Barristers: 60% of Pupils are Women – Diversity at the Bar Continues to Improve

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has released its annual Diversity at the Bar report, revealing that women now make up just over 40% of barristers in England and Wales. The report also highlighted that nearly 60% of pupils at the Bar are female, showing a positive trend towards gender diversity in the legal profession.

The report also noted an increase in the proportion of barristers from minority ethnic backgrounds, with 16.9% of barristers identifying as such. This is compared to 16.7% of the working age population in England and Wales. Additionally, the report highlighted the underrepresentation of disabled practitioners at the Bar, with only 8.2% identifying as such.

Despite these improvements in diversity, the report also pointed out that certain groups, such as women and those from ethnic minority backgrounds, still face barriers to progress within the profession. Reports of bullying, harassment, and discrimination were also highlighted as ongoing issues that need to be addressed.

BSB director general Mark Neale commented on the report, stating that while progress has been made, there is still work to be done to ensure that the Bar is representative of the society it serves. Dana Denis-Smith, founder of the Next 100 Years project, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of building a more diverse and inclusive workforce within the legal profession.

Overall, the report highlights the progress that has been made in improving diversity at the Bar, but also underscores the need for continued efforts to address barriers to progress and combat inequality within the profession.