Life at the employed Bar

However, it also discovered the employed Bar experiences bullying and harassment at similar levels to the whole Bar, has far fewer King’s Counsel, and is concerned about career progression and income. 

Of the 17,000 barristers currently in practice, more than 3,000 (18%) are employed. The Bar Council report, ‘Life at the employed Bar’, published last week, is based on analysis of data on the demographics and working lives of employed barristers as well as focus group discussions, and makes nine recommendations.

Stuart Alford KC, chair of the Bar Council employed barristers’ committee, said: ‘The recommendations we’re adopting provide a clear steer on things we must improve: better information about the benefits of a career at the employed Bar, targeted support on career progression—particularly when it comes to judicial appointments for employed barristers, a greater focus on tackling bullying and harassment within the employed arm of profession, and support in developing networks for employed barristers throughout England & Wales.’

The report paints a picture of employed barristers’ working lives. More than half work in the public sector and nearly a quarter work in legal firms. The main areas are crime (34%), commercial and financial services (14%) and public law (13%).

The employed Bar is more diverse, with women making up 49% (compared to 37% of the self-employed Bar) and nearly one in five from an ethnic minority background (compared to 15% of the self-employed Bar).

Only 52 employed barristers (2.6%) are King’s Counsel.

The vast majority, 86%, report a sense of collaboration and co-operation in their workplace. However, 31% have personally experienced bullying, discrimination or harassment at work. Women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, and those who work in solicitors’ firms are more likely to have been subjected to this.

Nick Vinneal KC, Bar Council chair, said: ‘This report provides a clear way forward for the Bar Council, working with others, to promote, champion, and support employed barristers as members of our One Bar.’