*/
The winner of the 2016 Pro Bono Award, sponsored by the Bar Council, was announced at the conference. John Collins, of Zenith Chambers, has been at the Bar for six decades.
In the last five years alone, he has worked on 11 pro bono cases, including Ilott v Mitson [2015] EWCA Civ 797 and Bell v Northumbria Water [2016] EWHC 133. The award also acknowledged his influence and support in encouraging others to take on pro bono cases.
Collins was described by Lord Goldsmith, the Bar Pro Bono Unit President and Chair of the Award judging panel, as a ‘great ambassador’ for our profession. The Chairman of the Bar agreed it was a signal honour to be able to recognise and reward his time, knowledge and energy. Unfortunately, Collins was not able to be present, and the lost opportunity to catch sight of the great man was a disappointment to many in the audience who were craning their necks at this juncture. He did, however, pen some words that were shared with us.
Collins spoke of a time when this award would seem unnecessary, when ‘equality before the law, is not an idealistic declaration’, but something that everyone could access; when a lack of means should not mean that people were ‘prevented from protection, or defending, their rights’. These sobering and inspirational words struck a tangible chord with the audience.
In the last five years alone, he has worked on 11 pro bono cases, including Ilott v Mitson [2015] EWCA Civ 797 and Bell v Northumbria Water [2016] EWHC 133. The award also acknowledged his influence and support in encouraging others to take on pro bono cases.
Collins was described by Lord Goldsmith, the Bar Pro Bono Unit President and Chair of the Award judging panel, as a ‘great ambassador’ for our profession. The Chairman of the Bar agreed it was a signal honour to be able to recognise and reward his time, knowledge and energy. Unfortunately, Collins was not able to be present, and the lost opportunity to catch sight of the great man was a disappointment to many in the audience who were craning their necks at this juncture. He did, however, pen some words that were shared with us.
Collins spoke of a time when this award would seem unnecessary, when ‘equality before the law, is not an idealistic declaration’, but something that everyone could access; when a lack of means should not mean that people were ‘prevented from protection, or defending, their rights’. These sobering and inspirational words struck a tangible chord with the audience.
The winner of the 2016 Pro Bono Award, sponsored by the Bar Council, was announced at the conference. John Collins, of Zenith Chambers, has been at the Bar for six decades.
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.
Most of us like to think we would risk our career in order to meet our ethical obligations, so why have so many lawyers failed to hold the line? asks Flora Page
If your current practice environment is bringing you down, seek a new one. However daunting the change, it will be worth it, says Anon Barrister
Creating advocacy opportunities for juniors is now the expectation but not always easy to put into effect. Tom Mitcheson KC distils developing best practice from the Patents Court initiative already bearing fruit
Sam Townend KC explains the Bar Council’s efforts towards ensuring a bright future for the profession
The long-running fee-paid judicial pensions saga continues. The current cut-off date for giving notice of election to join FPJPS is 31 March 2024, and that date now gives rise to a serious problem, warns HH John Platt