Press releases
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, call the External Relations & Communications team on 020 7092 8175.
Barristers triple overseas income
New Bar Council data analysis of Bar Mutual figures reveals that from 2005-2020, overseas income for barristers in England & Wales has tripled
Mark Fenhalls QC, Chair-Elect of the Bar Council, inaugural speech
Incoming Chair of the Bar sets out his aims for 2022 in his inaugural speech, covering culture, regulation, court capacity and backlogs, diversity, and international issues
General Council of the Bar 2022/23 Practising Certificate Fees and Budget consultation
The Bar is encouraged to share its views on the GCB's budget plans for 2022/23
Landmark investigation and report on race and the Bar launched
The Bar Council’s Race Working Group has launched a new report addressing inequality at the Bar and proposing a series of recommendations for action.
Bar Council says Budget is "a step in the right direction" on justice funding
Chair of the Bar responds to the Autumn Budget
Bar Council responds to "alarming" NAO criminal justice findings
Derek Sweeting QC, Chair of the Bar Council, responds to the National Audit Office’s (NAO) report, Reducing the Backlog in the Criminal Courts
Bar Council supports new legal aid reform recommendations
The Bar Council has welcomed a series of recommendations in an independent, cross-party review by The Westminster Commission on reforming legal aid
Bar Council highlights barristers championing social mobility
11 new #IAmTheBar Social Mobility Advocates announced for 2021/22
Bar Council urges action as Crown Court backlog increases again to over 60,000 cases
The Bar Council responds to criminal court statistics for Q2 2021
Bar Council survey shows rising reports of harassment and discrimination in barristers’ profession
Efforts to tackle bullying, harassment and discrimination in the barristers’ profession will continue to be a priority for the Bar Council following the results of a new survey of barristers’ working lives which shows a rise in reports of inappropriate behaviour since 2017