Chair's Column

What can the UK legal system learn from the Chicago Bar Foundation’s innovative Justice Entrepreneurs Project?

The American Bar Association Conference (ABA) was held recently in Chicago. 

On the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta, a review of its literal and spiritual meaning, the undermining of this very meaning and the fight for the future of access to justice

I am writing today on the 800th anniversary of the sealing of Magna Carta whose origins lie in the disastrous defeat of King John at the Battle of Bouvines, in Northern France. 

Following a successful visit to Brazil, a Bar delegation journeys to Kazakhstan; the importance of international missions; and how the decision to visit countries with poor human rights records is carefully weighed.

I am set to lead a substantial delegation of the Bar to Kazakhstan at the end of April. 

The new way of calculating the practising certificate fee; compulsory and voluntary payments; the provision of core services; and investing together in access to justice.

It is that time of year again when the Bar Council asks you to pay for the privilege of remaining a barrister for the next 12 months.

Alistair MacDonald QC, Chairman of the Bar, outlines the issues that will dominate 2015 – criminal legal aid, the crippling effect of LASPO, new business structures and keeping England and Wales the jurisdiction of choice.

Four important areas, will, in my view, dominate 2015. The first is criminal legal aid. No-one reading this needs a detailed reminder of the original proposals.