*/
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.
The Chair of the Bar reports back
By Kem Kemal, CEO, Henry Dannell
By BSK Financial Planning
Mário Barroso, Head of R&D and Method Development at AlphaBiolabs
Susie Griffin on the admin that keeps barristers from billable work
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how global events can influence the performance of pensions and ISAs, and why taking a long-term approach to investing is often the most effective strategy
Kick off your career at the Bar Council’s Pupillage Fair this October – it’s one of the most valuable opportunities for aspiring barristers, says Amelia Clegg
Join us on Saturday 21 November 2026 at Leeds Beckett University and see for yourself why the North continues to be an exceptional place to build a career at the Bar
The golden age of advocacy? David Langwallner pays homage to the filmic if contentious barrister Sir Edward Carson and some of his contemporaries
Henry Fingerhut outlines what the Bar Standards Board AI guidance means for early career barristers
Not yet, says Jacob Turner. Regulation, unlike the technology itself, is a domain the legal profession can still control
