Founded in 1985, COUNSEL is the official monthly Magazine of the Bar of England and Wales, published by LexisNexis on behalf of the Bar Council. COUNSEL is largely written by and for barristers.
Highly influential and thought-provoking, it is read by legal professionals of all ages, from law students to senior judges, policy makers, key influencers, and members of the government. It also has a wider general readership.
Editorial coverage ranges from high profile interviews to its vital Practice Toolset section, helping barristers achieve their ambitions and work smarter using the latest techniques and market innovations.
It is also the platform for intelligent opinion on key issues affecting the Bar and justice, as well as covering wellbeing and lifestyle matters, giving it a broad cross-over appeal for anyone associated with the legal industry and interested in the law.
Our authors are thought leaders and experts in their fields. Our audience is highly engaged with the COUNSEL brand in print, online and social media.
The magazine has a distinguished Policy and Editorial Board, mainly drawn from the ranks of practising barristers and representing a wide cross-section of the Bar.
Print issues go direct to subscribers each month, with high numbers of non-subscribers reading it on the ‘free to view’ destination website: www.counselmagazine.co.uk.
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Editor: Sarah Grainger
Email: sarah.grainger@lexisnexis.co.uk
Commissioning Editor: Elsa Booth
Email: elsa.booth.1@lexisnexis.co.uk
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Kirsty Brimelow KC, Chair of the Bar, sets our course for 2026
What meaningful steps can you take in 2026 to advance your legal career? asks Thomas Cowan of St Pauls Chambers
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, explains why drugs may appear in test results, despite the donor denying use of them
Asks Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
AlphaBiolabs has donated £500 to The Christie Charity through its Giving Back initiative, helping to support cancer care, treatment and research across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and further afield
Q and A with criminal barrister Nick Murphy, who moved to New Park Court Chambers on the North Eastern Circuit in search of a better work-life balance
The appointments of 96 new King’s Counsel (also known as silk) are announced today
With pupillage application season under way, Laura Wright reflects on her route to ‘tech barrister’ and offers advice for those aiming at a career at the Bar
Jury-less trial proposals threaten fairness, legitimacy and democracy without ending the backlog, writes Professor Cheryl Thomas KC (Hon), the UK’s leading expert on juries, judges and courts
Are you ready for the new way to do tax returns? David Southern KC explains the biggest change since HMRC launched self-assessment more than 30 years ago... and its impact on the Bar
Marking one year since a Bar disciplinary tribunal dismissed all charges against her, Dr Charlotte Proudman discusses the experience, her formative years and next steps. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
