*/
Legal leaders from the UK and overseas came together for the annual service at Westminster Abbey to mark the Opening of the Legal Year last month.
At the occasion, which has been a fixture in the legal calendar since the Middle Ages, judges have traditionally prayed for guidance at the start of the new legal term.
The service followed a series of events organised over two days by the Bar Council and the Law Society, attended by more than 60 international bar representatives from over 40 jurisdictions. The sessions focused on legal professional privilege, the role of witnesses and the rule of law.
Chairman of the Bar Alistair MacDonald QC said: “The Opening of the Legal Year is the most celebrated event in the legal profession’s calendar. The programme of events and the number and range of international participants demonstrates the global orientation of our profession.
“It also enables us to discuss the future of our profession and the challenges and opportunities we face, to reflect on the values we share with fellow legal practitioners overseas, and to reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law.”
Legal leaders from the UK and overseas came together for the annual service at Westminster Abbey to mark the Opening of the Legal Year last month.
At the occasion, which has been a fixture in the legal calendar since the Middle Ages, judges have traditionally prayed for guidance at the start of the new legal term.
The service followed a series of events organised over two days by the Bar Council and the Law Society, attended by more than 60 international bar representatives from over 40 jurisdictions. The sessions focused on legal professional privilege, the role of witnesses and the rule of law.
Chairman of the Bar Alistair MacDonald QC said: “The Opening of the Legal Year is the most celebrated event in the legal profession’s calendar. The programme of events and the number and range of international participants demonstrates the global orientation of our profession.
“It also enables us to discuss the future of our profession and the challenges and opportunities we face, to reflect on the values we share with fellow legal practitioners overseas, and to reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law.”
Chair of the Bar finds common ground on legal services between our two jurisdictions, plus an update on jury trials
A £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs has been made to the leading UK charity tackling international parental child abduction and the movement of children across international borders
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, outlines the drug and alcohol testing options available for family law professionals, and how a new, free guide can help identify the most appropriate testing method for each specific case
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
Marie Law, Director of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, examines the latest ONS data on drug misuse and its implications for toxicology testing in family law cases
An interview with Rob Wagg, CEO of New Park Court Chambers
With at least 31 reports of AI hallucinations in UK legal cases – over 800 worldwide – and judges using AI to assist in judicial decision-making, the risks and benefits are impossible to ignore. Matthew Lee examines how different jurisdictions are responding
What has changed, and why? Paul Secher unpacks the new standards aligning the recruiting, training and appraising of judges – the first major change to the system for ten years
The deprivation of liberty is the most significant power the state can exercise. Drawing on frontline experience, Chris Henley KC explains why replacing trial by jury with judge-only trials risks undermining justice
Ever wondered what a pupillage is like at the CPS? This Q and A provides an insight into the training, experience and next steps
The appointments of 96 new King’s Counsel (also known as silk) are announced today
