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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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Personal problem

"I can't cope with the divorce / bereavement / family upset and it is affecting my day job."

For confidential help, call

On calling, you will be asked to identify whether you are a self-employed Barrister, or a member of the IBC* or LPMA*

 
0800 169 2040
 

*See member area of IBC/LPMA websites for member access code.

How to cope with a personal problem

  • Keep calm: As with all situations that cause you anxiety or stress, the key thing is to try to keep calm.
  • Try immediately to relax: you may even find some deep breathing exercises useful.
  • In most situations it is better as soon as possible to explain to your colleague or principal what has happened
  • Many people make mistakes, it is just that – a mistake
  • Think about whether it is actually a mistake, or is it just that you are being blamed by someone who does not like a situation that has occurred?

 

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  • You can ask to talk to people in confidence
  • Think about whether you would like them to do anything as a result
  • Just sharing your experience may help you feel more calm
  • If you need time off then arrange a time to speak to your senior clerk or head of chambers
  • Remember that chambers will want you to be happy in chambers and performing at your best and they will want to support you in that

 

 

“I cannot stress enough how helpful and important receiving professional assistance was in getting me through a difficult time and out the other side. It is almost inevitable that difficulties in people’s personal life will impact on their professional life in a profession where one has to give so much of oneself to the job. I was lucky to be referred to a highly experienced and competent therapist”

Barrister, 5+ years’ Call

Download information pack

If you would find it easier to read this content as a document, please download it here.

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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’

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