Care for our members and the community
Our ambitions with wellbeing
At Parnell’s Barristers, we believe the wellbeing of our members is inseparable from professional excellence. We also recognise that criminal and public law can be uniquely demanding. That’s why we actively foster a culture of care, inclusion, and mutual support.
Our approach is not about checking boxes. It’s about creating the conditions where barristers can thrive – personally and professionally.
Be present
We encourage our members to take moments throughout the day to pause, breathe and reset. Staying grounded in the present helps build resilience, sharpen focus and reduce unnecessary stress.
Keep moving
Physical activity is a powerful tool for mental clarity and long-term health. Whether it’s a walk between court appearances or a regular fitness routine, staying active supports both body and mind.
Stay connected
We prioritise a sense of connection amongst our members. That means regular catch-ups, a supportive environment and open channels for checking in with one another - especially during challenging periods.
Stay curious
Wellbeing isn’t static. We encourage continual growth and reflection, both inside and outside the law. Whether learning a new skill or exploring a new area of law, curiosity feeds purpose and confidence.
Be kind and give back
Small, thoughtful gestures - from mentoring a junior colleague to engaging in pro bono work - strengthen our sense of community. Kindness, generosity and shared purpose are at the heart of our culture.
Support for our members
Life Support
Career support
Physical health support
Medical support
Wellbeing support
The above resources are recommendations only and no commercial arrangement is in place with any support providers.
A message from our Senior Clerk
To frame Parnell’s Barristers approach to wellbeing, it is helpful to first identify why it is we place such importance on this aspect of our work and interaction with our fellow members, clients and the wider community;
We stand in support of our barristers because their improved wellbeing:
- Makes for happy and productive work
- Affects more than just one’s self
- Is a never-ending process of learning and development
- Will ultimately help our barristers outperform in the industry
In our pursuit of these outcomes we aim to make a noticeable difference to the legal profession as a whole. We want our list to lead the way in supporting its members and anyone with whom we interact in nurturing holistic, positive and lasting change.
Learning from our list
Coming to the Bar is one of, perhaps the most significant step you’ll take in your career.
There is much to consider in preparation – How to study for the Bar Entrance Exam? Who to enlist as your mentor? Can you financially cover the Readers’ Course and initial weeks after signing the Roll? Will you get briefs, and from who? Are you ready?
There will be challenges – Managing your time. Maintaining your relationships, friendships and health. Last minute briefs. Briefs outside your comfort zone. Complex clients. Tough opponents. An unhappy bench.
All of these will be surmountable. Your clerk will be invaluable. So will your contemporaries, who will be going though the same thing, and more senior colleagues, who will have been through it all before.
All of this will be worth it for the many rewards of life at the bar: the feeling of overcoming the challenges, the independence, the ability to focus and hone your skills, achieving a positive outcome for your client, the collegiality, and the friends you will have for life.
If you are considering a career at the Bar, take the leap – you won’t regret it.