If at first you don’t succeed... but don’t be tempted to reheat last year’s application. A rallying account from a third-time-lucky silk
Making sure inquests remain inquisitorial: a quid pro quo? Calls to extend non-means tested legal aid for families in inquests where the state is legally represented were rejected by government for reasons of cost – but also effect
We need to have a different conversation if we’re serious about recruiting more black judges: our first non-white High Court judge talks to Desiree Artesi about finding new sources of potential, energising diversity efforts and coaxing out reluctant role models
It pays to watch a trial from time to time
We’re having a constitutional moment – the Brexit process has exposed a fairly dysfunctional relationship between law and politics in Westminster. Some lessons learned.
It’s a difficult moment for human rights, no question, argues Shadow Attorney General Baroness Chakrabarti. The ardent defender of human rights and civil liberties muses on Brexit’s impact, lawyers’ responsibilities and issues ahead
You’ve made it to the Bar – spread your wings, trust in your abilities and be your authentic self; candid advice on how to beat imposter syndrome and enrich life and practice. By Natasha Shotunde
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