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The Bar Standards Board is launching an independent review of advocacy within youth courts in association with ILEX Professional Standards.
The move follows the publication in June of Lord Carlile of Berriew CBE QC’s Inquiry into the Operation and Effectiveness of the Youth Court, which called upon the regulators “without delay” to require all legal practitioners representing children to be accredited to do so.
It recommended a minimum of ten hours of CPD-accredited youth training for new entrants, as well as two CPD hours of annual refresher training for all youth court advocates. The BSB said: “The aim of the review is to identify and examine the skills, knowledge, and attributes needed for youth court advocates to work effectively.
“The outcome will be an evidence base from which the two regulators can then identify any existing risks within youth court advocacy, and establish what, if any, regulatory action needs to be taken.”
The review will be supported by a reference group of legal advisers, youth justice charities, youth offending teams, and members of the legal profession and is expected to report its conclusions in February 2015. Barrister Angela Rafferty, member of an advocacy training working group established by Judge Peter Rook, argues in this issue of Counsel: “There is strong empirical evidence that the techniques and tactics which are currently employed in standard cross-examinations are failing to provide a credible and accurate account from children.” See p 22.
It recommended a minimum of ten hours of CPD-accredited youth training for new entrants, as well as two CPD hours of annual refresher training for all youth court advocates. The BSB said: “The aim of the review is to identify and examine the skills, knowledge, and attributes needed for youth court advocates to work effectively.
“The outcome will be an evidence base from which the two regulators can then identify any existing risks within youth court advocacy, and establish what, if any, regulatory action needs to be taken.”
The review will be supported by a reference group of legal advisers, youth justice charities, youth offending teams, and members of the legal profession and is expected to report its conclusions in February 2015. Barrister Angela Rafferty, member of an advocacy training working group established by Judge Peter Rook, argues in this issue of Counsel: “There is strong empirical evidence that the techniques and tactics which are currently employed in standard cross-examinations are failing to provide a credible and accurate account from children.” See p 22.
The Bar Standards Board is launching an independent review of advocacy within youth courts in association with ILEX Professional Standards.
The move follows the publication in June of Lord Carlile of Berriew CBE QC’s Inquiry into the Operation and Effectiveness of the Youth Court, which called upon the regulators “without delay” to require all legal practitioners representing children to be accredited to do so.
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
