We've put together a quick guide to help you navigate your first few years of practice. Below are 5 key areas of support to explore when you’re first starting out, whatever your area of practice. 

Life at the Bar has changed immensely over the last few years and will continue to evolve. Whether you’re starting work in a law firm or for the government, we're here to support you and provide guidance for navigating you career as a barrister. 

Around 20% of barristers in England and Wales work at the employed Bar. It is the more representative branch of the profession and reports higher levels of wellbeing than the self-employed Bar (see our Life at the Employed Bar report). However, this does not mean there aren’t challenges. Being in employed practice, you may find that you’re the only barrister in your team (sometimes in your whole organisation). This can make some barristers feel out of touch with the wider profession. Getting involved with Specialist Bar Associations, Inns, Circuits and the Bar Council are all great ways to stay connected with peers and colleagues. Below, we have shared 5 key areas of support to explore.

1. Working in an organisation 

Employed practice varies enormously. Working in the Crown Prosecution Services (CPS) differs greatly to a private law firm or a Regulatory body. The important thing is to get a feel for how your organisation works and how you – as a barrister – fit into the structure. 

Each organisation is different and approaches will vary on how work is allocated, how salary scales are structured and how promotion, training and development opportunities work. To give yourself the best start, you should familiarise yourself with any onboarding materials your organisation offers.  

Unlike self-employed barristers who operate as independent practitioners, there is a strong emphasis on teamwork in the employed Bar. This can give Junior barristers access to a higher quality of work at an earlier stage. Developing rapport with colleagues from across your organisation can help you can get the best exposure to your clients. You might do this through formal meetings or mentoring schemes. Organisations will also offer networking and team building days. You should always try to attend these as they will give you good insight into how your organisation works. It will help you build your profile.

2. Secondments  

An effective way of understanding broader aspects of the Bar is by doing a secondment to self-employed practice. These can provide opportunities to develop relationships in different areas of the profession and provide scope for more varied work. If you’re interested in these opportunities, you should hold proactive discussions with your line manager and discuss how secondments may benefit your skill development. Further advice and guidance can be found on our movers and returners webpage. 

3. Finances and administration  

One of the benefits of employed practice is that you’re paid a regular salary and do not have to manage financial administration like tax returns or chambers rent. Nevertheless, there are still costs associated with practising as a barrister that you should be aware of. These may include the cost of your annual practising certificate renewal, practicing insurance, specialist Bar association fees, Circuit membership fees and other costs of working from home. 

Some employers will cover your annual practising certificate renewal, your practising insurance and may supply equipment for working from home. Some employers won’t, so it’s important to understand what costs will be covered by your employer and what you’ll have to pay yourself.  

4. Wellbeing at the Bar 

For many, becoming a barrister is not only the culmination of everything you have worked towards, but it’s a unique learning opportunity and chance to finally start practising in your chosen area. Your wellbeing, however, is paramount.

If you ever find yourself struggling, you should raise concerns with your employer. Making someone aware is the first step to addressing the underlying problems that are affecting your wellbeing. If you are experience any difficulties which you feel cannot be resolved with the assistance of your line manager, you should refer to our Wellbeing at the Bar website which has further information on support for barristers.   

5 . Training and professional development 

As a barrister, you’re never a finished product. There is always something new to learn, new case-law to understand, new and emerging issues to grapple with and skills to hone.  

As a junior barrister, you will undertake the New Practitioner Programme (NPP). This requires barristers under three years practice to complete 45 hours of continuous professional development (CPD) in their first three calendar years.  

We offer a range of conferences, seminars, workshops and training courses to help you fulfil your CPD requirements and build your practice. Your chambers, Inn of Court or Circuit may also offer additional programmes for new practitioners that focus on different aspects of your role as a barrister.  

More information can be found in our CPD - Continuing Professional Development Guidance. 

Key resources for and helplines

Thriving in your first years of practice – watch the recordings of our event series exploringe key aspects of life as a pupil and young barrister. 

Talk to Spot – a secure online tool to support anyone working at and around the Bar to confidentially raise concerns about inappropriate behaviour.  

Confidential equality and diversity helpline – a member of our Equality and Diversity team will be able to provide advice and support, or can discuss your options (email: [email protected] or call: 0207 611 1426) 

Ethics hub and ethics enquiry service – resources to help you find answers to your professional ethics questions. (email: [email protected] or call: 020 7611 1307) 

Pupils' helpline – gives confidential advice and support to pupils. We’ll put you in touch with an experienced and independent barrister who can help with problems encountered during pupillage (email: [email protected] or call: 020 7611 1415) 

Reasonable adjustment guide – gives more information on reasonable adjustments in the workplace. 

Young Barristers’ Committee (YBC) – The representative committee for all barristers under 7 years practice. You can contact them via email for support on just about anything: [email protected]  

Employed Barristers’ Committee (EBC) – The representative committee for employed barristers. You can contact them via email: E[email protected]