*/
Barristers should stop calling themselves a “referral profession”, Anthony Speaight QC told delegates at the annual Bar Conference. The term “referral profession” concealed the “most important characteristics and qualities of the Bar”; barristers should refer to themselves as “the legal profession’s specialist branch”. “Disposing of the image of the Bar as a referral profession and launching the concept of it as a specialist profession might assist both barristers and the public in the development of new ways of supplying cheaper legal services,” he said. Speaight drew an analogy between the Ba r and the medical profession, which has 56 areas of speciality. Barristers already identify
themselves in directories and on websites as specialised in a particular fi eld, although there are no formal higher qualifi cations. He argued that, if the Bar were to adopt the medical profession’s approach to specialism, barristers would still be able to work outside their speciality—just as doctors are able to practice in any area within their competence. For a full round up of the Bar Conference see pp 12 to 17 of this month’s issue.
Barristers should stop calling themselves a “referral profession”, Anthony Speaight QC told delegates at the annual Bar Conference. The term “referral profession” concealed the “most important characteristics and qualities of the Bar”; barristers should refer to themselves as “the legal profession’s specialist branch”. “Disposing of the image of the Bar as a referral profession and launching the concept of it as a specialist profession might assist both barristers and the public in the development of new ways of supplying cheaper legal services,” he said. Speaight drew an analogy between the Ba r and the medical profession, which has 56 areas of speciality. Barristers already identify
themselves in directories and on websites as specialised in a particular fi eld, although there are no formal higher qualifi cations. He argued that, if the Bar were to adopt the medical profession’s approach to specialism, barristers would still be able to work outside their speciality—just as doctors are able to practice in any area within their competence. For a full round up of the Bar Conference see pp 12 to 17 of this month’s issue.
Efforts continue on gender equality, support for the Bar, meaningful reform for the sector and advocating for the rule of law
To mark International Women’s Day, Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management looks at how financial planning can help bridge the gap
Casey Randall of AlphaBiolabs answers some of the most common questions regarding relationship DNA testing for court
Leading drug, alcohol and DNA testing laboratory AlphaBiolabs has made a £500 donation to Beatson Cancer Charity in Glasgow as part of its Giving Back campaign
Girls Human Rights Festival 2025: a global gathering for change
Exclusive Q&A with Henry Dannell
Patrick Green KC talks about the landmark Post Office Group litigation and his driving principles for life and practice. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
Desiree Artesi meets Malcolm Bishop KC, the Lord Chief Justice of Tonga, who talks about his new role in the South Pacific and reflects on his career
Sir Nicholas Mostyn, former High Court judge, on starting a hit podcast with fellow ‘Parkies’ after the shock of his diagnosis
Exclusive QA with Henry Dannell
Once you submit your silk application, what happens next? Sir Paul Morgan explains each stage of the process and reflects on his experience as a member of the KC Selection Panel
