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Published on
7/1/2025

Buying in to Chambers for the First Time – What Do I Need to Know?

Business Finance
Published on
7/1/2025
Business Finance
Published
2 Jul
2025
Authored by: Darrel Causbrook
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Jacob Sutcliffe
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Buying into chambers is one of the most significant milestones in a barrister’s early career. At the Bar, it’s more than just securing a workspace — it’s an investment in your long-term practice, a vote of confidence in your future, and, sometimes, a daunting financial commitment.

This article sets out what you need to know — from chambers models to financing options.

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How Does Chambers Membership Work at the Sydney Bar?

In Sydney, most barristers who wish to secure long-term accommodation must obtain membership in a Barristers Chambers. This is typically achieved by buying a room — in practice, purchasing shares in the corporate entity behind the chambers.

These shares usually entitle the holder to:

  • Occupy a specific room within the chambers,
  • Vote on floor matters (depending on the constitution), and
  • Incur obligations such as floor fees, clerk fees, and, in some models, rent or levies.

Importantly, these shares are usually acquired from an outgoing member. There is no central marketplace, so awareness, relationships, and timing are critical.

Three Common Chambers Models at the Sydney Bar

1. High Capital Buy-In

  • High capital buy-in ($100k–$500k for a standard room)
  • No monthly rent
  • Members pay floor fees and a monthly maintenance levy (typically $1,500–$2,000)
  • Shareholding often conveys influence over strategic decisions

2. Commercial Lease + Buy-In

  • Requires payment of a modest capital amount (key money) — often $10k–$100k
  • Monthly rent obligations
  • Ongoing floor/clerk fees
  • Structure may vary significantly by floor

3. Commercial Lease, No Buy-In

  • No capital outlay to join
  • Members pay rent and floor/clerk fees
  • Often attractive for newer barristers or those seeking flexibility

Financing Your Chambers Purchase

Buying a room is often the first major financial transaction a junior barrister faces.

Considerations include:

  • Equity financing: If you own a home, you may be able to redraw or refinance your mortgage
  • Commercial loans: Often structured as interest-only loans with long terms
  • Specialist brokers: Choose advisors who understand chambers share structures and sole trader income profiles

Ask upfront about likely capital costs, monthly obligations, and any future refurbishments. The earlier you prepare, the better your financing outcome.

Legal, Structural & Lease Considerations

Understand the Shareholders Agreement

This governs:

  • Your rights and obligations (e.g. voting, capital calls)
  • How fees and rent are apportioned
  • Liability for shared debts and major works

Ask:

  • Will you be liable for any bank guarantees?
  • How are rent shortfalls handled if there are empty rooms?

Check the Lease Terms (for leased premises)

  • Length remaining (short leases may depress room values)
  • Annual rent increases (CPI or market review)
  • “Make good” obligations at lease end

Practical Questions to Ask

What room is on offer?

If it’s not the smallest available room, ask why. Could it be hard to sell later?

What’s the floor culture like?

Collegiality, mentorship, and support for juniors can make a big difference to your practice.

What policies exist for parental or personal leave?

Can you pause your fees or sublet your room?

Is room sharing allowed?

Particularly relevant if you plan to work part-time or remotely.

Is the chambers planning renovations?

Will this involve levies or increased fees?

What Work Can You Expect?

Some chambers offer more than infrastructure — they offer opportunity.

If seniors and juniors on the floor are busy, you may benefit from:

  • Overflow work
  • Informal mentoring
  • Collaborative advocacy

Speak to barristers at your level already on the floor. Their experiences are the most accurate barometer.

The Human Element: Culture and Community

The right chambers is more than just the right location or the best price, it's:

A community — people you admire and enjoy working near

A support system — sounding boards for legal problems and business advice

A brand — that shapes how solicitors and clients perceive you

How Causbrooks Finance Can Help You Buy Into Chambers

At Causbrooks Finance, we specialise in helping barristers navigate the unique financial challenges of life at the Bar — including financing chambers buy-ins. Whether you're purchasing a room in chambers on the Selborne model, securing a place in leased premises, or structuring your borrowing to optimise tax deductibility, we understand how to support sole traders with irregular income. From commercial lending advice to tailored loan strategies, our team brings deep experience in working with legal professionals at all stages of practice.

If you're considering buying into chambers, we're here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

This category can cover topics such as record-keeping, journal entries, ledger maintenance, bank reconciliations, and other bookkeeping tasks that are essential to accurate accounting.

About Causbrooks Finance

At Causbrooks Finance, we help business owners and investors secure smarter lending solutions — from SMSF loans and commercial property finance to home loans and business lending. We combine deep financial expertise with practical lending advice to help you borrow with confidence and structure loans that work for your long-term goals.

Disclaimer

The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes only. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice. All lending services are rendered by Zelos Finance Group, which is a Credit Representative (CRN 566666) of Finsure Finance and Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 72 068 153 926). Lending services are authorised by Finsure Finance and Insurance Pty Ltd, Australian Credit Licence Number 384704.

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