Crossing the busiest shipping lane in the world in a small dinghy may or may not be ‘bad and stupid and dangerous’, but is it really criminal? An analysis of the legal position, by Colin Yeo
The government’s plan to break international law was a shock to lawyers and international partners alike – but it will not stop the UK and the EU doing a deal, writes Raphael Hogarth
Tackling the menopause as part of chambers’ strategy to better retain women - Louise Corfield identifies what the Bar can do to support its members through the menopause and how it might be impacting applications for senior positions
Women are still leaving the Bar. So what are we doing about it? Professor Jo Delahunty QC takes a memory trip through recent times to assess whether times are changing, or it’s still a case of sticky floor and glass ceiling...
COVID-19 working practices threaten further significant and disproportionate attrition of women from the Bar. Rachael Goodall sets out the Western Circuit Women’s Forum’s call to action and proposals to mitigate the risk
A sobering insight into past legal and social cultures where the rule of law is jettisoned. By David Langwallner
Outspoken and unafraid
BHRC’s visit to Guantanamo Bay for the trial of the alleged planners of 9/11: a salutary lesson about nations who support the rule of law jettisoning principles in times of crisis, writes Jacob Bindman
What the Bar has been doing, what more needs to be done, and the contribution that can be made by individual barristers. By Andrew Hillier QC
Making the case for an urgent formal public inquiry, Theo Huckle QC , Nick Brown and Frederick Powell discuss its potential form, function and how best to manage the formidable process
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