The number of complaints recorded at the Bar continues to fluctuate, as highlighted in the Bar Standards Board’s (BSB) annual reports on complaints submitted to the regulator.
During the 2020-21 period, complaints rose significantly, increasing from 1,460 to 1,887. More recently, between April 2023 and March 2024, 1,724 complaints were recorded—slightly lower than the 1,731 received during the same period in 2022-23.
While the data suggests a marginal downward trend, the overall volume of complaints remains consistent, underscoring the need for continued attention and action.
In response, the Bar’s regulator has emphasised the importance of adequate training for those responsible for handling complaints within chambers, in alignment with the standards outlined in the BSB Handbook.
When looking closer at the issue, the BSB also revealed clear disparities in complaint outcomes based on gender and ethnicity:
Among others, these findings emphasise the importance of comprehensive training to ensure fair and consistent complaint handling across the profession.
Having recognised the complexities involved in managing complaints, the BSB has recommended that those responsible for handling complaints within chambers receive adequate training. This ensures adherence to the standards set out in the BSB Handbook and compliance with relevant regulations.
After numerous conversations with some our valued clients, we created a specialised training module tailored for the Bar. Our Complaints Handling for the Bar module is designed to equip barristers, clerks, and chambers management staff with the skills and knowledge necessary to:
We hope that by participating in this training, chambers professionals can enhance their ability to manage complaints proactively, thereby upholding the integrity and reputation of their practice.
As the new year begins, a wave of aspiring legal minds are gearing up for the commencement of pupillage applications—a defining moment in their pursuit of a career at the bar...
