Bar Council of England and Wales

The Bar Council of England and Wales is the representative body for barristers in England and Wales. It is said to be the voice of the barrister profession in England and Wales. The General Council of the Bar, is also commonly known as just the Bar Council.

The Bar Council of England and Wales slogan on their logo is “Justice For All”

The Bar Council of England and Wales has nothing to do with solicitors in England and Wales. The Law Society of England and Wales, serves as the professional association representing solicitors within England and Wales.

The Bar Council of England and Wales, represent and support the Bar in the public interest, championing the rule of law and access to justice. There are almost 18,000 members who are either self-employed or employed barristers. Together they “make up a united Bar that is strong, inclusive, independent and influential.”

As the General Council of the Bar, we’re the approved regulator for all practising barristers in England and Wales. We delegate our regulatory functions to the operationally independent Bar Standards Board (BSB).
Bar Council of England and Wales – About Us

The Secret Barrister and the BlackBelt Barrister are well known Barristers of England and Wales.

Here’s a detailed overview:

Purpose: It exists to promote, protect, and represent the interests of barristers, uphold the rule of law, and ensure the highest standards of practice within the profession.
Regulation: While the Bar Council has a role in setting standards and providing guidance, the regulatory functions for barristers are handled by the Bar Standards Board (BSB). The BSB is responsible for setting the academic, vocational, and professional training requirements for barristers, as well as overseeing their conduct and discipline.
Advocacy and Policy: The Bar Council advocates on behalf of the barristers on legal policy issues, law reform, and matters affecting the administration of justice. It engages with government, parliament, and other stakeholders to influence legal policy.
Support and Services: It offers various services to its members, including professional development, training, and support in career progression. It also provides resources and guidance on professional conduct and ethics.
Structure: The Bar Council is governed by a board elected by its members, which includes representatives from different sectors of the Bar, such as the employed Bar, self-employed Bar, and various practice areas.
Public Interest: Beyond the interests of barristers, the Bar Council also works to ensure that the public has access to justice, promoting pro bono work and initiatives that enhance legal services for those who might not otherwise afford them.
History: The Bar Council was established in 1894, reflecting the profession’s long-standing tradition and evolving role in the legal landscape of England and Wales.

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.
Bar Council – About the Bar

Barristers are specialist legal advisers and court room advocates which are independent, objective and trained to advise clients on the strengths and weaknesses of their case.

The Bar Council plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and standards of the legal profession, ensuring that barristers adhere to a code of conduct that upholds the principles of justice, independence, and professionalism.

We recommend you should always seek formal legal advice if required, from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).

We have a number of links to Free Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on our Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.

Check out our related articles on Barristers, Direct Access Barrister, Barristers Behaving Badly, The Secret Barrister, Bar Standards Board, Inns of Court, Rule of Law, Open Justice and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.

Read the reviews of Junior Sussex Barrister Gavin Howe and Legal 500 Junior Barrister Eleanor Battie

“He is awful, underhanded and should not be practising law!”

“She is a one-woman legal A Team”