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The Institutions of the Bar

The Institutions of the Bar

As an old profession the institutional structure of barristers’ working lives is somewhat complex.

The two most important institutions from the point of view of aspiring barristers are ‘sets of chambers,’ which are where self-employed barristers work, and the ‘Inns of Court’ which are important in training new barristers.

The main other institutions which you may come across are as follows:

The Bar Council, which produces this website, is the barristers’ professional body.

The Bar Standards Board is responsible for maintaining professional standards among barristers.

Specialist Bar Associations (SBAs) are associations dedicated to the interests of particular groups of barristers. SBAs can help to promote their members’ interests, for example responding to proposals for changes to the regulations.

The Circuits. For the purposes of administration and organisation of the court system, England and Wales is divided into six circuits: South Eastern, Midlands, Northern, North Eastern, Western and Wales and Chester.  Barristers in chambers on each of these circuits come together to form the circuit, headed by a senior barrister as their Circuit Leader. Circuits undertake similar functions as the Inns in respect of pupillage and training.

The Inns of Court.  The Inns are ancient bodies which formerly controlled the activity of the Bar.  Overtime they have become responsible for the oversight training of would be barristers.  They are the authorised body for Call to the Bar.