Developing a tech start-up demands a different definition of excellence to the Bar, says Saara Idelbi. The co-creator of Advocatr on entrepreneurship, AI advocacy training, and matching the thrill of a killer cross-examination
Harry Stratton, Lucy Masoud, Graeme Hall, Justin Bates KC, Colin Perrin, the International Advisory and Dispute Resolution Unit and Dan Bunting share the stories behind their awards and encourage others to get involved in pro bono work. Introduction by Advocate
The Chief Legal Officer to the Metropolitan Police, barrister Brett Welch, tells Anthony Inglese CB about his mission and the work to turn the Met around
What I’ve learnt so far. By Julian Santos KC
Leader of the Northern Circuit Sam Hillas KC on authenticity, the joy of mentoring and where she stands on the kindness v professionalism debate
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
Ever spared a thought for the legal minds drafting our statutes and Bills, largely in obscurity? John F Wilson explores the craft, influence and enduring mystique of legislative drafting
What it’s like running a business alongside a busy practice? Iain Quirk KC, Rehna Azim and James Pereira KC share their start-up journeys
Not every case changes you. This one did, says Amiot Vollenweider, who explains how he accommodated, pro bono, one of the longest-running divorces in English legal history into his practice – and what he gained
Barrister apprenticeships – shortly to provide the fourth pathway to the Bar – are an ideal opportunity to support local talent and ‘grow your own’, say Tim Coulson and Dr Jane Dennehy
At a pivotal time for LGBTQ+ rights, Brie Stevens-Hoare KC and Cameron Stocks introduce the network uniting lawyers across jurisdictions to foster collaboration and learning
As the world becomes more digital, Barbara Vinagre Mota examines international research into the mental health consequences of judges’ exposure to graphic and immersive evidence, highlighting the importance of support systems
At the start of her term, Chair of the Bar 2026 Kirsty Brimelow KC set out a series of priorities for the year ahead. One of those priorities was children in the justice system
From official secrets to national security... In the context of recent Chinese ‘spy’ cases, Jo Morris analyses the evolution of the law governing espionage in protecting the United Kingdom and its political process
By Emma Price and Emma-Louise Fenelon
Reviewed by Adiba Bassam (Demir)
James McNeill Whistler at Tate Britain until 27 September
Rothko in Florence at Palazzo Strozzi until 23 August
Reviewed by Stephen Cragg KC
As criminal barristers swap the courtroom for the crime shelf, does their fiction offer more than thrills? Andrew Otchie explores how these insider voices reflect contemporary practice and shape public understanding
The Chief Legal Officer to the Metropolitan Police, barrister Brett Welch, tells Anthony Inglese CB about his mission and the work to turn the Met around
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
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
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)
The smarter the machines, the more vital the human advocate. As AI reshapes the profession, Lynda Gibbs KC (Hon) and Wendy Showell Nicholas show why empathy, judgement and persuasion are the barrister’s greatest strengths
As AI reshapes legal practice, the advocates who thrive will be those willing to dig deep, says Michaela Hardwick. By mining the rich seam of their experience and honing the human skills at the profession’s core, barristers can unearth what’s needed to build a sustainable practice
The law can feel transactional at times. So, beyond technical excellence, what makes the solicitor-counsel relationship work, and what makes it thrive? Julie Norris offers a view from both sides of the profession
How to retain the edge? Looking beyond the law can sharpen client insight and strengthen a practice, says Charlie Newington-Bridges
Revolution or just another tool? Charting the rise of AI at the Bar, Julie Ahadi argues that the goal is meaningful – not maximal – adoption, with professional risk resting squarely on the individual barrister
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
Update from the Chair of the Bar
By David Green
Mário Barroso, Head of R&D and Method Development at AlphaBiolabs, examines the forensic science underpinning hair drug testing, its evidential scope and limitations, and why it remains the gold standard for evidencing patterns of drug use in family proceedings
Unlocking your aged debt to fund your tax in one easy step. By Philip N Bristow
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, discusses the upcoming changes to pensions and Inheritance Tax and the potential impact on your financial future
Save the Children UK is the latest charity to benefit from a £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
The Chief Legal Officer to the Metropolitan Police, barrister Brett Welch, tells Anthony Inglese CB about his mission and the work to turn the Met around
Barrister apprenticeships – shortly to provide the fourth pathway to the Bar – are an ideal opportunity to support local talent and ‘grow your own’, say Tim Coulson and Dr Jane Dennehy
Grok around and find out – or not? Mariya Peykova investigates the nudification scandal, what the law has to say about sexually explicit deepfakes, and whether stronger regulation is needed
Oliver Lewis spotlights an overlooked yet rapidly evolving area of law – coercive and controlling behaviour within care contexts
For one night only at Middle Temple Hall (Sunday 26 July 2026) – Abigail Bright introduces the famed annual fundraising theatrical event. This year, Martin Shaw and Jason Watkins perform John Mortimer’s The Dock Brief, a mixture of farce and pathos and all in support of the work of the Kalisher Trust in its 30th year
