*/
Male barristers are more likely to have complaints about them referred for disciplinary action than female barristers, according to a report from the Bar’s regulator.
The Bar Standards Board’s report, Complaints at the Bar, which analysed complaints data between 2012-14, also showed that male barristers are more frequently the subject of an external complaint than female barristers.
While BME (black and minority ethnic) barristers were more likely to be the subject of an internal complaint and to have a complaint closed without investigation than white barristers, they faced disciplinary hearings more frequently.
Past research also indicated that male and ethnic minority barristers were subject to a disproportionate number of complaints.
Commenting on the report’s publication in February, the BSB’s director of professional conduct, Sara Jagger, said: ‘It is pleasing that the report indicates there is no significant difference in complaints-handling between BME and white barristers.
‘We do, however, need to look more carefully at the new findings in relation to the potential issue of gender bias and ensure that we take action to address this.’
She said the public and profession can have confidence in the process’s fairness.
Male barristers are more likely to have complaints about them referred for disciplinary action than female barristers, according to a report from the Bar’s regulator.
The Bar Standards Board’s report, Complaints at the Bar, which analysed complaints data between 2012-14, also showed that male barristers are more frequently the subject of an external complaint than female barristers.
While BME (black and minority ethnic) barristers were more likely to be the subject of an internal complaint and to have a complaint closed without investigation than white barristers, they faced disciplinary hearings more frequently.
Past research also indicated that male and ethnic minority barristers were subject to a disproportionate number of complaints.
Commenting on the report’s publication in February, the BSB’s director of professional conduct, Sara Jagger, said: ‘It is pleasing that the report indicates there is no significant difference in complaints-handling between BME and white barristers.
‘We do, however, need to look more carefully at the new findings in relation to the potential issue of gender bias and ensure that we take action to address this.’
She said the public and profession can have confidence in the process’s fairness.
Chair of the Bar reflects on 2025
AlphaBiolabs has donated £500 to The Christie Charity through its Giving Back initiative, helping to support cancer care, treatment and research across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and further afield
Q&A with criminal barrister Nick Murphy, who moved to New Park Court Chambers on the North Eastern Circuit in search of a better work-life balance
Revolt Cycling in Holborn, London’s first sustainable fitness studio, invites barristers to join the revolution – turning pedal power into clean energy
Rachel Davenport, Co-founder and Director at AlphaBiolabs, reflects on how the company’s Giving Back ethos continues to make a difference to communities across the UK
By Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
Are you ready for the new way to do tax returns? David Southern KC explains the biggest change since HMRC launched self-assessment more than 30 years ago... and its impact on the Bar
Professor Dominic Regan and Seán Jones KC present their best buys for this holiday season
Marking one year since a Bar disciplinary tribunal dismissed all charges against her, Dr Charlotte Proudman discusses the experience, her formative years and next steps. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
Little has changed since Burns v Burns . Cohabiting couples deserve better than to be left on the blasted heath with the existing witch’s brew for another four decades, argues Christopher Stirling
Pointillism, radical politics and social conscience. Review by Stephen Cragg KC
