*/
The Law Society and the Bar Council again hosted around 60 international bar leaders and their guests for the ceremonies in conjunction with the Opening of the Legal Year (OLY) on 1 October. On the preceding day a well-attended seminar was held at the Bar Council, with input from the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board, which examined the implementation of the Legal Services Act 2007 and looked at the latest developments in other jurisdictions.
There remain significant concerns about the possible introduction of Alternative Business Structures and key jurisdictions in Europe do not see the need to follow the changes to the regulatory system contained in the Act. Nevertheless, some elements of the changes in England & Wales have been crossing the channel, with the introduction of a consumer panel to advise the Dutch Bar, following a review of its regulatory structure last year. A particular question mark remains about the ability of ABS vehicles to practice in other EU Member States where such structures are not permitted domestically. It will be interesting to see how the review of the legal services regulations in France, launched ostensibly with the aim to introduce ABSs, will influence the debate. The seminar was a valuable exchange of news and views and is establishing itself as a regular feature in the OLY diary.
There remain significant concerns about the possible introduction of Alternative Business Structures and key jurisdictions in Europe do not see the need to follow the changes to the regulatory system contained in the Act. Nevertheless, some elements of the changes in England & Wales have been crossing the channel, with the introduction of a consumer panel to advise the Dutch Bar, following a review of its regulatory structure last year. A particular question mark remains about the ability of ABS vehicles to practice in other EU Member States where such structures are not permitted domestically. It will be interesting to see how the review of the legal services regulations in France, launched ostensibly with the aim to introduce ABSs, will influence the debate. The seminar was a valuable exchange of news and views and is establishing itself as a regular feature in the OLY diary.
The Law Society and the Bar Council again hosted around 60 international bar leaders and their guests for the ceremonies in conjunction with the Opening of the Legal Year (OLY) on 1 October. On the preceding day a well-attended seminar was held at the Bar Council, with input from the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board, which examined the implementation of the Legal Services Act 2007 and looked at the latest developments in other jurisdictions.
Looking back on a year as Chair of the Bar
AlphaBiolabs supports vulnerable children and families with its annual ‘12 Days of Christmas’ campaign
By David Cosway (with the help of ChatGPT)
Due to advances in research, technology and techniques, AlphaBiolabs can now offer alcohol testing for head hair samples that are just 1cm in length
With the explosion of interest in governance and the growing need to be multi-skilled to keep career options open, adding an extra string to your bow is not without its merits. The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland (CGIUKI) Fast Track for the Chartered Governance Qualifying Programme could be ideal for experienced professionals to reach chartered governance status
The 2023-24 COMBAR mentoring scheme for underrepresented groups is now open for applications - deadline extended to 12 October 2023
The North Eastern Circuit Leader on his trailblazing career, turbulent early years of practice and his mission to equip all barristers, regardless of their characteristics, with the opportunity to thrive. Interview by Glenn Parsons
From a CPS pupillage to Director of Legal Services at one of the largest prosecutors in England and Wales Michael Jennings describes the interesting and varied life an employed barrister in public service can lead
In 2022 Behind the Gown asked the Bar Standards Board to acknowledge online misogyny and sexism. One year on, the regulator’s revised Social Media Guidance doesn’t go far enough in confronting this issue, say Stephanie Hayward and Charlotte Proudman
Growing your junior practice via international conference and how to fund the trip: Daria Gleyze, Emile Simpson and Sajid Suleman share what they gained from the ChBA BVI Conference
Countering the gatekeeper agenda, troubling news on earnings disparities, spreading best practice in chambers, Pro Bono Week 2023, and the Rules of War
