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The case for the Human Rights Act

The Human Rights Act should not be viewed as a burden, but promoted as an instrument of social cohesion and public purpose, argues Keir Starmer QC.  

The Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA) is a very simple statute. 

09 January 2015 / Sir Keir Starmer KC
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Critical friends

Anthony Inglese explains how chambers could benefit from the lens of a critical friend.  

It would be good for chambers, and also for the reputation of the Bar, if some forward-thinking sets would take the lead in each appointing a couple of “critical friends” on a part-time basis to sit on their most significant committees and be part of their governance. 

09 January 2015 / Anthony Inglese CB
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Westminster Watch

The Ministry of Justice was subjected to an uncomfortable public grilling on civil legal aid by the Public Accounts Committee, reports Mark Hatcher.  

When US Secretary of State Donald Rumsfeld answered a journalist’s question in 2002 about the lack of evidence linking the government of Iraq with the supply of weapons of mass destruction to terrorist groups he replied: “Reports that say that something hasn’t happened are always interesting to me, because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. 

09 January 2015 / Mark Hatcher
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Barristers Inc.

You can “change, adapt and thrive” as a barrister-led, BSB-regulated entity under a new regime launching this January, suggests Oliver Hanmer.  

It is something of a cliché to use the words “a rapidly changing profession”; to describe the “ever-evolving environment” in which the Bar operates; to note that the legal services market is “undergoing unprecedented change”, as if few had noticed. 

09 January 2015
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William McCormick QC

Job title 

Head of Chambers, Ely Place Chambers 

Ely Place Chambers is a leading set specialising in Commercial and Chancery, Employment, Media, Personal Injury, Prison, Police & Healthcare, Property, Public & Regulatory work. 

11 December 2014
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If you haven’t got a penny, a ha’penny will do

Dominic Regan and Sean Jones QC explore the wines around for Christmas in tough times.  

“I accept at once that we are living in times of austerity” – Lord Justice Jackson, 30 September 2014. 

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An alternative First World War hero

With commemorations of the First World War under way it seems fitting to remember a remarkable pacifist, barrister and feminist, Chrystal Macmillan.   

Celia Pilkington and Harini Iyengar explain. 

11 December 2014
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In celebration

In February 2015 the Global Law Summit to celebrate 800 years since Magna Carta takes place in London.   

Chairman-Elect of the Bar Council Alistair MacDonald QC explains. 

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Justice in jeopardy

The Young Bar conference took place on 18 October.  

YBC Chairman, Max Hardy, reports back. 

11 December 2014 / Max Hardy / Max Hardy
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Into the limelight

As part of the July 14 reshuffle, the then Attorney General Dominic Grieve QC was replaced.  

The post went to criminal barrister and Conservative MP Jeremy Wright, who talks to Chris McWatters about his new role. 

08 December 2014 / Chris McWatters / Chris McWatters
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Chair’s Column

Heading into summer

Chair of the Bar Sam Townend KC encourages colleagues to take a proper break over summer and highlights recent events and key activities for autumn

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