InBrief

The Bar Association has revised the way it classifies the areas of practice listed on “Find a Barrister”. The new categories and sub-categories more accurately reflect the nature of barristers’ practices. Members can nominate up to seven principal areas of practice, and an unlimited number of sub-categories under each primary area. This system provides more specific guidance for solicitors and others who use the facility to find those barristers most appropriate to their particular circumstances.

Without practice areas, clients might not find you

The areas of practice listed on the old Find a Barrister facility ceased on 30 April. If you haven't replaced them, there is a chance that solicitors and others might not find you. Furthermore, some Bar Association notices are sent to members practising in a particular area of law, say mediation, and if your entry on Find a Barrister is incomplete you might miss out.

How to amend your practice areas

• Log in to the members' section of the Bar Association website, click on MEMBER SIGN IN on the top right hand corner of the home page.

• At the SIGN IN page, enter your username and password. In most cases, this will be the same as your CPD video streaming login. If you are unaware of either or both details, click on Unknown username or password? and follow the prompts.

• If your sign in is successful, it will say WELCOME [NAME] the top right corner of the home page.

• Click on the cog wheel next to your name. This will deposit you on the Member Dashboard page.

• Here, you can attach a photo of yourself and update the practice areas. The photo must be current and suitable for your professional profile, not one which might be used for social media purposes.

• Remember, clicking on a broad area of practice automatically selects every sub-category. It is up to you to "un-select" the narrower practice areas that do not relate to you. It is advisable to keep the selection of the broad area of practice in order for a more general search to locate you. For example: If you select Common law / personal injury, but do not do appellate or professional negligence matters, then unselect those two sub-categories, while being sure to retain Common law / personal injury.

• When you have finished your practice area selection, log out of the member dashboard.

If you have tried these steps, and still are unable to add or amend your practice areas, contact the Bar Association on ph: (02) 9232 4055 for further assistance.