*/
The winner of the 2016 Pro Bono Award, sponsored by the Bar Council, was announced at the conference. John Collins, of Zenith Chambers, has been at the Bar for six decades.
In the last five years alone, he has worked on 11 pro bono cases, including Ilott v Mitson [2015] EWCA Civ 797 and Bell v Northumbria Water [2016] EWHC 133. The award also acknowledged his influence and support in encouraging others to take on pro bono cases.
Collins was described by Lord Goldsmith, the Bar Pro Bono Unit President and Chair of the Award judging panel, as a ‘great ambassador’ for our profession. The Chairman of the Bar agreed it was a signal honour to be able to recognise and reward his time, knowledge and energy. Unfortunately, Collins was not able to be present, and the lost opportunity to catch sight of the great man was a disappointment to many in the audience who were craning their necks at this juncture. He did, however, pen some words that were shared with us.
Collins spoke of a time when this award would seem unnecessary, when ‘equality before the law, is not an idealistic declaration’, but something that everyone could access; when a lack of means should not mean that people were ‘prevented from protection, or defending, their rights’. These sobering and inspirational words struck a tangible chord with the audience.
In the last five years alone, he has worked on 11 pro bono cases, including Ilott v Mitson [2015] EWCA Civ 797 and Bell v Northumbria Water [2016] EWHC 133. The award also acknowledged his influence and support in encouraging others to take on pro bono cases.
Collins was described by Lord Goldsmith, the Bar Pro Bono Unit President and Chair of the Award judging panel, as a ‘great ambassador’ for our profession. The Chairman of the Bar agreed it was a signal honour to be able to recognise and reward his time, knowledge and energy. Unfortunately, Collins was not able to be present, and the lost opportunity to catch sight of the great man was a disappointment to many in the audience who were craning their necks at this juncture. He did, however, pen some words that were shared with us.
Collins spoke of a time when this award would seem unnecessary, when ‘equality before the law, is not an idealistic declaration’, but something that everyone could access; when a lack of means should not mean that people were ‘prevented from protection, or defending, their rights’. These sobering and inspirational words struck a tangible chord with the audience.
The winner of the 2016 Pro Bono Award, sponsored by the Bar Council, was announced at the conference. John Collins, of Zenith Chambers, has been at the Bar for six decades.
The beginning of the legal year offers the opportunity for a renewed commitment to justice and the rule of law both at home and abroad
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management sets out the key steps to your dream property
A centre of excellence for youth justice, the Youth Justice Legal Centre provides specialist training, an advice line and a membership programme
By Kem Kemal of Henry Dannell
By Ashley Friday of AlphaBiolabs
Providing bespoke mortgage and protection solutions for barristers
Joanna Hardy-Susskind speaks to those walking away from the criminal Bar
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)
Yasmin Ilhan explains the Law Commission’s proposals for a quicker, easier and more effective contempt of court regime
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
James Onalaja concludes his two-part opinion series
