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Barristers have responded in record numbers to the Bar’s wellbeing survey, the first of its kind to assess the mental health of a whole profession in any country.
Over 2,500 members of the profession responded to the survey, conducted in October and November last year, which far surpassed the original target of 300.
The results are currently being analysed, but early indications suggest that barristers display greater than average degrees of perfectionism and rumination.
Rachel Spearing, Chair of the Bar Council’s Wellbeing Project, said: “The high response rate is fantastic. It means we will be able to develop highly targeted and focused support strategies for our members. The overwhelming response perhaps reflects the levels of stress members of the profession are currently under, alongside a growing recognition that we need to be better at both looking after ourselves and in supporting others.
“The Bar, by its very nature, can be a stressful place to work; from the subject matter, urgency and speed at which we are required to operate, to the often isolating nature and responsibilities of self-employed practice, barristers are acutely at risk from performance-inhibiting factors.
“Despite these well-known pressures the profession remains an environment where it is perceived to be professionally ‘fatal’ to reveal any weakness.”
The survey was part of the Bar Council’s wellbeing campaign, launched in May 2014, to dismantle the stigma associated with seeking help. Championed by the Inns of Court, Circuits and SBAs, together with the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, the campaign has received offers of support from wellness networks and services.
The results will be used to develop a toolkit, planned for spring 2015, of strategies to manage and maintain wellbeing using “resilience” techniques.
A final phase will educate and train barristers, clerks and those in a management role to be supportive and mindful of the stresses of life as a barrister and the manifestations that can follow. The Barristers’ Working Lives Survey in 2013 revealed that over half of the participants reported being emotionally drained by their work; and 65% said they often felt under too much work pressure.
The results are currently being analysed, but early indications suggest that barristers display greater than average degrees of perfectionism and rumination.
Rachel Spearing, Chair of the Bar Council’s Wellbeing Project, said: “The high response rate is fantastic. It means we will be able to develop highly targeted and focused support strategies for our members. The overwhelming response perhaps reflects the levels of stress members of the profession are currently under, alongside a growing recognition that we need to be better at both looking after ourselves and in supporting others.
“The Bar, by its very nature, can be a stressful place to work; from the subject matter, urgency and speed at which we are required to operate, to the often isolating nature and responsibilities of self-employed practice, barristers are acutely at risk from performance-inhibiting factors.
“Despite these well-known pressures the profession remains an environment where it is perceived to be professionally ‘fatal’ to reveal any weakness.”
The survey was part of the Bar Council’s wellbeing campaign, launched in May 2014, to dismantle the stigma associated with seeking help. Championed by the Inns of Court, Circuits and SBAs, together with the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, the campaign has received offers of support from wellness networks and services.
The results will be used to develop a toolkit, planned for spring 2015, of strategies to manage and maintain wellbeing using “resilience” techniques.
A final phase will educate and train barristers, clerks and those in a management role to be supportive and mindful of the stresses of life as a barrister and the manifestations that can follow. The Barristers’ Working Lives Survey in 2013 revealed that over half of the participants reported being emotionally drained by their work; and 65% said they often felt under too much work pressure.
Barristers have responded in record numbers to the Bar’s wellbeing survey, the first of its kind to assess the mental health of a whole profession in any country.
Over 2,500 members of the profession responded to the survey, conducted in October and November last year, which far surpassed the original target of 300.
Far-ranging month for the Chair of the Bar
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the most recent data on alcohol misuse in the UK, and the implications for alcohol testing in family proceedings
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how tailored financial planning can help barristers take control of their finances and plan with confidence
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
A £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs has been made to the leading UK charity tackling international parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, outlines the drug and alcohol testing options available for family law professionals, and how a new, free guide can help identify the most appropriate testing method for each specific case
In this wide-ranging interview, Professor Jo Delahunty KC, Family Law KC of the Year, talks to Anthony Inglese CB about the values that shaped her, the moment she found her vocation and, in an intensely personal call to arms, why time is running out for the legal aid Bar
Is the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office process fit for purpose? Women barristers’ experiences of bullying are not being reported or, if they are, they are not making it through the system, says Tana Adkin KC
Thomas Roe KC and Andrew O’Kola respond to an article by Dr Leonardo Raznovich (Counsel , October 2025) – ‘Privy Council colonialism? Piercing the constitutional veil’
Chair of the Bar reports back
The client’s best interests could be well-served by sharing the advocacy with junior counsel more often than you might think – Naomi Cunningham and Charlotte Eves explore some less orthodox ways to divide the speaking role
