*/
PRESSURES on legal aid, access to a career at the Bar and the need for diversity were among the issues addressed at the Young Bar Conference in central London.
The conference came at a time young barristers rose to a variety of challenges in the external environment for legal services, not least pressures on funding and the new regulatory landscape. It also came shortly ahead of the major BBC documentary, Barristers, to be screened this autumn, which will show the reality of life at the Bar.
The Bar is becoming more diverse and accessible, and Lord Neuberger’s 2007 report provides a detailed route map for assuring continued diversity.
Chairman of the Young Barristers’ Committee, said: ‘The profile of the Young Bar is changing. Slightly more women than men now obtain pupillage, which, while an achievement, does itself present challenge. Measures are needed to help women stay in the profession. At present there is a marked trend for women to leave self-employed practice at around seven years’ call, which is of particular concern.
The young Bar reflects the future of the Bar and its potential as providers of specialist advocacy and advisory services. That is why we are especially concerned at the difficulties of making a living from a publicly funded practice.
It is discouraging that those entering the profession with the intention of those least able to help themselves are being deterred from entering such fields as housing, family and crime. If this trend continues, eventually only those for whom remuneration is not a consideration and those cannot find better paying private work will be left doing legal aid work. This cannot be in the interests of justice and will result in a two tier justice system.’
The conference came at a time young barristers rose to a variety of challenges in the external environment for legal services, not least pressures on funding and the new regulatory landscape. It also came shortly ahead of the major BBC documentary, Barristers, to be screened this autumn, which will show the reality of life at the Bar.
The Bar is becoming more diverse and accessible, and Lord Neuberger’s 2007 report provides a detailed route map for assuring continued diversity.
Chairman of the Young Barristers’ Committee, said: ‘The profile of the Young Bar is changing. Slightly more women than men now obtain pupillage, which, while an achievement, does itself present challenge. Measures are needed to help women stay in the profession. At present there is a marked trend for women to leave self-employed practice at around seven years’ call, which is of particular concern.
The young Bar reflects the future of the Bar and its potential as providers of specialist advocacy and advisory services. That is why we are especially concerned at the difficulties of making a living from a publicly funded practice.
It is discouraging that those entering the profession with the intention of those least able to help themselves are being deterred from entering such fields as housing, family and crime. If this trend continues, eventually only those for whom remuneration is not a consideration and those cannot find better paying private work will be left doing legal aid work. This cannot be in the interests of justice and will result in a two tier justice system.’
PRESSURES on legal aid, access to a career at the Bar and the need for diversity were among the issues addressed at the Young Bar Conference in central London.
The Chair of the Bar sets out how the new government can restore the justice system
In the first of a new series, Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth considers the fundamental need for financial protection
Unlocking your aged debt to fund your tax in one easy step. By Philip N Bristow
Possibly, but many barristers are glad he did…
Mental health charity Mind BWW has received a £500 donation from drug, alcohol and DNA testing laboratory, AlphaBiolabs as part of its Giving Back campaign
The Institute of Neurotechnology & Law is thrilled to announce its inaugural essay competition
How to navigate open source evidence in an era of deepfakes. By Professor Yvonne McDermott Rees and Professor Alexa Koenig
Brie Stevens-Hoare KC and Lyndsey de Mestre KC take a look at the difficulties women encounter during the menopause, and offer some practical tips for individuals and chambers to make things easier
Sir Geoffrey Vos, Master of the Rolls and Head of Civil Justice since January 2021, is well known for his passion for access to justice and all things digital. Perhaps less widely known is the driven personality and wanderlust that lies behind this, as Anthony Inglese CB discovers
The Chair of the Bar sets out how the new government can restore the justice system
No-one should have to live in sub-standard accommodation, says Antony Hodari Solicitors. We are tackling the problem of bad housing with a two-pronged approach and act on behalf of tenants in both the civil and criminal courts