The Barrister Business book

The Barrister Business is a practical, accessible guide written for students, pupils, new tenants and equally valuable for any members seeking a fresh perspective. It covers the key elements of modern practice development.

Drawing on more than a decade of working directly with chambers across England and Wales, the book brings together the core principles, habits and strategies that underpin a successful and sustainable self-employed practice.

The book grew out of the real-world challenges and recurring themes observed in training, coaching and consultancy work with clerks, practice managers and members of chambers over many years. Its aim is to offer clear, constructive guidance that genuinely supports practitioners and reduces some of the frustrations felt across the chambers’ environment.

Whether used as part of a pupillage programme, a chambers training pathway, or individual professional development, Barrister Business provides a grounded and realistic overview of what it takes to thrive at the modern Bar.

We know you didn’t come to the Bar to be a salesperson. That’s why The Barrister Business book and training programme exists: to offer practical, straightforward support for the business side of practice within the unique context of chambers.

Don Turner is the founder of Practice Management Excellence Training (PME Training), the leading provider of management and professional development training for barristers’ chambers across England and Wales. He established PME in 2013, developing a specialist training brand tailored exclusively to chambers.
Over the past decade, Don has delivered industry-recognised training programmes, coaching, and consultancy to professionals at every stage of chambers life; from pupils and junior tenants to senior clerks, directors, and Heads of Chambers. His work covers key areas including business development, personal branding, leadership, networking, and chambers strategy.
Known for his creative, pragmatic, and engaging approach, Don has earned a reputation as a leading voice in practice development within the sector. Through years of conversations, coaching sessions, and strategic work with chambers, he has gained deep insight into the real challenges professionals face and insights that form the foundation of his writing and training today.

We are a small organisation with a clear aim: to support chambers staff and members in practical, straightforward ways. Everything we create is written for the culture of the Bar and designed to reflect the realities of self-employed practice. We pride ourselves on being flexible and responsive to both personal and business needs, and we will go as far as practical to provide a development solution that works for you.