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
Caribbean-qualified counsel Karen Gough took the plunge, got the international edge and benefitted her whole practice
A host of good reasons to devote a day of your life to the Annual Bar Conference. By Lucinda Orr
How to work successfully in a demanding profession, with sometimes challenging personalities, whilst pursuing happiness? Jay Connolly shares four core skills to help us manage up, down and sideways
Cynical business ploy or socially responsible purpose? Sam Mercer asked four leading sets how and why they do CSR…
With a name change and new digital platform, Advocate revitalises the Bar’s contribution to access to justice. Chair Sir Robin Knowles CBE explains the rebrand to Counsel
It’s not just women who are victims, not just men who are perpetrators and not just dinosaurs who are the problem. Sophie Garner and Esther Gamble outline the new Bar Council guidance on sexual harassment – busting myths, altering mindsets and powering collaborative change
Bar Standards Board Director-General Dr Vanessa Davies summarises what is and is not changing to the process by which prospective barristers will train and qualify from 2019
The magic of the Bar, call of the Bench and parallel lives: in a rare interview Lord Sumption sets the record straight with Anthony Inglese
UK
Details of the qualification requirements can be found in the information pack. It is expected that the successful applicant will take up their post in the spring of 2027.
The Chair of the Bar reports back
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
Mário Barroso, Head of R&D and Method Development at AlphaBiolabs, examines the forensic science underpinning hair drug testing, its evidential scope and limitations, and why it remains the gold standard for evidencing patterns of drug use in family proceedings
Developing a tech start-up demands a different definition of excellence to the Bar, says Saara Idelbi. The co-creator of Advocatr on entrepreneurship, AI advocacy training, and matching the thrill of a killer cross-examination
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
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