News Archive

Fees Matters - Contractual Terms Update

The introduction of the new Contractual Terms of Work, as the standard basis upon which counsel will accept instructions from solicitors, has unfortunately been delayed until Autumn 2009. 

Confiscation Hearings: Guidance from the Bar Council

The Bar Council have today published a “Confiscation in Graduated Fee Cases: Protocol for Counsel"

Court Dress: Guidance from Chairman of the Bar Council

The Chairman of the Bar has today issued guidance on court dress regarding the Practice Direction issued by the Lord Chief Justice dated 31 July 2008.

Institute of Ideas and Pfizer Debating Matters Competition Seeks Judges

The judging panel is what makes Debating Matters stand out from other competitions. Judges are now sought for the next competition.

Desmond Browne QC Elected as the next Bar Council Chairman

The current Vice Chairman of the Bar Council, Desmond Browne QC of 5 Raymond Buildings, has been elected Chairman for 2009.   He will take up the post on 1st January.

Chairman of the Bar updates profession on VHCCs

The Chairman of the Bar has written to the profession regarding VHCCs, as the target date of 8 July for outlining a new scheme has now elapsed.

Data Registrations Warning

The Bar Council has received reports that chambers are being approached by a company offering to carry out their registration under the Data Protection Act for a fee.

Parliamentary Briefing on the Criminal Evidence (Witness Anonymity) Bill 2008

The Bar Council has prepared a Parliamentary Briefing on the Criminal Evidence (Witness Anonymity) Bill 2008 which is being taken through its Commons Second Reading stage tomorrow, Tuesday 8 July 2008. Further information is available on this website.

Bar Council responds to the LSC’s ‘Delivery Transformation’ consultation

The Bar Council have responded to the Legal Services Commission’s consultation document Managing Legal Aid Cases in Partnership - Delivery Transformation.

Chairman of the Bar Criticises BBC drama series Criminal Justice

The Chairman of the Bar has criticised the inaccuracate depiction of the Bar in the drama series Criminal Justice which begins on BBC 1 this evening. In a strongly worded condemnation, Timothy Dutton QC said: "Criminal justice is not a game and it is a travesty to suggest that practitioners see it in that way."

The full text of the Press Release is available on this site.