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]

 

90% of pupils have positive experience but stress levels and doubt about future at the Bar increasing, new survey finds

A new survey of pupils has found that a vast majority of new barristers say they've had a positive pupillage experience with 8 in 10 feeling well supported by chambers or their employer.

  • 24 June 2025
  • Press release

Legal Aid cyber incident – updates for the Bar

The Legal Aid Agency has been the subject of a serious cyber incident. This page provides updates for the Bar

  • 23 June 2025
  • News

Bar Council urges more chambers to sign Women in Law Pledge on its 6th anniversary

The Bar Council says "true equity remains a work in progress" as it encourages chambers to sign the Women in Law Pledge which is marking its 6-year anniversary.

  • 23 June 2025
  • Press release

What you might have missed at Bar Conference 2025

Our round up of Bar Conference 2025

  • 12 June 2025
  • News

Reforming Non-Disclosure Agreements

Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) have been in the spotlight as one of the examples of ethical challenges for lawyers.

  • 12 June 2025
  • News

Professional ethics, the Bar and the LSB

The Bar Council's response to the Legal Services Board (LSB) consultation on upholding professional ethics.

  • 12 June 2025
  • News

Spending Review is sign of listening to voices from the courts – Bar Council reaction

The Bar Council has welcomed the overall settlement for justice in the Spending Review.

  • 11 June 2025
  • Press release

Pride Month 2025: Inns of Court, Bar Council and Law Society to host landmark LGBTQ+ Pride event

The Bar Council and Law Society are jointly hosting a landmark  LGBTQ+ pride event to mark a continued commitment to inclusivity, visibility and unity across the legal world.

  • 10 June 2025
  • Press release

Bar Council response to High Court ruling on the misuse of artificial intelligence

The Bar Council has responded to a High Court judgement which emphasises the dangers of the misuse by lawyers of artificial intelligence.

  • 6 June 2025
  • Press release

New report reinforces perilous state of criminal justice, Bar Council says

A new report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies has found that Crown Court productivity had recovered to post-pandemic levels by the end of last year, yet the record high backlog continues to rise.

  • 6 June 2025
  • Press release

Channel 4 News item on sexual harassment at the Bar

The Bar Council is signposting to sources of support

  • 5 June 2025
  • News

Tribute to Timothy Dutton CBE KC, former Chair of the Bar

Barbara Mills KC says he leaves a great legacy to the Bar

  • 5 June 2025
  • Press release

BSB change of course on equality rules is the right decision

The Bar Council has welcomed the decision not to press ahead with proposals announced last year

  • 27 May 2025
  • Press release

Solidarity and support for the Istanbul Bar Association and its leaders

Bar Council calls for the withdrawal of all legal proceedings against the Istanbul Bar Association and its leaders.

  • 27 May 2025
  • Press release

See more