Government’s proposal puts magistrates' courts at ‘high risk’ Bar Council warns as backlog reaches record high

New Ministry of Justice figures show that the magistrates' court backlog has now reached a record high of 379,437 cases. Meanwhile the government propose to move more serious cases out of the Crown Court and into the magistrates' court.

CourtWatch report is "timely intervention" says Bar Chair

The CourtWatch London project report shows why pushing to remove rights to elect to the Crown Court and moving many more cases to the magistrates’ court is flawed.

How does the Bar Representation Fee support the young Bar?

Among the payments for insurance, accountants, practising certificates, train fares and much-needed coffees with friends, the BRF can fall way down our list of priorities. However, in my view, the BRF is a small donation that allows the Bar Council to do important work for the benefit of the whole profession.

'Pause and breathe': advice to follow in your pupillage interview from interviewers themselves

Barristers, who have between them interviewed hundreds of aspiring barristers, share words of wisdom to bear in mind as you head into your pupillage interview – and into your career at the Bar.

MoJ client account interest plans “overly broad” and “flawed”

The Bar Council has opposed the proposed scheme in response to the MoJ consultation

Garden Court Chambers - crime (no deadline)

£1200 per month | Crime| London | start date: as soon as possible

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.

"‘Give to gain’ is the hand outstretched to women": Bar leaders reflect on IWD

For International Women's Day, our women Bar leaders discuss what they hope to see change for women at the Bar in the next decade, what they would do differently if they were starting their career at the Bar today and much more.