*/
Large sections of the Bar will fare less well in the future and the number of barristers will decline – that’s the bleak prediction of a new report.
The Ministry of Justice (“MoJ”) may like to feed public perceptions of “fat cat barristers”, but new research by Jomati Consultants LLP suggests thousands of barristers are set to earn less and the Bar will contract after a “Golden Age” of unprecedented growth that started in the 1970s.
The report, Challenges and Choices: The Bar in Flux claims that many barristers face a “perfect storm”. It sets out the following evidence to back up its view:
In response, the Bar Council and Bar Standards Board have permitted new structures such as ProcureCo, which allow barristers to secure work directly from clients.
In July, Counsel reported a YouGov survey of nearly 2,000 barristers which showed 43 per cent were interested in setting up shop with solicitors, a quarter were interested in forming businesses with clerks or non-lawyers and a third were likely to join a new business structure in the next five years.
Tony Williams, Jomati principal and former managing partner of Clifford Chance, said: “The ProcureCo is not a silver bullet and barristers may have to completely re-examine the way their chambers operates in order to secure sufficient flow and quality of work in the future.”
The Ministry of Justice (“MoJ”) may like to feed public perceptions of “fat cat barristers”, but new research by Jomati Consultants LLP suggests thousands of barristers are set to earn less and the Bar will contract after a “Golden Age” of unprecedented growth that started in the 1970s.
The report, Challenges and Choices: The Bar in Flux claims that many barristers face a “perfect storm”. It sets out the following evidence to back up its view:
In response, the Bar Council and Bar Standards Board have permitted new structures such as ProcureCo, which allow barristers to secure work directly from clients.
In July, Counsel reported a YouGov survey of nearly 2,000 barristers which showed 43 per cent were interested in setting up shop with solicitors, a quarter were interested in forming businesses with clerks or non-lawyers and a third were likely to join a new business structure in the next five years.
Tony Williams, Jomati principal and former managing partner of Clifford Chance, said: “The ProcureCo is not a silver bullet and barristers may have to completely re-examine the way their chambers operates in order to secure sufficient flow and quality of work in the future.”
Large sections of the Bar will fare less well in the future and the number of barristers will decline – that’s the bleak prediction of a new report.
Barbara Mills KC, the new Chair of the Bar, outlines some key themes and priorities
A family lawyer has won a £500 donation for her preferred charity, an education centre for women from disadvantaged backgrounds, thanks to drug, alcohol and DNA testing laboratory AlphaBiolabs’ Giving Back campaign
Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management highlights some of the ways you can cut your IHT bill
Rachel Davenport breaks down everything you need to know about AlphaBiolabs’ industry-leading laboratory testing services for legal matters
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management sets out the key steps to your dream property
A centre of excellence for youth justice, the Youth Justice Legal Centre provides specialist training, an advice line and a membership programme
Barbara Mills KC wants to raise the profile of the family Bar. She also wants to improve wellbeing and enhance equality, diversity and inclusion in the profession. She talks to Joshua Rozenberg KC (hon) about her plans for the year ahead
Professor Dominic Regan and Seán Jones KC identify good value bottles across the price spectrum – from festive fizz to reliable reds
Reviews by Daniel Barnett
Governments who play fast and loose with the law get into real trouble, says the new Attorney General. The Rt Hon Lord Hermer KC talks to Anthony Inglese CB about what drew this boy from Cardiff to the Bar, bringing the barrister ethos to the front bench, and how he will be measuring success
Mark Neale, Director General of the Bar Standards Board, offers an update on the Equality Rules consultation