The Westminster Commission on Legal Aid is an ambitious cross-party initiative examining the state – and assessing the future – of the socially vital legal aid sector as it emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic
By Rohini Teather
Neither a recurring legal fashion trend, nor weird transplant from across the Atlantic, UK problem-solving courts have a long and transformative history, writes Phil Bowen
What promotes/inhibits participation? Penny Cooper examines a new research study and toolkit for those who guide witnesses’ and parties’ participation – now an increasingly significant part of a barrister’s role
Two coaches (one a practising barrister) argue that today’s Bar urgently needs modern, practical skills training to meet its professional obligations and support its wellbeing.
By James Pereira QC and Zita Tulyahikayo
Cara Goldthorpe offers some tips for developing a positive mindset, making healthy choices and optimising time and (work) space when we are predominantly home-based
Charlotte Baker discusses the kit, apps and tips you need to make remote and paperless working… work
The pandemic has transformed perspectives and practice at the Bar. While the physical chambers is far from over, it’s clearly going to be different for the future.
By Catherine Calder
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