As Many Barristers' Chambers Look To Modernise and Adapt, Key Talent Unlocks The Potential
At Membership Bespoke, we’ve built our reputation as trusted specialists in recruitment for membership-focused organisations. But in recent years, we’ve also become increasingly embedded in the legal sector, as Barristers’ Chambers turn to us for support in sourcing high-calibre professionals across business services functions.
It’s not hard to see why. The legal sector has grown by 50% over the past decade, contributing over £57 billion in gross value added to the UK economy, and employing more than half a million people directly and indirectly. As chambers grow in scale and complexity, so too does the need for experienced, specialist staff behind the scenes.
You'll notice the challenges especially in the areas listed below, where we shine thanks to our extensive and diverse network of candidates. This means you're not just limited to your networks, referrals, or any legal recruitment agencies that focus on clerks and support staff.
- Marketing
- Communications
- Membership
- Events
- Finance
That’s why we’re proud to now be members of the Legal Practice Management Association (LPMA) -an important step that reflects both our growing involvement in the sector and our commitment to supporting chambers with the challenges they face today.
The Current Recruitment Landscape for Barristers’ Chambers (June 2025)
The recruitment picture for chambers right now is competitive, and in some areas, quite testing. But none of it is insurmountable. What we’re seeing are patterns that reflect a broader shift in candidate expectations and workplace culture across the legal sector.
- Competing for top talent
Chambers are no longer just up against each other, they’re also competing with law firms, consultancies, and membership bodies with more modern infrastructure and often more generous packages. The legal sector has seen salaries rise by up to 30% in some areas since 2021, and that has a knock-on effect across all roles, not just fee-earners.
- Hybrid expectations are now standard
Around 40% of UK organisations currently offer hybrid working arrangements, and the number of businesses that require their staff to be fully on site has halved since the pandemic. That’s changed how candidates evaluate roles. Many expect flexibility as standard, and as such are quick to walk away from arrangements that feel outdated - especially when similar roles in other sectors offer more balance.
- Visibility and brand perception
Most chambers still rely on word-of-mouth or networks to source talent, but in a candidate’s market, your online presence matters. Without a visible culture or employer brand, it’s harder to reach professionals outside the legal world who could bring real value.
- Progression and pay
Flat structures and modest packages can make it harder to compete - particularly in roles where candidates are used to clearer development paths and broader organisational support. In a market where people are increasingly looking for long-term growth as well as day-to-day fit, that can be a deciding factor. Looking to see how your Barristers’ Chambers salaries stack up? Download our 2025 Salary Guide here.
Predictions for Q3 2025 and Beyond
As we head into the second half of the year, we’re expecting chambers to focus more on adaptability - particularly when it comes to resourcing support roles. Specifically, we’re predicting:
1. An uptick in temporary and interim hiring
Chambers are increasingly turning to short-term support to manage seasonal pressures, particularly around events, audits, and cover for leave. It’s a flexible way to maintain delivery without long-term headcount commitments. Need interim support? We’re the experts.
2. A renewed focus on employer value propositions (EVPs)
More chambers are reviewing how they present themselves as employers. From rethinking job descriptions to clarifying flexible working arrangements, there’s a growing awareness that culture, clarity and tone all matter in a candidate’s market. Studies back this up too, Gartner found that a strong EVP can reduce turnover by nearly 70%, and increase “new hire commitment” by up to 29%.
3. Project-based recruitment across specialist disciplines
We’re seeing growing demand for candidates in areas like digital marketing, communications and CRM - often for fixed-term or campaign-led roles. These are targeted hires, made with specific outcomes in mind, and they’re becoming more common.
How We Help Solve These Challenges at Membership Bespoke
We really understand the nuances of working with Barristers’ Chambers. Not just the roles themselves, but the culture, pace, and expectations that sit around them. Here’s how we support chambers in finding the right people, quickly and effectively:
1. Sector-specific insight
Our 2025 Salary Guide includes data tailored to Barristers Chambers, helping you pitch roles competitively and understand what today’s candidates are really looking for, from hybrid working to progression.
2. Flexible hiring support
From interim roles to fixed-term projects, we can provide experienced professionals who slot in quickly. Our vetted interim candidates are talented, available, and have experience in membership, regulatory, or purpose-led organisations.
3. Access to the widest, most diverse pool of top candidates
Our extensive database is rich with professionals used to navigating complex, stakeholder-heavy environments. They're not just skilled, they’re also the right cultural fit for chambers.
4. Practical brand advice
We help chambers refine how they present roles, from job descriptions to tone and format, so the right people engage from the start.
As our client, Mark Ballinger, Head of Communications and Marketing at Twenty Essex, recently put it:
“Membership Bespoke ran an excellent and efficient recruitment campaign for two executive posts in our marketing team. They understood quickly how the membership ethos translates into the barrister chambers environment, adapted their longlists to our feedback, and put forward some strong and straightforwardly appointable candidates.”
Let’s Talk
Whether you’re planning ahead or facing a last-minute gap, we’re here to help. From experienced marketing leads to confident operations managers, we know how to find people who’ll thrive in a Chambers setting - and make your life a bit easier in the process.
We’re excited to support more Barristers’ Chambers throughout 2025. Get in touch today for a no obligation consultation with our specialists - no pressure, just honest advice.