Gray’s Inn is committed to supporting its Members at each stage of their career.
Members of the Inn who are returning to practice (returners) following a period of absence, or considering a move of location or practice area (movers), may wish to seek support from the Inn and its network of volunteers. Supporting movers and returners is an important way in which the Inn’s network of volunteers can support each other and ensure the Bar retains talent.
You can contact the Inn prior to taking a career break, following a period of absence, or during a career move.
Mentoring is available for practitioners to be paired with a mentor to assist in either a return to work or a move in their practice. We aim to connect you with other Members who have been through similar experiences and can offer their knowledge and support. Time out of practice may be for a number reasons, such as maternity/paternity leave, caring responsibilities or for health and wellbeing reasons. You may simply have an issue that you would feel more comfortable discussing with someone outside of your Chambers or organisation and it can be a real help to have a mentor from the Inn. Alternatively, a meeting with our Director of Education (contact the Education Department) may be of use to consider training and education to prepare for a return to practice.
Many of the Inn’s events held throughout the year provide Continuing Professional Development and are invaluable opportunities to network with fellow barristers in our community. In person events are held on the circuits, and at the Inn. Events held at the other Inns are often open to our Members too. See the Inn’s Events Page for more details.
We also encourage barristers who are experiencing difficulties acclimatising to a period of time away from practice, or returning to practice to use the resources provided by Wellbeing at the Bar from The Bar Council. This includes resources for movers and returners.