I want to leave the bar

Some general observations on dealing with people in your situation.

It is a brave move. However, it is the right move if you are very sure that it is not working and nobody will know that better than you. Out of interest - if you want to say - how long ago were you called ?

There are always job opportunities for barristers who have retired from the field of play. Large financial institutions will have positions for lawyers in house. I don't know the current position but there used to be a good range of opportunities in the public/civil service for similarly qualified people.

A particular acquaintance of mine was in practice for nearly 20 years. Although he had a good practice in his particular field he was just not enjoying it any longer. He took up a position in a particular government department as a lawyer. He enjoyed the change and the new work which gave him plenty of good challenges and a lot of job satisfaction.

The practical benefit of becoming a salary slave is that you no longer have to worry about where the next brief is coming from, paying for professional indemnity insurance, providing for a pension from your own funds, permanent health insurance if you could get it and so on. However, you need to be very aware that some engagements may only be on a fixed period contract as distinct from the proverbial permanent post.

Consider staying in the legal profession and become a solicitor instead. I am aware of a few individuals who did that and it worked out.

Finally, if you are leaving the bar be careful to organise run off cover on your professional indemnity insurance. This would arise as professional indemnity insurance is underwritten on a claims made basis. Run off cover deals with the situation of any claim being made after you leave practice.

Good hunting whatever you choose to do.