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Returning to the Bar
In 2025 we launched our Returning to the Bar programme, with the aim of providing dedicated events, guidance and support for barristers planning, managing, or returning from a break in practice, as well as those transferring between practice areas or Chambers.
In May 2025 we held a flagship one-day conference on the subject, entitled “Movers and Returners” – recordings of some of the talks on the day are available below.
Following on from the conference, we launched a dedicated podcast on the subject in December 2025, to further the discussions that took place on the day. The Movers and Returners podcast is hosted by members of the Inn, with guests from the legal community and beyond. New episodes are released monthly on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Further details and available episodes can be found here.
Our Communication Skills for Barristers in the Workplace course, held each year in February, has places specifically for those returning to the bar, helping rebuild confidence in their oral advocacy.
Further sessions as part of the Return to Practice programme will be advertised on this page and via the Inn’s social media accounts.
If you are currently in the process of (or considering) returning to the bar, or taking a career break, and have any particular suggestions as to types of sessions and support that would be of most use to you, please contact establishedbarristers@innertemple.org.uk
Opening Plenary (including introduction from Barbara Mills KC and keynote address from Lady Justice Whipple)
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Real-life Stories in Building a Career
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Lessons and Leadership: Top Tips to Navigate Transfers/Flexible Working at the Bar
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Closing Reflections: Brie Stevens-Hoare KC
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Our Communication Skills for Barristers in the Workplace course, held each year in February, has places specifically for those returning to the bar, helping rebuild confidence in their oral advocacy.
We are keen to hear from those currently in the process of (or considering) returning to the bar or taking a career break. If you have any particular suggestions as to types of sessions and support that would be of most use to you, please contact establishedbarristers@innertemple.org.uk
Further sessions will be advertised on this page and via the Inn’s social media accounts.
Links
In the meantime, the Bar Council’s Ethics and Practice Hub has a range of useful resources and guidance on both taking time away from practice and the practicalities of returning afterwards:
Middle Temple also has a useful page of tips and links for returners, covering topics such as securing tenancy and job-hunting, practice development, regaining confidence, regulatory and administrative matters, keeping up to date with substantive and procedural law, and wellbeing:
We would also highly recommend the Wellbeing at the Bar Portal, a joint project between the Inns of Court, the Bar Council and the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks to provide specific support and best practice to barristers, clerks and chambers on wellbeing and mental health issues: