Heritage as an anchor and a compass, finding our common humanity and embracing the power of the outsider – Melina Antoniadis’s lessons learnt
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
In this wide-ranging interview, Professor Jo Delahunty KC, Family Law KC of the Year, talks to Anthony Inglese CB about the values that shaped her, the moment she found her vocation and, in an intensely personal call to arms, why time is running out for the legal aid Bar
What qualities does a modern-day barrister need? Caroline Goodwin KC, Leader of the North Eastern Circuit, and former Chair of the Criminal Bar Association, shares her lessons learnt
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
Make 2026 the year you learn to love Excel. Elizabeth Bowden shares tips, tricks and time-savers in part four of her series
Lauren Fullerton examines the how, what and why of setting up a second chambers base
The judiciary has a long journey before it is fully inclusive and representative, but the First-tier Tribunal has made a remarkable start. Diego F Soto-Miranda reflects on his personal odyssey and the wider context
Seeing the full picture – Baljit Ubhey OBE outlines the CPS action plan to tackle violence against women and girls, offering insights directly relevant to courtroom practice
Not a warning, but a message of hope. Charlotte McDonald reflects on not being taken on, moving chambers and finding success – with a call for greater transparency in the process
The case against judge-only justice – and why efficiency is not enough. By Professor Leslie Thomas KC
A tutorial for the Lord Chancellor and Minister for Courts on the Canadian criminal justice system. By Professor Laura Hoyano and Sandra Kimberg
Dame Anne Rafferty, President of the Kalisher Trust, marks 30 years of transforming lives and inspiring young people to achieve through advocacy
Anna Boase KC, Georgina Peters and Jessica Sutherland explain the principal aims and features of COMBAR’s Best Practice Guidance for Chambers
Are conclusions drawn from earnings data at risk of survivorship bias? asks James Hatt
Army Reserve adventures provide the balance that the Bar sometimes lacks, says Ahmad Badar
By Peter Oldham KC
Reviewed by Sir Jonathan Swift
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
Far-ranging month for the Chair of the Bar
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the most recent data on alcohol misuse in the UK, and the implications for alcohol testing in family proceedings
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how tailored financial planning can help barristers take control of their finances and plan with confidence
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
A £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs has been made to the leading UK charity tackling international parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, outlines the drug and alcohol testing options available for family law professionals, and how a new, free guide can help identify the most appropriate testing method for each specific case
In this wide-ranging interview, Professor Jo Delahunty KC, Family Law KC of the Year, talks to Anthony Inglese CB about the values that shaped her, the moment she found her vocation and, in an intensely personal call to arms, why time is running out for the legal aid Bar
Is the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office process fit for purpose? Women barristers’ experiences of bullying are not being reported or, if they are, they are not making it through the system, says Tana Adkin KC
Thomas Roe KC and Andrew O’Kola respond to an article by Dr Leonardo Raznovich (Counsel , October 2025) – ‘Privy Council colonialism? Piercing the constitutional veil’
Chair of the Bar reports back
The client’s best interests could be well-served by sharing the advocacy with junior counsel more often than you might think – Naomi Cunningham and Charlotte Eves explore some less orthodox ways to divide the speaking role
