Press release and news archive

 

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 July 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

‘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

Bar Council calls for private prosecutions code of practice and reform of “conveyor belt” Single Justice Procedure

The Bar Council has called on the government to introduce a mandatory code of practice which should be monitored by an inspectorate for all private prosecutors. 

  • 14 May 2025
  • Press release

Bar Council disappointed India trade deal does not extend to legal services

We'll continue to work through our MOU with the Bar Council of India

  • 7 May 2025
  • Press release

Restricting parental responsibility in cases of abuse welcome

The measure is included in the new Victims and Courts Bill, introduced today

  • 7 May 2025
  • Press release

Year of the review: Bar Conference examines Bar’s culture, public inquiries and future of justice

Bar Conference will this year examine the Bar's culture, whether public inquiries deliver in the public interest, the future of justice and much more.

  • 29 April 2025
  • Press release

Bar Council urges BSB to focus on key regulatory activities

Bar Council concerned about BSB's expanding focus and year-on-year budget increases

  • 17 April 2025
  • Press release

Bar Sustainability Network takes next steps with Achill Legal

The Network will engage more barristers and chambers in the net zero transition and share best practice across the profession.

  • 8 April 2025
  • News

Bar Council supports American Bar Association

The European legal profession has offered collective support to the American Bar Association and colleagues

  • 4 April 2025
  • Press release

Bar Council reacts to BSB regulatory assessment

The BSB needs to focus more on delivering its critical regulatory activities at greater pace

  • 1 April 2025
  • Press release

Race Panel co-chairs win diversity champion award

Laurie-Anne Power KC and Simon Regis CBE were recognised at the Legal 500 ESG Awards 2025

  • 26 March 2025
  • News

First proposed increase to civil legal aid in 30 years welcome, but much more needed to rebuild the sector

The Bar Council's consultation highlights that the proposed increase falls far behind inflation and more will be needed.                                                             

  • 21 March 2025
  • Press release

Bar Council Chair urges barristers to report inappropriate behaviours

The call follows a cluster of tribunal findings of inappropriate behaviour of a sexual nature

  • 19 March 2025
  • Press release

Tackling violence against women: Kim Johnson MP joins Bar Council to hear about the role of the courts

The Bar Council highlighted that the family courts are an integral part of the solution to tackle violence against women and girls at a roundtable discussion.

  • 14 March 2025
  • Press release

Private prosecution safeguards needed to ensure power to prosecute not abused, Bar Council says

Welcoming the government consultation into private prosecutions and the Single Justice Procedure, the Bar Council said both have led to miscarriages of justice and shaken public confidence in the criminal justice system.

  • 6 March 2025
  • Press release

Sitting days increase positive step in long list of measures needed to restore criminal justice

The Bar Council welcomes the increase but says that if we are to reduce the delays and impact on victims, witnesses, and defendants, there should be no limit on sitting days.

  • 5 March 2025
  • Press release

New Arbitration Act will strengthen UK’s leading position

Arbitration is worth billions to the British economy, says Bar Chair

  • 24 February 2025
  • Press release

Bar Council response to increase to rates for counsel undertaking work for central government

The rates for the Attorney General’s civil panel counsel have been increased for the first time in more than 20 years.

  • 21 February 2025
  • Press release

Politicians should protect the independence of the judiciary, says Chair of the Bar

Barbara Mills KC issues comment in support of the Lady Chief Justice

  • 19 February 2025
  • Press release

The cab rank rule is the profession's cornerstone, Bar Council says

Bar Chair Barbara Mills KC has reiterated that it is always wrong to associate lawyers with their clients.

  • 19 February 2025
  • Press release

Sentencing review: no more quick wins - invest to tackle crime long term

Part 1 of the sentencing review report echoes the Bar Council's concerns about how we got here and the scale of the problem - it's clear radical thinking is required.

  • 18 February 2025
  • Press release

Investment in probation step in the right direction, Bar Council says

The Bar Council said the announcement recognises that we need a properly resourced regime that reduces crime and increases public confidence and safety in our justice system.

  • 13 February 2025
  • Press release

Bar Council supports IBA call for all states to oppose US sanctions against the ICC

The International Bar Association has denounced the sanctions

  • 10 February 2025
  • Press release

Juryless trials ‘not the answer’ to court crisis, barristers warn

The Bar Council has objected to the introduction of intermediate courts and made alternative recommendations, including a new model for diversion, in its submission to the Leveson review of criminal justice.

  • 6 February 2025
  • Press release

Family Pathfinder court expansion welcome

The MoJ has announced Pathfinder courts will be extended across Wales and West Yorkshire

  • 3 February 2025
  • Press release

Bar Chair congratulates new Honorary KCs

The government has announced 9 new King's Counsel Honoris Causa

  • 31 January 2025
  • Press release

Bar Chair congratulates new King’s Counsel

Bar Chair Barbara Mills KC congratulates the 105 new King’s Counsel.

  • 24 January 2025
  • Press release

Bar Council condemns targeting of lawyers at home and abroad

On the International Day of the Endangered Lawyer, the Bar Council offers support to lawyers who face threats, harassment, and intimidation around the world.

  • 24 January 2025
  • Press release

Barristers call for radical rethink on ‘tough’ sentencing

Bar Council's submission to the Gauke review on sentencing sets out new ideas

  • 19 January 2025
  • Press release

Bar Chair calls for rollout of ‘problem-solving’ courts to tackle violence against women and girls

Barbara Mills KC made the call on a visit to the Cardiff Civil Justice Centre

  • 16 January 2025
  • Press release

New Bar Chair Barbara Mills KC highlights family law, wellbeing, inclusion, and resourcing for justice in inaugural address

Barbara Mills KC delivered her inaugural speech at Inner Temple Hall

  • 9 January 2025
  • Press release

Criminal legal aid increase for solicitors: Bar Council reaction

The government has announced additional funding for criminal legal aid solicitors

  • 20 December 2024
  • Press release

Increasing court sitting days is the right decision

The government has announced an extra 2,000 sitting days

  • 18 December 2024
  • Press release

Bar Council reacts to Leveson review of criminal courts and latest court statistics

The figures out today show the perilous state of the criminal justice system. To address the multitude of challenges, we need new solutions and additional funding.

  • 12 December 2024
  • Press release

Bar Council response to serious misconduct findings against Jo Sidhu KC

The tribunal delivered its findings on 9 December

  • 10 December 2024
  • Press release

Race at the Bar: time to double down on race equality work

Our new race at the Bar report reveals there has been some progress on access, retention, progression and culture. But there is much more work to do.

  • 4 December 2024
  • Press release

General Council of the Bar 2025/26 practising certificate fees and budget consultation

The General Council of the Bar has published the 2025/26 practising certificate fees and budget for consultation

  • 2 December 2024
  • News

First civil legal aid increase since 1996 long overdue

The Bar Council has welcomed the proposed additional £20 million a year for legal aid in housing and immigration

  • 29 November 2024
  • Press release

BSB Equality Rules amendments proposals are the wrong approach, warns the Bar Council

The Bar Council has published its proposed response to the Bar Standards Board’s proposed amendments to the equality rules forming part of barristers’ conduct obligations.

  • 18 November 2024
  • Press release

Independent report supports call for immediate uplift in criminal legal aid fees

The Bar Council is repeating calls for an immediate 15% uplift in criminal legal aid fees for barristers, following the publication of the first Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board report.

  • 14 November 2024
  • Press release

Budget: Welcome step for justice but still a way to go

The Bar Council has welcomed the overall settlement for justice in today’s Budget

  • 30 October 2024
  • Press release

Bar Council comments on Sentencing Review announcement

Bar Council welcomes the sentencing review announced today

  • 22 October 2024
  • Press release

Employed Bar Awards 2024 winners announced including first Lifetime Achievement Award

The Employed Bar Awards celebrated the quality and range of work by the employed Bar with the first ever Lifetime Achievement Award being given.

  • 11 October 2024
  • Press release

New model employment policy templates for chambers

The templates form part of our ongoing work to support chambers management

  • 9 October 2024
  • News

BSB regulatory proposals muddy the waters

The Bar Council is concerned new proposals will create uncertainty over compliance and responsibility

  • 2 October 2024
  • Press release

Celebrating 75 years of women silks – excellence in advocacy

Over 350 women KCs and judges joined the celebrations at the Royal Courts of Justice

  • 1 October 2024
  • Press release

Lawyers play key role in safeguarding election integrity

It is now more important than ever for the legal profession and justice system to ensure that the rules governing the integrity of elections are respected.

  • 30 September 2024
  • Press release

Bar Council activity at the IBA conference

The Bar Council sent a delegation to Mexico this week to attend the IBA conference.

  • 19 September 2024
  • News

“Swift justice” requires realistic resourcing says Bar Council Chair

The Bar Council's Spending Review submission makes the case that investment in justice is needed for public safety and economic growth

  • 13 September 2024
  • Press release

Cutting court sitting days causing real concern

The MoJ confirms a cap on Crown Court sitting days of 105,000

  • 7 September 2024
  • Press release

Funding for justice down 22% since 2010 – new Bar Council report

Our new report analyses public spending under the last government

  • 4 September 2024
  • Press release

Bar Council responds to BSB proposals on equality rules

The Bar Council will scrutinise the proposals carefully and encourages everyone at the Bar to do so

  • 3 September 2024
  • Press release

Bar Council AGM notice 2024

The Annual General Meeting will take place on 7 September 2024

  • 8 August 2024
  • News

Racist violence and riots: safety advice for barristers

Safety precautions to consider if you feel that you or your organisation is at risk.

  • 7 August 2024
  • News

Chair of the Bar deplores racist violence and rioting as law centres are threatened

The Bar Council stands with the Law Society in asking Government to treat the threats with the utmost seriousness

  • 6 August 2024
  • Press release

Government saves three times what it spends on early legal advice, finds new report

The Bar Council and the Access to Justice Foundation are urging the government to provide more support for the free legal advice sector at "breaking point".

  • 5 August 2024
  • Press release

Bar Council reaction to the King’s Speech

Bar Council reaction to the King’s Speech, welcoming the new Government's commitment to tackling Crown Court backlogs

  • 17 July 2024
  • Press release

Bar Council responds to 2024 judicial diversity statistics

The Judicial Diversity Forum says there is more work to be done

  • 11 July 2024
  • Press release

Chair of the Bar welcomes appointment of Richard Hermer KC as Attorney General

The Matrix Chambers public law barrister was appointed by the Prime Minister

  • 8 July 2024
  • Press release

We will work with new Lord Chancellor to rebuild the justice system - Bar Council Chair

Shabana Mahmood MP has been appointed by the Prime Minister

  • 5 July 2024
  • Press release

Bar Council reacts to UK ratification of Hague Convention 2019

Ratification of Hague Convention 2019 is good news for the UK, EU and international signatories.

  • 3 July 2024
  • Press release

Managing people and behaviours at the Bar – Bar Council launches new event series

The four-part series is designed to support chambers with effective people management and workplace culture

  • 2 July 2024
  • Press release

Employed Bar Awards shortlist announced with new award added

Employed barristers from the BBC, the CPS, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, APPEAL and many more are among this year’s nominees.

  • 28 June 2024
  • Press release

The global social and economic impact of the legal profession - Bar Council comment

The International Bar Association's new report could not have come at a better time, to highlight the important role of the legal profession and the Rule of Law.

  • 25 June 2024
  • Press release

Harriet Harman KC to lead independent review of bullying and harassment at the Bar

The Bar Council commissioned the review following a report into the extent of bullying and harassment

  • 12 June 2024
  • Press release

“Public confidence in justice is shot” – Bar Chair sets out prescription for remedy in speech to Bar Conference

Sam Townend KC delivered the opening speech of Bar Conference 2024 in London

  • 8 June 2024
  • Press release

Justice delayed and denied – Bar Council calls for urgent action in election manifesto

The 'Manifesto for justice 2024' calls for justice to be seen as a vital public service

  • 4 June 2024
  • Press release

Bar Council calls for review of whole criminal justice system through Royal Commission

A wholesale policy refresh and investment in the whole justice system is needed now, the Bar Council says in its submission to the Public Accounts Committee's inquiry.

  • 30 May 2024
  • Press release

Crown Court backlog report highlights criminal justice system at point of structural failure

Reducing the Crown Court backlog of 67,573 to 53,000 by March 2025 can no longer be achieved, according to a new report by the watchdog.

  • 24 May 2024
  • Press release

Government must take responsibility for prison crisis and invest in criminal justice system, Bar Chair says

The Ministry of Justice is wrongly blaming the prison population crisis on the barristers’ strike.

  • 22 May 2024
  • Press release

Kirsty Brimelow KC elected as Bar Council Vice Chair for 2025

The criminal and international human rights practitioner will join the officer team on 1 January 2025

  • 20 May 2024
  • Press release

Bar calls for greater consistency in use of remote hearings and improvements in tech

The Bar is calling for consideration to be given to greater consistency in the use of remote hearings and further investment in court technology, following a new report.

  • 20 May 2024
  • Press release

Chair of the Bar welcomes launch of Lawyers Who Care

The new initiative supports care-experienced aspiring lawyers

  • 17 May 2024
  • Press release

Law firms and chambers working together to improve cybersecurity

The cybersecurity questionnaire has been updated in response to feedback

  • 15 May 2024
  • Press release

‘We cannot continue like this’ – response to prison emergency measures

Operation Early Dawn is one symptom of the chronic lack of investment

  • 15 May 2024
  • Press release

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

To mark 20 years of the London Legal Walk, Chair Sam Townend KC is leading his Bar in a race against HHJ Adam Constable KC and his Bench team around the Walk's route to raise £1m for charity.

  • 15 May 2024
  • Press release

Joint statement of the Four Bars on jury trials in Scotland

The Faculty of Advocates, Bar Council of England and Wales, Bar of Ireland and Bar of Northern Ireland (the Four Bars) have issued a joint statement on the proposed removal of juries for rape and other serious sexual offence trials in Scotland.

  • 9 May 2024
  • Press release

Mind the early gender earnings gap at the Bar – new research from the Bar Council

New analysis on the earnings gap between men and women at the self-employed Bar

  • 23 April 2024
  • Press release

Justice at the polls: Bar Conference is back asking ‘what next for justice’?

Bar Conference is back after a break with a programme tackling the big issues

  • 17 April 2024
  • Press release

BSB should revisit decision on targets for processing complaints, says Bar Council Chair

The Fieldfisher report revealed some striking deficiencies in the enforcement processes of the BSB, says Sam Townend KC.

  • 12 April 2024
  • Press release

Bar Council resists Bar regulator’s proposal to remove degree requirement for barristers in training

Chair Sam Townend KC says the Bar Council objects to the majority of the BSB’s proposed reforms because they would lower standards.

  • 9 April 2024
  • Press release

Bar Council comments on crime and family court statistics

It is disappointing that there is still no progress made on reducing the backlog in the Crown Court, said Sam Townend KC.

  • 28 March 2024
  • Press release