Features

Changes to the nature of pupillages lead to reminiscences of more colourful times

April 9, 2011: “It’s a very ancient saying, but a true and honest thought, that if you become a teacher, by your pupils you’ll be taught” - Oscar Hammerstein II.

I popped in to the annual Pupillage Fair this year, spurred on by recent rumblings from the Bar Standards Board about the need to keep pupillage awards abreast with the current value of money. Sadly, my impression amongst the publicly funded sets was that this was more of a wake than a party. 

Peter Lewis explains how the CPS intends to implement full digital working and reduce its reliance on paper trails.  

By April 2012, the vast majority of our work at the CPS will be done digitally and our working practices will be streamlined. We are currently trialling various components of the new digital process in a number of pilot areas around the country (see map on page 29) which will help us learn the best ways of doing things before a comprehensive roll out next year. 

Sue Gethin speaks to Counsel about the challenges the FDA membership faces in common with the Bar.  

The vast majority of CPS prosecutors are members of the FDA, formerly known as the First Division Association, which negotiates on their behalf on a national level over pay and general terms and conditions. On a local level, the FDA assists members facing disciplinary action, bullying or harassment. The FDA will provide representation at internal disciplinary hearings or arrange for legal representation at employment tribunals as appropriate. The union also responds to national consultation on issues affecting members. 

To defend the Human Rights Act 1998 it is necessary to counter the falsehoods and distortions of those who misrepresent it. Regrettably the Prime Minister himself is among those who have done so, as well as more predictable elements of the media, particularly the Daily Mail.

A recent event that has unleashed misdirected criticism against the Act is the upholding by immigration judges of an appeal against deportation by an Iraqi asylum seeker who seven years previously had killed a child while driving a car. 

David Wurtzel reviews the law at work on stage in Inner Temple and out of the back of a Lincoln sedan in LA, Hollywood style… 

MURDER MOST FOUL OR LIBEL MOST VILE,
Inner Temple, 28 and 29 March 2011
Sponsored by Charles Stanley

Responding to a request from their Treasurer, Lady Justice Hallett, for an historical play, Murder Most Foul or Libel Most Vile was performed in Inner Temple in March. This is a highly intelligent piece, packed with historic and political detail and which can best be enjoyed by those who know their early Elizabethan history well. 

In the first of two articles, Paul Hynes QC examines the events leading to the extradition of Abu Hamza reaching the European Court

It is ironic that the decision on whether Abu Hamza remains in the UK or stands trial in the US is to be made in Europe. Although the British first arrested him in 1999, it wasn’t until 2003 that the UK authorities raided Finsbury Park Mosque and the Home Secretary served notice of his intention to deprive Abu Hamza of his British citizenship. 

Jonathan Sumption QC, a JAC Commissioner, admits he was initially opposed to written qualifying tests for judicial appointments. But experience has persuaded him that they are less imperfect than any reasonable alternative.  

Written qualifying tests are now an established part of the procedures used by the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC). If you intend to apply for any judicial office below the level of Senior Circuit Judge, the likelihood is that you will have to sit a test at the outset of the exercise. These tests are unpopular among barristers for a variety of reasons, some good and some bad. You may therefore think it perverse of me to be writing an article whose main purpose is to persuade you to sign up for more. 

Peter Smith reports on the challenges and opportunities of life after pupillage.  

After the expense and effort of the academic and practical legal education, and with your heart set on a life of advocacy and self-employment, being rejected from chambers can be an incredibly disheartening experience. 

Charles Hale and Toby Craig reflect on history and the speed of change. 

The laws of nature may not be challengeable. The laws of man must always be. The shocking events following the huge earthquakes in New Zealand and in Japan followed by the terrifying tsunami served as a timely reminder of the fragility of the infrastructure which we can all sometimes cling to. 

Strategic planning can ease the burden of escalating school and university fees. Elizabeth Davidson considers the financial weaponry on offer

There’s no denying the high cost of bringing up children. The thought of unnecessarily adding school fees sends shivers down backs. The potential tripling of university fees, regardless of when they need to be paid back, is creating yet more anxiety. Given proper planning and preparation, however, it may all be far more affordable than anticipated.