ProfessionThe Joint Advocacy Group (JAG) has published the revised timetable for the implementation of the Quality Assurance Scheme for Advocates (QASA).
Sierra Leone initiativeA special interest group has been established by the Bar Council under the chairmanship of Mrs Justice Dobbs to co-ordinate the pro bono work being carried out in the Sierra Leonean justice system by UK-based organisations.
The Bar Council will have a signifi cant presence at the Commonwealth Law Conference in Cape Town which is one of the best opportunities to make connections with an estimated 1,000 attending leading international practitioners from other common law jurisdictions.
ProfessionThe Supreme Court has ruled against extending legal professional privilege (LPP) to non-lawyers, following a case put forward by financial services group Prudential, requesting its extension to protect advice given by accountants.
Please note that from February, the Legal Ombudsman’s time limit for accepting complaints will increase to six years from the date of the act or omission or three years from when the complainant should have reasonably known there were grounds for complaint.
CriminalA shorter, streamlined version of the Code for Crown Prosecutors has been published following a three-month public consultation.
ProfessionPublic access barrister training is to be overhauled, the Bar Standards Board (BSB) has announced.
Please remember that the deadline for renewal of practising certifi cates is 31 March 2013.
FamilyJudges have been given greater powers over expert evidence in family proceedings.
Legal aidCriminal Silks could be the latest target of the legal aid budget cuts, the Lord Chancellor has revealed.
Woolwich
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Supervising Solicitor for Head of Woolwich Family Team to join and assist with developing our expanding team.
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