About the Bar

The independent, practising Bar of England and Wales is more than 17,000 strong and plays a crucial role in upholding the principles of government accountability under law and vindication of legal rights through the courts. 

A strong and independent Bar exists to serve the public. As specialist, independent advocates, barristers enable people to uphold their legal rights, often acting on behalf of the most vulnerable members of society.

The Bar makes a vital contribution to the efficient and effective operation of criminal and civil courts. It provides a pool of talent, from increasingly diverse backgrounds, from which a significant proportion of the judiciary is drawn, and on whose independence the rule of law and our democratic way of life depends.