Practice Toolset

Don’t get left behind in the new age of online marketing, writes HD Lodge 

Ever wondered how Benchers get elected and what they do? Catherine Baksi goes behind the green baize door to find out 

The rules which underpin the Bar’s professional life are being overhauled. Your input is vital, writes Charles Hollander QC.  

Barristers can be very good at responding to consultation papers on matters such as the retention of wigs. Replying to one on the proposed new Conduct Rules for the Bar may sound less compelling, but this is a consultation which is of real importance to all of us as it concerns the rules which govern the work we do every day. For those who might begin to complain of “consultation overload”, may I reassure them by pointing out the excellent track record of the Bar Standards Board (BSB) in listening to the responses we get. The debate over deferral of call in 2007 and the recent paper on rules for acceptance of instructions are both examples of where we consulted, took note, and eventually modified our views on the best way forward. 

Messrs Barrs of the Bar 

Dear Editor
Whilst I’m sure the incidence of “nominative determinism” amongst members of the legal profession had more to do with the date of the article (“In the name of the law” Counsel April 2009 pp 16-18) than with hard scientific fact, I feel Christina Michalos’ list would be incomplete without mention of the three Messrs Barr of the Bar. 

Now assessed as “mission critical”, the issue of judicial diversity may have reached the highest levels, but what can be done? Alison Padfield investigates 

An attitudes-to-the-profession survey reveals the public still has “trust issues” with the Bar. David Wurtzel reports on the launch of the new complaints process designed to tackle this 

The Bar Council has produced general guidance on Internet issues. In brief, chambers’ and individual barristers’ websites should explain: (i) legal status of chambers; (ii) fact that services covered are provided by members of chambers as individuals; (iii) if any page accessed through the web includes any articles, case notes or other legal information, as opposed to merely business information such as is found in legal services directories, then it should include a disclaimer.   

Linked websites—if websites are accessed through a link (eg from a solicitors’ website) care should be taken to ensure that liability to that site visitor is not created. Be aware of referral/introduction fee implications. The e-commerce regulations and the Data Protection Act 1998 also apply. 

Fraser Coxhill reports from this year’s competition final.  

On Saturday 28 March 2009 the normally hushed halls of the Central Criminal Court in London were taken over by more than 200 young people perfecting speeches, tactics and costumes. This was the final of the Bar National Mock Trial Competition run by the Citizenship Foundation in partnership with the Bar Council, Faculty of Advocates, the Bar Council of Northern Ireland, the Inns of Court and the Circuits. The annual competition attracts 160 schools and 2,000 young people from all over the UK. It provides 15–18-year-olds from state secondary schools and further education colleges with an opportunity to experience the profession and helps to demystify the criminal justice system by allowing participants to play the roles of advocates, witnesses, jurors and court staff. 

How can candidates for silk, and their assessors, maximise their chances of success? Roy Amlot QC, outgoing member of the QC Selection Panel, gives an insider’s view.  

The accolade of silk is of great value. As a mark of excellence for all advocates—open to the self-employed Bar, employed Bar and solicitors alike—it enables the public and the professions to identify the leaders in the law and is a quality standard for junior practitioners to aspire to, either in its own right or as a stepping stone to the Bench. Furthermore, it is a mark of considerable importance on the international stage and as such is widely acclaimed all over the world. 

A shopping basket of proposals, gathered without any particularly logical reason—John Cooper introduces the Coroners and Justice Bill