The report of the BVC Review Working Group was well received by the BSB at its meeting on 17 July. The full report (plus annexes) is now available on the BSB website at: www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/publications
A China Interest Group has recently been formed by the International Committee in response to a recommendation by the Bar Council delegation that visited Shanghai and Beijing in September 2007.
Plans are underway for a small delegation comprised of representatives from both the Bar Council and Law Society to visit Beijing, Chongqing and Tianjin to hold seminars on environmental law in conjunction with regional bar Associations.
In the spring the BSB, with the support of the International Secretariat took part in the public consultation on the Services Directive.
From 27-30 June, the 4th Conference of the ten referral bar professions (Australia, England & Wales, Hong Kong, Ireland (Rep.), Namibia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, South Africa and Zimbabwe) took place in Dublin and Belfast.
The BSB reviewed draft Terms of Reference for its forthcoming review of pupillage at its meeting on 17 July.
An amendment to paragraph 905.b(i) of the Code has been made to reflect the wording of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005, and the repealing of Section 116 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. The phrase ‘serious criminal offence’, no longer present in the legislation, has been replaced with ‘indictable offence’.
The Bar Council Brussels office has moved to new modern and well equipped premises at 85 Avenue des Nerviens, a stone’s throw from the European Institutions.
CHAIRMAN of the Bar Council, Tim Dutton QC, called on the Government to forge a ‘new partnership’ with barristers to enhance the legal aid system in the public interest.
The EP Plenary has adopted a resolution supporting this 2007 proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment through the criminal law. Council adoption should follow. See: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/file.jsp?id=5445232&language=en&mailer=true
Woolwich
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The Chair of the Bar reports back
Susie Griffin on the admin that keeps barristers from billable work
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
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
In an era of patient-centred care and growing concern over misconduct in medical settings, why do women still lack the right to choose women consultants for examination and treatment? Charles Davey investigates
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