The Barristers' Working Lives survey is designed to explore the lived experience of working as a barrister.

In 2023, the survey:

  • Asked questions about the impact of the changes to the court system brought about as a result of the pandemic
  • Sought barristers’ views on aspects of wellbeing and work-life balance
    • Working hours and patterns
    • Experiences of bullying
    • Harassment or discrimination
    • Practice development and working practices
    • Bar Council services

The full results to the survey are presented within the report (and deeper explorations into wellbeing will be published in a separate report), while two key themes – barristers’ experiences of court, and of bullying, harassment, and discrimination – are summarised in the report.

The survey and report are undertaken on behalf of the Bar Council by the Institute for Employment Studies and Employment Research Ltd.