resource packs on this website are designed to help you and your colleagues to work as a community for better wellbeing and professional resilience. If you want to provide feedback on these resources, or to get involved in promoting wellbeing please get in touch.


Get in touch Policy & practice

It can be difficult to make a living from law and it can be pressurised and demanding. Competition and an adversarial approach to everything can make collegiate relationships difficult. This website aims to provide you with the knowledge to manage these stressors, make emotionally informed, wise professional decisions and thrive in your chosen profession.

A simple expression that sums up wellbeing is ‘travelling well’

1 in 3 barristers find it difficult to control or stop worrying