Stress levels on the rise among pupils despite positive pupillage experience, survey finds

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New barristers reported mixed experiences about their pupillage journey in a new survey published by the Bar Council. Ninety percent of respondents reported a positive experience, while 88% reported stress levels as ‘moderate’ or ‘high’ – a 6% increase from the previous year’s statistics.

The survey, which was completed by 170 out of the 609 current pupils, reflected equal or greater satisfaction with pay and debt expectations; however, pupils cited excessive, last-minute workloads, poor scheduling and the lack of a work/life balance as factors that impacted their wellbeing. Additionally, 34% of pupils stated that the lack of work/life balance was a potential reason that the Bar wasn’t viable, with only 32% stating that they’d “definitely recommend” this career path. Obstacles to wellbeing, such as inflexible working conditions and unclear sick leave policies, exacerbated pupil’s existing health issues or caring responsibilities.

According to the report, pupils were generally satisfied with pupillage supervision, particularly with in-person supervision. However, other respondents identified inconsistency as a problem, including lack of feedback or unclear expectations. In addition, support around necessary administrative tasks, such as regulatory guidance and tax issues, was found to be seriously lacking.

Reports of bullying, harassment and discrimination are lower among pupils than they are across the Bar. Although these are gradually decreasing, they’re still relatively high. For example, 17% of pupils said they’d “personally experienced” one of these behaviours, compared to 19% in 2022 and 18% in 2024. However, when including “observation” of bullying, harassment and discrimination, this figure increased to 28% (26% in 2024). An independent review into bullying and harassment at the Bar will be published later this year.

Chair of the Bar Council, Barbara Mills, said: “Any reports of bullying, harassment and discrimination are concerning and we urge everyone to continue to report incidents to Talk to the Spot, our anonymous reporting tool. A thriving Bar must be one where all pupils feel valued, supported and see a bright future ahead."

Concerns about recruitment and significant dissatisfaction with the Bar Standards Board (BSB) Ethics Exam were also highlighted in the report. Most found the recruitment process for pupillage to be challenging, with 39% securing pupillage in the first round compared to 14% in four or more rounds. Findings showed frustrations with subsequent communication and feedback, while the BSB ethics exams was found to be “poorly administered and unnecessary”.

In light of these findings, the Bar Council outlined the following as recommendations:

• remind chambers to respond/provide feedback to those making pupillage applications;
• encourage Authorised Education and Training Organisations to adopt better practice in relation to pupil wellbeing and increase support for those with caring responsibilities;
• ensure pupils have access to clear and early guidance with practice administration; and
• improve the BSB Ethics Exam.

Mills also stated: “Some of the findings demonstrate areas where we need to do more work alongside chambers, employers, Inns and specialist bar associations to ensure all pupils have the support they need. The Bar Council will continue to work hard to ensure that every barrister can reach their full potential, can cope with the challenges and stresses of life so that they can work productively and fruitfully and are able to make a full and proper contribution to their community.”