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]

 

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

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

  • 6 June 2025
  • News

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

‘Time to be bold’ Bar Council responds to final sentencing report

The Bar Council has urged the government to act on the reforms proposed in the independent sentencing review, many of which reflect the radical proposals the barristers' representative body put forward.

  • 22 May 2025
  • Press release

Children can’t wait for family court delays – Bar Council responds to NAO report

We're calling for greater investment in the family justice system

  • 21 May 2025
  • Press release

Legal Aid Agency cyber incident – update for the Bar

The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that the Legal Aid Agency has been the subject of a serious cyber incident. This is an update on the situation for the Bar.

  • 20 May 2025
  • News

Top judges, barristers and solicitors race 10km to raise money for the London Legal Support Trust

The Bar v the Bench race is back for another year, this time with solicitors entering the fray.

  • 19 May 2025
  • Press release

Heidi Stonecliffe KC elected as Bar Council Vice Chair for 2026

Heidi Stonecliffe KC is the first employed barrister elected to the role

  • 19 May 2025
  • Press release

"Mutual benefits" to collaboration between UK and Indian legal professionals, says Bar Council

The Bar Council of India has announced changes to regulations that will enable foreign lawyers to practice in India.

  • 15 May 2025
  • Press release

International safety convention offers new protections for lawyers

The Council of Europe’s convention is an international instrument dedicated to protecting the freedom and independence of the global legal profession.

  • 14 May 2025
  • Press release

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