NEWS and analysis

King’s Speech Sparks Fury Over Jury Trial Reform Plans

King’s speech sparks Bar Council fury over jury trial reform plans

The Bar Council has issued a strong warning over proposed justice reforms outlined following the King’s Speech
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Supreme Court to Hear Stonewall Equality Appeal

Supreme Court to hear barrister’s landmark claim against Stonewall and chambers

Supreme Court has agreed to hear a high-profile appeal brought by barrister Allison Bailey against Stonewall
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11KBW and 39 Essex Expand Black Bar Scholarships

Top chambers launch £30,000 Bar scholarships to tackle Black underrepresentation

11KBW and 39 Essex Chambers have joined forces to expand a scholarship programme designed to address
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High Court Grants Barrister Anonymity in Civil Claim

Barrister wins anonymity order as High Court scrutinises assault allegations

The High Court has granted anonymity to a barrister facing allegations of sexual assault and harassment
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Senior KC Faces Unprecedented Contempt Case Over Jury Speech

Senior KC faces unprecedented contempt case over jury speech at protest...

Rajiv Menon, a senior barrister at Garden Court Chambers and former head of chambers, is facing contempt
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BSB Announces New Oversight Reviewer Appointments

Bar Standards Board appoints two new independent reviewers

BSB has appointed Helena Suffield-Thompson and Suzi Denton as new Independent Reviewers
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Bar Council Warns Over Delayed £34m Criminal Legal Aid Funding

Criminal Bar fury as £34m legal aid pledge remains undelivered after...

The Bar Council and the Criminal Bar Association have urged the government to deliver a promised
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BSB Launches RASSO Expert Reference Group

BSB launches expert reference group on RASSO case standards

BSB has established a cross-sector expert reference group to advise on strengthening standards for barristers
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BSB appoints Blake Morgan for enforcement support

BSB appoints Blake Morgan LLP for enforcement investigations

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) has appointed Blake Morgan LLP to support its regulatory
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BSB Announces New Oversight Reviewer Appointments

BSB launches second consultation to overhaul barristers’ enforcement system

Bar Standards Board (BSB) has launched a second consultation on reforms to its enforcement process
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Bar Council Confirms 10,000 Black Interns Programme Will Proceed

Bar Council defends legal claim over 10,000 Black Interns programme

The Bar Council of England and Wales has confirmed it is defending a legal claim brought under the Equality Act
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Kent Crown Court Backlog Doubles Amid Delays

Kent Crown Court backlog doubles as delays stretch beyond two years

Open cases at Kent’s Crown Courts have more than doubled over the past decade, according to new
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Claire Davies KC Named Vice Chair of Bar Council for 2027

Claire Davies KC elected Vice Chair of Bar Council for 2027

Claire Davies KC, a senior criminal barrister and the current Leader of the South Eastern Circuit, has been elected
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Government Rejects Specialist Rape Court Proposal in Bill Debate

Bar Council urges MPs to revive specialist rape court proposal in...

The Bar Council has criticised the government after proposals to introduce specialist rape courts were rejected during committee
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