Press releases and news
Find all the latest major announcements, breaking news, press releases and commentary from the Bar Council on issues affecting the barristers' profession, justice and the rule of law.
The purpose of the Bar Council's press releases are to represent and promote the Bar nationally as well as globally, bring its voice to the public domain and defend the rule of law.
For more information about any press release or news item, call contact Press Office on 020 7092 8175 or email [email protected]
Pupils positive about pupillage with incidents of bullying and harassment falling but disabled and second six pupils more negative, survey finds
The Bar Council’s annual pupil survey found 83% had an overall positive pupillage experience while more than half (56%) described it as ‘very positive’.
Barristers urge government to deliver specialist courts for sexual and domestic abuse cases, instead of restricting jury trials
The Bar Council, together with the Criminal Bar Association, is calling on the government to open specialist courts which would retain a jury but focus on sexual offences and domestic abuse cases, prioritising vulnerable victims/complainants.
Government’s proposal puts magistrates' courts at ‘high risk’ Bar Council warns as backlog reaches record high
New Ministry of Justice figures show that the magistrates' court backlog has now reached a record high of 379,437 cases. Meanwhile the government propose to move more serious cases out of the Crown Court and into the magistrates' court.
CourtWatch report is "timely intervention" says Bar Chair
The CourtWatch London project report shows why pushing to remove rights to elect to the Crown Court and moving many more cases to the magistrates’ court is flawed.
MoJ client account interest plans “overly broad” and “flawed”
The Bar Council has opposed the proposed scheme in response to the MoJ consultation
Over 3,200 lawyers including retired judges, past and present Bar Council Chairs and a former DPP call on Prime Minister to stop jury trial proposal
More than 3,200 lawyers including a former head of the CPS, retired judges, senior barristers, solicitors and academics have urged the Prime Minister to stop the government's jury trial reforms ahead of a parliamentary debate on new legislation.
Middle East crisis - Bar Council statement
We have postponed our upcoming Dubai event and encourage lawyers affected to register with the FCDO and follow the travel advice for the country, the advice of the local authorities and the relevant British embassy or consulate.
United Arab Emirates - Bar Council statement
The Bar Council is aware that barristers are currently working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Restricting jury trials carries substantial risk and little gain – Bar Council
In response to legislation restricting the right to jury trial published today, the Bar Council has urged the government to give efficiency measures time to work rather than drain time and resource on a proposal that carries substantial risk for negligible gain.
Bar Council welcomes courts sitting at maximum capacity but warns against reducing jury trials
The government has announced investment in the criminal courts that will allow courts to run at maximum capacity next year. The announcement comes after the Bar Council called for the cap on sitting days to be lifted to bear down on the backlog.
Beware of fake emails using the Bar Council name
We've received a report of phishing emails asking barristers to log in to MyBar
Leveson report: Address systemic criminal court inefficiency and stop wasting time on restricting jury trials
Sir Brian Leveson has published Part 2 of his independent review of the criminal courts
Barristers make clear justice needs juries during MP court visits across England and Wales
MPs visited courts across the country to meet with barristers to discuss the issues affecting the criminal justice system and why restricting the right to jury trial will not solve the issue.
Bar Council extends a hand of support to colleagues across the Atlantic
For this year's Day of the Endangered Lawyer the country focus is threats to the profession in the United States
Chair of the Bar congratulates new King’s Counsel
Kirsty Brimelow KC sends her warmest congratulations to the 96 successful applicants