There’s nothing inherently wrong with cost saving but some things simply deserve to be done face-to-face. Mary Cowe examines the impact of video links outside trial
It’s stop-start at Westminster. The flame of legal aid continues to flicker but public attention is focusing Ministry minds. Mark Hatcher examines state of play
It’s not just women who are victims, not just men who are perpetrators and not just dinosaurs who are the problem. Sophie Garner and Esther Gamble outline the new Bar Council guidance on sexual harassment – busting myths, altering mindsets and powering collaborative change
Bar Standards Board Director-General Dr Vanessa Davies summarises what is and is not changing to the process by which prospective barristers will train and qualify from 2019
There are only a few cardinal rules, so read, relax and punctuate with confidence: Dominic Selwood reveals all…
Legal Twitter is a thriving, positive and influential community but even lawyers can get themselves into hot water if they don’t observe the netiquette. A guide to the do’s and don’ts by early adopter Lucy Reed
Best books, top tracks, fabulous films, artistic influences and an essential: Counsel invites barristers to share the cultural influences in their lives. In this issue, we talk to Sarah Langford, author of In Your Defence: Stories of Life and Law.
The Children Act (12A) Release date: 24 August 2018 Director: Richard Eyre Screenwriter: Ian McEwan Based on the novel by: Ian McEwan
Four formidable legal pioneers talked candidly about their lives and careers to a packed house at Gray’s Inn. Dana Denis-Smith reports
Digitising documents, yes. Digitising clients, no. The Secret Barrister’s resistance to the video-link revolution is both practical and principled
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