Wellbeing at the Bar 2024

The Wellbeing at the Bar report published in February 2024 (based on data from 2023) showed some improvements since the last report in 2021. However, worryingly and significantly, 34.9% of responders indicated they tended to feel down or in low spirits and of these, 23.7% reported low psychological wellbeing, while a third (31.4%) indicated they weren’t coping. Significantly, women, barristers from an ethnic minority background, and those who are younger and more junior had lower overall wellbeing. While barristers working in family law had significantly lower overall wellbeing compared to all other practice areas, except for the Criminal Bar.

The key findings include the following:

• Overall, barristers reported higher levels of work satisfaction and wellbeing in 2023 when compared to 2021. This was in terms of their psychological wellbeing, workload management and supportive work environment.
• 73% of respondents agreed they had supportive colleagues and/or work environment, a rise of 6% compared to 2021.
• 61% of respondents felt they were satisfied with their job, the same percentage as in 2021.
• 60% of respondents agreed they tended to have a good mood, 34.9% indicated they tended to feel down or in low spirits and of these, 23.7% reported low psychological wellbeing.
• 49% of respondents reported they were managing their workloads well, but a third (31.4%) indicated they weren’t coping.
• Women, barristers from an ethnic minority background, and those who are younger and more junior had lower overall wellbeing.
• Barristers working in family law had significantly lower overall wellbeing compared to all other practice areas, except for the criminal Bar. Barristers practising in commercial law reported the highest average overall wellbeing.

To read a copy of the report, click here.