Practice Toolset

The vital work of the in-house barristers was recognised at the second Bar Council Employed Bar Awards ceremony. Melissa Coutinho profiles today’s employed practice and quizzes the winners 

With the start of the legal year, the Bar Pro Bono Unit marks a new beginning of its own as we introduce our new Head of Casework, Melanie Ross  

Never be afraid to ask for help – and more time. When Counsel  grilled recent pupils about their scariest first experiences, a common theme soon emerged… 

Given today’s judicial recruitment crisis it couldn’t be more urgent that the Bar keeps its best candidates for Silk and beyond, writes Lynne Townley, with tips from a recent clinic getting barristers QC-application-ready  

Interesting work, challenging times, owning our troubles: the Bar’s stark attitudinal survey results are analysed by David Wurtzel 

How much weight should be attached to the integrity factor in Silk applications? James Hines QC comments on the QCA proposals  

Not for the likes of me? Don’t hold back.  Counsel asks a cohort of atypical barristers to share their thoughts and experiences of going against the Bar grain – and how they made it work  

John Wilson QC reflects on the destruction of the Temple in the Blitz when after the ‘all-clear’ barristers would rifle through the wreckage searching for their briefs and books, their practices as wrecked as their buildings  

Nathalie Lieven QC explains how a COIC pupillage match funded grant is a win-win – for chambers and the justice system – with applications opening in September 2018 

Blind shortlisting – in its infancy at the Bar – is gaining pace in other professions. Occupational Psychologist Bindi Dholakia reports