The Bar Council has unveiled a “snapshot report” on the life of employed barristers as it prepares to ramp up its support for 2,871 in-house members.
The report, The Experience of Employed Barristers at the Bar, revealed an average salary of £69,466 among those at the employed Bar, with 16% of barristers on more than £100,000 a year. Some six per cent earned more than £150,000.
Although 68% were satisfied with their career progression opportunities, only 17% had considered applying for Silk. Of those considering applying, only 18% had actually done so and only four per cent were actively encouraged by their employer to do so. Eight per cent were actively encouraged to apply for a judicial appointment. Those in government service felt particularly constrained regarding progression into the judiciary.
Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC, Chairman of the Bar, said the report helped show what attracts people to the employed Bar and would help the Bar Council design policies attractive to both parts of the profession.
