The pressures of practice can take a significant toll on even the most capable legal professionals. In this episode, Rachel Spearing KC speaks with Soraya Shaw and Frances McClenaghan about burnout, brain health and building sustainable careers at the Bar. Drawing on neuroscience, personal experience and innovative reflective practice initiatives, they explore why burnout occurs, how stress affects performance and the habits, mindsets and support systems that can help barristers thrive throughout their careers.

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Unplanned - Navigating the unexpected at the Bar

RESOURCES

Inner Temple Website

ABOUT THE 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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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.

NEXT EPISODE TO LISTEN TO

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

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

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.