Access to justice - follow the money

Stephen Kinsella discusses the important work of Law for Change in a time when access to justice is in crisis.

  • 15 March 2024
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Palaces of Justice or just places?

Philip Stott writes about his experience working as a barrister in the crumbling criminal court estate in London and the need for sustained investment.

  • 13 March 2024
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Inspiring inclusion at the Bar for International Women's Day

Bar Council committee chairs share their thoughts for IWD24

  • 7 March 2024
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Raising practitioner awareness of the Retained EU Law Act 2023

Evanna Fruithof highlights the impact that this new UK legislation may have on the advice barristers give to their clients.

  • 6 March 2024
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Why visibility at the Bar is so important

Marking LGBT+ History Month, Jody Klaire writes about the importance of representation, drawing inspiration from the barristers she admires and her own experiences.

  • 29 February 2024
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Dealing with rejection when applying for pupillage

Pupil supervisor Linda Turnbull discusses what to do when encountering rejection at each stage of the pupillage application process.

  • 27 February 2024
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Moving the needle on the diversity dial

The North Eastern Circuit Scholarship Fund is finally moving the needle on the diversity dial and can be adopted by other circuits nationwide, says barrister Glenn Parsons in a guest blog for the Bar Council.

  • 21 February 2024
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Judge led action is future-proofing judicial diversity

Martin Forde KC explains how the Judicial Targeted Outreach programme works.

  • 7 February 2024
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Dispelling myths about transferring to different parts of the Bar

Barrister Charlotte Pope-Williams answers some of the most frequently asked questions about transferring between different forms of practice at the Bar.

  • 7 February 2024
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Pupillage at the employed Bar: day in the life of a pupil barrister at HMRC

A pupil barrister at HMRC Solicitor’s Office lays out what he gets up to in a typical day.

  • 29 January 2024
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“We must come together as one Bar to tackle inappropriate behaviour”: Attorney General reacts to Bar Council report on bullying, harassment and discrimination

Rt Hon Victoria Prentis KC MP responds to the report and urges the Bar to submit feedback and ideas to the review.

  • 24 January 2024
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Pupillage at the employed Bar: insight into pupillage at the Nursing and Midwifery Council

Hear from a pupil, pupil supervisors and the head of the pupillage scheme at the Nursing and Midwifery Council in this blog from our series on pupillage at the employed Bar.

  • 23 January 2024
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Treasury Solicitor: I value the close engagement we have on common issues

Treasury Solicitor Susanna McGibbon responds to new Chair Sam Townend KC's inaugural speech.

  • 11 January 2024
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Pupillage at the employed Bar: demystifying the process

Barrister David Fardy and pupil barrister Carlé Aven-Kamal share their respective experiences on undertaking employed pupillage.

  • 10 January 2024
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Top tips on completing your Pupillage Gateway application from Mark Harries KC

Barrister and advocacy trainer Mark Harries KC shares his guidance on completing the Pupillage Gateway application.

  • 2 January 2024
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Make the most of your Pupillage Gateway application: References and bespoke questions

This blog explores how to complete the references and bespoke questions sections of your Pupillage Gateway application.

  • 15 December 2023
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Make the most of your Pupillage Gateway application: Extenuating circumstances

This blog discusses how to complete the extenuating circumstances section of you Pupillage Gateway application.

  • 14 December 2023
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Criminal Bar Association Chair on behaviour and standards at the criminal Bar

Tana Adkin KC discusses how and why integrity should remain at the heart of the profession

  • 13 December 2023
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Make the most of your Pupillage Gateway application: Extracurricular activities and awards

This blog explores how to complete the scholarships and awards, and the Interests and recreational activities sections of your Pupillage Gateway application.

  • 13 December 2023
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Make the most of your Pupillage Gateway application: Education history

This blog explores how to complete and make the most of the Education history section of your Pupillage Gateway application.

  • 12 December 2023
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Make the most of your Pupillage Gateway application: Employment and work experience history

This blog discusses how to complete and make the most of the Employment and work experience history section of your Pupillage Gateway application.

  • 11 December 2023
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Pupillage at the employed bar: Day in the life of a Crown Prosecutor

Crown Prosecutor Alice Holloway discusses the benefits of practising at the CPS and shares what a typical working day looks like.

  • 8 December 2023
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The 10,000 Black Interns (10KBI) Programme: ‘A unique platform to break through barriers’

The 10,000 Interns Foundation provides paid internships for Black students and graduates through the 10,000 Black Interns (10KBI) Programme. The exposure to life at the Bar from an array of perspectives has proven to be invaluable to interns. Here, some of 2023’s interns share their thoughts and reflections on their experiences.

  • 29 November 2023
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Pupillage at the employed Bar: Citibank

An interview with Sharon Blackman OBE, Head of FX Legal at Citi and Corinna McClune, Citi's Sanctions, AML and Anti-Bribery Counsel and Senior Vice President.

  • 29 November 2023
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Do chambers need greater regulation, or just better support?

The Bar Council has been exploring the question of chambers management and regulation. Our Director of Services, Carolyn Entwistle, outlines the background and the steps that we are taking to improve our support in this area.

  • 17 November 2023
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International Bar Association’s Annual Conference, Paris 2023: key highlights and takeaways

The annual International Bar Association’s (IBA) Conference, held this year in Paris from 29 October to 3 November, is the leading conference for legal professionals. This blog explores key highlights and takeaways from the week.

  • 13 November 2023
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Bar in the Community: how and why to get involved

What is the Bar in the Community initiative? Learn about how it works, and why you should get involved.

  • 10 November 2023
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The ups and downs of pro bono work

Family barrister Sarah Philimore writes about the difficulties of pro bono work, from keeping schemes afloat to lawyers’ objections and even hostility towards pro bono work.

  • 9 November 2023
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Pro Bono Week: How pro bono makes a real difference

Jo Brown, of 4PB, reveals that while undertaking pro bono work can be a ‘run of the mill’ small commitment, the impact for the client can be immeasurable.

  • 9 November 2023
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Giving a voice to the voiceless: the benefits of pro bono and how to get involved

Barrister Karl Anderson discusses his experience of undertaking pro bono work, and urges colleagues to volunteer in what can be 'life changing' work, both for clients and for legal professionals themselves.

  • 8 November 2023
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East Africa Business Development Visit 2023: ‘The Bar can collaborate on international legal projects in all areas of law’

Barrister Hammad Baig discusses the Bar Council’s East Africa visit, where the message was spread that “the Bar is equipped with the skills to collaborate on international legal projects in all areas of law whether it be arbitration, tax or international contractual disputes”.

  • 7 November 2023
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Pro Bono Week: the power of pro bono

Frances Ridout, Director of Queen Mary Legal Advice Centre, says there is still further that we can go as self-employed or employed barristers to contribute to the pro bono landscape.

  • 7 November 2023
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Pro bono costs orders: An ‘easy and straightforward’ way to increase resources

As part of Pro Bono Week 2023, Davina Patel, the Senior Development Officer at the Access to Justice Foundation, writes about pro bono costs orders and how they can help secure access to justice for clients from marginalised communities.

  • 6 November 2023
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If it looks like a duck – the new test for conducting litigation?

Baxter v Doble has caused concern to some public access barristers and the extent to which the definition of the conduct of litigation will impact on public access practice is unclear. In a guest blog for the Bar Council, Andrew Granville Stafford explains the issues.

  • 1 November 2023
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A ‘comprehensive’ Guide to Mediation Advocacy for the Bar

Michel Kallipetis KC introduces the Bar Council’s new Mediation Guidance.

  • 31 October 2023
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Black women leaders at the Bar

Barristers Natasha Shotunde, Elaine Banton and Barbara Mills KC in conversation with the Bar Council’s Equality and Diversity Policy Analyst Mariam Diaby for Black History Month.

  • 18 October 2023
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The Western Circuit Women’s Forum

The Co-Chair of the Western Circuit Women’s Forum, barrister Emma Cross, explains its remit, research and campaigns.

  • 18 October 2023
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Strengthening legal ties with a visit to Mexico

Barrister Frederico Singarajah and the Bar Council's Melisha Charles explain the international work strengthening ties between the UK and Mexico.

  • 18 October 2023
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‘Seen to be done’: CourtWatch comes to London

All too often, important decisions impacting people’s lives and liberty happen without public scrutiny, that’s why Transform Justice launched CourtWatch London.

  • 3 October 2023
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Chambers’ scholarships and social mobility

A guest blog by Lucy Garrett KC and Sarah Williams about the Keating Chambers and Gray’s Inn social mobility scholarship.

  • 20 September 2023
  • Blog

Why we need the Enforced Disappearance Legal Database

The European Human Rights Advocacy Centre (EHRAC) has litigated cases involving enforced disappearance for twenty years.

  • 20 September 2023
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A new approach to RASSO cases

In this guest blog, Director of Public Prosecutions Max Hill KC explains what the changes means for practitioners working on RASSO cases.

  • 26 July 2023
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Building meaningful connections at the Black Counsel Forum

This Autumn the Black Counsel Forum is back, building on the success of last year’s event. Lewitt Nurse explains what’s in store and picks out some highlights from BCF 2022.

  • 26 July 2023
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Six key takeaways from the Bar Social Mobility Summit

Sa'ad Hossain KC summarises the excellent discussions at the first Bar Social Mobility Summit

  • 20 July 2023
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Bar Placement Scheme 2023: "Every preconception I had was incorrect" by Harry Folland

Read Harry Folland's reflections on his week with the Bar Placement Scheme, and how it challenged his ideas about what life at the Bar is really like.

  • 14 July 2023
  • Blog

Bar Placement Scheme 2023: "unpredictable, fast-paced, and thrilling" by Amina Yaasiin Ahmed

Amina Yaasiin Ahmed shares her experience on the Bar Placement Scheme, shadowing barristers and watching a trial in the High Court - and what she's learned from her week immersed in the Bar.

  • 14 July 2023
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Opening up pupillage opportunities at the employed Bar

Stuart Alford KC explores the changing landscape of employed pupillages

  • 13 July 2023
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Keeping hold of the reins: The challenge of regulating third-party funding of litigation

Report of the joint Bar Council/BRAK event in Brussels

  • 7 July 2023
  • Blog

The class ceiling at the Bar

Ahead of the Bar Council's Social Mobility Summit in July, we asked the Sutton Trust to answer some questions.

  • 29 June 2023
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Code as law: Human lawyers and specialist legal AI

Abigail Bright reflects on the 2023 Annual Law Reform Lecture

  • 28 June 2023
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Our Al-Nashiri amicus: restating the absolute prohibition on torture-tainted evidence in legal proceedings

Stefanos Arvanitakis provides an insight into the work conducted to restate the absolute prohibition on torture-tainted evidence.

  • 28 June 2023
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JW23: Equal access to law means equal access to careers in law

For #JusticeWeek2023 Attorney General Victoria Prentis reflects on how far women in law have come

  • 23 June 2023
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JW23: Good laws don’t work without effective access to justice

For #JusticeWeek2023 Nick Vineall KC set out current justice issues in a speech to parliamentarians in the House of Lords

  • 22 June 2023
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Five key takeaways from the first Bar Sustainability Summit

Zoë Leventhal KC shares her reflections as chair of the summit

  • 22 June 2023
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JW23: Improving access to justice requires urgent focus

For Justice Week 2023, Laura Farris MP explores the impediments to accessing justice and some recent progress

  • 22 June 2023
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JW23: Building an accessible and supportive justice system

For Justice Week 2023, Baljit Ubhey sets out the work of the CPS to create an accessible system

  • 21 June 2023
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JW23: Dilapidation, delay and diversity – why we need accessible court buildings

For Justice Week 2023, Helen Richardson of the Magistrates' Association, sets out how physical accessibility is a key component of access to justice

  • 20 June 2023
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JW23: Making a difference every day - the varied role of government lawyers

For Justice Week 2023, Caroline Croft, Director General at the Government Legal Department, explains the work of government lawyers

  • 19 June 2023
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The success of the Anglo-Dutch Exchange

Michael Harwood identifies the highlights from this year's exchange programme for the Young Bar.

  • 15 June 2023
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Ransom demands – to pay or not to pay?

The decision to pay or not to pay, which must be taken against a ticking clock, is a very difficult and fraught one, says Lindsay Hill, CEO at Mitigo Cybersecurity, in a guest blog.

  • 12 June 2023
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Why “lawyers as gatekeepers” is a dangerous mantra

Chair of the Bar Nick Vineall KC considers proposals from the IBA

  • 31 May 2023
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Batting for the Bar: join the cricket club for barristers

James Cartwright, co-founder of the Lawyers Cricket World Cup, invites barristers to join the team heading to Colombo

  • 16 May 2023
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Progress on Retained EU Law Bill but more to be done

George Peretz KC sets out the Bar Council’s view on the latest moves on the Retained EU Law Bill in Parliament

  • 15 May 2023
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What to do if you did not get pupillage this time

Don't give up, says barrister Jack Meek

  • 11 May 2023
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An overview of the Legal Ombudsman Scheme Rule changes

Barrister Paul Adams outlines the changes that came into force from 1 April 2023

  • 10 May 2023
  • Blog

Enhancing online security using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

In a guest blog for the Bar Council, member of the IT panel and IT consultant Julian Borthwick encourages colleagues to access the additional cybersecurity benefits offered by MFA.

  • 19 April 2023
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From Mock Trials to Real Trials…

Barrister Eve Robinson's participation in the mock trial competition aged 13 sparked her journey to a career at the Bar.

  • 5 April 2023
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Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights after Pegasus

What happens when the state observes civilians, lawyers and journalists without limitation? Dr. András Szecskay, Vice President of the Budapest Bar Association, looks at the ramifications of the Pegasus spyware in Hungary.

  • 5 April 2023
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150 years of the Technology and Construction Court

Sam Townend KC, Vice Chair of the Bar, highlights the history of the Court on this special occasion.

  • 23 March 2023
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How can the Bar support barristers and staff during Ramadan?

In a guest blog for the Bar Council, Christianah Omobosola Babajide explains the issues.

  • 22 March 2023
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The Young Barristers’ Committee focus on the climate crisis

Climate anxiety and the environmentally conscious lawyer, a blog by Michael Harwood.

  • 10 March 2023
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IWD23: Embracing Equity

A guest blog by Sara Carnegie explaining the 50:50 global gender project.

  • 7 March 2023
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IWD23: Solidarity with the wives and families of Guantanamo’s detainees

A guest blog for International Women's Day by Professor Susan Edwards about the women affected by Guantánamo prison.

  • 7 March 2023
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Pupillage interviews: slow down, listen, and be yourself

Barrister Jamie Jenkins provides advice on how to navigate pupillage interviews

  • 1 March 2023
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Prepping your pupillage interview: Six top tips

As invitations to pupillage interviews go out, barrister Jamie Jenkins provides advice to prepare

  • 27 February 2023
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Cameras in Court

Barrister John Battle’s speech to mark the implementation of the Crown Court Order allowing cameras to broadcast sentencing remarks.

  • 22 February 2023
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Why the Bar’s oversight regulator, the Legal Services Board, is in need of some oversight

Vice Chair of the Bar Sam Townend KC sets out some current concerns about the overreach of the oversight regulator.

  • 9 February 2023
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Breaking down barriers at the Bar

Pupil Barrister Grace Khaile talks about her journey to the Bar and how breaking down barriers is more important than ever

  • 25 January 2023
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Reflections on being a Bar Council Social Mobility Advocate

Jack Meek is a barrister at the Government Legal Department and has been a Social Mobility Advocate since 2021

  • 25 January 2023
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Advocate launches the #ProBonoPledge

Can you pledge 25 hours of pro bono in 2023?

  • 25 January 2023
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The Bar’s reputation at risk in 2023

A guest blog by MD Communications Melissa Davis and Steve Rudaini

  • 17 January 2023
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10,000 Black Interns scheme has been a "defining moment" in my legal career

Khaliq Martin is the winner of the Bar internship blog competition

  • 11 January 2023
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I did not imagine that my career would take me overseas

Martha Smith-Higgins explains the benefits of attending the Anglo-Dutch Exchange 2022

  • 12 December 2022
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To say I am glad I applied is an understatement

Thomas E. Sherrington explains the benefits of attending the Anglo-Dutch Exchange 2022

  • 12 December 2022
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I jumped at the chance to expand my knowledge

David J. M. Barr explains the benefits of attending the Anglo-Dutch Exchange 2022

  • 12 December 2022
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Safeguarding our profession

Tim Kiely from Red Lion Chambers runs through the highlights from conference

  • 30 November 2022
  • Blog

What are the key industry trends for chambers for 2023?

On Thursday 24 November we have an in-person event at the Bar Council HQ focused on industry trends and financially sustainable chambers.

  • 11 November 2022
  • Blog

Open justice, court reporting and the rule of law

The more the public know about the legal system, the better for the rule of law, says John Battle

  • 9 November 2022
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The young Bar and the benefits of pro bono

As part of Pro Bono Week 2022, the Chair of the Young Barristers Committee Michael Polak explains his pro bono work and encourages colleagues to get involved and help.

  • 9 November 2022
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The Bill of Rights was a ‘dog’s dinner’ - let it go.

The Bar Council questions Professor Conor Gearty KC (Hon) in advance of his conference panel session later this month.

  • 3 November 2022
  • Blog

Key trends shaping recruitment and retention at the Bar

An overview of statistics on working practices ahead of this year's Annual Conference panel debate

  • 31 October 2022
  • Blog

Integrating ADR into the Civil Justice System: is compulsion necessary or desirable?

Potentially, these developments create many new opportunities for the Bar. Barristers have the skillset, with training, to become excellent mediators and already many of the UK’s leading mediators are members of the Bar

  • 25 October 2022
  • Blog

Pro Bono Connect: new dimensions to Pro Bono collaboration

Pro Bono Connect enables litigants to be represented in the same way as fee-paying clients

  • 19 October 2022
  • Blog

From Kyiv to the High Court: an interview with Ukrainian intern Valeriia Lada

Church Court's first Ukrainian intern, lawyer Valeriia Lada, talks about her experience at the chambers

  • 17 October 2022
  • Blog

Reflections on key Black figures in Britain’s history

A guest blog by First Tier Tribunal Judge Munonyedi for Black History Month

  • 14 October 2022
  • Blog

Tackling bullying at the Bar: The Bar Council’s approach

A Bar Council blog by Sam Mercer, Head of Equality and Diversity.

  • 12 October 2022
  • Blog

Building a partnership with the Bar Association of Sri Lanka

The Bar Council hosted a delegation from Sri Lanka in September.

  • 12 October 2022
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Pupillage: the game where no one explains the rules…. Until now (Part One)

Part one of Jaime Hamilton KC's 30 tips for pupillage

  • 5 October 2022
  • Blog

Pupillage: the game where no one explains the rules…. Until now (Part Two)

Part Two of Jaime Hamilton KC's 30 tips for pupillage

  • 5 October 2022
  • Blog