Practice Toolset

Unions aren’t an obvious port of call for those at the Bar seeking inspiration for how to widen access and develop talent but we have a number of challenges in common, writes Ijeoma Omambala QC 

A Bar student’s account of the litany of issues involved with this year’s centrally assessed papers. By Joshua Xerri  

There are two particular traits that judicial applicants can display repeatedly, and these can lead to inaccurate self-assessment. For those ready to be brutally honest with themselves, Manjula Bray sets out a five-step strategy to help plan for success 

Given time, investment, uniformity of procedure, changes to working habits and an approach that makes the most of the medium rather than trying to ‘hold ground’, Joseff Morgan  considers whether remote working could create a better court system for all

Rudeness in the robing room, sledging tactics and the unkindness of strangers when you’re newly called. Rehna Azim on bullying at the Bar and what you can do about it  

Tackling the menopause as part of chambers’ strategy to better retain women - Louise Corfield  identifies what the Bar can do to support its members through the menopause and how it might be impacting applications for senior positions

Outspoken and unafraid

Lucy Barbet's top tips on how to plan, communicate and execute a career break, and get your practice up and running again quickly 

A rose by any other name? Language matters not only when giving references but in all aspects of our work as lawyers, writes Rachel Barrett : recognising unconscious bias and the importance of gender-fair word choices

The Bar Council’s plans to accelerate progress (or at least shift away from reverse) in diversity and fair work distribution across the Bar. By Sam Mercer