The Bar - "A National Resource Promoting Access to Justice" The Bar Council Launches New Guide to the Circuits
18 November 2008
The national reach of the Bar of England and Wales is highlighted in a brand new guide to the profession throughout the regions, launched today.
The Bar Council, in conjunction with the six Bar Circuits of England and Wales, and the European Circuit, has launched The Guide to the Circuits in hard copy and online at www.barcouncil.org.uk.
There are nearly 15,000 practising barristers across the country. The profession of specialist referral advocates and advisers is as large as it has ever been and includes over 3,000 who work in commerce, industry and for organisations and public bodies.
The Guide reflects the changing face of the Bar. Over 50% of those now entering the profession are women, 18% entering pupillage are from non-white backgrounds, and around 70% of barristers are non-Oxbridge. Today’s publication forms part of a wider communications campaign which is being undertaken by the Bar Council to modernise the image of the profession, which includes a major BBC2 documentary series 'The Barristers' starting on 14th November.
The new publication provides a valuable insight into the work carried out by barristers throughout the country, and highlights the unique role of the Circuits within the justice system.
The Guide also contains dedicated sections on each of the Circuits with contributions from each of the Circuit Leaders. These individual chapters focus on aspects unique to each Circuit, their histories and key recent developments, as well as their work within local communities.
In addition, the Guide provides information about the Bar Pro Bono Unit, the Bar in Europe, the Employed Bar and the Specialist Bar Associations.
A key objective of the Guide is to inform those considering a career at the Bar and to demonstrate the variety of backgrounds of those practising across the Circuits. Personal insights are provided by young barristers practising on each of the Circuits. They explain how they came to pursue a career in the law and the various projects they are involved in, to encourage those considering a career in law. These personal insights explain what a student can expect from a career at the Bar. These young barristers also offer practical advice based on their own experiences.
The Guide to the Circuits also contains contact details for each of the Circuits, along with details of courts and chambers.
Timothy Dutton QC, commenting on the launch of the Guide, said:
“The Circuits are the lifeblood of the Bar as this Guide shows.
“It also reflects the extent to which the profession is now a national resource promoting access to justice, through the provision of specialist advocacy and advisory services.
“Barristers perform a vital role throughout the country in the administration of justice, and they make a valuable contribution to the communities in which they live and work.
“I hope that The Guide to the Circuits will give the general public, as wellas those with whom we work, a better understanding of the profession.”
