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]
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
Former Women and Equalities Committee Chair Dame Maria Miller DBE named first Bar Council Commissioner for Conduct
Former Women and Equalities Committee Chair and Cabinet Minister Dame Maria Miller DBE has become the Bar’s first ever Commissioner for Conduct.
Juries, legal aid and children in sharp focus for new Bar Chair Kirsty Brimelow KC
The new Chair set out her priorities in a speech at Gray's Inn
Legal aid system at breaking point, Bar Council warns after Parliamentary report
The Bar Council has welcomed the new Parliamentary report on the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), warning that it confirms what the Bar has been saying for years: the legal aid system is no longer sustainable and access to justice is being steadily eroded.
Kirsty Brimelow KC becomes Chair of the Bar 2026
The criminal, international and public law barrister begins her year-long term today
Four Bars joint statement on jury trials in England and Wales
Since the government announced its proposal to restrict the right to a jury trial in response to Sir Brian Leveson’s criminal courts review, the Bar of England and Wales has argued that justice needs juries. Now, the Four Bars of England and Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland have made a joint statement, urging the UK government to change course.