The paper is the fourth in a series of consultations, published from June 2007 onwards, designed to help shape the format and structure of the new Code, introducing new Conduct Rules and developing a new scheme for authorisation to practise. 

Following the announcement the BSB Chair, Baroness Ruth Deech, said: “The BSB is keen to ensure that the new Code will be clearer and easier to understand than the current Code, and that its language is more accessible to all.

“The legal services market is changing rapidly and the new Code needs to be sufficiently flexible to allow barristers to work in this demanding environment. The BSB welcomes comments on how to achieve this.”

The consultation will run concurrently with a separate consultation on new equality provisions, the aim of which is to highlight the particular importance of equality and diversity in barristers’ conduct and practice.