The General Council of the Bar is the representative and regulatory body for barristers in England and Wales, dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of practice and promoting the Bar’s vital role in the justice system. It stands out as the foremost authority supporting barristers through professional development, ethical guidance, and advocacy for the profession.
The organization provides comprehensive support across all career stages—from students and pupils to established practitioners—focusing on wellbeing, equality, diversity, and inclusion. It champions access to justice, engages in policy representation, and offers specialized resources for both self-employed and employed barristers, ensuring the profession remains robust and responsive to contemporary legal challenges.
Services Offered
- Ethics guidance and practice management resources
- Wellbeing and career support for barristers
- Equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives
- Bullying and harassment support
- International practice support
- Employed Bar representation
- Young Bar support services
- Assistance in professional disputes
- IT and GDPR support for legal practitioners
- Direct Access Portal for public access to barristers
- Training, workshops, and bespoke programs
- Conferences and seminars
- On-demand training courses
- Policy representation and consultations
- Parliamentary work and advocacy
- Media campaigns and press engagement
- Publications including Counsel magazine and newsletters
- Find a Barrister service for the public
- Pupillage Gateway for aspiring barristers
- Speak for Success oracy program for schools
- Environmental and accessibility initiatives
- Trauma-informed practice training
- Guidance on generative AI for legal practice
The Bar Council serves barristers and the public across England and Wales, providing resources in English and maintaining a strong commitment to accessibility and environmental sustainability, as evidenced by its ISO 14001 certification.
