Jess Connors, Kate Grange and Victoria Butler-Cole from the Chambers 39 Essex Street started an association after carrying out an online survey last year that found a growing demand for a Bar nursery.
Ms Butler-Cole, who has a seven-month-old daughter, said, 'The survey revealed that over 200 barristers and staff were likely to make use of the nursery.'
They hope that the scheme will make it easier for female barristers and their staff to juggle work and childcare in a profession that is traditionally very male-dominated.
Ms Butler-Cole said, 'Many female barristers leave the Bar because they find it difficult to reconcile their work with their family responsibilities. We believe that a conveniently-located nursery will help tackle this problem.'
The lack of childcare facilities in or near the Inns of Court has been recognised as a problem for many years. Now the group has gained the backing of the Bar Council and the four Inns of Court.
A second survey has been distributed to assess demand and find out if other Chambers are interested.
The 39 Essex Street group also hope that other nurseries for the Inns of Court can be set up outside London.
It is likely that a nursery will be run by an external provider and open in 2009-10, offering high quality childcare for infants aged three months to five years, with extended opening from 7am-7pm.
