Barristers: do you know what you don’t know?

As the old saying goes, “The wise know what they do not know.”

But this begs the question: once we know what we do not know, what should we do about it?

Thankfully, to be a successful barrister you do not need to be particularly wise, but you do need to be professionally competent.

So in the spirit of enquiry into what is known and unknown, I pose this simple question: would you ever practice in breach of the BSB Professional Statement?

No?! Of course not. 

But bear with me a minute – let’s put this to the test.

What skills, tools and principles have you been taught about team working?

You know, basic fundamentals like role definition, psychological safety, simple planning tools (like P.O.S.T.), active listening, levels of listening, the impact of space and time on your leadership, how your role changes over the course of a case, how to get the most from team members, how to delegate effectively and maintain accountability?

Why is this important?  Because here is what the BSB Professional Statement has to say on team working (bold text added):

“Barristers will:

3.2 Understand and apply principles of team working where appropriate.

They will have an understanding of how teams work and the benefits of team working and be able to use their individual knowledge and skills to work collaboratively with others towards a common goal. They will be able to play an active role in supporting a team-working ethos, work co-operatively with others and willingly give help and support to colleagues, know when to offer assistance and advice and do so when required.

Barristers should:

a)  Work collaboratively with others, respecting their skills and contributions.

b)  Comprehend how their behaviour may affect others within and outside teams.

c)  Reflect on own strengths and weaknesses as a team member.

d)  Understand the division of responsibilities within the team.

e)  Understand the relationships between counsel, pupil, clerk and solicitor.

f)  Delegate to and supervise others effectively.

g)  Establish and maintain effective professional relations with others.”

I confess that up until a few years ago I was almost certainly practising in breach of these standards. In a sense it was not my fault: most barristers are not taught anything about team working skills at Bar School or in pupillage.

In the age-old traditions of the Bar, we simply copy and paste what we saw our pupil supervisors doing - recycling good and bad habits alike. Yet our own performance and compliance with standards remains our sole responsibility. 

Moreover, effective team working is not just a matter of professional obligation. Done well it supercharges your performance, eases your stress and forges strong loyalties.  Well-run teams are a huge resource for the individual barrister. Successful collaborative working with your solicitor, witnesses, clerks and clients offers a sustainable, enjoyable and more supportive model to the conventional, false image of the lone warrior on whose shoulders rests the fate of the client. 

Are you ready to break this cycle and receive proper training in working with teams, based on proven and effective practices with skills and tools tailored to the needs of the modern Bar?

Come to our team working tools workshop on 26 September 2022.  It’s online. You can  book here

The workshop is co-facilitated by me (James) and Zita, giving you the support and insights of over half a century of combined Bar and coaching experience. You will also get 3 hours of CPD (established practitioner’s programme), and materials to take away.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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