News

Thank you to all the practitioners who have successfully completed the authorisation to practise process and obtained practising certificates for 2013/14. For the vast majority of applicants the online process appears to have been very straightforward. We will be seeking further feedback through the Chambers’ on-line administrators in particular. 

Judiciary
Three women and seven men have been elevated to the Court of Appeal. 

Profession
Barristers can now talk to the media about their cases, following removal of the prohibition from the Code of Conduct. 

Profession
A how-to guide for litigants in person has been published by the Bar Council. 

New changes to public access rules will promote greater access to justice by allowing barristers to take instructions from clients who may be eligible for legal aid, but decided not to take up this option. 

Profession
The Joint Advocacy Group has published its response to the Fourth Consultation on the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates (QASA), confirming the scheme outline announced at the end of last year. 

Profession
The first Bar nursery has opened, following a long campaign to establish suitable childcare facilities for members of the Bar. 

Profession
The Bar has risen in defence of the cab rank rule, responding to a Legal Services Board report, authored by Professors John Flood and Morten Hvvid, that argued the rule is no longer relevant. 

Claire Shelemay examines HMRC’s latest attempts to clamp down on tax avoiders – including a new taskforce targeting lawyers  

In September 2012, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) launched a taskforce targeting London lawyers. While some in the legal profession were surprised by the launch, this, in fact, forms part of HMRC’s wider strategy of focusing on a number of sectors and professions across the country. 

Practising barristers can help shape future policy by taking part in a new survey about working life and the state of the profession.