Black women barristers on the lowest salaries and offered less rewarding opportunities

updated on 19 May 2021

On average Black women barristers earn around £19,000 less per annum than their white male counterparts, according to a Bar Council report published at the start of May.

The report also highlighted the difference in pay between white male QCs – who earn on average £57,400 more than the average earnings mark – and Black women barristers. The total average pay gap is more than £76,000.  

The report’s findings were described by Natasha Shotunde, chair of the Black Barristers Network as “a classic example of racism and sexism” within the profession, “and specifically the intersectionality of both”.

With Black women also reported to be offered less rewarding work, Shotunde urged the profession to address this issue head-on “to ensure that black women…are afforded the same opportunities and the same level of work as others”, according to The Times.

Meanwhile, Black male barrister salaries are more than £15,000 less than the average white junior barrister.