The Counter-Intuitive Solution Barristers hate not working. We complain incessantly about how much work we have to do, but there is no more accurate metric of a barrister’s self-worth (at least in professional terms) than how busy they are. Respond to this refrain by suggesting to a barrister that they need to take more time […]
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: Stress
Wellbeing at the Bar Blog: Rachel Crasnow KC
A new kind of first aid: mental health first aid Determined, energetic and purposeful high achievers can be the most vulnerable to mental health issues because they push themselves so hard. Barristers, who often work alone, often with long commutes to courts, their self-employed status removing them from any managerial oversight, are particularly susceptible to […]
Wellbeing at the Bar Blog: Victoria Wilson
“Why do you want to be a barrister?” As I type this I am averting my gaze from my epic list of Things That I Need To Do. The most mundane jobs, such as weeding out dead briefs to send back to solicitors, can be immensely appealing when there are far more pressing tasks to […]
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 […]
Wellbeing at the Bar blog: Julian Greenhill KC
For anyone practising at the Bar, the management of stress is part of your daily professional life. We all experience stress in different ways, with different symptoms and different tell-tale signs that the pressure is building up beyond what is sustainable. Learning how to deal with it comes from experience and over the course of […]
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: Cyrus Larizadeh KC & Victoria Wilson
WELLBEING AND BEING HIT BY A BUS ON THE WAY TO COURT by Cyrus Larizadeh KC and Victoria Wilson Cyrus Larizadeh KC of 4 PB: During my 24 year journey at the Bar, there have been times when I have felt very low and under extreme stress. So much so that on occasions it has […]
Wellbeing at the Bar blog: Rachel Crasnow KC
In mid-May the Employment Law Bar Association (ELBA) held its first Well-being event. Entitled “Keeping each other sane: tips for leading a happy legal life” it was billed as being a humorous yet introspective look at how to reduce the stressful parts of everyday working at the employment bar. We devised a panel comprising […]