Working at the Bar can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s no secret that it can also be isolating. Long hours, high expectations, and the pressure to perform can take their toll. In this context, community is not just a ‘nice-to-have’. It is vital for wellbeing and professional growth.
As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, we spoke to two members of our Wellbeing Panel, Eleanor Keehan and Nina Caplin about what community at the Bar means to them, and moments that have helped them feel connected throughout their career.
Everyday community and support networks
For Eleanor, the answer is rooted in one word: support. “It is knowing that with the pressures associated with life at the Bar, there are always people and places to turn to.” Her support network includes her former pupil supervisor (still now 10 years on…) as well as members of chambers, clerks, barristers on circuit and many others.
More recently, Eleanor notes, a central aspect of this community and support has been the invaluable WhatsApp groups; used for problem-sharing, venting, sharing tips and simply catching up. These chats have been crucial in building and maintaining that sense of community and support.
Nina reflects on the small size of the Bar and believes this makes a difference to its culture. “There is a sense of community and giving back, which is one of the things I love about the profession.”
Her connection to Middle Temple has been a strong thread throughout her career. “When I was at Bar school, I was lucky enough to be offered a place in one of the student flats, so I got to live on Middle Temple Lane.” She did her first six at Devereux Chambers, as a seconded pupil from the Government Legal Service, “from whose windows you can see Middle Temple Hall.” Later, when working at the Office of Fair Trading, her team would often try to make it to Hall on a Friday for fish and chips.
Today, she still makes an effort to attend events at her Inn, whether it’s Burns Night or a lecture. “So when I do manage to dine in Hall, I take an especially large sip of my port when we toast ‘Domus’.”
Meaningful moments
Eleanor recalls the 25th anniversary of the annual 5 jurisdictions Family Law Conference, which she attended in Malaga in 2020, as a particularly meaningful event. The conference gathered family lawyers from England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for a weekend. “It’s an event I remember very fondly,” she says, “and which created and encouraged a real sense of connection, not just amongst those you knew well, but the wider community.”
Nina is a member of the Bar European Group (BEG), the Specialist Bar Association of European Law and has represented BEG on the Bar Council’s Wellbeing Panel since its inception 10 years ago. “It’s been such a pleasure to spend time with colleagues, all giving up their time for free, for something they care about.” She adds, “ it’s particularly been a privilege to have been involved in the development of discussions about mental health at the Bar.” Through BEG, she has also attended annual conferences in Aix-en-Provence, Gdansk and Istanbul, strengthening her ties to the wider community across jurisdictions.
Sustaining a sense of belonging
Eleanor highlights the strong and proactive presence of the Northern Circuit. The work of the circuit is extensive but includes organising training, arranging wellbeing events and resources, putting on sporting and social events and providing support to members where needed.
She values the circuit’s commitment to equality and diversity which has included the preparation of the Race at the Bar reports, Race Action Plan and School Outreach programme.
Having spent her career at the employed Bar, Nina has always maintained a strong identity as a barrister. She attributes this to her deep connections to her Inn and the various committees she has volunteered with. “These have given me a sense of purpose and belonging through different stages of my career.”
If you’re seeking support or looking to connect, remember:
- Your Inn of Court, Specialist Bar Association and circuit are all there for you. We have representatives of these organisations on our Wellbeing Panel who can support you
- As a self-employed barrister or a member of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks or The Legal Practice Management Association you have access to our Assistance Programme
- Free and confidential support is available via LawCare’s helpline, live chat and email service
- There are a range of special interest networks across the Bar, including BLEMI (Barristers with Lived Experience of Mental Illness) which are primarily a mutual support network. Barristers with lived experience of mental illness are welcome to contact Steve Broach KC to be added to BLEMI’s email list or WhatsApp group. Membership is confidential
Eleanor Keehan was called to the Bar in 2013 and is a member of St Johns Building Chambers practising in Family (Children – Public and Private law) and the Court of Protection. Eleanor is based in Manchester.
Nina Caplin is a knowledge lawyer at Farrer and Co. She started her career as a pupil barrister with the Government Legal Service, and has spent most of her career in the public sector, including the Office of Fair Trading and Financial Conduct Authority.