Barristers

This episode looks into the role of a self-employed barrister at the independent bar, and the special and unique collaboration between clerks and barristers to run the business of a set of chambers.

Show notes

This episode of ReImagineLaw, we welcome self-employed barrister Sonal Dashani and the Deputy Director of Clerking Emma Makepeace, from 25 Bedford Row.

This episodes explores how self-employed practice at the criminal bar differs from the role of an employed barrister. Our guest give a real insight to business of a set of chambers and the individual businesses of the barristers within them. This episode looks at the symbiotic collaboration between barristers and clerks, building a business, and the importance of marketing to professional clients, typically solicitors.

Listeners might be interested to listen to episode 14 (“A Career as a Barrister, More Than you Might Assume”) alongside this episode.

We always encourage listeners to undertake practical actions after listening to the episode.

1. Write a ‘for and against’ list for both an employed barrister and a self-employed barrister. Make sure these relate to your life, values and priorities.

2. Think about the role of a clerk and how they support the legal services market (this link might be helpful). Do a ‘for and against’ list for this role. Could a role in the provision of legal services but not as a lawyer be the right path for you?

Useful resources:

• The Inns of Court.

• Past Seminars from 25 Bedford Row.

• The role of a clerk.

• About the Bar.