*/
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.
Now is the time to tackle inappropriate behaviour at the Bar as well as extend our reach and collaboration with organisations and individuals at home and abroad
A comparison – Dan Monaghan, Head of DWF Chambers, invites two viewpoints
And if not, why not? asks Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management
Marie Law, Head of Toxicology at AlphaBiolabs, discusses the many benefits of oral fluid drug testing for child welfare and protection matters
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
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
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
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
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
