*/
Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC, Chairman of the Bar
In her speech at the 31st Bar & Young Bar Conference, held at the Westminster Plaza Hotel, on Saturday 15 October 2016, Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC, Chairman of the Bar, highlighted the profession’s ability, and enthusiasm, for innovation.
She warned, however, that the profession’s commitment to independence, excellence and advocacy had to be protected. She told her audience that they are more than ‘economic actors’ – repeating the language used by Sir David Clementi years ago – and that the profession’s value should be acknowledged. Her reminder to barristers was that we are professionals whose role is at the heart of our justice system.
Doerries said: ‘Perhaps the Bar should not expect to be popular – after all, the hallmark of the profession is to represent all without fear, including litigants who are unpopular with government, or with society. That is why this profession has fought so hard to keep the cab rank rule.
‘But the profession should be valued. Not just for the money it contributes to the Exchequer, but because the justice system, and the Bar which plays a central role in it, are part of the glue which holds society together.
‘We need to ensure that society and politicians understand what we do, and the important roles we play in ensuring our society is able to exist in its current form.
‘As a profession we act not only in the interest of consumers, but also in the public interest. Acknowledging this does not mean that this profession is unwilling to continue to move with the times, but rather that there is an irreducible essence, which has to be protected. At the heart of this profession are three commitments: to independence, to excellence and to advocacy.
‘These three tenets combined with the Bar’s high degree of flexibility are why the Bar has survived over centuries, and why in my view, despite the undoubted challenges which exist, it will continue to survive and thrive. But, we should not take this for granted. The essential elements of the profession need to be guarded and valued. They are central to what is best about our justice system, and our judiciary.’
She took the opportunity in her speech to make clear that there is often a personal cost in the life of a barrister who receives insufficient support, sometimes with tragic consequences. She announced a joint initiative between the Bar Council, Inns of Court and Institute of Barristers’ Clerks: the Wellbeing at the Bar Portal, an online wellbeing and mental health support tool for the Bar.
Contributor Melissa Coutinho
She warned, however, that the profession’s commitment to independence, excellence and advocacy had to be protected. She told her audience that they are more than ‘economic actors’ – repeating the language used by Sir David Clementi years ago – and that the profession’s value should be acknowledged. Her reminder to barristers was that we are professionals whose role is at the heart of our justice system.
Doerries said: ‘Perhaps the Bar should not expect to be popular – after all, the hallmark of the profession is to represent all without fear, including litigants who are unpopular with government, or with society. That is why this profession has fought so hard to keep the cab rank rule.
‘But the profession should be valued. Not just for the money it contributes to the Exchequer, but because the justice system, and the Bar which plays a central role in it, are part of the glue which holds society together.
‘We need to ensure that society and politicians understand what we do, and the important roles we play in ensuring our society is able to exist in its current form.
‘As a profession we act not only in the interest of consumers, but also in the public interest. Acknowledging this does not mean that this profession is unwilling to continue to move with the times, but rather that there is an irreducible essence, which has to be protected. At the heart of this profession are three commitments: to independence, to excellence and to advocacy.
‘These three tenets combined with the Bar’s high degree of flexibility are why the Bar has survived over centuries, and why in my view, despite the undoubted challenges which exist, it will continue to survive and thrive. But, we should not take this for granted. The essential elements of the profession need to be guarded and valued. They are central to what is best about our justice system, and our judiciary.’
She took the opportunity in her speech to make clear that there is often a personal cost in the life of a barrister who receives insufficient support, sometimes with tragic consequences. She announced a joint initiative between the Bar Council, Inns of Court and Institute of Barristers’ Clerks: the Wellbeing at the Bar Portal, an online wellbeing and mental health support tool for the Bar.
Contributor Melissa Coutinho
Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC, Chairman of the Bar
In her speech at the 31st Bar & Young Bar Conference, held at the Westminster Plaza Hotel, on Saturday 15 October 2016, Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC, Chairman of the Bar, highlighted the profession’s ability, and enthusiasm, for innovation.
Sam Townend KC explains the Bar Council’s efforts towards ensuring a bright future for the profession
Giovanni D’Avola explores the issue of over-citation of unreported cases and the ‘added value’ elements of a law report
Louise Crush explores the key points and opportunities for tax efficiency
Westgate Wealth Management Ltd is a Partner Practice of FTSE 100 company St. James’s Place – one of the top UK Wealth Management firms. We offer a holistic service of distinct quality, integrity, and excellence with the aim to build a professional and valuable relationship with our clients, helping to provide them with security now, prosperity in the future and the highest standard of service in all of our dealings.
Is now the time to review your financial position, having reached a career milestone? asks Louise Crush
If you were to host a dinner party with 10 guests, and you asked them to explain what financial planning is and how it differs to financial advice, you’d receive 10 different answers. The variety of answers highlights the ongoing need to clarify and promote the value of financial planning.
On the 50th anniversary of the pub bombings, even now it is still unresolved. Chris Mullin, the journalist and former MP who led the campaign leading to the release of the Birmingham Six, looks back at events
Adele Akers’ reflections on health and wellbeing support at the very junior end of the Bar
Not one to say, ‘I told you so,’ Sam Thomas continues his cyber series with the key learnings from the major supply chain attack affecting 80 law firms and at least one set of chambers at the end of 2023
One year on and the Court of Appeal fails to quash convictions after receiving evidence of racism in the jury room, and there are still no revisions to the Equal Treatment Bench Book , says Keir Monteith KC
Increasing sophistication and frequency of attacks have led many chambers to ask ‘when’ not ‘if’ they will suffer a cyber incident. Simon Davis sets out the factors to consider when renewing your cyber cover