Chambers discuss downsizing offices

Barristers’ chambers are in talks about downsizing their offices in a bid to cut costs and encourage more remote working, following the coronavirus outbreak. However, there is still a need for physical space for career support and wellbeing, the Bar Council has stressed.

At least two London sets are considering downsizing, with individual offices set to be replaced by communal hot desks and a move to increased remote working for barristers, according to the Law Gazette.

Chair of the Bar Council Amanda Pinto QC said there may be “immediate advantages” to chambers scaling back their offices, including cuts to costs and an increased flexibility for barristers with caring responsibilities.

“However, those advantages will need to be balanced against the very important role a physical chambers plays in all barristers’ careers: chambers provides training, support and career development, all of which are harder to foster at a distance,” she said.

“This is especially so for those at the junior end and pupils, where chambers’ help is essential to establishing and developing a practice. Chambers is a great support for barristers not just by sharing professional expertise and friendship, but with wellbeing and mental health issues too. None of these advantages should be compromised in any moves towards alternative ways of working.”

The Bar Council has urged the Treasury to extend business rates exemption relief to cover chambers, as barristers’ sets try to weather the pressures imposed by the pandemic. Counsel have also been requested to lobby their local MPs for increased financial support.