Other organisations
Working with others in the legal sector
The Bar Council works with a range of other organisations in order for the barristers’ profession’s interests to be heard and in upholding the rule of law and access to justice.
Those organisations include:
The Inns provide support for barristers and students through a range of educational activities, lunching and dining facilities, access to common rooms and gardens and the provision of various grants and scholarships. Anyone wishing to join the Bar must join one of the Inns, which are responsible for "Calling" barristers to the Bar. The Inns also have a role in administering disciplinary tribunals to deal with more serious complaints against barristers.
The Specialist Bar Associations (SBAs) are dedicated to the interests of groups of barristers within specific practice areas and geographical regions. The SBAs can help to promote their members' interests, for example responding to proposals for changes to regulations, and offering support to their members through networking events and mentoring schemes.
There are 24 Specialist Bar Associations:
- Northern Chancery Bar Association
- Parliamentary Bar Mess
- Public Access Bar Association
- Western Chancery and Commercial Bar Association
The Bar in England and Wales is divided into six regions, which are more commonly known as "Circuits". The Circuits provide important sources of support, advice and representation for barristers practising in those areas. They provide a range of services to the members in their respective geographical areas, maintain lines of communication with all parts of the legal system, including the courts, and are represented on the Bar Council through the Circuit Leaders. They liaise closely with the local court service, Crown Prosecution Service and other bodies as well as providing important training and social events for barristers.
In addition, the Bar of England and Wales has established the European Circuit of the Bar of England and Wales. The European Circuit aims to bring together barristers working in Europe, whether in chambers or employed by European institutions or companies, barristers of England and Wales whose practice includes work in European and international law, and members of other European Bars who are practising in England and Wales.