Demand for BBA emergency fund will exceed supply

Barristers are being encouraged to donate money to an emergency hardship fund, following a prediction from the Bar’s representative body that the demand for financial help will exceed supply.

The Barristers’ Benevolent Association (BBA) recently announced that it is creating an emergency fund to support those in severe financial troubles – in particular, those involved in publicly funded work.

In an email to barristers, Chair of the Bar Council Amanda Pinto QC has requested all members to support the BBA in this endeavour: “Because of the seriousness of the situation, we expect demand for the BBA’s covid-19 appeal to exceed what can be provided by the BBA, but the more donations those who can afford it make, the more people it will be able to help.”

The Inns of Court revealed last week that they are creating individual support packages aimed at their very junior tenants and pupils. According to the Law Gazette, the Inner Temple has approved a fund which involves a grant or loan of £2,500 per month for those who can provide evidence of financial hardship. The Inn’s existing Marshall Hall Trust will be managing the scheme and will begin interviewing applicants this week to determine eligibility.

While it remains unclear how much money will be available from the fund, Pinto said that the Inns are making “substantial donations” to the BBA fund in a bid to support the demand.

In a letter to Pinto which addressed the £1.35 million cash pile held by Queen’s Counsel Appointments (QC Appointments), the Public Access Bar Association said that the “huge” reserves held by the company serves “no obvious or legitimate purpose”.

On Tuesday 14 April, the Bar Council was told to claim its share of this cash pile to support barristers who are experiencing financial hardship during the pandemic; however, the Bar Council said the QC Appointments must decide how it assists the Bar during this period.