*/
The ‘complex language and mannerisms’ of barristers make it harder for clients and witnesses to understand the legal process, the Bar Standards Board (BSB) has said in a report stressing the importance of ‘cross-cultural’ communication.
The report, which came out of a symposium, Does cross-cultural communication matter at the Bar? said the Bar’s ‘distinct and tribal culture’ contributes to a ‘damaging perception’ that the justice system is ‘remote, powerful and inaccessible’, which can erode faith in the legal process.
This, it warned, may lead clients to seek representation from providers from their own cultural background, even if those services may not be the most appropriate for their particular case, or may discourage them from seeking legal help.
It said: ‘The formalities of court culture and the obscure, often alien language used in legal proceedings can accentuate problems in cross-cultural communication, leaving clients and witnesses confused and alienated.’
BSB director-general, Dr Vanessa Davies, said: ‘Being able to communicate clearly and effectively with people from different backgrounds is essential.
‘Making sure barristers meet a competent standard of cultural awareness and understanding is a key component of the Professional Statement and an important theme in our strategy for 2016-19.’
Meanwhile, in a separate report, Risk Outlook, the regulator has warned that commercial pressures due to legal aid cuts and increased competition from other providers, may lead to compromised ethical principles, lowered standards and inappropriate pricing to win business.
The regulator noted that commercial pressures can stimulate innovation and creativity, enabling competitive advantages to be created, improving the consumer experience and potentially driving down costs.
But, while many respond positively, others respond in ways that could lead to outcomes that harm consumers.
The report said that the Bar needs to understand, plan for and adapt to the changing economic situation and identify opportunities to innovate.
BSB chair, Sir Andrew Burns, said: ‘The Risk Outlook confirms our commitment to regulating in the public interest by recognising that the profession needs to meet consumer need, to address diversity issues and respond to commercial pressures.
‘The Risk Outlook is by no means a static document. We want to nurture and continue a dialogue with all stakeholders as the legal market continues to evolve.’
The ‘complex language and mannerisms’ of barristers make it harder for clients and witnesses to understand the legal process, the Bar Standards Board (BSB) has said in a report stressing the importance of ‘cross-cultural’ communication.
The report, which came out of a symposium, Does cross-cultural communication matter at the Bar? said the Bar’s ‘distinct and tribal culture’ contributes to a ‘damaging perception’ that the justice system is ‘remote, powerful and inaccessible’, which can erode faith in the legal process.
This, it warned, may lead clients to seek representation from providers from their own cultural background, even if those services may not be the most appropriate for their particular case, or may discourage them from seeking legal help.
It said: ‘The formalities of court culture and the obscure, often alien language used in legal proceedings can accentuate problems in cross-cultural communication, leaving clients and witnesses confused and alienated.’
BSB director-general, Dr Vanessa Davies, said: ‘Being able to communicate clearly and effectively with people from different backgrounds is essential.
‘Making sure barristers meet a competent standard of cultural awareness and understanding is a key component of the Professional Statement and an important theme in our strategy for 2016-19.’
Meanwhile, in a separate report, Risk Outlook, the regulator has warned that commercial pressures due to legal aid cuts and increased competition from other providers, may lead to compromised ethical principles, lowered standards and inappropriate pricing to win business.
The regulator noted that commercial pressures can stimulate innovation and creativity, enabling competitive advantages to be created, improving the consumer experience and potentially driving down costs.
But, while many respond positively, others respond in ways that could lead to outcomes that harm consumers.
The report said that the Bar needs to understand, plan for and adapt to the changing economic situation and identify opportunities to innovate.
BSB chair, Sir Andrew Burns, said: ‘The Risk Outlook confirms our commitment to regulating in the public interest by recognising that the profession needs to meet consumer need, to address diversity issues and respond to commercial pressures.
‘The Risk Outlook is by no means a static document. We want to nurture and continue a dialogue with all stakeholders as the legal market continues to evolve.’
As we look ahead to Justice Week 2022, the sustainability of the Criminal Bar remains a critical issue for the government to address
Opportunity for female sopranos/contraltos in secondary education, or who have recently finished secondary education but have not yet begun tertiary education. Eligibility includes children of members of the Bar
Fear of the collection and test process is a common factor among clients, especially among vulnerable adults in complex family law cases. Cansford Laboratories shares some tips to help the testing process run as smoothly as possible
Casey Randall explains how complex relationship DNA tests can best be used – and interpreted – by counsel
Casey Randall, Head of DNA at AlphaBiolabs, explores what barristers need to know about DNA testing for immigration, including when a client might wish to submit DNA evidence, and which relationship tests are best for immigration applications
Julian Morgan reminds barristers of the top five areas to consider before 5 April
The case ofR v Brecanihas complicated matters for defence lawyers. Emma Fielding talks to gang culture expert, Dr Simon Harding about County Lines, exploitation and modern slavery
Barristers are particularly at risk of burnout because of the nature of our work and our approach to it but it doesnt have to be this way. Jade Bucklow explores how culture, work and lifestyle changes can rejuvinate our mental health...
The Schools Consent Project (SCP) is educating tens of thousands of teenagers about the law around consent to challenge and change what is now endemic behaviour. Here, its founder, barrister Kate Parker talks to Chris Henley QC about SCPs work and its association with Jodie Comers West End playPrima Facie, in which she plays a criminal barrister who is sexually assaulted
Professionally embarrassed? The circumstances in which criminal barristers may return instructions to appear at trial have become clearer following the Court of Appeal judgment inR v Daniels By Abigail Bright
Following the launch of the Life at the Young Bar report and a nationwide listening exercise, Michael Polak and Michael Harwood outline the Young Barristers Committees raft of initiatives designed to address your issues of concern