1MCB Chambers has announced a significant expansion with 13 barristers and two clerks joining from the former Staple Inn Chambers, effective from 3 August 2026
Family set expands with the formal integration of 4 Brick Court into 42BR Barristers
Barrister apprenticeships – shortly to provide the fourth pathway to the Bar – are an ideal opportunity to support local talent and ‘grow your own’, say Tim Coulson and Dr Jane Dennehy
Returning, transferring or overhauling your practice? Laura Kenyon highlights the cross-chambers, cross-specialism and cross-disciplinary scheme designed to support juniors at career crossroads, at any stage of call
Do I need to get a coach? Are only lengthy cases suitable for inclusion? What happens if I don’t have 12 cases? In the fifth part of the KC Selection Panel series, Monisha Shah tackles your commonly asked questions
Reflections by Jayne Drake, Senior Clerk, St Pauls Chambers
Sarah Margee, a criminal barrister who took a break from the law to raise her children, is delighted that the CPS Go Prosecute for Senior Crown Prosecutors initiative has given her the opportunity to return to practice
Express Chambers appoints chief clerk as expansion gathers pace
Not a warning, but a message of hope. Charlotte McDonald reflects on not being taken on, moving chambers and finding success – with a call for greater transparency in the process
Lauren Fullerton examines the how, what and why of setting up a second chambers base
UK
Details of the qualification requirements can be found in the information pack. It is expected that the successful applicant will take up their post in the spring of 2027.
The Chair of the Bar reports back
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how global events can influence the performance of pensions and ISAs, and why taking a long-term approach to investing is often the most effective strategy
Mário Barroso, Head of R&D and Method Development at AlphaBiolabs, discusses what family law professionals need to know about hallucinogens, from the main hallucinogenic drugs encountered in family proceedings, to their effects and the testing options available
Harmony Christian Ministries is the latest charity to benefit from a £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
By David Green
Mário Barroso, Head of R&D and Method Development at AlphaBiolabs, examines the forensic science underpinning hair drug testing, its evidential scope and limitations, and why it remains the gold standard for evidencing patterns of drug use in family proceedings
Developing a tech start-up demands a different definition of excellence to the Bar, says Saara Idelbi. The co-creator of Advocatr on entrepreneurship, AI advocacy training, and matching the thrill of a killer cross-examination
At the start of her term, Chair of the Bar 2026 Kirsty Brimelow KC set out a series of priorities for the year ahead. One of those priorities was children in the justice system
As the world becomes more digital, Barbara Vinagre Mota examines international research into the mental health consequences of judges’ exposure to graphic and immersive evidence, highlighting the importance of support systems
Reviewed by Daniel Barnett
James McNeill Whistler at Tate Britain until 27 September Rothko in Florence at Palazzo Strozzi until 23 August Reviewed by Stephen Cragg KC