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
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