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Claimants in the judicial review of the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates (QASA) have been granted leave to appeal the original decision, on all grounds. The expedited appeal hearing is set for 16 July.
The Court of Appeal has ordered two aspects of the scheme to be stayed meanwhile: the compulsory registration of advocates who would register at level 2 (trial advocate or above); and the judicial evaluation of advocates in trials.
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) said it had “already decided to suspend phased geographical registration in the Scheme and, whilst we will continue to work with the Joint Advocacy Group to be ready for implementation, we will not be requiring barristers who may have sought to be assessed as non-trial advocates at an assessment centre to do so until further notice.”
The BSB confirmed that the court also made a new Protective Costs Order which applies reciprocally to the Legal Services Board and the BSB, and the claimants, and is capped at £65,000.
Tom De La Mare QC, supported by Mark Trafford and Baker & McKenzie Solicitors, represented the claimants pro bono.
The Bar Standards Board (BSB) said it had “already decided to suspend phased geographical registration in the Scheme and, whilst we will continue to work with the Joint Advocacy Group to be ready for implementation, we will not be requiring barristers who may have sought to be assessed as non-trial advocates at an assessment centre to do so until further notice.”
The BSB confirmed that the court also made a new Protective Costs Order which applies reciprocally to the Legal Services Board and the BSB, and the claimants, and is capped at £65,000.
Tom De La Mare QC, supported by Mark Trafford and Baker & McKenzie Solicitors, represented the claimants pro bono.
Claimants in the judicial review of the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates (QASA) have been granted leave to appeal the original decision, on all grounds. The expedited appeal hearing is set for 16 July.
The Court of Appeal has ordered two aspects of the scheme to be stayed meanwhile: the compulsory registration of advocates who would register at level 2 (trial advocate or above); and the judicial evaluation of advocates in trials.
Far-ranging month for the Chair of the Bar
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the most recent data on alcohol misuse in the UK, and the implications for alcohol testing in family proceedings
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how tailored financial planning can help barristers take control of their finances and plan with confidence
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs
A £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs has been made to the leading UK charity tackling international parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, outlines the drug and alcohol testing options available for family law professionals, and how a new, free guide can help identify the most appropriate testing method for each specific case
In this wide-ranging interview, Professor Jo Delahunty KC, Family Law KC of the Year, talks to Anthony Inglese CB about the values that shaped her, the moment she found her vocation and, in an intensely personal call to arms, why time is running out for the legal aid Bar
Is the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office process fit for purpose? Women barristers’ experiences of bullying are not being reported or, if they are, they are not making it through the system, says Tana Adkin KC
Thomas Roe KC and Andrew O’Kola respond to an article by Dr Leonardo Raznovich (Counsel , October 2025) – ‘Privy Council colonialism? Piercing the constitutional veil’
Chair of the Bar reports back
The client’s best interests could be well-served by sharing the advocacy with junior counsel more often than you might think – Naomi Cunningham and Charlotte Eves explore some less orthodox ways to divide the speaking role
