A group of (initially) anonymous barristers took centre-stage at the height of #MeToo. Behind The Gown tells Alice de Coverley about its plans for a Bar revolution
Jo Delahunty QC considers transparency around complaints based on judicial behaviour and trial management; perceived judicial bullying of advocates and why much of it goes unchallenged
With many able students unable to get pupillages, the Bar is getting wise to the advantages of legal assistants (with important caveats). Gerard McDermott QC explains why he employs law graduates
Lizzy Emerson profiles inspirational legal pioneer Cornelia Sorabji, India’s first woman lawyer with a Google Doodle raising her status worldwide
Kim Hollis QC thought her first year as DPP for the British Virgin Islands would be an adventure, but Hurricanes Irma and Maria swept away not only her house, but the Islands’ prisons and entire criminal justice system
If a barrister experiences bullying from a judge are there remedies available? Who judges the judges and is there somewhere advocates can complain? Judith Trustman puts forward a case for reform
How we made flexible working work for us, by Esther Gamble
Sir Alex Allan, Chair of the QC Selection Panel, offers advice to prospective applicants and four successful candidates from the previous round discuss their lessons learned with Peter Purvis
Power shift? Grania Langdon-Down investigates the changing nature of legal relations as competition, scale of litigation, legal aid cuts and growth of in-house advocates affect how cases are run
Barristers should be able to practise in a work environment free from any oppressive behaviour, judicial or otherwise, writes Michael Hayton QC who outlines the support offered by Heads of Chambers and Circuit Leaders
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