With courts and tribunals disrupted by the COVID-19 crisis, many self-employed barristers are finding it difficult to generate income. According to a Bar Council survey of 262 sets, with 145 responses to date, more than half of chambers say they won’t survive more than six months under current circumstances without financial aid, and 81% won’t last a year. Criminal chambers are the hardest hit―two-thirds say they won’t last six months, and 90% won’t last a year.
The situation looks grim for pupils―30% of chambers (36% of criminal sets) will or may not be taking pupils as planned in 2020 or 2021, and a further 24% are currently reviewing the situation.
Moreover, pupils and the most junior tenants are not eligible for the government’s hardship relief as first six pupils are not categorised as either employed or self-employed, and new tenants do not have a 2018/19 tax return.
Writing in NLJ this week, Bar Chair, Amanda Pinto QC says: ‘We are well aware of the particularly vulnerable position pupils find themselves in, even in ordinary times.
‘In this crisis, they are more at risk, in terms of going to crowded court hearings in person, security in chambers and financially. Practically, we offer online training and advice on remote completion of pupillage. I know at least one Circuit has ensured that every existing pupil’s contract will be honoured. I applaud them, hoping that becomes a cross-Circuit strategy.’
Free legal advice charities are also at risk of closure due to the pandemic. An emergency appeal was launched this week by the Access to Justice Foundation (AJF) and London Legal Support Trust. Donations will be matched up to £200,000.
Ruth Daniel, AJF CEO, said: ‘Following years of cuts, the sector is now close to breaking point. Many agencies will be forced to close over the next two to 12 months unless urgent action is taken by the wider social justice community.’
