Barristers - It’s More Than Just Wigs and Gowns! - a podcast by Frances Ridout, Kerry Jarred, Simon Reichwald, Nigel Spencer

from 2020-12-01T13:40:28

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In episode 17 of ReImagineLaw, we welcome self-employed barrister Sonal Dashani and the Deputy Director of Clerking Emma Makepeace, from 25 Bedford Row.  

This episodes explores how self-employed practice at the criminal bar differs from the role of an employed barrister.  Our guest give a real insight to business of a set of chambers and the individual businesses of the barristers within them.  This episode looks at the symbiotic collaboration between barristers and clerks, building a business, and the importance of marketing to professional clients, typically solicitors. 

Listeners might be interested to listen to episode 14 (“A Career as a Barrister, More Than you Might Assume”) alongside this episode. 

We always encourage listeners to undertake practical actions after listening to the episode. 



  1. Write a ‘for and against’ list for both an employed barrister and a self-employed barrister. Make sure these relate to your life, values and priorities. 

  2. Think about the role of a clerk and how they support the legal services market (this link might be helpful: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/barristers-clerk).  Do a ‘for and against’ list for this role.  Could a role in the provision of legal services but not as a lawyer be the right path for you?  


Useful resources:

Further episodes of Reimagine Law

Further podcasts by Frances Ridout, Kerry Jarred, Simon Reichwald, Nigel Spencer

Website of Frances Ridout, Kerry Jarred, Simon Reichwald, Nigel Spencer