Counsel Magazine

Leader of the Northern Circuit Sam Hillas KC on authenticity, the joy of mentoring and where she stands on the kindness v professionalism debate 

Solicitor General Ellie Reeves KC MP discusses her decade as a trade union and employment law barrister, the demands of life as a Law Officer and the number one priority shaping her work. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB

Andy Slaughter MP, Chair of the influential Commons Justice Committee, on standing between government and the justice system, his route from local politics and the Bar, and a principled – often controversial – 20‑year Parliamentary career. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB 

Heritage as an anchor and a compass, finding our common humanity and embracing the power of the outsider – Melina Antoniadis’s lessons learnt 

On 23 March 2026, the official ceremony took place at Westminster Hall where successful applicants in the 2025 silk competition were formally sworn in as King’s Counsel. Here’s a flavour of the special day – with congratulations to all

Can reflective practice – a staple in other professions – meaningfully support the Bar? Emma Cross reports back from last year’s pilot

Let’s call time on toxic behaviour. Wellbeing consultant Annette Henry KC explores its root causes, the warning signs – and the tools to change course

Does your constitution comply? The Harman Report provides impetus to update yours – and the sooner the better. Scott Leonard explains how

Returning, transferring or overhauling your practice? Laura Kenyon highlights the cross-chambers, cross-specialism and cross-disciplinary scheme designed to support juniors at career crossroads, at any stage of call

Do I need to get a coach? Are only lengthy cases suitable for inclusion? What happens if I don’t have 12 cases? In the fifth part of the KC Selection Panel series, Monisha Shah tackles your commonly asked questions

A decade of reviews and research has disrupted accepted thinking in the search for causality. Suicides following abuse have overtaken domestic homicides. Is the law keeping up? Professor Susan Edwards KC (Hon) examines recent cases and the obstacles to successful prosecution 

The International Criminal Court is in deep water again. Its inability to deal with the sexual harassment allegation against Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan KC has morphed into the worst crisis in the court’s history, says Chris Stephen  

There is much to celebrate about the planning appeals process but it can, on occasions, test professional conduct. Tom Cosgrove KC, Claire Searson, Victoria Hutton and Paul Tucker KC explain how the Planning and Environment Bar Association and the Planning Inspectorate are working together to promote good conduct and tackle poor behaviour post-Harman 

Why every major sporting event needs an anti-corruption policy. By Louis Weston 

At least not that  way, says Richard Paige

David Langwallner reviews Ozon’s adaptation of L’Etranger –  in UK cinemas now and a reminder of Camus’ genius and wider body of work

Nick Peacock’s top crooners – guaranteed to melt away your cares 

It’s heating up everywhere, observes William Byfield 

Army Reserve adventures provide the balance that the Bar sometimes lacks, says Ahmad Badar 

By Jo Delahunty KC  

Reviewed by Anna Yarde 

There is no typical day in the life as a Supreme Court judicial assistant, says Josephine Gillingwater, and that’s what makes the role so enjoyably diverse  

Amelia Clegg shares the lessons standing her in good stead as 2026 Chair of the Young Barristers’ Committee and the priorities for her term 

Simon Regis CBE, Chair of the Bar Council Employed Barristers’ Committee, sets out his three key priorities for the year ahead 

From drafting the law to running the UK’s top court, former barrister Vicky Fox tells Anthony Inglese CB about her fascinating career path, firefighting post- the prorogation ruling and the court’s diversity ambitions

Brie Stevens-Hoare KC looks at the range of initiatives aiming to increase diversity in judicial appointments. What’s making the difference? What more needs to be done?

A career shaped by advocacy beyond her practice, and the realities of living with an invisible disability – Dr Natasha Shotunde, Black Barristers’ Network Co-Founder and its Chair for seven years, reflects on a decade at the Bar  

It’s been five years since the groundbreaking QC competition in which six Black women barristers, including the 2025 Chair of the Bar, took silk. Yet today, the number of Black KCs remains ‘critically low’. Desirée Artesi talks to Baroness Scotland KC, Allison Munroe KC and Melanie Simpson KC about the critical success factors, barriers and ideas for embedding change

Brie Stevens-Hoare KC looks at the range of initiatives aiming to increase diversity in judicial appointments. What’s making the difference? What more needs to be done?

Senior barristers reflect on the progress made since the publication of Race at the Bar: A Snapshot Report  in 2021, as well as the persistent challenges and cultural shifts still needed. Interviews by Mariam Diaby 

From a traumatic formative education to exceptional criminal silk – Laurie-Anne Power KC talks about her path to the Bar, pursuit of equality and speaking out against discrimination (not just during Black History Month)

Get ready to lead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape

If lawyers using AI forget it is just a tool, and stop being ethical responsible lawyers, it will cause mayhem – Flora Page KC explores the legal and ethical pitfalls and offers essential guidance on developing good, safe AI practices in-house 

Get beyond the buzzwords to drive innovation in your legal practice: a practical primer for barristers by Raquel Vazquez 

Do chatbot providers owe a duty of care for negligent misstatements? Jasper Wong suggests that the principles applicable to humans should apply equally to machines 

With at least 31 reports of AI hallucinations in UK legal cases – over 800 worldwide – and judges using AI to assist in judicial decision-making, the risks and benefits are impossible to ignore. Matthew Lee examines how different jurisdictions are responding 

A career at the Crown Prosecution Service – insight from Siobhan Blake and Ibrahim Ilyas   

The Bar Council crunches the data to tell the real story of who gets pupillage... and when 

Newly minted Bar graduates compete at a ratio of 300:1 for a golden ticket to Wonka’s Criminal Justice Factory. The Secret Barrister explains why…

The Bar Standards Board on what you need to know about training to become a barrister in England and Wales

Laurence Cooper explores the high-stakes world of choosing a Bar training course provider