Press Archive

New Bar Standards Board Chair and Vice-Chair Announced

The Bar Council has today announced that, after an open competition run by an Appointments Panel, Baroness Ruth Deech has been appointed as the new Chair of the Bar Standards Board, and that Sir Geoffrey Nice QC will be the Vice-Chairman taking up their posts from 1st January 2009 in succession to Ruth Evans and George Leggatt QC.

Legal clients ‘can save money and get better service’ by using the Bar directly

New report and day of events highlight benefits of direct access

Attorney General Delivers Annual Law Reform Lecture

The Annual Law Reform Lecture will be delivered on Thursday 20th November, with the Attorney General, the Rt Hon Baroness Scotland of Asthal QC, delivering a speech entitled ‘Justice for All: closing the gap for fraud victims’.  

The Bar - A National Resource Promoting Access to Justice The Bar Council Launches New Guide to the Circuits

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.

Bar Council Works to Attract New Generation of Talented Barristers

As a major new documentary is broadcast tonight on BBC2, detailing life at the Bar for aspiring barristers, the Bar Council is announcing the progress made on increasing diversity at the Bar. Duncan Matthews QC, the Chair of the Neuberger Monitoring and Implementation Group, will tomorrow present the first report on the implementation of the recommendations which were set out in Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury’s 2007 report.

A Bar Council and Law Society Delegation is to Visit China to Promote International Best Practice and Cooperation in Environmental Law and International Legal Practice

A Bar Council and Law Society delegation will visit Chongqing, Tianjin and Beijing from 16th to 21st November 2008.  The visit is a continuation of the longstanding relationship between the legal professions in China and the UK and will on this occasion focus on  important aspects of  environmental law and international dispute resolution. 

The Bar's Efforts To Secure A Diverse Profession For The Long-Term Reflected In Intimate Portrait Of Life At The Bar

The first episode of a major new documentary will be broadcast this Friday on BBC 2.  The Barristers is an intimate portrait which details life at the Bar from aspiring barristers through to senior silks. 

2008 Bar Conference & Exhibition

Multinationalism and Multiculturalism – Tomorrow's World?

Tim Dutton QC, the Chairman of the Bar, has called for a renewed focus on protecting the most vulnerable members of society and ensuring that diversity, within society and the Bar itself, is celebrated and encouraged.  Speaking on the eve of the annual Bar Conference, which this year explores the theme of multiculturalism and multinationalism, he said:

Access To Justice In Afghanistan Projecy Team Wins Pro Bono Award 2008

The Access to Justice in Afghanistan Project Team has won the 2008 Sydney Elland Goldsmith Bar Pro Bono Award.

James Lewis and Clive Coleman Scoop The Bar Council Legal Reporting Awards for 2007-2008

James Lewis, writing for Legal Business, and Clive Coleman, of BBC Radio Four, have won the Bar Council’s Legal Reporting Awards for 2007 - 2008.