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Not so long ago, the decision to join a set of chambers was largely dictated by tradition. Reputation, rankings, location and legacy played a defining role in shaping the careers of young barristers. The right chambers were those with the longest history, the biggest names and the most well-established clients.

But the picture is changing. Today’s barristers are asking different questions. The modern Bar is shaped not just by ambition, but by purpose, balance and belonging. As barrister said:

“People may well go on to have three or four careers in their lifetime. They do not just want to do one thing anymore.”

It is not about rejecting the Bar, far from it. Rather, it reflects a growing desire to shape a legal career that feels fulfilling on a personal level, not just a professional one.

How to find a place where you can be you

For barristers today, the decision to apply to or remain with a chamber goes beyond pupillage offers and practice areas. It is about asking the right questions, not just of chambers, but of yourself. What kind of support do you want? What values do you expect to be reflected around you? Do you feel like you will be seen and heard?

“The culture of a chambers can influence a barrister’s wellbeing, sense of belonging and career development every bit as much as the nature of the work itself.” (, Counsel Magazine, September 2021.)

Investigating those cultures matters. That means talking to current members, asking about policies in action - not just those listed on websites - and exploring how chambers support different career journeys.

Barrister recalls being told during her Bar course that “women do not wear nail varnish to court.” It was a small moment that raised a bigger question:

“Do I need to change who I am to fit in?”

While things have certainly moved forward, inclusion today goes beyond surface-level expectations. It’s about authenticity and feeling confident that you won’t have to downplay who you are to succeed. As Anna explains:

“You have to know you’re going to be able to have a career that’s going to last.”

This sense of longevity is crucial, especially because a career at the bar demands such personal investment. For Anna, the decision to find the right chambers was not just about the work, it was about finding a place that truly supported her needs. She made it a point to ask every chamber she applied to about their rent model (whether flat-rate or percentage-based) because she understood how such structures could impact flexibility and support during important life moments, like parental leave.

How chambers are responding to these shifts

Chambers that embrace these transformations are finding it pays off. A progressive and inclusive culture is not just good for morale; it is a strategic advantage. Chambers that are seen as supportive, forward-thinking and fair are more likely to attract and retain diverse talent, foster loyalty and build long-term sustainability.

We are seeing examples across the Bar. , for instance, changed its name in 2021 after members learned that the original namesake, Lord Hardwicke, was associated with a legal opinion used to justify slavery. The decision to change the name was a deliberate step to align chambers' identity with its values and send a clear message about integrity and inclusion.

Other chambers are addressing practical challenges too. From introducing enhanced parental leave and flexible working arrangements, to openly addressing issues like menopause and mental health, the Bar is slowly but surely not moving from policy, but moving to be inclusive of, culture. Inner Temple’s latest initiative conference, for example, is offering support for barristers navigating career breaks, change in practice area, or returning after time away.

These are more than tick-box exercises. They are part of building spaces where barristers can thrive, not just survive.

Everyone has a role to play

For lasting change to take root, everyone in the profession needs to be part of the conversation. Chambers, clerks, practice managers and individual barristers all have a role in shaping inclusive, supportive environments that recognise people as more than just fee earners.

Finding a home at the Bar should not be about fitting into an outdated mould or breaking with tradition. It’s about discovering a place where you can truly thrive and ensuring others have the same opportunity to do so.