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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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Possible professional error

"I think I messed up."

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.

Ways to deal with a possible professional error

We all make mistakes. But there is a major difference between real errors (negligence) and judgments one makes on tactical issues in giving advice or in court (where what may seem like an error is not properly classified as such but was just judgment call). Barristers, as ruminators and perfectionists, are masters at replaying events and wishing they had done something else.

So the first step is ask yourself: was this really an error or a judgment call which went wrong?

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  • If it was really what you think is an error, the first step is to share. There is nothing worse (for magnifying the scale of the problem) than internalising.
  • Ask a colleague in chambers or another barrister friend for their view of the issue, including why you advised/acted as you did.

“I now accept that as a human being first and foremost, one makes mistakes, however as long as we learn from them then that’s ok.  It’s a much more forgiving and a humane perspective on not just work, but life in general”.

Barrister, 5+ years’ Call

Where can I find out more?

Contact Bar Council’s Ethical Enquiries Service

Tel: 020 7611 1307 (Monday – Friday 09:15 – 17:15)

Email: Ethics@BarCouncil.org.uk

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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.


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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