The Barristers' Benevolent Association

20/08/2014

Every year there are barristers who require some form of assistance from the Barristers' Benevolent Association in order to overcome a major problem. The Benevolent Association can respond to calls for assistance without formality and without delays. There are no formal applications, forms, waiting periods, means tests or other predetermined administrative requirements. There have been times when assistance has been provided on the same day as information about a problem became known.

The assistance given is generally financial, but it is not limited to money. Arrangements have been made for legal assistance, independent psychiatric assessment, help with negotiating housing or dealing with aspects of members’ financial problems.

Every aspect of the operation of the Benevolent Association, from the donations made or the provision of assistance, is an expression of the collegiate nature of the life or a group of independent individuals collectively operating as the New South Wales Bar.

Information that a member is in difficulty can come from any source. The most common source of information is from barristers who are aware that a floor member is in difficulty. Very often clerks will make contact, but sometimes family members will make an approach, either directly to a member of the Bar Council or to the executive director. The contact can take the form of a phone call or letter, and is treated with the utmost confidentiality.