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

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.

BSB survey shows barristers interested in business structures
(12 July 2010)

The results of a recent survey of the profession show that the vast majority (over 80%) of barristers want the Bar to remain as a separate and independent legal profession, regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB), with 35% likely to join new business structures within 5 years if these are permitted.

The new Legal Ombudsman
(1 July 2010)

On Wednesday 6 October 2010 the Legal Ombudsman (http://www.legalombudsman.org.uk/) will become operational. From this date all complaints from lay clients about barristers, solicitors, and some other types of legal professional should be directed to the Ombudsman’s office.