News

COMBAR, the Bar European Group, the Criminal Bar Association and London Common Law and Commercial Bar Association (LCLCBA) have joined forces with the Bar Council’s International Committee to offer their junior members (7 years call or less) financial assistance to participate in international legal events of their choice which contribute to their professional development. 

The Legal Services Board has published a collection of essays entitled “The Future for Legal Services”, on topics such as ABS, the impact of outcome-focused regulation and changing business models.

THE Bar Council sent a delegation, led by Chairman of the Bar, Nicholas Green QC, to China to develop further opportunities for the Bar in China and to strengthen relations with Chinese legal groups. The visit to Beijing and Hong Kong took place between 31 May and 4 June. 

The Court of Protection has struggled to cope with a high volume of work and “insufficient judges”. 

Nominations for appointment as Queen’s Counsel “honoris causa” (honorary Silk) in Spring 2011 must be returned to the Ministry of Justice (“MoJ”) by 30 July 2010.

Nicholas Green QC, accompanied by Simon Monty QC, Chairman of the BSB pupillage reform implementation group, Adrian Hughes QC, Chairman of the China interest group, and Sarah Richardson of the Bar Council’s international team visited Beijing as part of a joint delegation with the Law Society. They with our partners in the Lord Chancellor ’s Training Scheme for Chinese lawyers (LCTS) in early June. 

*Please note the change of date* 

Friday 24 September 2010 

Managing Career Breaks 

Keynote speaker: Grahame Aldous QC 

The Bar Council will run its annual course aimed at those returning to practice following a career break, and those managing career breaks within their chambers. The programme will include advice on re-establishing practice, maintaining a balance between home, work and other commitments, Code of Conduct and ethical updates and opportunities for career development including Judicial and other appointments. Specialist Bar Associations’ information will be available and CPD providers will be asked to provide information about relevant courses. The Course will be held in the Bar Council’s offices in High Holborn. There will be a nominal charge for attendance on this course. CPD hours are currently being sought. 

If you are interested in this course, please contact Angela Campbell at the Bar Council by e-mail: acampbell@barcouncil.org.uk 

The “Chauncy Maples”, a charity ship which serves as a floating clinic around the shores of Lake Malawi, is in need of funds and services.

The International Committee were pleased to welcome the final group of Chinese lawyers taking part in the Lord Chancellor’s Training Scheme to London. The group includes commercial lawyers from Beijing, Shanghai, Nanning (Guangxi province), Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Shijiazhuang (Hebei province) and Guangzhou. 

Michael Mansfield QC received an award for “outstanding achievement” at this year’s Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards.