Bar Standards Board (BSB)

Regulates barristers and specialised legal services bodies in England and Wales.

This page mainly applies to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland may have different rules — check the jurisdiction before relying on this information.

Overview

The Bar Standards Board regulates the conduct of barristers and certain entities in England and Wales. It maintains the BSB Handbook, including the Code of Conduct for the Bar. It investigates misconduct and refers serious cases to the independent Bar Tribunals and Adjudication Service.

What it handles

Reports about barristers' professional conduct
Investigations into BSB Handbook breaches
Authorisation of self-employed and employed barristers
Pupillage supervision standards

Appeals

Bar Tribunals and Adjudication Service (BTAS).

Official sources

https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk

Last reviewed: 2026-05-21. This is legal information, not legal advice.