Bar Association for Commerce, Finance & Industry (BACFI)
The Bar Association for Commerce, Finance & Industry is the professional body for barristers practising as in-house counsel.
I practised as an in-house counsel from 1984 to 1990. Working for the Xerox Office of General Counsel and then for Sun Microsystems. I was the first in-house counsel hired by Sun outside the US
I joined the BACFI General Committee and became the chairman in 1993. I reformed the BACFI Mission (PDF).
I published Money — the Link Between Business and Law (PDF). the ground breaking technique for valuing contract terms.
BACFI
2 Plowden Building, Middle Temple Lane, London EC4Y 9AT, Tel: 071 583 4937.
How to Join
If you are considering a career in Employed Practice, BACFI can provide you with contacts in commerce, finance and industry.
You can attend BACFI seminars and social events without becoming a member.
There is currently a reduced student membership rate of £10 per year.
For further information and membership details please contact the Secretary of BACFI on (071) 583 4937.
Employed Practice
Industrial and commercial institutions, companies, public bodies and business organisations of all kinds employ lawyers. Indeed, the majority of barristers called each year do not pursue careers in independent practice.
The areas of law that you will deal with depend on the nature of the organisation that you join. You can become a specialist in a defined area or become a generalist. Some Companies will want you to combine your legal role with that of company secretary.
Work in employed practice is usually practical and business orientated, but rarely dull. If you enjoy finding practical solutions as well as legal answers, can react quickly to situations as they arise, can work in a team and are interested in commerce, finance and industry then employed practice could be for you.
BACFI can provide you with a network of useful contacts, career development advice and other information.
Practising Certificate
The General Council of the Bar of England and Wales hereby declares that Mr Stephen Antony Allott, an employed barrister, is authorised to undertake the following reserved legal activities, subject to compliance with the relevant provisions of the BSB Handbook which includes the Code of Conduct for barristers:
- The exercise of rights of audience before every court in relation to all proceedings
- Probate Activities
- Reserved Instrument Activities
- Administration Of Oaths
- Immigration Work
This certificate is valid from 22 June 2026 until 30 April 2027.