The Bar Council

It discharges its regulatory functions through the independent Bar Standards Board. It represents the Bar by:

• Promoting the specialist advocacy and advisory services of barristers;
• Ensuring access to justice on terms that are fair both to the public and practitioners;
• Promoting the high quality training and professional development of all barristers to ensure the highest standards of practice and ethical behaviour;
• Working for the efficient and cost-effective administration of justice; 
• Encouraging access to, and diversity within, the profession so that it is open to all people of ability whatever their background; and  
• Strengthening and developing the work and the values of the Bar at home and abroad.

• Future of the Bar
• Prepare for Change
• Find a Barrister
• 3rd Six Pupillage Vacancies
• Member Benefits
• Upcoming Conferences
• CPD Courses and Events

News

Proposed changes to the Practising Certificate Fee for 2011/12
(26 August 2010)

We would strongly encourage all barristers to read the attached note, which provides a detailed explanation of proposed changes to the Practising Certificate Fee for 2011/12. We would welcome feedback from all practitioners to 2011budget@barcouncil.org.uk.       

Bar Pro Bono Award 2010 – nominations now invited
(24 August 2010)

Pro bono has never been more important or more appreciated than in current times.

The selflessness shown by individuals who give up their time for free to assist others in need deserves recognition.

VHCC Scheme from July 2010
(11 August 2010)

The criminal Very High Cost Cases (VHCC) Panel Scheme expired on the 13th July and has been replaced with an individual case contract arrangement. 

Prepare for Change
(3 August 2010)

Direct Contracting: The Future of the Criminal Bar

In March of this year, under the last Government, the Ministry of Justice issued a paper entitled “Restructuring the delivery of criminal defence services”.  This contemplates a major rationalisation of criminal defence contracts.

Bar Council Kicks Off Week of Events to Promote Entry to the Bar
(8 July 2010)

The Bar Council, which represents barristers in England and Wales, is launching a week-long programme of events aimed at promoting and enhancing better access to the profession.

Bar Council backs Clarke over Prison Reform
(30 June 2010)

Nicholas Green QC, the Chairman of the Bar Council, which represents barristers in England and Wales, has said the Bar Council is willing to lend its support to the Secretary of State for Justice, Ken Clarke QC MP, as he makes tough and potentially unpopular decisions regarding the prison system, though they must lead to a better and more efficient administration of justice.