News and press releases

17 October 2015 - Joseph Middleton of Doughty Street Chambers has won this year’s Bar Pro Bono Award for his outstanding international human rights work.

14 October 2015 - Vulnerable people are still reeling from the impact of Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, the Chairman of the Bar warns MPs, ahead of tomorrow's Commons debate. Alistair MacDonald QC said:"People who cannot afford legal advice and representation are often among the most vulnerable in society and they are still reeling from the impact of LASPO.

13 October 2015 - Defendants accused of a crime they have not committed will be incentivised to plead guilty to avoid new court charges in criminal cases, warns the Bar Council ahead of a debate in the House of Lords. The Bar Council says the huge difference in charges imposed on those who have been convicted after a trial instead of pleading guilty may well influence a defendant’s decision whether to plead guilty or not guilty.

5 October 2015 - The Bar Council has been out in force at the Labour conference and is set to attend the Conservative Party conference this week to deliver a clear message to politicians and party activists – that justice is a precious asset which needs to be protected.

1 October 2015 - The Bar Council will today join legal leaders from the UK and overseas at a special service at Westminster Abbey to mark the Opening of the Legal Year.

1 October 2015 - The Bar Council has today welcomed Ministry of Justice’s consultation, Preserving and Enhancing the Quality of Criminal Advocacy, which was published today.

1 October 2015 - A Bar Council working group has today put forward to the Ministry of Justice a completely re-drawn graduated fee scheme for advocacy in Crown Court cases. For legally aided criminal defence cases in the Crown Court where the trial is expected to last between 1 to 60 days, the defence advocate is paid by a formula in the Advocates’ Graduated Fee Scheme (AGFS).

23 September 2015 - The candidates who are standing in the election for the 2016 Bar Council have been announced. Ballot papers will be issued by the Bar Council not later than 5 October 2015, and must be returned to arrive at the Bar Council Offices not later than 10:00 on 19 October 2015. Candidate statements will also be provided. The election will be conducted by single transferable vote and the results of the elections will be announced by listing successful candidates in the order of voter preference.