Practice Toolset

Nicky Padfield QC chose Africa over pupillage, an academic career enriched with Recordership, and became a Master of firsts at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge. Vocal on sentencing, parole and recall, the professor talks to Anthony Inglese 

Interviewee turns interviewer in the new Counsel series Passing the Brief. Here Sarah Vine spends some time bathing in the reflected glory of The Lawyer 2018 Barrister of the Year, Julia Smart 

Desiree Artesi sits down with the Attorney General Geoffrey Cox QC MP in the week the Prime Minister was poised to lay the draft Brexit deal before Parliament 

With the New Year ahead, it’s a time to reflect on what we want from life – and what we want to give back. What makes a modern and humane Bar? Should it serve those it seeks to represent in a wider sense? Leslie Thomas QC sets out a convincing case 

To demystify, express or promote? Counsel asks crusaders, social mobilisers and networkers about the power of social media 

Contemplating a border leap? Whether for Brexit, competitive or personal reasons, Counsel asks a panel of dual-qualifieds to share their know-how 

As the Prime Minister’s Brexit dealings are awaited, Anthony Inglese meets UK judge to Europe’s top court, Christopher Vajda, who reflects on his journey to the ECJ and six years of judging EU-style 

What’s all the fuss about? Should you get involved? And if so, how? Social media sage Felicity McMahon explains when it’s good to tweet 

A skill that can be taught: Bar now sets standard of excellence in efforts to improve the questioning of the vulnerable. By Lynda Gibbs, Kama Melly QC and HHJ Simon Drew QC 

Kirsty Brimelow QC makes it back from an international human rights keynote in Pakistan to win in the Court of Appeal in defence of fracking activists