About the panel
In early 2023 the Bar Council identified a need to establish what information and resources were available to barristers and chambers professionals to help them effectively manage chambers. The Chambers Management Working Group was established to undertake research and make recommendations.
The group included 12 members of the Bar, the Legal Practice Management Association (LPMA) and the Institute of Barristers' Clerks (IBC), and was led by joint chairs Nicola Rushton KC (Deputy Head of Hailsham Chambers) and Paul Newhall (Chief Executive of Landmark Chambers).
As part of a longer-term programme of work to improve the Bar Council's support for barristers in their capacities as business owners, the Working Group’s research identified three broad themes which informed the group’s recommendations. The themes are:
- regulation and compliance
- recruitment and training
- governance and financial management
The Working Group completed its work in October 2023, and its recommendations are being taken forward by the Chambers Management Panel.
Recommendations and endorsements
- Establish a new Chambers Management Panel, to support the implementation of the recommendations, promote awareness of the Bar Council’s chambers management services, and develop proposals for new projects in this area.
- Publish a complete list of the documents relevant to chambers management.
- Produce a comprehensive set of template policies and complementary guidance, supported by new business partnerships, training courses and events, and other relevant services.
Update, April 2024: view the Policies and procedures for chambers page. - Respond to the Bar Standards Board’s consultation (PDF) on the regulation of barristers in chambers.
Update, February 2024: read the Bar Council response to the BSB consultation on the regulation of barristers in chambers (PDF). - Seek feedback from Authorised Education and Training Organisations relating to the current pupillage recruitment and training processes, and make appropriate recommendations for change to the Bar Standards Board.
- Implement an email-based chambers management enquiry service.
Update, April 2024: find out more about the Chambers Management enquiry service. - Review, rebrand, and relaunch the Ethics and Practice Hub.
- Produce an Insider Guide to Chambers Management.
- Publish a comprehensive Chambers Governance Principles Guide.
- Investigate the possible creation of a commercial jobs board and/or Mini Pupillage Gateway.
- Production of information and guidance that will enable barristers and chambers to limit the risks of a successful cyber-attack, including advice on threat identification and mitigation.
- Delivery of ‘soft skill’ training for pupil barristers and newly qualified practitioners in early 2024.
- Ongoing delivery of information and services supporting wellbeing at the Bar.
- Development of guidance for chambers relating to the ‘post pandemic’ working environment.
- Production of information and services designed to assist barristers with managing their personal finances.
- Making representations to HMCTS regarding the significant issues relating to Courtserve, the listings process, and other connect procedures.
For a more detailed explanation of this work, read the Bar Council's Director of Services Carolyn Entwistle's article, 'Do chambers need greater regulation, or just better support?'
