Journey

Set up in practice as a barrister

Get your practising certificate from the Bar Standards Board, insure your practice and add the extensions for litigation or public access work if you need them.

Professional & Financial Services Starting Updated 1 November 2026

  1. Get your practising certificate

    Apply to the BSB through MyBar, then renew every year through the Authorisation to Practise process.

    Authorisation to Practise Qualified Person requirements

  2. Insure your practice

    Self-employed barristers must be members of the Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund.

    Professional indemnity insurance

  3. Add litigation or public access rights

    Needed if you will conduct litigation yourself or take instructions directly from members of the public.

    Conducting litigation Public access training and guidance

  4. Authorise an entity

    Needed only if you will supply reserved legal activities through a company or partnership.

    BSB entities

  5. Check your anti-money-laundering duties

    Some barristers' work falls under the Money Laundering Regulations.

    Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing

  6. Take on staff and premises

    Chambers and entities that employ clerks or other staff carry the same duties as any office employer.

    Set up a legal or accounting practice

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