St John’s Chambers is pleased to announce the introduction of a new enhanced Parental Leave Policy, reinforcing our commitment to supporting members and pupils at every stage of their careers and ensuring that becoming a parent or carer does not come at the expense of their practice.
The new policy has been designed to ensure that barristers can take time away from practice to fulfil caring responsibilities without unnecessary financial or professional pressure. It applies to members taking leave following birth, adoption, surrogacy or shared parental arrangements, and also provides support where a child is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
The enhanced policy combines practical and financial support with tailored practice management, helping members to plan for leave, stay connected with Chambers if they wish, and return to practice in a way that is both sustainable and flexible.
Amongst the enhanced benefits are:
- Up to 24 months parental or shared parental leave from Chambers. All parental leave is rent-free, helping to reduce financial pressures while away from practice.
- An additional rent-free period on returning to practice for members who take at least four months parental leave.
- A six-month rent rebate for members taking six months or more parental leave, with flexibility over how the rebate is received.
- Professional coaching on returning to practice for members taking six months or more parental leave.
- Tailored rent arrangements and flexible working options to support a gradual return to practice.
- The ability for pupils to defer pupillage, without affecting the overall pupillage award, subject to regulatory requirements.
The first members to benefit from this new policy and its coaching programme are Olivia Pike and Ben Handy. Olivia and Ben are receiving coaching from Nikki Alderson of Nikki Alderson Coaching as part of their return to practice. Nikki practised at the Bar for over 19 years and now delivers specialist talent retention and leadership coaching for barristers’ chambers and law firms across the UK.
“This policy reflects our long-term commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive culture where talented barristers can thrive at every stage of their careers. By combining meaningful financial support with tailored coaching and flexible practice management, we hope to make returning to the Bar after parental leave a more positive and sustainable experience. We want our members to know that they do not have to choose between building a successful practice and their family.”
Richard Khaldi, CEO of St John’s Chambers
The introduction of the enhanced Parental Leave Policy forms part of St John’s Chambers’ wider commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and the long-term success of its members and pupils. Find out more about our new policy here.