Passing the Brief returns as Keina Yoshida chats with equality and human rights silk Karon Monaghan QC about the difficulties facing women at the Bar, 100 years of the ILO, and what's next for gender equality lawyers
Recently retired from the bench, the distinctive trailblazer talks to Frances Gibb about her life and career, COVID and criminal justice (including flat batteries at the Bar and the mood of the judges), and the shortage of women at the top
Insights into the profession from the FCA lawyer and Outstanding Employed Barrister in Commerce and Industry 2020 Adrian Berrill-Cox, interviewed by Michael Harwood
The Public Law Project’s Legal Director is still very much an advocate speaking up for others – at a time when the need for its work has intensified. Alison Pickup talks to Charlotte Pope-Williams about not leaving the Bar, pursuit of the perfect mix and the PLP’s reach during the pandemic
Why admission to ‘the club’ is not enough: a UN mandate to give practical effect to the human right to development prompts a personal reflection on diversity and inclusivity at the Bar
By Klentiana Mahmutaj
Doing a solitary job in a busy world is one thing, but doing a solitary job in a solitary world is quite another – Mohsin Zaidi discusses the impact of lockdown on the mental health of the Bar and why we should all be talking about it
Advocate's CEO Rebecca Wilkie speaks to Shaylla Shabbir about her return to the Bar’s pro bono charity, Advocate, and its ongoing evolution
If all barristers try to ‘fit in’, we will alienate aspiring barristers from underrepresented groups: Mass Ndow-Njie on the importance of being visible
The incoming Chair shares his thinking on diversity at the Bar, the rule of law, and his hopes and fears for what’s likely to be another turbulent year
Interview by Rehana Popal
From one Supreme Court Justice to another, Lady Arden ’s appreciation of Justice Ginsburg through the lens of a selfless autobiography
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