With the New Year ahead, it’s a time to reflect on what we want from life – and what we want to give back. What makes a modern and humane Bar? Should it serve those it seeks to represent in a wider sense? Leslie Thomas QC sets out a convincing case
11KBW takes a break from the daily grind to cycle 1,000km from London to Paris and back again in the legal sporting event of the year – pitting chambers against law firms with camaraderie and charity in mind
Have we disconnected our legal system from the people?
The world was appalled to learn of the gruesome murder of prominent Saudi journalist, Jamal Khashoggi. Here Rodney Dixon QC highlights the critical questions that remain
Post-Justice Week, Mark Hatcher is cautiously optimistic: frank exchanges at the MoJ accounts evidence session suggest that Westminster is finally getting the message
To mark Black History Month, Inner Temple showcased over 90 profiles of prominent Black and Asian members of the Inns from around the globe. Grace Brown reviews the inspiring exhibition
To demystify, express or promote? Counsel asks crusaders, social mobilisers and networkers about the power of social media
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