Complaints against barristers’ social media conduct more than double
Complaints against barristers’ conduct on social media to the bar watchdog have more than doubled, largely driven by online commentary about the Gaza conflict and gender rights. In its 2025/26 report, the Bar Standards Board, which oversees over 18,000 English and Welsh barristers, said it assessed 279 complaints of social media conduct over the past [...]
The Bar Standards Board reported that complaints about barristers' social media behavior have more than doubled in the past year, according to its 2025/26 report. The majority of these complaints, totaling 192, were related to commentary on the Israel and Palestine conflict, followed by 43 complaints concerning social media posts about gender rights, representing a 29% increase from the previous year.
The Bar Standards Board oversees over 18,000 barristers in England and Wales. The watchdog defines potential breaches of its official conduct guidelines, which include discriminatory comments targeting specific groups and endorsing offensive content without denouncing it. The Bar Standards Board's director general, Phil Golding, acknowledged that the increased volume of reports has affected the regulator's efficiency and timeliness targets, but emphasized the commitment to improve the service provided.
Social media has become a platform for many barristers and lawyers to share their thoughts and gain professional opportunities, while 'legal influencers' or 'lawfluencers' have emerged, sharing content and advice online. However, the rise of social media has also led to criticism, with some trainee lawyers monetizing "advice" and offering "mentorship" to aspiring candidates, leading to backlash from industry veterans who argue the practice is exploitative.
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