Barristers in their early years of practice will be further supported through the development of a new toolkit and online hub, both of which address some of the key issues relevant to the Young Bar

Officially launched at the Annual Bar and Young Bar Conference in London, the Young Bar Toolkit is available on the Young Bar Hub website, which is designed to be a one-stop-shop for barristers.

The Toolkit has been written by members of the Bar Council’s Young Barristers’ Committee, with input from fellow barristers, solicitors, pupil supervisors and clerks, and Bar Council staff.

It provides practical online information on building a practice, working in Chambers or as a newly qualified employed barrister, handling financial affairs and tax, and work–life balance at the Bar. The Young Bar Hub also provides details of forthcoming events and other useful resources. It is hoped that the site will be used by barristers to add and exchange information and as a forum for debate on issues facing the young Bar today.

Mr Justice MacDonald, Chairman of the Bar, said:

'We are delighted to unveil the new Young Bar Toolkit and Young Bar Hub, which follows months of hard work by the Young Barristers’ Committee and fellow contributors within the legal sector. As a profession, we need to do more to support the Young Bar in a time of austerity and severe restrictions to access to justice, and we hope that this new toolkit and website will become a valuable resource for those in their early years of practice.'

Daniel Sternberg, Chairman of the Young Barristers’ Committee 2015, said:

'The Bar is operating in a time of unprecedented pressure and there will undoubtedly be difficult times ahead. These new online resources have been developed so that the young Bar receives the support it needs to ensure it is in the best possible position for the future.'