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“It is unlikely that there will be enough publicly funded criminal case work to support the number of people who wish to earn a living from publicly funded practice at the criminal Bar.
That is a simple economic fact of life”, the Legal Aid Minister, Jonathan Djanogly MP announced during a Westminster Hall debate on 15 September, citing both the rising number of barristers (12,000) and of higher court solicitor advocates (2,500).
In the discussion of “Criminal Bar (Public Funding)” initiated by Geoffrey Cox QC MP, Mr Djanogly stated as well that “a single fee for Crown Court cases covering litigation and advocacy would encourage greater efficiency between litigator and advocate”.
While sympathetic to the need to recognise and protect the diversity of the Bar “the numbers of black, minority ethnic and women barristers are affected by issues other than simply fees”.
He praised the efforts of Nick Green QC, Chairman of the Bar, for “travelling the length and breadth of England and Wales to explain to members of the Bar, face to face, why it is time for the Bar to prepare for change”; “the Bar Council is right to advocate change”. At the same time, “I want a level playing field so that barristers, other advocates and litigators can compete on an equal basis”.
Five MPs who have practised as solicitors or barristers in criminal law took part in the debate. Cox in particular pointed out that a single fee “alone could dramatically increase the ‘competitive imbalance’.”
That is a simple economic fact of life”, the Legal Aid Minister, Jonathan Djanogly MP announced during a Westminster Hall debate on 15 September, citing both the rising number of barristers (12,000) and of higher court solicitor advocates (2,500).
In the discussion of “Criminal Bar (Public Funding)” initiated by Geoffrey Cox QC MP, Mr Djanogly stated as well that “a single fee for Crown Court cases covering litigation and advocacy would encourage greater efficiency between litigator and advocate”.
While sympathetic to the need to recognise and protect the diversity of the Bar “the numbers of black, minority ethnic and women barristers are affected by issues other than simply fees”.
He praised the efforts of Nick Green QC, Chairman of the Bar, for “travelling the length and breadth of England and Wales to explain to members of the Bar, face to face, why it is time for the Bar to prepare for change”; “the Bar Council is right to advocate change”. At the same time, “I want a level playing field so that barristers, other advocates and litigators can compete on an equal basis”.
Five MPs who have practised as solicitors or barristers in criminal law took part in the debate. Cox in particular pointed out that a single fee “alone could dramatically increase the ‘competitive imbalance’.”
“It is unlikely that there will be enough publicly funded criminal case work to support the number of people who wish to earn a living from publicly funded practice at the criminal Bar.
The Chair of the Bar reports back
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how global events can influence the performance of pensions and ISAs, and why taking a long-term approach to investing is often the most effective strategy
Mário Barroso, Head of R&D and Method Development at AlphaBiolabs, discusses what family law professionals need to know about hallucinogens, from the main hallucinogenic drugs encountered in family proceedings, to their effects and the testing options available
Harmony Christian Ministries is the latest charity to benefit from a £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
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
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
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
In an era of patient-centred care and growing concern over misconduct in medical settings, why do women still lack the right to choose women consultants for examination and treatment? Charles Davey investigates
Reviewed by Daniel Barnett
James McNeill Whistler at Tate Britain until 27 September Rothko in Florence at Palazzo Strozzi until 23 August Reviewed by Stephen Cragg KC
