Marking Neurodiversity Week 2025, an anonymous barrister shares the revelations and emotions from a mid-career diagnosis with a view to encouraging others to find out more
Reflecting over the last 30 years, and looking forward, criminal barrister Louise McCullough identifies the shaping influences and motivation in her personal – and professional – development
Four-fifths of the Executive team at the Government Legal Department are women. For International Women’s Day, the leadership team talks to Counsel about the cultural change needed to achieve high-level female representation
Patrick Green KC talks about the landmark Post Office Group litigation and his driving principles for life and practice. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
Desiree Artesi meets Malcolm Bishop KC, the Lord Chief Justice of Tonga, who talks about his new role in the South Pacific and reflects on his career
Maria Scotland and Niamh Wilkie report from the Bar Council’s 2024 visit to the United Arab Emirates exploring practice development opportunities for the England and Wales family Bar
David Wurtzel analyses the outcome of the 2024 silk competition and how it compares with previous years, revealing some striking trends and home truths for the profession
Emma Cross and Sunyana Sharma share advice from a recent judicial careers event and other aspiration-raising initiatives on the Western Circuit
Save for some high-flyers and those who can become commercial arbitrators, it is generally a question of all or nothing but that does not mean moving from hero to zero, says Andrew Hillier
As the government unleashes AI, Iain Quirk KC looks at the growth of online dispute resolution platforms and the role of lawyers in harnessing AI for the benefit of justice
HHJ Emma Nott looks again at work allocation and receipts at the publicly funded Bar to see if any of the measures put in place since she started reporting seven years ago, are working
Maya Sikand KC and Janey Starling, co-authors of a new toolkit, Representing pregnant women and mothers in the criminal justice system, believe that advocates can play a critical role in ensuring that sentencers get it right
With thousands of D81 forms filed every week, why aren’t we analysing this data to determine the best model of reform? ask Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Holly Symonds
From a ‘difficult woman with attitude’ to a ‘rainmaker’ – Paramjit Ahluwalia talks about her experience of intersectionality at the Bar, examines the data on disparity of earnings and presents the potential for change
Labour’s pledge to halve VAWG is a welcome step, but risks becoming an empty promise without systemic reform, says Dr Charlotte Proudman
Best books, top tracks, fabulous films, artistic influences and an essential for mid-trial stayovers: Counsel invites barristers to share their cultural influences and home comforts
Heidi Stonecliffe KC, Chair of the Employed Barristers’ Committee for 2024, reflects on her year at the helm and progress made in implementing the Life at the Employed Bar Report 2023 recommendations
And the winner is… the Bar Council introduces the barristers honoured in the 2024 awards celebrating the achievements of the employed Bar
David Fardy outlines what to expect, what you will learn, and what you can gain from a pupillage at the employed Bar
Heidi Stonecliffe KC talks frankly about her route to silk and why, as Chair of the Employed Barristers’ Committee for 2024, she wants to see greater visibility, progression and recognition for employed barristers
From a CPS pupillage to Director of Legal Services at one of the largest prosecutors in England and Wales – Michael Jennings describes the interesting and varied life an employed barrister in public service can lead
Senior barristers reflect on the progress made since the publication of Race at the Bar: A Snapshot Report in 2021, as well as the persistent challenges and cultural shifts still needed. Interviews by Mariam Diaby
From a traumatic formative education to exceptional criminal silk – Laurie-Anne Power KC talks about her path to the Bar, pursuit of equality and speaking out against discrimination (not just during Black History Month)
Following the Lincoln’s Inn EDI Forum in Leeds, Glenn Parsons considers the tools required to increase diversity at the Bar – now and in the future
Championing underrepresented talent, 10K Black Interns 2024 is open for applications. Mentee Tendai Chiguvare and mentor Anna Walsh share their experience of the summer internship scheme at the Bar
Bibi Badejo reports from a packed Inns of Court Women’s Alliance event examining the experiences of Black women barristers and imparting crucial advice for Black women navigating the legal profession
As the government unleashes AI, Iain Quirk KC looks at the growth of online dispute resolution platforms and the role of lawyers in harnessing AI for the benefit of justice
Julie Ahadi on the shift from theory to implementation, spoils to be had, and converting the trepidatious barrister
Irresponsible use of AI can lead to serious and embarrassing consequences. Sam Thomas briefs barristers on the five key risks and how to avoid them
How to cross-examine your Gen AI tools and interrogate the outputs? Sally McLaren’s tips for using AI safely in legal research
As use of AI becomes more widespread at the Bar, reshaping workflows, Andrew Hogan predicts a shift away from time-spent to value-based fees
The mentoring scheme for underrepresented applicants to the Commercial Bar – apply by the extended deadline of Friday 18 October 2024 for the 2024-25 cycle
The Bar Council crunches the data to tell the real story of who gets pupillage... and when
Newly minted Bar graduates compete at a ratio of 300:1 for a golden ticket to Wonka’s Criminal Justice Factory. The Secret Barrister explains why…
The Bar Standards Board on what you need to know about training to become a barrister in England and Wales
Laurence Cooper explores the high-stakes world of choosing a Bar training course provider
The COUNSEL interview
Barbara Mills KC, barrister and Chair of the Bar 2025, talks to Joshua Rozenberg KC (hon), legal journalist and broadcaster. Podcast recorded in December 2024.
Efforts continue on gender equality, support for the Bar, meaningful reform for the sector and advocating for the rule of law
To mark International Women’s Day, Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management looks at how financial planning can help bridge the gap
Casey Randall of AlphaBiolabs answers some of the most common questions regarding relationship DNA testing for court
Leading drug, alcohol and DNA testing laboratory AlphaBiolabs has made a £500 donation to Beatson Cancer Charity in Glasgow as part of its Giving Back campaign
Girls Human Rights Festival 2025: a global gathering for change
Exclusive Q&A with Henry Dannell
Marking Neurodiversity Week 2025, an anonymous barrister shares the revelations and emotions from a mid-career diagnosis with a view to encouraging others to find out more
Patrick Green KC talks about the landmark Post Office Group litigation and his driving principles for life and practice. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
Desiree Artesi meets Malcolm Bishop KC, the Lord Chief Justice of Tonga, who talks about his new role in the South Pacific and reflects on his career
Sir Nicholas Mostyn, former High Court judge, on starting a hit podcast with fellow ‘Parkies’ after the shock of his diagnosis
Once you submit your silk application, what happens next? Sir Paul Morgan explains each stage of the process and reflects on his experience as a member of the KC Selection Panel
