BC reports on a tale of two Bars

A barrister’s life is a stressful one, according to a Bar Council report.

More than 4,000 barristers responded to a survey for the report, published last week, Barristers’ Working Lives 2017: Barristers’ attitudes towards their working lives. It reveals a picture of barristers struggling with a heavy workload, stress and a poor work-life balance. Barristers routinely work the equivalent of one or two days per week unpaid, while funding cuts are causing one in three criminal barristers to rethink their choice of career.

However, the report also tells a tale of two Bars—the emotionally drained and underpaid Criminal Bar, 62% of whom work at least one day a week unpaid; and the more positive Commercial and Chancery Bar.

Moreover, despite all the stress, 89% of barristers find their work interesting and 61% of barristers across all practice areas agreed that they feel enthusiastic about their work most days.

In terms of hours, 27% of criminal barristers and 33% of family barristers work more than 60 hours a week, compared to 16% in commercial and chancery, 17% in civil and an average of 22% across all practice areas, which is up from 13% in 2013.

Across the Bar, only 26% said they were not under too much work pressure (compared to 33% in 2013). 58% of criminal barristers and 66% of family barristers felt they were under too much work pressure.

Andrew Walker QC, Chair of the Bar, said: ‘There is a notable difference between those practising in crime (and, to a degree, in family work) and the rest of the Bar. 

‘It should also be recognised that the survey was conducted in the summer of 2017, since when legal aid fees have been eroded further by inflation. The fact that many saw their workload, stress and work-life balance deteriorate yet further between 2013 and 2017 is a worrying trend. 

‘It shows that we must all maintain our efforts across the Bar to support those who are finding practice ever more difficult to sustain, both financially and in terms of maintaining and enjoying a healthy and fulfilling life both at work and at home.’