The Movers & Returners Podcast

Latest Episode

Series Two Episode One

Staying Well at the Bar: Looking Back, Moving Forward

Rachel Spearing KC is joined by clinical psychologist Dr Bill Mitchell and senior clerk Nick Hill to mark ten years of Wellbeing at the Bar. Together they reflect on how attitudes to mental health have changed, explore the pressures facing barristers and clerks today and share practical insights on resilience, self-awareness, mindset and support for those moving, returning or transferring within the profession.

About the Host

Rachel Spearing KC is a Master of the Bench at The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple. She co-founded the Wellbeing at the Bar initiative and leads the Movers and Returners programme at the Inn alongside the Education and Training Team in support of their Established Practitioner Programme. Rachel specialises in complex inquests, inquiries, regulatory and disciplinary matters. She is currently serving as the Attorney General of Anguilla, following her appointment in January 2026.

About the Guests

Nick Hill is the Senior Clerk at 3 New Square IP. He has been a barristers’ clerk since 1987 and a senior clerk since 1999. He was Chair of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks from 2016 to 2019 and is currently one of its Vice-Presidents. He was invited to be a member of the Wellbeing at the Bar initiative from its outset in 2015 and has since been a regular speaker and writer on the topic.

Dr Bill Mitchell is one of the UK’s most experienced clinical psychologists, specialising in the treatment of anxiety, work-related psychological difficulties, burnout and depression. Bill is a consultant to many global businesses, and his clients include leading health, legal, media, finance, advertising, professional service, arts and educational organisations. He lectures and teaches nationally and internationally.

Resources

Mental Health and Wellbeing at the Bar

Staying well – Animation presented by Dr Bill Mitchell

Wellbeing at the Bar – Help for Barristers

Wellbeing for Inner Temple Members

Recovering From a Setback in Your Career – Rachel Spearing KC

Having a Conversation

About the Podcast

Welcome to The Inner Temple Movers & Returners Podcast, a dedicated space for barristers planning, managing, or returning from a break in practice, as well as those transferring between practice areas or Chambers.

Hosted by Inner Temple practitioners, each episode features guests with expertise and lived experience in moving and returning. Together, they share practical guidance, professional insights, and trusted resources to help you make confident career moves. From retention strategies to tips for a smooth return, you’ll hear advice designed to sustain your practice and support your professional wellbeing.

Episodes are released on the first Tuesday of every month, giving you a regular touchpoint for guidance, encouragement and actionable steps.

Subscribe now to gain the support and community you need to thrive and succeed at every step of your journey at the Bar.

Association Excellence Awards 2026

Finalist: Best Blog, Podcast or Video

News

Series One

Episode 8: On this side of the bench: Crossing over

7 July 2026. Winston Hunter KC on his move into part-time judicial roles, and how sitting as a Recorder and Deputy High Court Judge changes the way you see advocacy.

Episode 7: Changing Sides: Employed & Self‑Employed at the Bar

2 June 2026. What it is really like to move between the self-employed and employed Bar, from two barristers who have made the change.

Episode 6: Written Advocacy: The Silent Persuader

5 May 2026. Judicial insight on written advocacy from the Senior President of Tribunals, with the Inner Temple Librarian on the support the Library offers returners.

Episode 5: Advocacy unpacked: Developing your skills at the Bar

7 April 2026. An unplanned break from the Bar, a move of Chambers, and the work of rebuilding confidence in oral advocacy afterwards.

Episode 4: Unplanned – Navigating the unexpected at the Bar

3 March 2026. Life doesn’t always run to schedule, even at the Bar. Honest conversations about mental health, burnout and bereavement.

Episode 3: Parenting in Practice

3 February 2026. Three barristers, one shared challenge: balancing the demands of life at the Bar with the realities of parenthood.

Episode 2: Advocating for Advocate

6 January 2026. Three barristers on volunteering and mentoring with Advocate, the Bar’s national pro bono charity.

Episode 1: Volunteering with Advocate to Support Moving and Returning in Practice

2 December 2025. The CEO and Engagement Manager of Advocate on how pro bono volunteering helps movers and returners build skills, confidence and connections.

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