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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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.
A ‘comprehensive’ Guide to Mediation Advocacy for the Bar
Michel Kallipetis KC introduces the Bar Council’s new Mediation Guidance.
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.
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
Why we need the Enforced Disappearance Legal Database
The European Human Rights Advocacy Centre (EHRAC) has litigated cases involving enforced disappearance for twenty years.
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.
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.
Six key takeaways from the Bar Social Mobility Summit
Sa'ad Hossain KC summarises the excellent discussions at the first Bar Social Mobility Summit
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.
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.
Opening up pupillage opportunities at the employed Bar
Stuart Alford KC explores the changing landscape of employed pupillages
Keeping hold of the reins: The challenge of regulating third-party funding of litigation
Report of the joint Bar Council/BRAK event in Brussels
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.
Code as law: Human lawyers and specialist legal AI
Abigail Bright reflects on the 2023 Annual Law Reform Lecture
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.
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
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
Five key takeaways from the first Bar Sustainability Summit
Zoë Leventhal KC shares her reflections as chair of the summit
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
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
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
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
The success of the Anglo-Dutch Exchange
Michael Harwood identifies the highlights from this year's exchange programme for the Young Bar.
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.
Why “lawyers as gatekeepers” is a dangerous mantra
Chair of the Bar Nick Vineall KC considers proposals from the IBA
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
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
What to do if you did not get pupillage this time
Don't give up, says barrister Jack Meek
An overview of the Legal Ombudsman Scheme Rule changes
Barrister Paul Adams outlines the changes that came into force from 1 April 2023
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.
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.
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.
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.
How can the Bar support barristers and staff during Ramadan?
In a guest blog for the Bar Council, Christianah Omobosola Babajide explains the issues.
The Young Barristers’ Committee focus on the climate crisis
Climate anxiety and the environmentally conscious lawyer, a blog by Michael Harwood.
IWD23: Embracing Equity
A guest blog by Sara Carnegie explaining the 50:50 global gender project.
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.
Pupillage interviews: slow down, listen, and be yourself
Barrister Jamie Jenkins provides advice on how to navigate pupillage interviews
Prepping your pupillage interview: Six top tips
As invitations to pupillage interviews go out, barrister Jamie Jenkins provides advice to prepare
Cameras in Court
Barrister John Battle’s speech to mark the implementation of the Crown Court Order allowing cameras to broadcast sentencing remarks.
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.
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
Advocate launches the #ProBonoPledge
Can you pledge 25 hours of pro bono in 2023?
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
The Bar’s reputation at risk in 2023
A guest blog by MD Communications Melissa Davis and Steve Rudaini
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
I did not imagine that my career would take me overseas
Martha Smith-Higgins explains the benefits of attending the Anglo-Dutch Exchange 2022
To say I am glad I applied is an understatement
Thomas E. Sherrington explains the benefits of attending the Anglo-Dutch Exchange 2022
I jumped at the chance to expand my knowledge
David J. M. Barr explains the benefits of attending the Anglo-Dutch Exchange 2022
Safeguarding our profession
Tim Kiely from Red Lion Chambers runs through the highlights from conference
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
Reflections on key Black figures in Britain’s history
A guest blog by First Tier Tribunal Judge Munonyedi for Black History Month
Tackling bullying at the Bar: The Bar Council’s approach
A Bar Council blog by Sam Mercer, Head of Equality and Diversity.
Building a partnership with the Bar Association of Sri Lanka
The Bar Council hosted a delegation from Sri Lanka in September.
Pupillage: the game where no one explains the rules…. Until now (Part One)
Part one of Jaime Hamilton KC's 30 tips for pupillage
Pupillage: the game where no one explains the rules…. Until now (Part Two)
Part Two of Jaime Hamilton KC's 30 tips for pupillage
The origins of Black History Month
In a blog for the Bar Council Judge Munonyedi explains how Black History Month started.
Pupillage: the game where no one explains the rules…. Until now (Part Three)
Part Three of Jaime Hamilton KC's 30 tips for pupillage
Behind the scenes: how the Bar Council's Research team created our new government legal panels report
The process of researching and writing the Race at the Bar report and the Government Legal Panels report has underscored the necessity of a strong evidential base for any policy work that seeks to promote change
Tackling disability discrimination at the Bar and in courts
Mark Henderson sets out what organisations can do to address key obstacles for disabled barristers
The Young Bar's Anglo-Dutch Exchange
A fantastic opportunity to get to know another legal culture and strengthen practice
Law Reform Essay Competition: Here's why I think you should enter
John-Paul Swoboda, a former runner-up in the competition, says he found the experience 'challenging and rewarding'
Blog: Bar Placement Scheme 2022 an 'eye-opening experience that gave me new skills'
Eshal Waseem reflects on her time with Brick Court Chambers in London
Blog: Bar Placement Scheme 2022 made me sure this career is for me
Anaya Ricketts says she has picked up 'invaluable knowledge and experience'
Blog: Sanctions, the rule of law and the cab rank rule
Nick Vineall QC, Vice Chair of the Bar Council, says sanctions should make barristers think hard about professional duties
SLAPP: A question of definition?
The UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition is calling for legal reforms to protect the public interest
Advocate: Created by the Bar, Sustained by the Bar - Justice Week 2022
It’s never too early, or too late, to start volunteering for Advocate, says Rebecca Wilkie
The importance of free legal representation for people who can’t afford it - Justice Week 2022
FRU represents hundreds of people each year when there are tens of thousands of people who need help
The Bar Mock Trial Competition put Sophie Quinton-Carter on her career path to become a barrister - Justice Week 2022
‘Why do you want to be a criminal barrister?’ is the question every budding advocate dreads
The rule of law needs continuous investment and nurturing, says Bob Neill MP – Justice Week 2022
We should be grateful and proud of the UK’s eminent role over hundreds of years in furthering the cause of the law say the Chair of the Parliamentary Justice Committee.
The work of the Bar Council by Malcolm Cree - Justice Week 2022
Malcolm Cree CBE, the Chief Executive Officer of the Bar Council, highlights what the organisation has achieved in the last two years.
The work of the Young Barristers’ Committee by Michael Harwood - Justice Week 2022
Michael Harwood, Vice Chair of the Young Barristers’ Committee, explains the Bar Council's work for the Young Bar
Should barristers be on social media?
Steve Rudaini asks if barristers should steer clear of social media or look to lead the professions in social media prowess?
Guest blog: Why you should enter the Employed Bar Awards 2022
Employed Bar Awards judge Simon Regis reveals how the competition helped him
Defining barristers by what we do, not by what we are
Jack Meek writes a guest blog as he is part of the #IAmTheBar cohort
Young Bar at the Four Jurisdictions Conference
For the first time ever, the Young Bar Committee has organised a session at the Four Jurisdictions Conference.
The value of peer support, offered by LawCare
Michael Lazarus highlights the support on offer from LawCare
First appearances are vital for media reporting, says journalist Tristan Kirk
In a guest blog for the Bar Council, journalist Tristan Kirk makes the case for open justice and the public's right to know.