Elections

Join the Bar Council

Do you want to represent your profession in 2027? Nominations for election to the Bar Council are now open.
We have vacancies for self-employed and employed barristers at different career stages.

The deadline for nominations is Friday 18 September. Voting will take place during October.

What is the Bar Council?
Why should I join the Bar Council?
What can I expect from the role?
Vacancies
Election timetable
How to apply

What is the Bar Council?

The Bar Council is the governing body of the Bar in England and Wales. It considers and implements general policy with regard to all matters affecting the Bar, and it represents and supports barristers and the Bar.

Its membership is made up of approximately 115 barristers who are elected or who are appointed to represent the Inns, circuits and specialist Bar associations.

Why should I join the Bar Council?

As a member of the Bar Council, you’ll help shape the future of your profession by representing the views of your peers, supporting the Bar in the public interest and championing the rule of law and access to justice for all.

You’ll also be invited to join a Bar Council committee, panel or working group to undertake detailed consideration of a wide range of legal and professional issues.

Former Bar Council Chair Nick Vineall KC said standing for Bar Council is “your best way to help make the Bar an even better profession than it already is.”

Current Chair Kirsty Brimelow KC said being on the Bar Council “opened up a different perspective on law and led me to look at it through different eyes... The doors open to different opportunities.”

What can I expect from the role?

The roles are voluntary, and the levels of commitment vary depending on whether you also serve on committees, working groups or panels. The Bar Council meets 7 times a year and committees meet 4 or 5 times a year. Read the full Bar Council member role profile.

Successful candidates will join from 1 January 2027 for a three-year term (unless otherwise indicated). Those members who are due to retire from the Bar Council on 31 December 2026 will be eligible to stand for re-election.

Vacancies for 2027

Self-employed King's Counsel

2 x full-term
2 x casual (two-year term)
2 x casual (one-year term)

Self-employed junior counsel over 7 years in practice

7 x full-term vacancies

Self-employed junior counsel under 7 years in practice

5 x full-term
1 x casual (two-year term)

Employed King’s Counsel or junior counsel over 7 years in practice

3 x full-term

Employed junior counsel under 7 years in practice

2 x full-term
2 x casual (two-year term)

Election timetable

Nomination period: 9am, Monday 7 September 2026 to 5pm, Friday 18 September 2026

Voting period: Friday 2 October to 10am on Friday 16 October 2026.

Please note: if we do not receive enough nominations to cover the vacancies, casual elections for a one-year term will take place. Casual vacancy nominations will be open from Thursday 22 October to Friday 30 October 2026 and voting (by Bar Council members) will take place from Monday 2 November to Friday 6 November.

For more information about the election rules, eligibility and procedure, please read the notice of elections.

How to apply

Please complete the form below and double check your details before pressing submit. The deadline for nominations is 5pm on Friday 18 September. Late nominations will not be accepted.

We advise you to keep a copy of your candidate statement for your reference.

If you require this form as a Word document, or have any questions, please contact [email protected].

Election of representatives for 2027 - nomination form

I, the undersigned, being either a self-employed or employed subscriber to the General Council of the Bar (as defined in part 1 of the Bar Council constitution as any barrister holding a current practising certificate), nominate myself as a representative on the Bar Council with effect from 1 January 2027.

Candidate information

Name, as it is to be shown on the ballot ^*

Professional address (including postcode) ^*

Contact email ^*

Contact telephone number ^*

I am standing in the following category (please tick as appropriate): ^*

Self-employed King’s Counsel

Employed King’s Counsel or junior over 7 years in practice

Self-employed junior over 7 years in practice

Employed junior under 7 years in practice

Self-employed junior under 7 years in practice

Date I first became eligible for a practising certificate:

Candidate statement

Please complete the following sections which will form your candidate statement to be shared with voters.

1. Tell us something about you, your practice and other professional activities at the Bar with which you are involved? (Guide: 150-200 words) ^*

2. What can you offer the Bar Council? (Guide: 75-100 words) ^*

3. What is your motivation for standing for the Bar Council in these elections? (Guide: 75-100 words) ^*

Please upload a jpeg image of yourself ^*

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Declarations and checklist ^*

I certify that I am a barrister or registered European lawyer and a subscriber to the General Council of the Bar and I consent to serve on the Bar Council if elected.

I have completed the statement sections above and consent to a copy of this statement being made available to voters.

I have uploaded a jpeg image of myself which will be displayed on the ballot alongside my candidate statement.

Upon receipt of your completed forms, you will be contacted by the governance team and invited to submit a video version of your candidate statement. This is optional.

If you have any questions, please contact Justina Naik, Governance and Committees Manager via [email protected]