Wellbeing Protocol for Criminal Barristers

A Wellbeing Protocol for the Criminal Bar has been drafted by the Judicial Liaison Committee of the Criminal Bar Association (“CBA”). The Protocol is currently in its consultation stage.

Amongst other recommendations, the Protocol states that:

• lunch breaks should be used for lunch; (..not drafting a skeleton argument or researching an esoteric point of law all by 2 o’clock please.. )(our emphasis)

• sufficient time should be allowed for advocates to complete work requested / directed by the court;

• there is no need to read or respond to an email after 6pm or before 9am.

We think this is excellent guidance and all stakeholders should engage in order to effect the shift towards prioritising wellbeing at the Bar. Why? The Criminal Bar can draw on a temptation to overwork: to be available 24/7, to take on new work, respond to emails and issues in an instant. This mindset has been exacerbated by cuts to fees and technological advancement. All too often, this blurs life/work distinction and promotes a culture of consistently being “on” which chips away at wellbeing. Undoubtedly, this is a factor contributing to the low retention rate of women in the profession.

The protocol and its recommendations should be embraced. Read the protocol here.