Movers and returners
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to come back to the Bar, switch practice area or move between the employed and self-employed Bars. On this page you’ll find our top tips, where you can find support, guidance for taking the next step, and articles and blogs from barristers with experience of moving or returning to the Bar.
We refer to someone who has spent some time out of practice and wants to return to work at the Bar as a ‘returner’. We refer to someone who is considering switching practice area, or perhaps a move between the employed and self-employed Bar as a ‘mover’.
Tips for returners and movers
- Refresh your job or tenancy-hunting skills with formal training, mentoring or other less formal assistance
- Get support in CV writing and completing competency-based application forms
- Practice your interview techniques (possibly including mock interviews)
- Talk about your non-legal skills where appropriate. Remember you can use non-legal experiences to demonstrate your skills and success.
- Network by attending events run by the Inns, SBAs, circuits, solicitors’ firms, and chambers
- Undertake shadowing and work experience – contact chambers/employers
- Observe court hearings online to re-immerse yourself in oral advocacy after time away. You can also look at the online archive of the Supreme Court
- Consider working at the employed Bar or in law firms for short to medium term roles - view opportunities on our Employed Bar page
- Work with your clerk (if in practice) to diversify your work or switch to a new practice area
- Consider taking on more junior briefs to get back up to speed/develop a new practice area
- Consider pro bono work – such as through Advocate. See our pro bono page
- Check the BSB Handbook to ensure you are compliant with regulations for your return/new practice area/Bar
- And most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it
Support
Support for returners and movers is available via the Inns of Court, circuits and specialist Bar associations (SBAs). If you can’t find relevant information, contact the membership manager at the Inns, or the administrators for the relevant circuit or SBA.
The Inns will often provide places at their events to members of other Inns, so don’t limit your search to your own Inn:
- Lincoln’s Inn: contact directly [email protected]
- Inner Temple: Returning to the Bar
- Middle Temple: Talent retention scheme
- Gray’s Inn: Contact
The circuits and the specialist Bar associations (SBAs) support barristers to return and/or move practice area. Access more information about moving or returning, via the relevant administrator or the leader or chair (see their websites). We have listed the Inns, circuits and SBAs, and their websites, on our pages below.
Inns of Court
The four Inns of Court: who they are and what they do
Circuits of England & Wales
The six circuits of England and Wales: what they are and where they cover.
Specialist Bar Associations
The Specialist Bar Associations (SBAs): dedicated to barristers' practice areas within geographical regions.
Resources
We are producing an advice pack which includes useful information and tips about returning and moving, as well as a checklist of things to consider. Please let us know if you need other information.
Here are some blogs, guidance and articles about barristers returning to work or moving practice area.
Dispelling myths about transferring to different parts of the Bar
Barrister Charlotte Pope-Williams answers some of the most frequently asked questions about transferring between different forms of practice at the Bar.
We also offer training to help you get back on your feet and we also assist with mentoring.
Training and workshops
Training courses and practical CPD sessions
Mentoring
Mentoring schemes for all stages of Bar careers