Real talk. It jolted me when one of my children asked, “What is most important; sleep, work or playtime?” I had to ask myself whether this was a hint that I was neglecting those close to me? That I had succumbed to the insidious grasp of the demands of life at the Bar? Those pressures […]
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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News / Events: Pressure
SRA v Sovani James: some reasons for optimism (Stephen Innes)
What the Divisional Court’s decision in SRA v Sovani James tells us about wellbeing for lawyers: some reasons for optimism This week the Administrative Court handed down judgment in three appeals by the Solicitors Regulation Authority: SRA v Sovani James, SRA v Esteddar MacGregor, SRA v Peter Naylor [2018] EWHC 3058 (Admin). Reactions to the […]
Mental Health Awareness Week: Wellbeing at the Bar Blog
Mental Health Awareness Week: Wellbeing at the Bar Everyone at some point in their lives will experience low points and challenges. The stigma associated with mental health is unjust because poor health can occur in any part of our body and we don’t have the same negative associations with a broken leg or arm after a […]
Introducing student wellbeing resources
Introducing student wellbeing resources As a student or pupil, you face challenges both in your work and personal life outside work or studying. Many of you will be young adults in ‘role transition’. In your personal life, you may be forming or indeed breaking relationships, moving to a new house, starting a family etc. and […]
Wellbeing at the Bar blog: Nicholas Peacock
Every September, the PNBA holds a Clinical Negligence weekend conference for its members. We alternate between Oxford and Cambridge and usually have 90-100 members coming along for lectures over a couple of days, with a couple of dinners. Speakers are drawn from the medical and legal worlds. It’s a chance to learn from some people […]
Keeping in good working order
Nick Hill, Chairman of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks (IBC) explains how the clerking community are working with the Bar to help drive the wellbeing initiative At the Bar Conference in October the Wellbeing at the Bar website was launched, providing information, advice and support for those working at or with the Bar. This was so much […]
Why the Bar needs a wellbeing initiative
Helen Randall (pictured below) from the Wales & Chester Circuit explains why the Wellbeing at the Bar initiative is so essential and timely. Even in my few short years at the bar I have noticed a change in the robing rooms. What used to be good-humoured, self-deprecating jokes about workloads and pay cheques have become […]