Leading set Wilberforce Chambers has raised the spectre of commercial and Chancery barristers breaking away from the Bar and even becoming solicitor-advocates if the Bar Council presses ahead with plans to impose a £3.5m training levy on wealthy barristers.

The warning comes as the Bar Council prepares to meet this Saturday (16 November) to debate Sir Robin Mountfield’s controversial plan for a levy to be imposed on barristers earning more than £100,000 to help train needy students.