Reflective practice pilots

Our aim

Psychological wellbeing is important but rarely spoken about within the profession. We're seeking to address and support the professional wellbeing challenges faced by barristers. We want to encourage better practice habits and help barristers to spot problems early on. We also want to provide the right support that will help barristers protect themselves and support one another. 
 
In 2025 we started to pilot different reflective practice delivery models and approaches. A reflective approach provides a space to analyse and evaluate professional experiences and debrief. As such, reflective practice support continuing professional development (CPD).

Balint group pilots

Our first pilot in partnership with Balint Legal involved groups rather than 1:1 support. Between June and December 2025, we ran two different Balint groups – one for crime and family practitioners on the Western Circuit and one for Chancery and commercial barristers in London.

Read more about this pilot from Barbara Mills KC, 2025 Chair of the Bar, in an article from Counsel magazine.

The impact of group reflective practice was evaluated early 2026. The results were incredibly positive, with 84% of respondents saying they found the sessions helpful for their wellbeing.

View the executive summary from our Balint Legal pilot

Other pilots

Following the success of our first Balint pilot we intend to run a second group pilot in September 2026.

Ahead of this, we are hosting an introduction to Balint Legal to explain their methodology and answer questions from those interested in participating in the next pilot.

This online introduction session will be held on 2 July 2026 - book your place below.

Balint Legal introduction session

Join the online session with Balint Legal to hear more about reflective practice and how it supports continuing professional development.

If you would like more information, please email us.