NEWS and analysis

KC application guidance for barristers seeking silk

Bar Council calls for clearer guidance on applying for silk

A Bar Council working group has made four recommendations on the KC application process.
News Analysis
Specialist rape courts announced across England and Wales

Specialist rape courts announced across England and Wales

Every Crown Court will have at least one dedicated courtroom for two years.
News Analysis
Catherine Atkinson named Justice Committee Chair

Catherine Atkinson named Justice Committee Chair

Catherine Atkinson MP succeeds Andy Slaughter, bringing 17 years’ experience at the Bar.
News Analysis
Jury Trial Restrictions: Bar Council Urges Government to Act

Bar Council urges government not to restrict jury trials

The Bar Council says a proposed judge-led system could create more appeals and delays
News Analysis
Lord Briggs appointment confirmed as Supreme Court President

Lord Briggs appointed next Supreme Court President

Lord Briggs will succeed Lord Reed when he retires from the role in January 2027
News Analysis
£1.5m criminal pupillage scheme targets 100 places a year

Government launches £1.5 million criminal pupillage scheme

Government-backed scheme will provide matched funding for criminal pupillages across England and Wales
News Analysis
Bar Council Criticises Criminal Legal Aid Proposal

Bar Council says criminal legal aid proposal is not backed by...

Bar Council urges 6% increases to guilty plea and daily attendance fees
News Analysis
Bar Council raises ICC sanctions concerns over rule of law

Bar Council raises ICC sanctions concerns over rule of law

Bar Council says sanctions against ICC officials risk undermining judicial independence
News Analysis
Jury Trial Restrictions: Bar Council Urges Government to Act

Bar Council AGM 2026 confirmed as resolution deadline approaches

The Bar Council AGM 2026 will take place on 12 September, with resolutions closing on 17 August
News Analysis
Jury Trial Plans: Bar Council Welcomes U-Turn

Bar Council urges government to abandon jury trial cuts for good

Bar Council says investment, not fewer jury trials, is the answer to court delays
News Analysis
Bar Council urges prisoner delivery reform

Bar Council calls for prisoner delivery reform over court delay concerns

Bar Council urges greater transparency after reporting widespread prisoner delivery delays
News Analysis
Bar Council unveils busy international engagement programme

Bar Council unveils busy international engagement programme for 2026

Bar Council outlines international visits, conferences and events planned for the remainder of 2026
News Analysis
John Hunter Suspended for Three Months

Barrister John David Hunter suspended for three months over misconduct

Tribunal found three misconduct charges proved after CPD failures and false declaration
News Analysis
Bar Council agreement to tackle bullying and harassment

Bar Council and senior judiciary sign agreement to tackle bullying and...

New agreement sets out how the Commissioner for Conduct will work with the judiciary
News Analysis