Barristers’ lives

Direct access barristers will make up nearly half the entire bar by the end of next year, it was revealed last week in the Bar Standard Board and Bar Council’s second survey of its members, Barristers’ Working Lives. This means clients can consult them directly, without having to go through a solicitor. The survey revealed falling earnings from publicly funded work, with 67% of criminal barristers reporting their earnings had fallen between 2011 and 2013. The report covers employment status, practice area, working hours, earnings, career aspirations, and views about the profession.