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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.’
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
Born from a grievance, their research project grew into a book and is now challenging the status quo. Emma Price and Emma-Louise Fenelon reveal the key findings – and the critical next steps
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
