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THE national reach of the Bar of England and Wales is highlighted in a brand new guide to the profession throughout the regions. The Bar Council, in conjunction with the six Bar Circuits of England and Wales, and the European Circuit, has launched The Guide to the Circuits in hard copy and online at www.barcouncil.org.uk. There are nearly 15,000 practising barristers across the country. The profession of specialist referral advocates and advisers is as large as it has ever been and includes over 3,000 who work in commerce, industry and for organisations and public bodies.
The Guide reflects the changing face of the Bar. Over 50% of those now entering the profession are women, 18% entering pupillage are
from non-white backgrounds, and around 70% of barristers are non-Oxbridge. Today’s publication forms part of a wider communications campaign which is being undertaken by the Bar Council to modernise the image of the profession, which includes a major BBC2 documentary series 'The Barristers' starting on 14 November. The new publication provides a valuable insight into the work carried out by barristers throughout the country, and highlights the unique role of the Circuits within the justice system.
The Guide also contains dedicated sections on each of the Circuits with contributions from each of the Circuit Leaders. These individual chapters focus on aspects unique to each Circuit, their histories and key recent developments, as well as their work within local communities. In addition, the Guide provides information about the Bar Pro Bono Unit, the Bar in Europe, the Employed Bar and the Specialist Bar Associations.
A key objective of the Guide is to inform those considering a career at the Bar and to demonstrate the variety of backgrounds of those practising across the Circuits. Personal insights are provided by young barristers practising on each of the Circuits. They explain how they came to pursue a career in the law and the various projects they are involved in, to encourage those considering a career in law. These personal insights explain what a student can expect from a career at the Bar. These young barristers also offer practical advice based on their own experiences.
The Guide to the Circuits also contains contact details for each of the Circuits, along with details of courts and chambers. Timothy Dutton QC, 2008 Chairman of the Bar, commenting on the launch of the Guide, said:
“The Circuits are the lifeblood of the Bar as this Guide shows. It also reflects the extent to which the profession is now a national resource promoting access to justice, through the provision of specialist advocacy and advisory services.
Barristers perform a vital role throughout the country in the administration of justice, and they make a valuable contribution to the communities in which they live and work.
I hope that The Guide to the Circuits will give the general public, as well as those with whom we work, a better understanding of the profession.”
The Guide also contains dedicated sections on each of the Circuits with contributions from each of the Circuit Leaders. These individual chapters focus on aspects unique to each Circuit, their histories and key recent developments, as well as their work within local communities. In addition, the Guide provides information about the Bar Pro Bono Unit, the Bar in Europe, the Employed Bar and the Specialist Bar Associations.
A key objective of the Guide is to inform those considering a career at the Bar and to demonstrate the variety of backgrounds of those practising across the Circuits. Personal insights are provided by young barristers practising on each of the Circuits. They explain how they came to pursue a career in the law and the various projects they are involved in, to encourage those considering a career in law. These personal insights explain what a student can expect from a career at the Bar. These young barristers also offer practical advice based on their own experiences.
The Guide to the Circuits also contains contact details for each of the Circuits, along with details of courts and chambers. Timothy Dutton QC, 2008 Chairman of the Bar, commenting on the launch of the Guide, said:
“The Circuits are the lifeblood of the Bar as this Guide shows. It also reflects the extent to which the profession is now a national resource promoting access to justice, through the provision of specialist advocacy and advisory services.
Barristers perform a vital role throughout the country in the administration of justice, and they make a valuable contribution to the communities in which they live and work.
I hope that The Guide to the Circuits will give the general public, as well as those with whom we work, a better understanding of the profession.”
THE national reach of the Bar of England and Wales is highlighted in a brand new guide to the profession throughout the regions. The Bar Council, in conjunction with the six Bar Circuits of England and Wales, and the European Circuit, has launched The Guide to the Circuits in hard copy and online at www.barcouncil.org.uk. There are nearly 15,000 practising barristers across the country. The profession of specialist referral advocates and advisers is as large as it has ever been and includes over 3,000 who work in commerce, industry and for organisations and public bodies.
The Guide reflects the changing face of the Bar. Over 50% of those now entering the profession are women, 18% entering pupillage are
from non-white backgrounds, and around 70% of barristers are non-Oxbridge. Today’s publication forms part of a wider communications campaign which is being undertaken by the Bar Council to modernise the image of the profession, which includes a major BBC2 documentary series 'The Barristers' starting on 14 November. The new publication provides a valuable insight into the work carried out by barristers throughout the country, and highlights the unique role of the Circuits within the justice system.
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
