*/
Stephanie Hawthorne picks out her favourite features from her tenure as Editor
With the backing of a strong Editorial Board, I was adventurous in my choice of articles, looking beyond the purely law to areas of interest to the Bar such as the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade by Lincoln Crawford OBE (March 2007), although of course there was much on legal aid deserts and other vitally important domestic issues such as court canteens.
I was the first editor who actually wrote for the magazine with a detailed survey on barristers’ fees (“Bleak House” – April 1998). I recall that one Silk, J Hand QC, stated he waited 19 years for payment.
Other memorable articles included a timely research feature on public inquiries (October 2003) inspired by the Hutton inquiry investigating the death of Dr David Kelly and also an in-depth feature on the plight of mature pupils (October 2002).
During my time as Editor the frequency went up from six issues a year to monthly editions (all without extra staff). Among other minor changes were introducing Christmas literary competitions and supplements on video conferencing, IT and of course the separate supplement Money Matters.
Above all, editing Counsel was fun. I was lucky to work with so many outstandingly talented people who gave unstintingly of their time to Counsel.
Stephanie Hawthorne was Editor of Counsel (1997 to 2007). She is now the Editor of Pensions World
With the backing of a strong Editorial Board, I was adventurous in my choice of articles, looking beyond the purely law to areas of interest to the Bar such as the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade by Lincoln Crawford OBE (March 2007), although of course there was much on legal aid deserts and other vitally important domestic issues such as court canteens.
I was the first editor who actually wrote for the magazine with a detailed survey on barristers’ fees (“Bleak House” – April 1998). I recall that one Silk, J Hand QC, stated he waited 19 years for payment.
Other memorable articles included a timely research feature on public inquiries (October 2003) inspired by the Hutton inquiry investigating the death of Dr David Kelly and also an in-depth feature on the plight of mature pupils (October 2002).
During my time as Editor the frequency went up from six issues a year to monthly editions (all without extra staff). Among other minor changes were introducing Christmas literary competitions and supplements on video conferencing, IT and of course the separate supplement Money Matters.
Above all, editing Counsel was fun. I was lucky to work with so many outstandingly talented people who gave unstintingly of their time to Counsel.
Stephanie Hawthorne was Editor of Counsel (1997 to 2007). She is now the Editor of Pensions World
Stephanie Hawthorne picks out her favourite features from her tenure as Editor
Kirsty Brimelow KC, Chair of the Bar, sets our course for 2026
What meaningful steps can you take in 2026 to advance your legal career? asks Thomas Cowan of St Pauls Chambers
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, explains why drugs may appear in test results, despite the donor denying use of them
Asks Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
AlphaBiolabs has donated £500 to The Christie Charity through its Giving Back initiative, helping to support cancer care, treatment and research across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and further afield
Q&A with criminal barrister Nick Murphy, who moved to New Park Court Chambers on the North Eastern Circuit in search of a better work-life balance
With pupillage application season under way, Laura Wright reflects on her route to ‘tech barrister’ and offers advice for those aiming at a career at the Bar
Jury-less trial proposals threaten fairness, legitimacy and democracy without ending the backlog, writes Professor Cheryl Thomas KC (Hon), the UK’s leading expert on juries, judges and courts
Human rights cases don’t come bigger than this. Tim Otty KC, lead counsel for the Government of Ukraine in its case before the European Court against Russia, talks about the significance of this landmark ruling and other pro bono highlights from his career at the Bar. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
Are you ready for the new way to do tax returns? David Southern KC explains the biggest change since HMRC launched self-assessment more than 30 years ago... and its impact on the Bar
Marking one year since a Bar disciplinary tribunal dismissed all charges against her, Dr Charlotte Proudman discusses the experience, her formative years and next steps. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
