The disciplinary procedure was the result of a staff survey designed to develop ways of improving the service on offer to instructing solicitors. After the introduction, complaints plummeted. St Philip's Chambers in Birmingham is following Doughty Street's lead by introducing termination provisions into its new constitution, which is currently being devised. However, many still argue that such practice does not suit the bar and that the Bar Council is not prepared to insist on chambers having termination provisions, although BarMark does at least require sets to have a constitution. It recommends chambers offer a remedy that is both fair and reasonable.
Chambers face all sorts of barriers to running themselves as businesses.
Barristers are allowed to join the bench without prior notice or without completing their cases, which can have an adverse effect on any set's income. Discipline is obviously another major issue. The Bar Council does issue guidelines covering sex and race discrimination and harassment issues. While some argue that self-regulation works, others argue that stricter penalties should be imposed for misconduct. While many sets do pay their pupils handsomely, are well structured and will not suffer improper behaviour, others still have no procedures or sanctions in place to deal with complaints, misconduct or termination.