The Bar Standards Board was established in January 2006 as a result of the Bar Council separating its regulatory and representative functions. As the independent regulatory board of the Bar Council, we are responsible for regulating barristers called to the Bar in England and Wales. We take decisions independently and in the public interest and are not prejudiced by the Bar Council's representative function.

Our purpose is to provide specialist regulation of advocacy and expert legal advice in the public interest. We do this by setting standards of entry to the profession and by ensuring that professional practice puts consumers first.

Representation, support and services for barristers in England and Wales, including guidance on issues of professional practice, are provided by the Bar Council's representation branch. Click here to visit the Bar Council's website.

Barristers' Register

The Register is an online database which displays the details of all barristers eligible to provide legal services in England and Wales.

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News

New proposals for the regulation of lawyers
(10 August 2010)

The Joint Advocacy Group today launches its consultation on proposals for a scheme to quality assure advocates in the criminal courts.

 

BSB Board and Committee vacancies
(3 August 2010)

The Bar Standards Board (BSB)  is currently looking to recruit members to its Board who have experience and knowledge relevant to law, regulatory matters and service users. The BSB Committees need members with a variety of skills and interests.

BSB is recruiting to the role of Director
(26 July 2010)

The Bar Standards Board is recruiting to the position of Director. The role will consist of supporting the BSB as an independent effective regulator of barristers by leading and managing the work of staff in delivering the Board’s decisions.