Features

Darwin calculated that the strata of the Weald of Kent would have taken 300 million years to reach their present state of erosion, so judged on its title, one might have expected ‘The changing landscape’ to have proceeded at a stately pace but any such impression was quickly dispelled as Briggs LJ, Andre de Mestre, Eleanor Holland and Ruth Hughes tore through the Civil Courts Structure Review, Chancery Division initiatives, disclosure and paperless trials.  

In her opening address Louisa Nye, Chairman of the Young Bar, noted two key themes included within the conference: technology and Brexit.   

As lawyers around the world watch with apprehension to see how President-Elect Trump will handle policy engaging the rule of law and human rights, Katherine Duncan reports on the IBA Human Rights Institute’s open letter to the incoming commander-in-chief  

In September, just a short distance away from The White House and as we watched the events of the US Presidential Campaign unfold, the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) held an open forum at the IBA Conference in Washington, DC. 

Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC, Chairman of the Bar  

In her speech at the 31st Bar & Young Bar Conference, held at the Westminster Plaza Hotel, on Saturday 15 October 2016, Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC, Chairman of the Bar, highlighted the profession’s ability, and enthusiasm, for innovation.  

A practical guide by defence and prosecution  

Deferred prosecution agreements (DPAs), a relatively recent addition to the UK criminal justice toolkit, allow a company which has committed a criminal offence to avoid prosecution if it complies with a range of conditions, including a hefty financial penalty. 

The winner of the 2016 Pro Bono Award, sponsored by the Bar Council, was announced at the conference. John Collins, of Zenith Chambers, has been at the Bar for six decades.   

As South Africa announces plans to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, Christina Warner looks at the court’s breakthrough cases and new focus on children in conflict, amid challenges to its credibility  

Enacted in 1998 and opened in 2002, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has a Herculean task ahead; hearing details of some of the most heinous global conflicts in modern times.  

Learning from international experience  

According to the Bar Council, on current trends, 50:50 gender balance at the Bar is unlikely ever to happen.  

While pro bono work is a significant part of how the Bar gives back to society, over a third of barristers volunteer for charity work outside their profession. Haresh Sood inspires with some alternative ways of giving  

We all see and hear of people doing charity runs, walks and triathlons for a number of causes, which is a valuable source of fundraising.