Press release archive
Joint statement of the Four Bars on jury trials in Scotland
The Faculty of Advocates, Bar Council of England and Wales, Bar of Ireland and Bar of Northern Ireland (the Four Bars) have issued a joint statement on the proposed removal of juries for rape and other serious sexual offence trials in Scotland.
Mind the early gender earnings gap at the Bar – new research from the Bar Council
New analysis on the earnings gap between men and women at the self-employed Bar
Justice at the polls: Bar Conference is back asking ‘what next for justice’?
Bar Conference is back after a break with a programme tackling the big issues
BSB should revisit decision on targets for processing complaints, says Bar Council Chair
The Fieldfisher report revealed some striking deficiencies in the enforcement processes of the BSB, says Sam Townend KC.
Bar Council resists Bar regulator’s proposal to remove degree requirement for barristers in training
Chair Sam Townend KC says the Bar Council objects to the majority of the BSB’s proposed reforms because they would lower standards.
Bar Council comments on crime and family court statistics
It is disappointing that there is still no progress made on reducing the backlog in the Crown Court, said Sam Townend KC.
Non-Disclosure Agreements are “ripe for legislative change”, says Bar Council
The Bar Council welcomes the Government’s commitment to reform Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
At the heart of the Bar Council is a "commitment to fairness, equality and diversity" says Chair Sam Townend KC
In response to the media reports about membership of the Garrick Club, the Bar Council has issued a statement.
Positive signs for Ahmadi Muslim lawyers in Pakistan
Pakistan Bar Council has signalled there must be no restrictions on Ahmadi Muslims practising as lawyers.
“Gold standard training” - more than 8 in 10 have a positive pupillage experience, report finds
86% of pupils have had a positive pupillage experience and the vast majority feel supported by their chambers and employers, according to the new Pupil Survey.
Bar Council reaction to the Spring Budget
Funding for justice "a drop in the ocean" says Chair of the Bar
Budget: Failure to invest in justice is a false economy, warns Bar Council
Chair of the Bar makes statement ahead of the Spring Budget
“Bar’s goodwill taken for granted” – Bar Council builds strong case for urgent investment in civil legal aid
The Bar Council has submitted detailed evidence to the government Review of Civil Legal Aid
Pupillage offers hit new record, exceeding pre-pandemic levels
Almost 640 positions were advertised on the Pupillage Gateway, the Bar Council's recruitment portal.
Investment needed to stop exodus of specialist rape counsel
Chair of the Bar Council responds to new Criminal Bar Association survey results
New data on wellbeing at the Bar
Today the Bar Council has published the Wellbeing at the Bar Report 2024. The data shows some improvements in wellbeing at the Bar.
Bar Council and PIBA secure fixed recoverable costs uplift
The Bar Council and Personal Injuries Bar Association (PIBA) have hailed changes to the fixed recoverable costs for advocacy fees in civil cases that will see a 23.5% increase in fees.
New guidance on generative AI for the Bar
Guidance for barristers on the use of ChatGPT and other large language model (LLM) systems
Funding early legal advice in family courts should reduce the backlogs
The Ministry of Justice has announced family court reforms
Bar Council calls for review of private prosecution powers
The Bar Council has called on Parliament to review the safeguards around private prosecutions.
New Bar Council Chair Sam Townend KC calls for urgent investment in a justice system at the point of structural failure
Sam Townend KC delivered his inaugural address at Lincoln's Inn
“It is never right to associate lawyers with their clients” – the Bars of the UK respond to recent media
The Daily Telegraph and Sunday Times have published letters from the three Bars
Bar Council commits to address inappropriate behaviour at the Bar
Barristers have been increasingly reporting bullying, harassment, and discrimination. The Bar Council has committed to address inappropriate and abusive behaviour by commissioning a review.
Rwanda Bill likely to give rise to legal challenges
The Bar Council says the Bill contains striking provisions
Bar Council response to Bar Standards Board's Annual Report on Bar Training
The Bar Council has welcomed the Bar Standards Board's Annual Report on Bar Training.
Bar Council welcomes fixed recoverable costs uprating in 2024
The Lord Chancellor is also considering regular inflation increases
Rwanda emergency law - Bar Council reaction
The Bar Council expresses 'grave concern' about the Prime Minister's suggestion.
Bar Council reaction to the King’s Speech
The Bar Council has called for urgent additional funding for the justice system.
Chambers encouraged to analyse earnings data to understand disparities and ensure equal access to work
The Bar Council has published a new earnings report and toolkit
Fee increase for pre-recorded cross examination welcome but further review needed
The Ministry of Justice has announced an increase to barrister fees for pre-recorded cross examination cases
Bar’s climate crisis group co-chairs respond to PM’s net zero announcement
Estelle Dehon KC and Ben Cooper KC highlight concerns over legal uncertainty
Bar Council welcomes BSB guidance on social media and conduct in non-professional life
The Bar Council thinks BSB has struck the appropriate balance
Bar Council announces new contextual recruitment tool to boost social mobility at the Bar
The Rare Contextual Recruitment System will be added to the Pupillage Gateway from 2024/25
Chair of the Bar calls for change to timing of Call in future-gazing speech
Nick Vineall KC delivered a wide-ranging speech on The Bar of 2043 at Inner Temple Hall
Fixed recoverable costs: Bar Council insists on pay for work done
The Bar Council and PIBA have issued a strong response to the MoJ consultation on FRCs
Reforming the Arbitration Act 1996 - Bar Council comment
The Bar Council welcomes the Law Commission’s careful and balanced review of the Arbitration Act.
Tackling court backlogs will need commitment to significant additional funding
Bar Council Chair responds to MoJ announcement on plans to reduce the court backlogs
Legal community gravely concerned: joint statement from the Bar Council and Law Society
Legal bodies issue joint statement in response to the Jacqueline McKenzie media reports
Bar Council responds to Professional Enablers Taskforce announcement
The Home Office and Ministry of Justice have announced the new Taskforce today
Wellbeing matters to everyone at the Bar: new video launch
The new video aims to encourage more conversations about mental health and wellbeing
Bar Council responds to latest judicial diversity data
The latest stats show progress is being made, but not equally across the board
Bar Council comments as Post Office Inquiry set to consider the role of lawyers
The Bar Council will be following proceedings carefully as the Inquiry begins its next phase
There is no place at the Bar for misogynist and bullying behaviour
The Chair of the Bar responds to the Counsel cover story 'Speaking Up'
Culture shift needed to deliver court reform programme
The Bar Council responds to the Public Accounts Committee report on the Court Reform Programme
Bill of Rights Bill will not proceed - Bar Council reaction
The Human Rights Act should apply across the board, says Chair of the Bar.
Legal firms urged to strengthen cyber defences with latest guidance from experts
Updated NCSC report highlights key threats to UK legal sector and how to improve cyber security.
Nick Vineall KC congratulates Dame Sue Carr on LCJ appointment
Congratulations to Dame Sue Carr on her historic appointment.
Bar Council reacts to Government's SLAPPs amendments
The Bar Council welcomes proposals to protect and promote fair comment and press freedom.
Bar Council raises concern over treatment of Ahmadi Muslim lawyers in Pakistan
Chair of the Bar Nick Vineall KC has written to the Pakistan Bar Council
Memorandum of Understanding signed with Bar Council of India
The Bar Council and Law Society hosted the Bar Council of India for the signing ceremony
Lawyers for Pride 2023
The Law Society and Bar Council issue a joint statement for Pride
Cab rank rule: statement of the Four Bars
The cab rank rule is a bedrock obligation for the independent referral Bar
Slow steps of progress on widening access to legal aid
The Government has responded to the legal aid means test review
Barbara Mills KC elected as Bar Council Vice Chair for 2024
Barbara Mills KC will become the first specialist family practitioner for 35 years and the first Black person to assume the role
Bar Council launches new Wellbeing Certificates
As part of #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek this week, we have relaunched the Bar Council’s Wellbeing Certificates.
Bar Council welcomes moves towards a more diverse judiciary
The MoJ has expanded the judicial roles open to CILEX lawyers
Bar Council calls on Peers to reject deeply flawed Illegal Migration Bill
The Bill will undermine access to justice and contravene fundamental principles
Bar Council of England and Wales calls on Israel to abandon proposed constitutional reforms
The Chair of the Bar has written to the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
The cab rank rule is a bedrock obligation
A statement from the Chair of the Bar Nick Vineall KC
Raab resignation: This has to be a fresh start for the justice system
The Bar Council is calling for sustainable funding and a rethink of the Bill of Rights Bill
Bar Council congratulates Alex Chalk KC MP as new Lord Chancellor
The former Solicitor General takes up the post following the resignation of Dominic Raab
Illegal Migration Bill amendment undermines rule of law
The Bar Council is urging the Government to reconsider
Climate leadership in the legal sector
Guidance and resources for the Bar
Prosecution fees increase confirmed for May
The Bar Council has welcomed the announcement
Hundreds of school students compete in final of the Bar Mock Trial Competition
On Saturday at The Royal Courts of Justice hundreds of students from 22 schools across the UK will come together to compete in the final of the National Bar Mock Trial Competition.
The cab rank rule and legal representation
A statement from Nick Vineall KC, Chair of the Bar Council.
Bar Council comment on family mediation plans
Mandatory mediation for separating parents, without prior legal advice, is unlikely to be successful.
Bar Council statement on judicial independence in Sri Lanka
The Bar Council of England and Wales calls for the authorities in Sri Lanka to carefully reconsider plans to question judges in parliament and disobey court orders.
Rushed migration Bill runs counter to the rule of law, says the Bar Council
Ahead of the second reading debate, the Bar Council raising a series of concerns.
PM and Home Secretary attacks on lawyers betray a startling ignorance
Chair of the Bar responds to political attacks on lawyers
Bar Council hails the Singapore Convention on Mediation
The Bar Council welcomes UK Government's commitment to ratify the convention
Court reform programme must not come at the cost of access to justice
Bar Council responds to the National Audit Office report
Bar Council reacts to courts and justice announcements
Reaction to the announcement on Nightingale courts and speech by the Shadow Secretary of State for Justice
Bar Council launches a plan of action to improve ‘Life at the employed Bar’
The new report sets out nine recommendations to support and champion employed barristers
Bar Council welcomes parity for prosecution and defence fees
The Treasury has approved additional funding to the CPS
Retained EU Law Bill will damage UK’s reputation, says Bar Council
The Bill is due to have its second reading in the House of Lords on Monday
Bar Council joins Justice Minister Mike Freer MP in first visit to the IDRC
The event marks the first ministerial visit to the IDRC in its 23-year history
Nick Vineall KC prioritises independence, remuneration, regulation, and diversity at the Bar in the year ahead
The new Chair delivered his inaugural speech at Middle Temple
Civil legal aid review essential but interim measures needed now, says Bar Council
The Government has announced a comprehensive review of civil legal aid
Bar Council and BHRC statement on conviction of Richard Naidu in the High Court of Fiji
The Bar Council and BHRC have joined the Commonwealth Lawyers Association in expressing its concern
General Council of the Bar 2023/24 Practising Certificate Fees and budget consultation
The General Council of the Bar has published its 2023/24 Practising Certificate Fees (PCF) and budget for consultation.
Bar Council comment on MoJ Criminal Legal Aid response
The Ministry of Justice has published the second phase of its response to the independent review
Race at the Bar progress report: Much to celebrate, much more to do
The Bar Council is highlighting action on race equality taken by chambers and organisations across the Bar
Bar Council comment on the BSB handling of the report relating to Dinah Rose KC
The Chair of the Bar calls for a root and branch review of process
Autumn Statement: Real terms cut for justice must not hit those in most need
The Bar Council response to the Autumn Statement
Access to justice can’t survive further budget cuts: new report from the Bar Council
'Access denied' report reveals the current state of the courts, legal aid and law reform
UK lawyers provide free legal help amid cost-of-living crisis - Pro Bono Week 2022
This week the UK’s legal sector come together for Pro Bono Week.
Changing the narrative on crime: World’s Toughest Prisons host to headline Annual Bar Conference
Raphael Rowe announced as the keynote speaker on Saturday 26 November
Arrest of lawyers in Iran statement
The Bar Council and the Bar Human Rights Committee have joined the international community’s call for the Iranian Government to end the arrest, detention, and intimidation of lawyers.
Bar Council reaction to re-appointment of Dominic Raab as Lord Chancellor
Essential that public confidence is restored
Gap between men and women’s earnings at the Bar shows more work to do, says Bar Council
New analysis of barrister earnings data shows differences by sex and practice area
Winners announced at the Bar Council Employed Bar Awards 2022
The awards were announced at the Employed Bar dinner at Gray's Inn.
Pupillage offers have recovered post-pandemic, Bar Council finds
The number of pupillage offers and applications are once again at pre-pandemic levels, according to a new report from the Bar Council published today.
Bar Council welcomes criminal Bar ballot result
Criminal barristers have voted to accept the offer from the Ministry of Justice
Bar Council creating new global connections through International Market Access Project
The Bar Council has signed Memorandums of Understanding with the Bar Associations of Sri Lanka and Guyana
Opening of the Legal Year 2022
The Bar Council and Law Society have issued a joint statement.
Bar Council engages Government on legal panels diversity
Government legal panels are lacking in diversity, says a new report published by the Bar Council today.