Authorisation to Practise

The Bar Council and Bar Standards Board (BSB) have adopted a more structured approach to barristers' registration, known as 'Authorisation to Practise'.

The new rules modernise the authorisation process and bring the arrangements into compliance with the Legal Services Act 2007.

During the new process, barristers will be asked to:

  • verify their current contact details
  • verify their practising status and entitlement to exercise reserved legal activities
  • confirm whether they have completed the requisite amount of continuing professional development (CPD) activity
  • declare that they have obtained and paid for adequate indemnity insurance
  • pay their practising certificate fee, and
  • sign a declaration of truth, which is designed to ensure understanding of the process and new system.

The renewal can be completed via Barrister Connect.

Further information

Our latest briefing on the Authorisation to Practise process is available here.

Additional information about Authorisation to Practise is available on the Bar Standards Board 's website, including Frequently Asked Questions , PCF for the employed Bar and fees for the self-employed Bar.

Assistance with Barrister Connect

If you have any trouble logging on to Barrister Connect, please contact the Records Office on 020 7242 0934 or email BarristerConnect@BarCouncil.org.uk .

You may also find it helpful to refer to the Barrister Connect user guidance.