“The book is beautifully written … It provides the perfect blend of personal stories told with good humour and searing honesty, aimed not only at would be/ new/ seasoned barrister parents, but also their clerks, colleagues, opponents, leaders and judges. Peppered with shared data and experience from the 250 surveyed, it reassures any working parent barrister that they are not alone.” - Nikki Alderson, International Talent Retention and Women's Leadership Development Specialist, Coach and Trainer


Baby at the Bar provides comprehensive guidance for barristers at the self-employed Bar embarking on the parenting journey, or already on it, addressing not only the immediate considerations, such as taking and returning from maternity/parental leave, but also the years and evolving challenges which follow. The authors build on the collective wisdom of over 250 barristers, women and men, from across all areas of law and levels of call, who shared their insight, advice and strategies in response to the authors' research survey. The book rectifies a previous absence of such information.

In addition to being a source of reassurance and guidance for those seeking it, the book highlights how the profession could help. It encourages more supportive practices in chambers, amongst colleagues, opponents and the judiciary, by sharing what works, what can be improved, and what needs to end. The result is an unvarnished account of the challenges facing those at the self-employed Bar with parenting responsibilities, designed to encourage open and honest discussion about where the solutions lie.

Find out more at babyatthebar.co.uk

This title is included in Bloomsbury Professional's Employment Law online service.

Emma Price, barrister, 5 Essex Chambers, UK
Emma has a civil and public law practice, specialising in inquests and inquiries, civil claims (including human rights claims), judicial review, data and information law and personal injury. Emma is on the Attorney General's A Panel of Counsel. She is ranked as a leading junior in Inquests and Inquiries by Chambers UK and the Legal 500 and was named Junior of the year in the Legal 500 UK Bar awards in 2024.

Emma-Louise Fenelon, barrister, 1 Crown Office Row, UK
Emma-Louise practises in civil, public and human rights law. She is listed as a leading junior by the Directories in inquest and public inquiries, personal injury and clinical negligence, and is a member of the Attorney General's B Panel. She co-hosts the podcast Law Pod UK, which has 980,000 listens. In 2024 Emma was named Barrister of the Year at the Women In Law awards.