*/
The need for barristers appearing in youth courts to register was among a raft of changes announced by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
The regulator said that the change, required when barristers renew their practising certificates, would help to ‘promote standards in those proceedings’ and will be welcomed by many barristers who believe youth advocacy should be recognised as a specialism.
The rule changes will require barristers to provide information on their practice areas, including any public access work, and the percentage of income they derive from each area, and to provide the regulator with a unique email address.
The BSB also confirmed that it will not extend the ‘cab rank’ rule to public and licensed access cases, stating that doing so could have an adverse impact on access to justice.
It will remove the requirement for barristers who are of less than three years’ standing to maintain a public access log and make a range of simplifications to make the public and licensed access rules less prescriptive and more proportionate.
Ewen MacLeod, Director of Strategy and Policy at the BSB, said: ‘The new rules regarding authorisation to practise will enable us to improve our regulation of barristers. Our changes to the public and licensed access rules will also further support those clients who instruct the Bar directly.’
He said: ‘We are particularly keen to highlight the important role of those practising in our youth courts and the skills necessary for this kind of work.’
The need for barristers appearing in youth courts to register was among a raft of changes announced by the Bar Standards Board (BSB).
The regulator said that the change, required when barristers renew their practising certificates, would help to ‘promote standards in those proceedings’ and will be welcomed by many barristers who believe youth advocacy should be recognised as a specialism.
The rule changes will require barristers to provide information on their practice areas, including any public access work, and the percentage of income they derive from each area, and to provide the regulator with a unique email address.
The BSB also confirmed that it will not extend the ‘cab rank’ rule to public and licensed access cases, stating that doing so could have an adverse impact on access to justice.
It will remove the requirement for barristers who are of less than three years’ standing to maintain a public access log and make a range of simplifications to make the public and licensed access rules less prescriptive and more proportionate.
Ewen MacLeod, Director of Strategy and Policy at the BSB, said: ‘The new rules regarding authorisation to practise will enable us to improve our regulation of barristers. Our changes to the public and licensed access rules will also further support those clients who instruct the Bar directly.’
He said: ‘We are particularly keen to highlight the important role of those practising in our youth courts and the skills necessary for this kind of work.’
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
