Coronavirus advice and updates
The Bar Council is keeping the coronavirus situation under constant review. The information below is updated regularly to reflect the most recent guidance for the Bar.
For any specific queries about the coronavirus crisis and how it impacts the Bar, please email the Bar Council, LPMA and IBC Working Group at C19WG@BarCouncil.org.uk.
Read guidance on managing the return to work in chambers from the Covid-19 Working Group
HMPPS user guidance on Cloud Video Platform video meeting rooms
HMCTS Chief Executive's update on use of Cloud Video Platform (CVP)
Guidance on how HMCTS will use telephone and video technology during the coronavirus outbreak
Treasury Solicitor accepting electronic service of new legal proceedings
24 April - London Magistrates Court update: videolink overnight courts
16 April - Remote access Family Court guidance
15 April - Tribunals guidance for the judiciary
7 April - Revised protocol for CTL cases
28 March - Royal Courts of Justice Fees Office closure
28 March - Administrative Court: Applications for immediate urgent consideration guidance
28 March - Administrative Court Office non-urgent work guidance
26 March - Civil Procedure Rules video and audio hearings update
25 March - Guidance on compliance with Family Court Child Arrangement Orders
24 March 2020 - CPS communication from Rebecca Lawrence, CPS Chief Executive Officer
23 March 2020 - Guidance from the Vice President of the Court of the Appeal (Criminal Division)
23 March - Social Distancing guidance - Harrow Crown Court
23 March 2020 - Guidance for family and civil judges
23 March 2020 - Guidance for Crown Court judges
20 March 2020 - Immediate changes to tribunal hearings
19 March 2020 - Business and Property Court Revised Remote Hearings Protocol
19 March 2020 - Civil and family court guidance from the Lord Chief Justice
31 May - Financial support measures for the Bar
15 May - Bounce Back Loan Scheme guidance for the Bar
30 April - CPS statement of principles for working with the Bar
28 April - Financial relief for legal aid practitioners
15 April - Key points from the Bar Council's chambers finance online Q&A session
14 April - Barristers' Benevolent Association and Inns of Court emergency fund appeal
6 April - Summary of existing financial support measures for the Bar
30 March - CPS announcement on fees/faster payments
Legal Aid Agency contingency response - rolling guidance
Legal Aid Agency information on costs assessment and remuneration for civil and crime matters
11 May - Bar Council responds to the announcement on the resumption of jury trials
7 May - Breakthroughs for the profession: Message from Chair of the Bar
5 May - Bar Council guide on Bounce-Back Loan Scheme (BBLS)
5 May - Applying for Coronavirus testing through the Bar Council
27 April - Update from the Chair of the Bar: Latest support for barristers
3 April - Chair of the Bar responds to Ministry of Justice’s new legal aid plans
31 March - Message from the Chief Executive of the Bar Council: Practising Certificate Fee update
30 March - Message from the Chair of the Bar: CPS payment changes
27 March - End of week update from Chair of the Bar: finances, courts and more
24 March - Bar Council statement: updated guidance on attending hearings
22 March - Chair of the Bar's statement: further detail on key worker status
20 March - Bar Council statement: immediate changes to tribunal hearings
20 March - Bar Council email update: key worker status, QCA and Bar Mutual
16 March - Bar Council, LPMA and IBC working group email bulletin 2
10 March - Bar Council, LPMA and IBC working group email bulletin 1