The Bar Standards Board

Unlike the ombudsman, the Bar Standards Board is there to oversee the conduct of barristers.

So, the BSB can investigate and penalize a barrister for poor conduct whether or not the barrister concerned is engaged by you, or someone else, or nobody at all. This is not dependent on a contract between the person complaining and the barrister.

To make a complaint to the BSB you will need:

• The barrister’s name and professional address.
• The basis on which you are making your complaint.
• A factual summary of the complaint.

For advice on how to complain go to the BSB website: www.barstandardsboard.org.uk.

Please refer to the BSB link ‘reporting concerns about barristers’.

For more information on how the Public Access scheme works go to Public Access guidance for the public

To search the list of registered Barristers go to The Barristers Register

To learn more about Barristers and to get guidance go to The Bar Standards Board Information About Baristers

Or call the BSB on 0207 611 1444.

Or email them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.