The Bar Council of England and Wales

The Bar Council is the voice of the barrister profession in England and Wales. Our nearly 18,000 members – self-employed and employed barristers – make up a united Bar that aims to be strong, inclusive, independent and influential. As well as championing the rule of law and access to justice, we lead, represent and support the Bar in the public interest through: • Providing advice, guidance, services, training and events for our members to support career development and help maintain the highest standards of ethics and conduct • Inspiring and supporting the next generation of barristers from all backgrounds • Working to enhance diversity and inclusion at the Bar • Encouraging a positive culture where wellbeing is prioritised and people can thrive in their careers • Drawing on our members’ expertise to influence policy and legislation that relates to the justice system and the rule of law • Sharing barristers’ vital contributions to society with the public, media and policymakers • Developing career and business opportunities for barristers at home and abroad through promoting the Bar of England and Wales • Engaging with national Bars and international Bar associations to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and the development of legal links and legal business overseas To ensure joined-up support, we work within the wider ecosystem of the Bar alongside the Inns, circuits and specialist Bar associations, as well as with the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks and the Legal Practice Management Association. As the General Council of the Bar, we’re the approved regulator for all practising barristers in England and Wales. We delegate our statutory regulatory functions to the operationally independent Bar Standards Board (BSB) as required by the Legal Services Act 2007.