Practice Toolset

David Wurtzel analyses the recently published BPTC Key Statistics – essential reading for both prospective students and those designing a replacement system of training for the Bar  

‘I am also struck, as others have been, by the disparity between the mandatory training expected of solicitors and barristers,’ Sir Bill Jeffrey wrote in his 2014 report Independent criminal advocacy in England and Wales . 

Natalie Hearn and Brie Stevens-Hoare QC herald the launch of FreeBar, the LGBT+ chambers network that aims to promote an inclusive culture throughout the Bar  

A number of barristers’ chambers – including Matrix, Hardwicke, No5 Chambers, 5 Paper Buildings and 3 Hare Court – are working in association with Stonewall to establish a forum for chambers, employers and individuals working at and for the Bar focused on supporting LGBT+ people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender and sexuality minorities).  

Oliver Hanmer reports the findings of the regulator’s review of advocacy standards within youth proceedings, and Parliamentarian and practitioner perspectives on the problems currently endemic in the youth justice system  

In November last year, the Bar Standards Board (BSB) published The Youth Proceedings Advocacy Review which we and CILEx Regulation commissioned from The Institute for Criminal Policy Research.  

As litigation spend shrinks, Andrew Goodman presents the business case for advocacy in mediation and outlines a new market for barristers  

Members of the Bar are increasingly finding themselves needing, or wishing, to represent clients in mediation, acting not as mediators but as advocates and legal advisers.  

In the second part of Counsel’s report on the role of the Circuits today, we hear from Leaders Paul Lewis QC and Richard Atkins QC on what makes the Circuit structure work and how it meets the profession’s needs  

Legal practitioners from different backgrounds share their experiences of the developing regulatory area with Melissa Countinho  

Today there appears to be more regulation than ever before, despite the aims of reducing unnecessary bureaucracy.  

David Wurtzel interviews the incoming Chairman of the Bar, Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC  

The 2016 Chairman of the Bar, Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC, came to the profession slightly by accident.  

Daniel Sternberg reports back from this year’s Young Bar Conference  

Over 150 employed and self-employed barristers and law students gathered on 17 October 2015 for the 11th Young Bar Conference.  

Michael Zander gives his view on the Ministry of Justice’s consultation paper on the Quality of Advocacy 

The 30th Annual Bar Conference, together this year with the Young Bar Conference, took place on 17 October. Counsel reports on the day