The Bar Council
@thebarcouncil.bsky.social
Representing and supporting the 18,000 practising barristers in England and Wales.
www.barcouncil.org.uk
www.barcouncil.org.uk
Pinned
We fundamentally disagree with the government’s plan to restrict the deeply entrenched constitutional principle of a jury trial.
We do not see how restricting jury trials will have an impact on the existing backlog.
Read the full statement: https://bit.ly/446VkPP
We do not see how restricting jury trials will have an impact on the existing backlog.
Read the full statement: https://bit.ly/446VkPP
Professor Cole suggests the legacy of the current administration depends on how we, the courts & civil society respond - do we step back or step forward? Cole suggests it is not possible to rely on just the courts, it also depends on citizens standing up & pushing back
@davidcole-gtown.bsky.social
@davidcole-gtown.bsky.social
December 8, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Professor Cole suggests the legacy of the current administration depends on how we, the courts & civil society respond - do we step back or step forward? Cole suggests it is not possible to rely on just the courts, it also depends on citizens standing up & pushing back
@davidcole-gtown.bsky.social
@davidcole-gtown.bsky.social
During the Christmas party season, we see a spike in harassment reports. If you see or experience harassment you can raise it in a number of ways:
• Record it on Talk to Spot
• Talk to a trusted person in your chambers or organisation
• Report it to the police
• Record it on Talk to Spot
• Talk to a trusted person in your chambers or organisation
• Report it to the police
December 8, 2025 at 6:42 PM
During the Christmas party season, we see a spike in harassment reports. If you see or experience harassment you can raise it in a number of ways:
• Record it on Talk to Spot
• Talk to a trusted person in your chambers or organisation
• Report it to the police
• Record it on Talk to Spot
• Talk to a trusted person in your chambers or organisation
• Report it to the police
Professor David Cole highlights the courts have stood up to the Trump administration. To date around 150 injunctions have been issued by federal courts. But the rule of law cannot depend only on courts - it depends on the rest of us and civil society. @davidcole-gtown.bsky.social
December 8, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Professor David Cole highlights the courts have stood up to the Trump administration. To date around 150 injunctions have been issued by federal courts. But the rule of law cannot depend only on courts - it depends on the rest of us and civil society. @davidcole-gtown.bsky.social
The 10KBI programme is designed to address the under-representation of Black talent across various sectors, through the provision of paid internships.
Could your chambers provide high quality legal work experience in 2026?
Find out more and complete the form to sign up: https://bit.ly/4iJg5ah
Could your chambers provide high quality legal work experience in 2026?
Find out more and complete the form to sign up: https://bit.ly/4iJg5ah
10,000 Black interns programme
Discover the 10,000 Black interns programme, how to apply and how it works
bit.ly
December 8, 2025 at 6:26 PM
The 10KBI programme is designed to address the under-representation of Black talent across various sectors, through the provision of paid internships.
Could your chambers provide high quality legal work experience in 2026?
Find out more and complete the form to sign up: https://bit.ly/4iJg5ah
Could your chambers provide high quality legal work experience in 2026?
Find out more and complete the form to sign up: https://bit.ly/4iJg5ah
Prof David Cole at our international rule of law lecture tonight says Trump poses a threat to the rule of law in two critical ways - the invocation of state of emergency powers and the assault on civil society institutions.
@davidcole-gtown.bsky.social
@davidcole-gtown.bsky.social
December 8, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Prof David Cole at our international rule of law lecture tonight says Trump poses a threat to the rule of law in two critical ways - the invocation of state of emergency powers and the assault on civil society institutions.
@davidcole-gtown.bsky.social
@davidcole-gtown.bsky.social
Chair of our International Committee Marion Smith KC welcomes colleagues to our annual international rule of law lecture and introduces our guest speaker Professor David Cole @davidcole-gtown.bsky.social at @innertemple.org.uk tonight.
December 8, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Chair of our International Committee Marion Smith KC welcomes colleagues to our annual international rule of law lecture and introduces our guest speaker Professor David Cole @davidcole-gtown.bsky.social at @innertemple.org.uk tonight.
Justice needs juries.
Write to your MP to oppose the restriction of jury trials.
Download the template ➡️ https://bit.ly/4pnfz4o
#JusticeNeedsJuries #WriteToYourMP
Write to your MP to oppose the restriction of jury trials.
Download the template ➡️ https://bit.ly/4pnfz4o
#JusticeNeedsJuries #WriteToYourMP
December 6, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Justice needs juries.
Write to your MP to oppose the restriction of jury trials.
Download the template ➡️ https://bit.ly/4pnfz4o
#JusticeNeedsJuries #WriteToYourMP
Write to your MP to oppose the restriction of jury trials.
Download the template ➡️ https://bit.ly/4pnfz4o
#JusticeNeedsJuries #WriteToYourMP
Next Tuesday Chair of the Bar Council, Barbara Mills KC will join the APPG on Legal and Constitutional Affairs to discuss the government’s policies on tackling VAWG.
This event is open for all members of the Bar to join online, with a Q&A towards the end of the session.
This event is open for all members of the Bar to join online, with a Q&A towards the end of the session.
December 5, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Next Tuesday Chair of the Bar Council, Barbara Mills KC will join the APPG on Legal and Constitutional Affairs to discuss the government’s policies on tackling VAWG.
This event is open for all members of the Bar to join online, with a Q&A towards the end of the session.
This event is open for all members of the Bar to join online, with a Q&A towards the end of the session.
We fundamentally disagree with the government’s plan to restrict the deeply entrenched constitutional principle of a jury trial.
We do not see how restricting jury trials will have an impact on the existing backlog.
Read the full statement: https://bit.ly/446VkPP
We do not see how restricting jury trials will have an impact on the existing backlog.
Read the full statement: https://bit.ly/446VkPP
December 4, 2025 at 3:53 PM
We fundamentally disagree with the government’s plan to restrict the deeply entrenched constitutional principle of a jury trial.
We do not see how restricting jury trials will have an impact on the existing backlog.
Read the full statement: https://bit.ly/446VkPP
We do not see how restricting jury trials will have an impact on the existing backlog.
Read the full statement: https://bit.ly/446VkPP
Following the Harman report we know chambers are navigating what they can do to address some of the concerns laid out by the review. We’ve put together 7 steps you can take immediately to support this work in your chambers.
Read our quick guide for chambers: www.barcouncil.org.uk/resource/the...
Read our quick guide for chambers: www.barcouncil.org.uk/resource/the...
December 3, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Following the Harman report we know chambers are navigating what they can do to address some of the concerns laid out by the review. We’ve put together 7 steps you can take immediately to support this work in your chambers.
Read our quick guide for chambers: www.barcouncil.org.uk/resource/the...
Read our quick guide for chambers: www.barcouncil.org.uk/resource/the...
If you're looking for updates, news, events, and more, all relevant to the employed Bar, subscribe to our employed Bar newsletter. It's sent quarterly and our next edition is out next week.
Update your preferences in MyBar to receive the last edition of 2025: www.barcouncil.org.uk/media-campai...
Update your preferences in MyBar to receive the last edition of 2025: www.barcouncil.org.uk/media-campai...
December 1, 2025 at 5:11 PM
If you're looking for updates, news, events, and more, all relevant to the employed Bar, subscribe to our employed Bar newsletter. It's sent quarterly and our next edition is out next week.
Update your preferences in MyBar to receive the last edition of 2025: www.barcouncil.org.uk/media-campai...
Update your preferences in MyBar to receive the last edition of 2025: www.barcouncil.org.uk/media-campai...
As the year draws to a close, make sure you've booked your place for the last events and training courses.
We have a few spaces left for our 'International rule of law lecture' delivered by Professor David Cole on Monday 8 December.
Book your place: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
We have a few spaces left for our 'International rule of law lecture' delivered by Professor David Cole on Monday 8 December.
Book your place: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
December 1, 2025 at 12:34 PM
As the year draws to a close, make sure you've booked your place for the last events and training courses.
We have a few spaces left for our 'International rule of law lecture' delivered by Professor David Cole on Monday 8 December.
Book your place: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
We have a few spaces left for our 'International rule of law lecture' delivered by Professor David Cole on Monday 8 December.
Book your place: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
Welcome to the November wellbeing spotlight, focused on bringing you news, events, thoughts and support from across the Bar and further afield.
Read ➡️ https://bit.ly/43WdBPO?
Read ➡️ https://bit.ly/43WdBPO?
November 30, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Welcome to the November wellbeing spotlight, focused on bringing you news, events, thoughts and support from across the Bar and further afield.
Read ➡️ https://bit.ly/43WdBPO?
Read ➡️ https://bit.ly/43WdBPO?
An Observer investigation reveals threats faced by immigration judges. “It is never acceptable to put people's safety, families, or homes at risk,” said Barbara Mills KC, chair of the Bar. Read on -
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
Immigration judges targeted by far right after Tory MP’s campaign | The Observer
observer.co.uk
November 30, 2025 at 8:06 AM
An Observer investigation reveals threats faced by immigration judges. “It is never acceptable to put people's safety, families, or homes at risk,” said Barbara Mills KC, chair of the Bar. Read on -
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
We've launched a new guide and policy template to help chambers promote fair access to work. Our latest earnings data at the self-employed Bar continues to show disparities between men and women and the gap is increasing. Use our resources to take action: www.barcouncilethics.co.uk/documents/fa...
November 28, 2025 at 5:15 PM
We've launched a new guide and policy template to help chambers promote fair access to work. Our latest earnings data at the self-employed Bar continues to show disparities between men and women and the gap is increasing. Use our resources to take action: www.barcouncilethics.co.uk/documents/fa...
Neuroscientist Sasha Ondobaka sits down with former barrister Camilla Wells to talk about neurobiology, why it matters for professionals in the legal sector and how to learn to identify the signs of trauma.
Watch on the Bar Council website ➡️ bit.ly/4ihPX6p
Watch on the Bar Council website ➡️ bit.ly/4ihPX6p
November 27, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Neuroscientist Sasha Ondobaka sits down with former barrister Camilla Wells to talk about neurobiology, why it matters for professionals in the legal sector and how to learn to identify the signs of trauma.
Watch on the Bar Council website ➡️ bit.ly/4ihPX6p
Watch on the Bar Council website ➡️ bit.ly/4ihPX6p
In this blog, our policy analyst, Enehuwa Adagu, outlines recent case law on the use of AI by barristers and the changes that have been made to our AI guidance.
Read ➡️ https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/resource/staying-ethical-with-ai-at-the-bar.html
Read ➡️ https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/resource/staying-ethical-with-ai-at-the-bar.html
November 27, 2025 at 8:12 PM
In this blog, our policy analyst, Enehuwa Adagu, outlines recent case law on the use of AI by barristers and the changes that have been made to our AI guidance.
Read ➡️ https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/resource/staying-ethical-with-ai-at-the-bar.html
Read ➡️ https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/resource/staying-ethical-with-ai-at-the-bar.html
The Times editorial today argues that we have "rightly argued that there are great inefficiencies in the system that need to be tackled" and acknowledges years of underfunding, adding: "Providing more monies so courts can sit longer is a must."
Read the full article: www.thetimes.com/comment/the-...
Read the full article: www.thetimes.com/comment/the-...
David Lammy should rethink plan to end most jury trials
The justice secretary is right that the status quo cannot go on — but any move towards more secrecy would be met with grave public apprehension
www.thetimes.com
November 27, 2025 at 11:16 AM
The Times editorial today argues that we have "rightly argued that there are great inefficiencies in the system that need to be tackled" and acknowledges years of underfunding, adding: "Providing more monies so courts can sit longer is a must."
Read the full article: www.thetimes.com/comment/the-...
Read the full article: www.thetimes.com/comment/the-...
We have updated our guidance on the use of ChatGPT, and other generative artificial intelligence (AI) large language model systems (LLMs), following recent case law at the High Court and the fast-paced development of the technology.
Read the guidance ➡️ https://bit.ly/4ijAv9E
Read the guidance ➡️ https://bit.ly/4ijAv9E
November 26, 2025 at 6:36 PM
We have updated our guidance on the use of ChatGPT, and other generative artificial intelligence (AI) large language model systems (LLMs), following recent case law at the High Court and the fast-paced development of the technology.
Read the guidance ➡️ https://bit.ly/4ijAv9E
Read the guidance ➡️ https://bit.ly/4ijAv9E
Our 'Chambers professionals update' is full of guides, events, and updates relevant to your role as a clerk, head of chambers and other chambers staff, so you can best support your chambers.
Our next newsletter is out next week.
Subscribe today: www.barcouncil.org.uk/media-campai...
Our next newsletter is out next week.
Subscribe today: www.barcouncil.org.uk/media-campai...
November 26, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Our 'Chambers professionals update' is full of guides, events, and updates relevant to your role as a clerk, head of chambers and other chambers staff, so you can best support your chambers.
Our next newsletter is out next week.
Subscribe today: www.barcouncil.org.uk/media-campai...
Our next newsletter is out next week.
Subscribe today: www.barcouncil.org.uk/media-campai...
Pupils and young barristers - join us for a series of events to ensure you have everything you need in your first few years at the Bar.
We'll explore key aspects of life at the Bar to give you the confidence to build a successful practice.
Book your place: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
We'll explore key aspects of life at the Bar to give you the confidence to build a successful practice.
Book your place: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
November 19, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Pupils and young barristers - join us for a series of events to ensure you have everything you need in your first few years at the Bar.
We'll explore key aspects of life at the Bar to give you the confidence to build a successful practice.
Book your place: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
We'll explore key aspects of life at the Bar to give you the confidence to build a successful practice.
Book your place: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
Subscribe to our international newsletter to hear all about our work overseas.
We share news, updates and events for you to get involved in to help develop your practice at home and abroad.
Next edition out next week: https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/media-campaigns/newsletters/international.html
We share news, updates and events for you to get involved in to help develop your practice at home and abroad.
Next edition out next week: https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/media-campaigns/newsletters/international.html
November 19, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Subscribe to our international newsletter to hear all about our work overseas.
We share news, updates and events for you to get involved in to help develop your practice at home and abroad.
Next edition out next week: https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/media-campaigns/newsletters/international.html
We share news, updates and events for you to get involved in to help develop your practice at home and abroad.
Next edition out next week: https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/media-campaigns/newsletters/international.html
What do we actually mean when we say “trauma”? How does it relate to the everyday pressures of legal life?
Watch our latest trauma-informed practice video on our website - lnkd.in/eCJJCCfk
To find out more, book our new trauma-informed online training taking place in the new year.
Watch our latest trauma-informed practice video on our website - lnkd.in/eCJJCCfk
To find out more, book our new trauma-informed online training taking place in the new year.
November 19, 2025 at 12:49 PM
What do we actually mean when we say “trauma”? How does it relate to the everyday pressures of legal life?
Watch our latest trauma-informed practice video on our website - lnkd.in/eCJJCCfk
To find out more, book our new trauma-informed online training taking place in the new year.
Watch our latest trauma-informed practice video on our website - lnkd.in/eCJJCCfk
To find out more, book our new trauma-informed online training taking place in the new year.
Maximise your chance of success with our 'Making the most of your Pupillage Gateway applications' webinar on taking place on Tuesday 9 December.
Book your place: https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-events/calendar/making-the-most-pupillage-gateway-app-dec-2025.html
Book your place: https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-events/calendar/making-the-most-pupillage-gateway-app-dec-2025.html
November 17, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Maximise your chance of success with our 'Making the most of your Pupillage Gateway applications' webinar on taking place on Tuesday 9 December.
Book your place: https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-events/calendar/making-the-most-pupillage-gateway-app-dec-2025.html
Book your place: https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-events/calendar/making-the-most-pupillage-gateway-app-dec-2025.html
Good morning from the final #BarCouncil meeting of 2025 - we'll have updates from our Chair Barbara Mills KC, the new @barstandardsboard.bsky.social Chair Prof Chris Bones, a number of our committees and the Bar Human Rights Committee. Follow along for updates...
November 15, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Good morning from the final #BarCouncil meeting of 2025 - we'll have updates from our Chair Barbara Mills KC, the new @barstandardsboard.bsky.social Chair Prof Chris Bones, a number of our committees and the Bar Human Rights Committee. Follow along for updates...