The indomitable human rights barrister – who has shaped the law on modern slavery and trafficking – on pivotal moments, landmark law and light during dark days
In the first in Counsel’s series of interviews delving into the lives of legal aid lawyers we meet the LALY Barrister of the Year 2019, tenacious campaigner and trailblazer for juvenile justice
The call for volunteers for a human rights task force was answered by a plucky young barrister and the Malawi missions established a firm foothold for the Bar’s long human rights reach
Your guide to Spot – the online tool which allows barristers to record and, if they want, report inappropriate behaviour, bullying, harassment and discrimination at the Bar and Bench
The pursuit of perfection, knowing when to stop and how to loosen perfectionism’s powerful grip
Competencies, consistency and scrutiny: a JAC Commissioner’s assessment
Paul Secher explains how to enhance your chances of appointment
Judicial appointments: is it time to review the competency-based system when you can apply for four competitions with the same self-assessment and get inconsistent feedback? One candidate shares his experience
Amid Brexit and tumultuous parliamentary times, the QC turned MP and new Minister of State for prisons and probation outlines the approach to prisoner places, rehabilitation and rebuilding public trust
Founder of Women in Criminal Law recounts an average day leading in a murder trial and smashing the glass ceiling – at least being the only female silk in a case gets you noticed...
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