Practice Toolset

Kindness Ambassadors – coming to a courtroom near you! Valerie Charbit, Nicola Shannon KC and Professor Robin Banerjee update readers on the second phase of the project examining, and promoting, the impact of kindness and how it can fit into an adversarial system 

In the wake of the Harman Review, many chambers are asking what practical steps they should take now. Joanna Chatterton and David Murphy suggest how the recommendations can be weaved into the daily life of a modern set – in a credible, proportionate and effective way 

The Harman Report found judicial bullying to be a real and significant problem. As the judiciary starts the journey of recognising and addressing misconduct on the bench, Saara Idelbi suggests some ways to respond in the moment – with the aim of preserving mutual respect in the courtroom  

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 

Amelia Clegg shares the lessons standing her in good stead as 2026 Chair of the Young Barristers’ Committee and the priorities for her term 

Simon Regis CBE, Chair of the Bar Council Employed Barristers’ Committee, sets out his three key priorities for the year ahead 

The Bar Council could not provide all the services it does without your contributions through the Bar Representation Fee. By William Dean 

Feeling stuck at a careers crossroads? Lost your legal mojo? The answer often lies in knowing what you truly want – but how to figure that out? Nikki Alderson shares some practical strategies to help you gain clarity and move forward with confidence 

Sam Thomas surveys the cyber security scene – from the Legal Aid Agency attack to the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill – and suggests one small day-to-day change we can all make to help thwart cyber crime