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More than 50% of barristers do not sleep properly and hundreds are “emotionally exhausted”, according to a report published by the Bar Council.
The results, which followed a survey completed by 2,456 barristers, showed that 1,152 (47%) felt high levels of stress at work, with two thirds stating that their current level of stress had a negative impact on their performance.
Of the respondents, 384 (15%) reported feeling down or low in mood most or all the time and a fifth said they experienced shifts in mood most or all the time.
Criminal barristers and those aged 35-55 reported the highest level of work pressure and lowest mood.
More than half (1,364) said they did not enjoy good quality, refreshing sleep and 350 said they experienced emotional exhaustion.
Stigma around stress prevented individuals from seeking help. While few reported they were mentored, those who were, showed lower levels of work place stress and were significantly less likely than others to report low mood.
Alistair MacDonald QC, Chairman of the Bar, said the findings were a “major concern”.
“For too long, stress, mental health and wellbeing have been taboo subjects of discussion at the Bar and the wider legal sector,” he said.
He said the Bar Council would put in place initiatives to tackle the issues, including a mentoring scheme and an education programme to bring about a “cultural change” in relation to wellbeing at the Bar.
See Wellbeing at the Bar and Chairman’s Column for further analysis.
More than 50% of barristers do not sleep properly and hundreds are “emotionally exhausted”, according to a report published by the Bar Council.
The results, which followed a survey completed by 2,456 barristers, showed that 1,152 (47%) felt high levels of stress at work, with two thirds stating that their current level of stress had a negative impact on their performance.
Of the respondents, 384 (15%) reported feeling down or low in mood most or all the time and a fifth said they experienced shifts in mood most or all the time.
Criminal barristers and those aged 35-55 reported the highest level of work pressure and lowest mood.
More than half (1,364) said they did not enjoy good quality, refreshing sleep and 350 said they experienced emotional exhaustion.
Stigma around stress prevented individuals from seeking help. While few reported they were mentored, those who were, showed lower levels of work place stress and were significantly less likely than others to report low mood.
Alistair MacDonald QC, Chairman of the Bar, said the findings were a “major concern”.
“For too long, stress, mental health and wellbeing have been taboo subjects of discussion at the Bar and the wider legal sector,” he said.
He said the Bar Council would put in place initiatives to tackle the issues, including a mentoring scheme and an education programme to bring about a “cultural change” in relation to wellbeing at the Bar.
See Wellbeing at the Bar and Chairman’s Column for further analysis.
Update from the Chair of the Bar
By David Green
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Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, discusses the upcoming changes to pensions and Inheritance Tax and the potential impact on your financial future
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The Chief Legal Officer to the Metropolitan Police, barrister Brett Welch, tells Anthony Inglese CB about his mission and the work to turn the Met around
Barrister apprenticeships – shortly to provide the fourth pathway to the Bar – are an ideal opportunity to support local talent and ‘grow your own’, say Tim Coulson and Dr Jane Dennehy
Born from a grievance, their research project grew into a book and is now challenging the status quo. Emma Price and Emma-Louise Fenelon reveal the key findings – and the critical next steps
Grok around and find out – or not? Mariya Peykova investigates the nudification scandal, what the law has to say about sexually explicit deepfakes, and whether stronger regulation is needed
Oliver Lewis spotlights an overlooked yet rapidly evolving area of law – coercive and controlling behaviour within care contexts
