The organisations are working with the Barristers’ Benevolent Association
The UK Inns of Court are putting together a funds package for barristers who are in need as a result of COVID-19.
The Inns, which comprise the four professional membership associations for barristers in England and Wales, announced in a statement that in recognition of the financial difficulties many barristers have been experiencing due to the uncertain economic situation, they are “working urgently on a package of measures to assist those most in need.”
The Inns will be collaborating with the Barristers’ Benevolent Association (BBA) by making an “immediate contribution” towards an emergency fund directed to barristers in urgent need. The Inns will aid the BBA in launching the fund as well.
In addition, each of the Inns will be offering hardship funds to students and junior barristers who find themselves ineligible for either BBA assistance or for the government aid provided to self-employed individuals.
The Inns will also be implementing measures to ease the rental obligations of chambers whose offices are located on Inn estates.
This move follows the initiative of the Ministry of Justice to offer support to legal aid practitioners, and highlights the continued impact of coronavirus on the UK legal system, especially with the closure of more than half the courts across England and Wales.
Many major UK firms have also already made the decision to cut down on benefits like dividend payouts and reduce salaries.
The Inns have the sole right to Call candidates to practise at the Bar of England and Wales, and offer various levels of legal education and training to all members.
The BBA provides aid to both past and presenting Bar members, including the judiciary, who are in need and are deserving. The association can also assist the dependents and families of these members; however, they do not offer aid to students.
