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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Dealing with anxiety
If you feel anxious, gently ask yourself why?
Interviews
- Timing – Try to give yourself time before the interview to relax and prepare your mind.
- Prepare – Read up to the best of your ability beforehand, and in as comfortable a setting as you can. Focus on what you do know, and not what you do not.
- Connect – Enlist the help of your friends and family to prep for the interview.
- Rest – Get as much sleep the night before as you can. Do not obsess over the interview, and remember you will perform better if you go into it calmly.
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Court hearings
- Speak up – If you feel out of your depth, try to confide in your Pupil Supervisor, clerk or colleague.
- Practice makes perfect – As a pupil you will naturally feel nervous about attending court. Rest assured that with practice over time you will overcome this feeling of panic.
- Manage expectations – Accept that you are the most junior member of chambers and therefore may have a steep learning curve. Try to build a good support network within chambers.
- Time management – If you are panicking because the time frame for preparing for a case is too short, speak to your clerk or Pupil Supervisor about possible alternatives.
Where can I find out more?
- See our resource on Panic Attacks
- Also:
- Breathing techniques: https://www.wellbeingatthebar.org.uk/staying-well/breathing-techniques/
- https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/Pages/coping-with-panic-attacks.aspx
- http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/anxiety-and-panic-attacks/panic-attacks/
- https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/anxiety-and-panic-attacks/panic-attacks/#.Weh1Af6WzIU
- http://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-relief-in-the-moment.htm
- https://hbr.org/2014/11/how-to-handle-stress-in-the-moment
Download information pack
If you would find it easier to read this content as a document, please download it here.
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.
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