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
Progress on judicial diversity is ‘too slow’
Barbara Mills KC, Chair of the Bar Council, said: “Every year we are told that there is gradual progress being made towards a more diverse judiciary, but it’s far too slow for Black lawyers and this is no longer good enough.
Civil legal aid boost long overdue but falls far behind inflation
Bar Council reiterates call for independent fee review body for publicly funded Bar
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.
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.
What you might have missed at Bar Conference 2025
Our round up of Bar Conference 2025
Reforming Non-Disclosure Agreements
Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) have been in the spotlight as one of the examples of ethical challenges for lawyers.
Professional ethics, the Bar and the LSB
The Bar Council's response to the Legal Services Board (LSB) consultation on upholding professional ethics.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Channel 4 News item on sexual harassment at the Bar
The Bar Council is signposting to sources of support
Tribute to Timothy Dutton CBE KC, former Chair of the Bar
Barbara Mills KC says he leaves a great legacy to the Bar
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
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.
‘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.
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
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.
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.
Heidi Stonecliffe KC elected as Bar Council Vice Chair for 2026
Heidi Stonecliffe KC is the first employed barrister elected to the role
"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.
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.
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.
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
Restricting parental responsibility in cases of abuse welcome
The measure is included in the new Victims and Courts Bill, introduced today
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.
Bar Council urges BSB to focus on key regulatory activities
Bar Council concerned about BSB's expanding focus and year-on-year budget increases
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.
Bar Council supports American Bar Association
The European legal profession has offered collective support to the American Bar Association and colleagues
Bar Council reacts to BSB regulatory assessment
The BSB needs to focus more on delivering its critical regulatory activities at greater pace
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
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.
Bar Council Chair urges barristers to report inappropriate behaviours
The call follows a cluster of tribunal findings of inappropriate behaviour of a sexual nature
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.
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.
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.
New Arbitration Act will strengthen UK’s leading position
Arbitration is worth billions to the British economy, says Bar Chair
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Bar Council supports IBA call for all states to oppose US sanctions against the ICC
The International Bar Association has denounced the sanctions
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.
Family Pathfinder court expansion welcome
The MoJ has announced Pathfinder courts will be extended across Wales and West Yorkshire
Bar Chair congratulates new Honorary KCs
The government has announced 9 new King's Counsel Honoris Causa
Bar Chair congratulates new King’s Counsel
Bar Chair Barbara Mills KC congratulates the 105 new King’s Counsel.
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.
Barristers call for radical rethink on ‘tough’ sentencing
Bar Council's submission to the Gauke review on sentencing sets out new ideas
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
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
Criminal legal aid increase for solicitors: Bar Council reaction
The government has announced additional funding for criminal legal aid solicitors
Increasing court sitting days is the right decision
The government has announced an extra 2,000 sitting days
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.
Bar Council response to serious misconduct findings against Jo Sidhu KC
The tribunal delivered its findings on 9 December
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
Bar Council comments on Sentencing Review announcement
Bar Council welcomes the sentencing review announced today
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.
New model employment policy templates for chambers
The templates form part of our ongoing work to support chambers management
BSB regulatory proposals muddy the waters
The Bar Council is concerned new proposals will create uncertainty over compliance and responsibility
Celebrating 75 years of women silks – excellence in advocacy
Over 350 women KCs and judges joined the celebrations at the Royal Courts of Justice
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.
Bar Council activity at the IBA conference
The Bar Council sent a delegation to Mexico this week to attend the IBA conference.
“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
Cutting court sitting days causing real concern
The MoJ confirms a cap on Crown Court sitting days of 105,000
Funding for justice down 22% since 2010 – new Bar Council report
Our new report analyses public spending under the last government
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
Bar Council AGM notice 2024
The Annual General Meeting will take place on 7 September 2024
Racist violence and riots: safety advice for barristers
Safety precautions to consider if you feel that you or your organisation is at risk.
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
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".
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
Bar Council responds to 2024 judicial diversity statistics
The Judicial Diversity Forum says there is more work to be done
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
“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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Chair of the Bar welcomes launch of Lawyers Who Care
The new initiative supports care-experienced aspiring lawyers
Law firms and chambers working together to improve cybersecurity
The cybersecurity questionnaire has been updated in response to feedback
‘We cannot continue like this’ – response to prison emergency measures
Operation Early Dawn is one symptom of the chronic lack of investment
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.
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.