Justice needs juries
Support our campaign and read more about our work in response to Sir Brian Leveson's review of criminal courts.
First Commissioner for Conduct
Dame Maria Miller DBE becomes the first Bar Council Commissioner for Conduct following an independent review of bullying and harassment at the Bar.
Bar Representation Fee
With your support we can do more to champion access to justice and give the Bar a stronger voice. Subscribe and get exclusive money-saving benefits
Speak for Success
Our new primary school programme uses the real-life experiences and skills of barristers to support children develop their oracy skills. Our free teacher resources are packed with engaging activities for key stage 2 pupils aged 7-11 years old.
Thriving in your first years of practice events
Our next event is Starting your practising period as a pupil barrister on 3 March. We'll guide you through what to expect as you transition from first to second six.
The inaugural address of the Chair of the Bar 2026
Kirsty Brimelow KC, Chair of the Bar, delivered her inaugural address on 12 January 2026.
Officers of the Bar Council 2026
Our officers for 2026 – read about our Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer and Commissioner for Conduct.
System overload - a report on family legal aid
Our report has laid bare the detrimental impact family legal aid work is having on barristers as well as how underfunding affects the justice outcomes for their clients.
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Guides and templates
Visit our Ethics and practice hub
Find a wide range of guides, resources, and templates on ethics and practice management for barristers and chambers
News
Bar Council welcomes courts sitting at maximum capacity but warns against reducing jury trials
The government has announced investment in the criminal courts that will allow courts to run at maximum capacity next year. The announcement comes after the Bar Council called for the cap on sitting days to be lifted to bear down on the backlog.
Beware of fake emails using the Bar Council name
We've received a report of phishing emails asking barristers to log in to MyBar
Leveson report: Address systemic criminal court inefficiency and stop wasting time on restricting jury trials
Sir Brian Leveson has published Part 2 of his independent review of the criminal courts
Barristers make clear justice needs juries during MP court visits across England and Wales
MPs visited courts across the country to meet with barristers to discuss the issues affecting the criminal justice system and why restricting the right to jury trial will not solve the issue.
News
Training and events
