Chair's Column

As 2015 draws to a close, reflections on the past year as Chairman of the Bar

This is my last Chairman’s column for Counsel and I thought that I would set out a few thoughts and reflections which have occurred to me over the course of the past year.

An invitation to this year’s Bar Conference and Young Bar Conference; the reason behind choosing the conference theme; and explaining all that delegates can look forward to on the day

It is that time of year again and, as we contemplate what the autumn holds in store, we look forward to the Bar Council’s flagship event, the Bar Conference and Young Bar Conference. 

Taking part in the Pride parade and reflecting upon all that this day represents for the Bar and for the country

Saturday 27 June was an absolutely beautiful day. 

The life of the self-employed barrister; the background to, and results of, the recent Bar Council “Wellbeing Survey”; what was revealed; and the action now needed.

No-one has ever suggested that life at the Bar is easy. 

The need for the Bar to be representative of all of society; Bar placement week; working to ensure that younger members of the Bar are able to earn a living wage; and a call for volunteer chambers for next year’s placement and mentoring schemes.

Over February half-term, I was delighted to join a group of very talented and enthusiastic students on the final day of the Bar Council’s Leeds and Manchester Bar Placement Week 2015.