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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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Financial stress

Students beginning university may have to spend up to £127,000 to qualify as a barrister” Chantal-Aimée Doerries KC, Chair of the Bar (2016).

If you were successful at obtaining funding to assist with your studies, then you might feel less pressure. This does not detract from the reality that many face after graduating, and being called to the Bar, when you might experience a period of limbo or financial instability.  

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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

Cost of living

The South-Eastern Circuit is the largest, which means that there is a high concentration of pupillages and job offers in and around London. London is a very expensive city to live in, and coupled with the basic pupillage award (discussed below), graduates (who pull down from their award) and pupils may find it difficult to keep afloat financially.

Pupillage Award

Pupillage Awards vary significantly dependent on practice area and chambers. Awards usually range between £12,000 (the minimum award), but can also range between £60-100,000 (based on an analysis of pupillages advertised on the Pupillage Gateway in 2015/16). For those on or near the minimum award income is usually split between your First and Second Six.  For the first six months (First Six) you will be guaranteed 50% of your Pupillage Award. In the Second Six months, the award can be exceeded by earnings (dependent on the number of cases you are instructed to act on).

It is also worth noting income and cashflow in early practice are very real concerns for many junior barristers.

Tax

If you are about to start a self-employed pupillage, it is wise to get an accountant beforehand. You must be VAT registered by your second six. HMRC said “tax needn’t be taxing” but it can be very taxing indeed! This is new, so it can be tempting to put the problem to one side until you can deal with it. However, this could cause the issue and the stress of the situation to escalate. So, an action plan is needed.

Tips to help manage your finances

  1. Breathe – you have taken the first step to address the problem. It may take many steps to resolve, but one at a time makes it much more manageable. This may be overwhelming, but there will be someone to help you.
  2. Budget – it is important to set limits on your spending when you start earning an income. Keep a log of your income and expenses, and be sure to put aside money to offset your tax liability down the line. You may find this website helpful.
  3. Fixed expenditure – make a note of compulsory training, textbooks, and travel that may not be covered by your pupillage award as early as possible. Endeavour, as best you can, to save towards it.
  4. Save where you can (one way of easing concerns around income and cashflow in early practice, is – if your pupillage award allows it – to make sure you put money aside each month to give you a “buffer” when you commence practice).
  5. Prompt Payment – Don’t ignore letters. If you are feeling stressed at the thought of it, pass the letters on to someone else to deal with.
  6. Talk it out – remember that your Pupil Supervisor and Senior colleagues will have been through this process before. Seek advice, and do not be afraid to ask for referrals e.g. Accountants.

Once you secure tenancy, it is important to keep on top of your tax returns and management of your finances. Tips on how best to manage life as a qualified barrister can be found here.

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Note
The advice above is from Place Campbell/ Metis Wealth, who very much recommend you speak to an accountant if you have concerns regarding Tax, HMRC or similar issues. An accountant has seen all manner of records, schedules and positions and will be able to help. You need not be alone.

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’

2 in 3 barristers feel that showing signs of stress equals weakness