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.

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Unplanned - Navigating the unexpected at the Bar

RESOURCES

Inner Temple Website

ABOUT YOUR HOST

Rachel Spearing KC is a Bencher of the Inner Temple and the Chair of the Movers and Returners Programme. In 2012 she started the conversation about wellbeing, co-founding with the Bar Council the Wellbeing at the Bar initiative in 2015. She is presently on sabbatical from Serjeants' Inn Chambers, serving in Government as the Honourable Attorney General of Anguilla.

CONTACT

Karen Taylor, Head of Teaching & Learning, The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, education@innertemple.org.uk

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In this episode, Winston Hunter KC, eminent barrister, Recorder and Deputy High Court Judge, shares his journey into part-time judicial roles and the motivations behind applying. Winston discusses how he balances the demands of practice with sitting on the bench, the skills and perspective gained from judicial work and how the role differs from advocacy.

Winston also offers practical advice for those considering a judicial career, highlighting the importance of preparation, available support and the need for greater diversity in the judiciary. A thoughtful and insightful conversation for anyone exploring judicial appointments or looking to better understand life on both sides of the courtroom.

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Changing Sides: Employed & Self‑Employed at the Bar

RESOURCES

Inner Temple Website

ABOUT YOUR HOST

Simon Regis CBE is a Deputy Director at the Government Legal Department (GLD) leading a team advising on Higher Education at the Department for Education. He is a Master of the Bench at the Inner Temple focusing on the Employed Bar, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), education and training. He is also an elected member of the Bar Council and Chair of the Employed Bar Committee for 2026.

CONTACT

Karen Taylor, Head of Teaching & Learning, The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, education@innertemple.org.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore what it’s really like to move between the self-employed and employed Bar. Two barristers - one who went from self-employed to employed and back again, and another who transitioned into an employed role - share their experiences and motivations.

We discuss why barristers choose to make these shifts, the value of diversifying your skills, and the practical differences in how your practice operates. The conversation also touches on confidence; how it can be affected by change and how to rebuild it.

A candid and insightful look at navigating career transitions at the Bar, with helpful reflections on what to gain and what to watch out for.

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Advocacy unpacked: Developing your skills at the Bar

RESOURCES

Inner Temple Website

ABOUT YOUR HOST

Simon Regis CBE is a Deputy Director at the Government Legal Department (GLD) leading a team advising on Higher Education at the Department for Education. He is a Master of the Bench at the Inner Temple focusing on the Employed Bar, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), education and training. He is also an elected member of the Bar Council and Chair of the Employed Bar Committee for 2026.

CONTACT

Karen Taylor, Head of Teaching & Learning, The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, education@innertemple.org.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.