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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 students and pupils

These resources have been designed specifically for those who have completed their BPTC and for pupils up to tenancy. If you are still enrolled at an Institute of Higher Education then you should access student welfare support available at your institution. These resources are designed to complement existing wellbeing and welfare support provided by the Inns of Court, chambers and ATOs. Prevention is your best strategy and to keep yourself as well as possible during this stressful period in your career refer to the Staying Well resources. If you need help in navigating these resources look at this introduction. Over time we will refresh and expand on information available on common symptoms so let us know if anything is missing.

Talk to someone

There are a range of organisations which can help with specific issues. Click to the ‘students and pupils’ resources for 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 dont 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

Bullying

Bullying

“My supervisor expects me to work late at night and has told me my chances of tenancy will be affected if I don’t. They have a reputation with other members of chambers as being difficult.”

Dealing with Bereavement

Dealing with Bereavement

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

Eating disorders

Eating disorders

Food may be used as a control mechanism in a life that has become hectic, unhappy or out of control in some way.

Financial stress

Financial stress

Dealing with the financial stress of student debt, the cost of living and tax.

Losing sleep

Losing sleep

Over 30% of the British population experience sleep issues including insomnia and sleep apnoea.

Low mood and depression

Low mood and depression

Difficult events and experiences can leave us in low spirits or cause depression.

Mistake at work

Mistake at work

“I think I made a mistake that may cost me my tenancy!”

Overwhelmed by work

Overwhelmed by work

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

Panic attacks

Panic attacks

‘I felt like I couldn’t breathe, I just wanted to get out, to go somewhere else, but I couldn’t because I was on a train’

Perfectionism

Perfectionism

“Pupillage feels like a year-long exam, and I am under increasing pressure to perfect my work”

Performance anxiety

Performance anxiety

“I’m petrified about my next interview/hearing and I have no idea how I am going to cope.”

Self-harm

Self-harm

Self-harm is defined as ‘when somebody intentionally damages or injures their body. It’s usually a way of coping with or expressing overwhelming emotional distress’.

Stress

Stress

When stress becomes normality without recovery time or respite, we become unwell or experience negative health effects.

Substance abuse

Substance abuse

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

The information and resource packs above are designed to help you during a very specific period in your training to become a barrister. If you want to provide feedback on these resources, or to get involved in promoting wellbeing amongst those in a similar position to yourself please get in touch.


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Training to become a barrister is pressured and demanding. Intensive competition for limited pupillages (and when in pupillage for tenancy or employment) can make collegiate relationships difficult. This website aims to provide you with the knowledge to manage those stressors, make emotionally informed, wise decisions and hopefully 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