The 2022 Annual Bar and Young Bar Conference will take place over four days: three days of online sessions, with some in-person sessions at the Bar Council, and a full Saturday programme in-person at the Grand Connaught Rooms, Holborn. Join us for expert speakers, professional learning, and opportunities to network with colleagues from across the profession.
Find out more below.
Annual Bar and Young Bar Conference 2022:
Future-proofing the Bar
This year’s Annual Bar and Young Bar Conference will take place across four days of online and in-person sessions, under the theme of ‘Future-proofing the Bar’. The conference will explore the deep-rooted issues that underpin our justice system and their impact on providers of legal services, and consider how members of the Bar can work individually and collectively to shape the future of the profession.
Our expert speakers will examine how we can strengthen the Bar and ensure that our members’ unique excellence in advocacy and specialist advisory services continues to be recognised nationally and internationally, and that the profession is perceived as being sustainable, resilient and diverse.
Programme
See individual session for location
17:15-17:30
Welcome from the Chair of the Bar
Mark Fenhalls KC, Chair of the Bar of England and Wales
17:30-17:50
The vision for justice in 2023 and beyond
The Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, Lord Burnett of Maldon, offers an overview of his priorities for 2023 and into the future.
Book this individual session, and Access Denied: Fixing our broken justice system, through MyBar using the link below.
17:50-19:00
Access denied: Fixing our broken justice system
This year’s opening session explores the key themes from the Bar Council’s 'Access to Justice' report – namely, the courts, law reform, legal aid, and the challenges facing the profession. Our expert panel will examine the current problems with our crumbling system, and what must happen to future-proof the Bar against them and restore access to justice for all.
Chair
Mark Fenhalls KC, Chair of the Bar of England and Wales
Speakers
Amean Elgadhy, One Pump Court, Legal Aid Barrister of the Year 2022
Sir Bob Neill MP, Chairman, Justice Select Committee
Carol Storer OBE
Sam Townend KC, Keating Chambers
Book this individual session, and The vision for justice in 2023 and beyond, through MyBar using the link below.
08:30 - 10:00 - In-person, Bar Council, Holborn
Predicting industry trends and creating a financially sustainable chambers
With much uncertainty surrounding the future state of the UK economy, many chambers are now turning their attention from the implementation of hybrid working to long-term financial sustainability and growth. Our predicting trends panel will explore how the expectations of instructing clients are changing; the ways that chambers can meet their demands; and how chambers are adapting through innovative financial and practice management.
Chair
Fiona Fitzgerald, Chief Executive, Radcliffe Chambers
Speakers
Peter Blair, Chief Operating Officer, Quadrant Chambers
Maryam Oghanna, Senior Associate, Forsters LLP
Marcia Shekerdemian KC, Wilberforce Chambers
Joe Wilson, Chambers Director, St Philips Chambers
Book this individual session through MyBar using the link below.
17:30-19:00 - Online
Cybersecurity and the Justice System
With crippling cyber-attacks targeting professional services, including the legal sector, mitigation and protection against cyber threats is a major priority of chambers and professionals across the Bar. Join Jacqueline Reid, the Chair of our Information and Technology Panel, as she invites leading cybersecurity experts to discuss current threats, how to identify an organisation’s weak points, and practical steps to boost protection.
Chair
Jacqueline Reid, 11 South Square, Chair of the Bar Council’s Information and Technology Panel
Speakers
Sam Berlyn, Head of IT, Chambers
Eleanor Fairford, National Cyber Security Centre
David Fleming, Chief Technology Officer, Mitigo
Toks Oladuti, Global Deputy Chief Information Security Officer, Dentons
Book this individual session through MyBar using the link below.
12:30-13:15 - Online
The importance of legal technology and its impact on access to justice
Our panel of speakers will explore the value of legal technology in shaping the future of the profession, as well as the important role it plays in advancing the rule of law and access to justice. Technology is a fantastic resource, it makes our lives easier in many ways and connects people around the world; but this assumes people have access to necessary technology – smartphones, applications, the internet – and also know how to use it. Join us as LexisNexis and members of the Bar share their experiences and insights.
Sponsored by
17:00-19:00 - In-person, Bar Council, Holborn
Building your practice: Opportunities for the Young Bar
Opening remarks by Sir Jonathan Jones KCB KC (Hon), Senior Consultant, Linklaters LLP, and Former Treasury Solicitor, Procurator General and Permanent Secretary of the Government Legal Department
Join members of the Young Barristers’ Committee in this session designed to help delegates look to the future and take a more strategic approach to the development of their practices. Our panellists will share their insights into accessing international markets, discuss the profile-boosting benefits of undertaking pro-bono work, and explore how to diversify to build a future-proof practice.
A networking reception will follow.
Chair
Michael Polak, Chair of the Bar Council’s Young Barristers’ Committee
Speakers
Samantha Jones, Practice Manager, 3VB
Grace Cheng, 39 Essex Chambers
Aaqib Javed, Spire Barristers
Sir Jonathan Jones KCB KC (Hon)
Book this individual session through MyBar using the link below.
The Grand Connaught Rooms, London, and livestreamed online
09:00-09:45
Registration, breakfast and exhibition
09:45-10:15
Welcome from the Chairs of the Bar and Bar Council's Young Barristers' Committee
Mark Fenhalls KC, Chair of the Bar of England and Wales
Michael Polak, Chair of the Bar Council's Young Barristers' Committee
This session will be followed by the announcement of this year's Pro Bono Award winners for the Young Pro Bono Barrister of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement in Pro Bono, the Sydney Elland Goldsmith award.
10:15-11:25
Threats to the Rule of Law in 2022 and beyond
During this session, chaired by Baroness Kennedy, our panel of leading thinkers and legal experts will reflect on the fragility of the rule of law and discuss their predictions for its future, both at home and abroad.
They will consider the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, judicial reform in Poland and the UK, and how events of 2022 will have a lasting impact on democracy, access to justice and the future of the rule of law.
Chair
Baroness Helena Kennedy of the Shaws KC
Speakers
Professor Conor Gearty KC (Hon), Matrix Chambers, Professor of Human Rights Law, London School of Economics
Valentyn Gvozdiy, Vice President of the Ukrainian National Bar Association
Maura McNally SC, Former Chair of the Bar Council of Ireland
Mikołaj Pietrzak, Dean, Warsaw Bar Association of Advocates
11:25-11:55 - Break
Coffee break and exhibition
11:55-12:55
Careers, retention and the modernisation of working practices at the Bar
This session will look at the workforce trends and working practices across the profession and discuss the interventions required for a strong and sustainable Bar. Our panellists will explore shifts in chambers’ recruitment practices and the programmes of work that are having the greatest impact on career development and progression at the Bar, including amongst employed barristers and members of the judiciary.
Chair
Andy Slaughter MP, Shadow Solicitor General
Speakers
Jacob Hallam KC, 6 King's Bench Walk and Chair of Bar Council's Education and Training Committee
Susanna McGibbon, Treasury Solicitor, Government Legal Department
Fiona Rutherford, Chief Executive, JUSTICE
Jemma Tagg, Chief Executive, Twenty Essex
13:00-14:00
Lunch and exhibition
14:00-14:25
Refining the justice system
Conference attendees will be joined by the Attorney General, The Rt Hon Victoria Prentis MP who will outline her priorities in refining the justice system and addressing the challenges of our day.
Speaker: The Rt Hon Victoria Prentis MP, Attorney General
14:30-15:25
Secret Courts, Secret Justice
Open justice is important in a democratic society. It promotes public education and helps to ensure confidence in legal decision-making, offering assurance that justice has been done. Our ‘Secret Courts, Secret Justice’ panel will explore the impact of an increasingly closed system on government accountability and the search for truth. What improvements will be needed to satisfy public interest, maintain checks and balances, and ensure adherence with the rule of law?
Chair
Dorothy Byrne, Former Editor at Large at Channel 4 Television, and Head of News and Current Affairs. Current President of Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge
Speakers
Ruth Kirby KC, 4PB
Gavin Millar KC, Matrix Chambers
Gill Phillips, Director of Editorial Legal Services, The Guardian
Hannah Summers, Journalist covering social affairs, investigations and the law
15:30-15:50 - Break
Coffee break and exhibition
15:50-16:40
Choose your session:
Tackling harassment and bullying at the Bar
In 2021, as part of the Bar Council's Working Lives Survey, one in three barristers reported that they had personally experienced bullying or harassment within the previous two years. In this session our panellists will look at solutions currently being deployed to manage and resolve incidences of harassment and bullying across the Bar. We will discuss the role collaboration between the Bar and Judiciary can play, resolving conflict in Chambers and in the workplace and reporting and actively standing up to unwanted behaviour in our profession.
Chair
Rachel Krys, Equality and Diversity Consultant, The Bar Council
Speakers
Her Honour Judge Anuja Dhir KC
Chris Gutteridge, Exchange Chambers
Brie Stevens-Hoare KC, Gatehouse Chambers
Climate leadership and influence at the Bar
Following one of the hottest British summers on record, global leaders are meeting in Egypt in November for the UN Climate Change Conference 2022. But reaching net zero and reducing global warming are not just issues for governments and large corporations.
We will examine what it means to be a ‘climate-friendly lawyer’ and explain how barristers can demonstrate leadership and leverage their professional influence to achieve net zero for the profession by 2030.
Speakers
Estelle Dehon KC, Cornerstone Barristers
Krishnendu Mukherjee, Doughty Street Chambers
Michael Harwood, Government Legal Department and Vice Chair of the Young Barrister's Committee
Nina Pindham, No 5 Barristers' Chambers
16:45-17:30
Keynote address: Succeeding with limited resources
Keynote speaker: Raphael Rowe, former prisoner, journalist, investigative reporter and presenter who is best known for hosting the Netflix series ‘Inside The World’s Toughest Prisons’.
17:30-17:35
Closing remarks
Mark Fenhalls KC, Chair of the Bar of England and Wales
17:35-19:00
Networking reception sponsored by Mitigo
Prices
In-person and online full conference day - Saturday 26 November
Full Conference day ticket holders will also receive complimentary access to all online sessions on Wednesday to Friday.
| Ticket type | In-person | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | £270 | £230 |
| BRF discount | £216 | £184 |
| Pupils, Students, bands 1 and 2 | £70 | £60 |
| Pupils, Students, bands 1 and 2 with BRF discount | £60 | £51 |
Book your place
When you click the booking links below you will be taken to MyBar, our online self-service portal where you can purchase event tickets. Log in and follow the steps to book your place. If you do not have an account, set up a MyBar login
There are train strikes currently planned by the members of Aslef union on Saturday 26 November. The tube network is unaffected. We advise to check your journey before you travel.
Having trouble booking?
Contact the Training and Events team by email or on 020 7611 1329.
Single session tickets
| Ticket type | Online session price | In-person session price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | £50 | £60 |
| BRF discount | £40 | £48 |
| Pupils, Students, bands 1 and 2 | £24 | £30 |
| Pupils, Students, bands 1 and 2 with BRF discount | £20 | £25 |
Book your place
When you click the booking links below you will be taken to MyBar, our online self-service portal where you can purchase event tickets. Log in and follow the steps to book your place. If you do not have an account, set up a MyBar login
- Book: The Vision for Justice 2023 & Access denied
- Book: Predicting industry trends
- Book: Cybersecurity
- Book: Building your practice
Contact the Training and Events team by email or on 020 7611 1329.
Prices above do not include VAT. VAT will be added when you choose your ticket.
Find out more about the Bar Representation Fee and subscribe to be eligible for the BRF discount.
*A bulk booking discount of a further 10% is available to Chambers and organisations booking 5 or more full conference tickets. Email our training and events team to book with a bulk discount
Driving and parking:
Please note, De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, fall in the congestion charge zone. Please visit https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle/ to check whether your vehicle is subject to the congestion charge.
Use the following navigation: (51.515567, – 0.120687) and postcode: WC2B 5DA.
The nearest car park is on the corner of Drury Lane and Parker Street and is only a two-minute walk away.
Public Transport:
Please note there are train strikes currently planned by the members of Aslef union on Saturday 26 November. You can find out which specific lines are affected here. The tube network is unaffected. We advise to check your journey before you travel.
Tube and train stations
Holborn (Central line, 3-minute walk from the venue)
Covent Garden (Piccadilly line, 5-minute walk)
Tottenham Court Road (Central, Northern and Elizabeth line, 12-minute walk)
London Euston, Kings Cross, and St Pancras International stations are under a 30-minute walk or a short taxi ride away. All of London’s remaining mainline stations are easily reached by the underground network.
Coaches and Bus
You can use National Express coaches to get in from outer to London to Victoria Coach station. From here you can either get the 11 bus to Aldwych.
Check out all bus routes for all or part of your journey on the TfL Go app.
Cycling
London has a wealth of high-quality cycle route’s, check cycling routes for all or part of your journey on TfL Go app.
Walking
Check walking routes for all or part of your journey on the TfL Go app.
Hoping to stay in London for the weekend or pre/post event. Check out a few of our suggested options below.
- Travel Lodge: Covent Garden, £ (4-minute walk)
- Premier Inn Hub: Soho, £ (20-minute walk)
- Z Hotel: Holborn, ££ (1-minute)
- Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth: Great Russel Street, £££ (10-minute Walk)
Event sponsors
At LexisNexis, our mission is to advance the rule of law around the world. Everything we do – from our products and services, to how we do business, is about ensuring that all people are equal under the law. We continue to find ways to help members of the Bar to work more productively, prepare arguments with confidence and get the best results for their clients with our pioneering and trusted legal research and practical guidance tools. We’re committed to making a positive change in the legal profession and we are pleased to continue offering 12 months of free access to our practical guidance tools to aspiring barristers, equipping pupils with access to the tools needed to navigate the next step in their legal qualification.
Worried about how to protect your chambers from ransomware attacks and email account takeover?
The solution is Mitigo. Their support has been designed for chambers to safeguard against cyber attacks. After assessing your risks, Mitigo will take care of the three areas needed to keep your chambers safe:
Technology – includes detailed technology assessments, penetration testing, and vulnerability scanning
People – includes e-learning, testing, and simulated phishing
Governance – includes policies, customised handbook, and risk management framework.
Mitigo also provides a rapid response, containment, and investigation service, and can assist with reporting obligations to regulators and clients.
Visit the Mitigo website to find out more and book a free 1-hour consultation.
Vector Professions Finance is a well established company whose principal activity is providing aged debt funding services to the Bar.
Key benefits:
- Peace of mind
- Overdraft remains in tact
- Term to suit budget
- Unsecured facility
- Potentially tax efficient
- Fast confidential service
- Credit decision within 48 hours
- Loan to aged debt ratio 75%
What our clients say:
‘Refreshing to deal with a company that understands barristers‘
Visit the Vector Professions Finance website to find out more
Exhibitors
Advocate is a charity that finds free legal assistance from volunteer barristers.
We exist because committed barristers across England and Wales
care about access to justice for everyone.
Advocate is the Bar’s national pro bono charity that makes it possible for barristers to balance a dedicated practice with making a significant contribution to the community.
We match members of the public who need free legal help with barristers who are willing to donate their time and expertise in deserving cases for those who are unable to obtain legal aid and cannot afford to pay.
As the largest independent office services provider in the UK, for Complete, sustainability is at the heart of what we do. As well as reducing costs for our clients, we are also driven to reduce our customers’ and our own negative impacts on the environment. By consolidating supply and delivering via zero emissions electric vehicles we are setting the standard on how products and services can be low carbon as well as low cost. In order to achieve this, we need to work collaboratively with both our customers and supply partners across all aspects of procurement.
The Free Representation Unit is a pro bono charity. We represent our clients in employment, social security, and criminal injuries compensation tribunals. Our advocates are all volunteers, most of who are aspiring lawyers at the start of their career. We train our volunteers and support them as they prepare for the hearing and negotiate with respondents in employment cases. We are also grateful to barristers in practice who help us with advice and representation in complex and appellate cases.
FRU receives fantastic support from the Bar Council, the Inns, ICBET, specialist Bar associations and many chambers and individual barristers.