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Large sections of the Bar will fare less well in the future and the number of barristers will decline – that’s the bleak prediction of a new report.
The Ministry of Justice (“MoJ”) may like to feed public perceptions of “fat cat barristers”, but new research by Jomati Consultants LLP suggests thousands of barristers are set to earn less and the Bar will contract after a “Golden Age” of unprecedented growth that started in the 1970s.
The report, Challenges and Choices: The Bar in Flux claims that many barristers face a “perfect storm”. It sets out the following evidence to back up its view:
In response, the Bar Council and Bar Standards Board have permitted new structures such as ProcureCo, which allow barristers to secure work directly from clients.
In July, Counsel reported a YouGov survey of nearly 2,000 barristers which showed 43 per cent were interested in setting up shop with solicitors, a quarter were interested in forming businesses with clerks or non-lawyers and a third were likely to join a new business structure in the next five years.
Tony Williams, Jomati principal and former managing partner of Clifford Chance, said: “The ProcureCo is not a silver bullet and barristers may have to completely re-examine the way their chambers operates in order to secure sufficient flow and quality of work in the future.”
The Ministry of Justice (“MoJ”) may like to feed public perceptions of “fat cat barristers”, but new research by Jomati Consultants LLP suggests thousands of barristers are set to earn less and the Bar will contract after a “Golden Age” of unprecedented growth that started in the 1970s.
The report, Challenges and Choices: The Bar in Flux claims that many barristers face a “perfect storm”. It sets out the following evidence to back up its view:
In response, the Bar Council and Bar Standards Board have permitted new structures such as ProcureCo, which allow barristers to secure work directly from clients.
In July, Counsel reported a YouGov survey of nearly 2,000 barristers which showed 43 per cent were interested in setting up shop with solicitors, a quarter were interested in forming businesses with clerks or non-lawyers and a third were likely to join a new business structure in the next five years.
Tony Williams, Jomati principal and former managing partner of Clifford Chance, said: “The ProcureCo is not a silver bullet and barristers may have to completely re-examine the way their chambers operates in order to secure sufficient flow and quality of work in the future.”
Large sections of the Bar will fare less well in the future and the number of barristers will decline – that’s the bleak prediction of a new report.
As we look ahead to Justice Week 2022, the sustainability of the Criminal Bar remains a critical issue for the government to address
Opportunity for female sopranos/contraltos in secondary education, or who have recently finished secondary education but have not yet begun tertiary education. Eligibility includes children of members of the Bar
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Casey Randall, Head of DNA at AlphaBiolabs, explores what barristers need to know about DNA testing for immigration, including when a client might wish to submit DNA evidence, and which relationship tests are best for immigration applications
Julian Morgan reminds barristers of the top five areas to consider before 5 April
The case ofR v Brecanihas complicated matters for defence lawyers. Emma Fielding talks to gang culture expert, Dr Simon Harding about County Lines, exploitation and modern slavery
Barristers are particularly at risk of burnout because of the nature of our work and our approach to it but it doesnt have to be this way. Jade Bucklow explores how culture, work and lifestyle changes can rejuvinate our mental health...
Professionally embarrassed? The circumstances in which criminal barristers may return instructions to appear at trial have become clearer following the Court of Appeal judgment inR v Daniels By Abigail Bright
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As we look ahead to Justice Week 2022, the sustainability of the Criminal Bar remains a critical issue for the government to address
