*/
Rent cuts for barristers working reduced hours or away from chambers because of care responsibilities are among proposals in a new guide published by the Bar Council.
The nine-page Flexible Working Guide aims to provide chambers with a model template for operating flexible working methods.
It seeks to address concerns about the loss of talented individuals from the Bar due to insufficient family-friendly policies and outlines possible ways to retain those who might otherwise seek employment elsewhere.
The scheme is the latest initiative aimed at supporting barristers’ wellbeing. The Bar Council also produces a series of guides aimed at improving the workplace, covering fair recruitment, sexual harassment and parental leave policies.
Bar chairman, Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC, said the Bar needs to retain talent and accommodate those who need to work flexibly in a way that makes financial sense.
She said: ‘Although the self-employed Bar should, in theory, have the flexibility to work as and when they wish, the reality is very different. Many chambers, under financial pressure, require certainty over income generated through rent and expenses. This can make it difficult to work flexibly.’
Doerries added, however: ‘It’s going to take more than filling in the gaps on a ready-made policy to make it work and our guide gives other advice and tips for chambers considering flexible working.’
Rent cuts for barristers working reduced hours or away from chambers because of care responsibilities are among proposals in a new guide published by the Bar Council.
The nine-page Flexible Working Guide aims to provide chambers with a model template for operating flexible working methods.
It seeks to address concerns about the loss of talented individuals from the Bar due to insufficient family-friendly policies and outlines possible ways to retain those who might otherwise seek employment elsewhere.
The scheme is the latest initiative aimed at supporting barristers’ wellbeing. The Bar Council also produces a series of guides aimed at improving the workplace, covering fair recruitment, sexual harassment and parental leave policies.
Bar chairman, Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC, said the Bar needs to retain talent and accommodate those who need to work flexibly in a way that makes financial sense.
She said: ‘Although the self-employed Bar should, in theory, have the flexibility to work as and when they wish, the reality is very different. Many chambers, under financial pressure, require certainty over income generated through rent and expenses. This can make it difficult to work flexibly.’
Doerries added, however: ‘It’s going to take more than filling in the gaps on a ready-made policy to make it work and our guide gives other advice and tips for chambers considering flexible working.’
Now is the time to tackle inappropriate behaviour at the Bar as well as extend our reach and collaboration with organisations and individuals at home and abroad
To mark International Women’s Day, Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management looks at how financial planning can help bridge the gap
Casey Randall of AlphaBiolabs answers some of the most common questions regarding relationship DNA testing for court
Leading drug, alcohol and DNA testing laboratory AlphaBiolabs has made a £500 donation to Beatson Cancer Charity in Glasgow as part of its Giving Back campaign
Girls Human Rights Festival 2025: a global gathering for change
Exclusive Q&A with Henry Dannell
Marking Neurodiversity Week 2025, an anonymous barrister shares the revelations and emotions from a mid-career diagnosis with a view to encouraging others to find out more
Patrick Green KC talks about the landmark Post Office Group litigation and his driving principles for life and practice. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
Desiree Artesi meets Malcolm Bishop KC, the Lord Chief Justice of Tonga, who talks about his new role in the South Pacific and reflects on his career
Sir Nicholas Mostyn, former High Court judge, on starting a hit podcast with fellow ‘Parkies’ after the shock of his diagnosis
Exclusive QA with Henry Dannell
