Women now 60% of pupils, but senior bar roles are still unequal
The Bar Standards Board has published its latest Annual Diversity at the Bar report, highlighting continued increases in diversity alongside persistent disparities in senior roles.
The report, released on 24 April 2026, analyses data from the practising Bar as of 1 December 2025, covering pupils, non-King’s Counsel (non-KC) barristers and King’s Counsel (KC) barristers. It shows that the proportion of women at the Bar has risen to 41.9%, continuing a long-term upward trend. Among pupils, women now account for 60.3%, representing the highest level recorded since the report was first introduced in 2015.
The proportion of female non-KC barristers has also increased to 44%. However, the report identifies a significant disparity at the senior level, with women making up only 21.5% of KCs. Ethnic diversity has also increased. The proportion of barristers from a minority ethnic background has reached 17.7%, marking a rise of 0.4 percentage points compared with December 2024 and a 4.3 percentage point increase over the past decade.
The report notes a rise in the number of barristers declaring a disability, with an increase of 0.8 percentage points between December 2024 and December 2025. Age demographics at the Bar are also shifting. The proportion of barristers aged 55 and over has increased to 27.4%, representing an 11.4 percentage point rise over ten years.
The data also highlights differences in caring responsibilities. While the proportion of both male and female barristers with primary childcare responsibilities has increased, women remain more likely to undertake this role. As of December 2025, 41.2% of female barristers reported primary care responsibilities, compared with 23.2% of male barristers.
Ewen MacLeod, Director of Strategy, Policy and Insights at the Bar Standards Board, said that although progress has been made, disparities remain in progression and representation at senior levels. He stated that improving participation and advancement for underrepresented groups will require continued collaboration across the profession.
The BSB indicated that addressing these disparities remains a priority, with a focus on supporting long-term cultural and structural change within the Bar. The findings reflect ongoing efforts to improve diversity within the legal profession, while underlining the challenges that remain in achieving equal representation, particularly at senior levels.