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thebarcouncil.bsky.social
The Bar Council
@thebarcouncil.bsky.social
1.9K followers 320 following 830 posts
Representing and supporting the 18,000 practising barristers in England and Wales. www.barcouncil.org.uk
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · Sep 8
Today we've published Baroness Harriet Harman KC’s independent report on bullying, harassment and sexual harassment at the Bar.

Baroness Harman sets out 36 recommendations to tackle what she describes as a culture of “impunity” and "collusive bystanding".

Read the report⤵️
https://bit.ly/4b2lOCu
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 18h
Today's Court of Appeal judgment in XGY v Chief Constable of Sussex Police & CPS restates the principle of core immunity for advocates. We intervened in the case and welcome the ruling.

Read our full statement: www.barcouncil.org.uk/resource/bar...
Photograph of the outside of the Royal Courts of Justice in London - a large grey stone building in the Victorian Gothic Revival style. In white text on a pink banner across the bottom of the image are the words: "Court of Appeal ruling on advocate immunity welcome". The Bar Council logo is in the top right of the image. White text on a pink background reads: "In our intervention we sought to protect the core principle of immunity from liability for advocates and argued that those who participate in court proceedings should be able to speak freely, without fear of being sued. Barbara Mills KC, Chair of the Bar Council." There are large white quote marks above and below the text.
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 18h
Build your understanding of cyber security with our on-demand course.

This course helps you:
Understand the impact of cyber crime
Be able to spot the types of cyber attacks
Defend against cyber attacks
Know how to respond to a cyber incident

Book the course: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 1d
Change starts now.

In a new article for New Law Journal, Chair Barbara Mills KC discusses Baroness Harriet Harman KC's independent review into bullying, harassment and sexual harassment at the Bar and what's next.

Read more⤵️
https://www.newlawjournal.co.uk/content/change-starts-now
The New Law Journal article called 'Change starts now' is shown on a tablet screen. The adjacent text includes a quote from the article which reads: "This is an issue that I am personally very committed to as a practitioner, as a joint head of chambers and now as Chair of the Bar. Everyone deserves a safe working environment, for everyone to feel part of the Bar and to belong. This is a once in a generation opportunity for the Bar to change its culture — and for all of us that change starts now.”. The logo of The Bar Council is displayed in the top left corner.
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 1d
Dr. Francine Ryan, Director of The Open University’s Open Justice Centre predicts the legal profession will be transformed due to generative AI, but with the right approach and training she says it represents an opportunity.

Read her blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/4h3RFYf

@openuniversity.bsky.social
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 1d
Can you spare a few hours next Saturday to support the next generation of barristers?

Join our Pupillage Fair in London on Saturday 18 October from 10am and offer your advice on aspiring barristers' CV and applications.

Find out more and sign up to volunteer: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 2d
Today we're celebrating a beacon of inspiration Dame Linda Dobbs DBE. She was the first Black person appointed as a High Court Judge in the UK, an achievement which marked a turning point in the judiciary.

Watch her First 100 Years interview to hear about her life & career https://lnkd.in/dtQfdjPA
Image for Black History Month 2025: Standing firm in power and pride. On a black background is intertwined red, green, and black ribbons of Black History Month. Before it is Dame Linda Dobbs DBE's headshot - her name is in text underneath. In the bottom righthand corner is the Bar Council logo. Black background with white text. The red, green and yellow ribbons of Black History Month are in the top right corner. Text reads: 'Dame Linda Dobbs was the first Black person appointed as a High Court Judge in the UK. She served on the Queen’s Bench Division from 2004 to 2013. Her achievement marked a turning point in the judiciary and remains a beacon of inspiration. Beyond the Bench, she has trained judges and lawyers across world, particularly in Africa and the Caribbean. She has devoted herself to mentoring and creating opportunities, ensuring that others can follow the path she helped to carve. Black History Month 2025: Standing firm in power and pride.' The Bar Council logo is in the bottom right corner.
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 4d
Our Sustainability Network is hosting a webinar to help chambers find out more about their carbon footprint.

Join 'From Data to Climate Action: Mastering Your Carbon Footprint' on Thursday 9 October at 12pm.

Find out more and register below ⬇️
From Data to Climate Action: Mastering Your Carbon Footprint📅 Date: Thursday 9th October, 2025⏱️ Time: 12pm📍 Location: OnlineA chambers’ sustainability journey begins with its… | ...
From Data to Climate Action: Mastering Your Carbon Footprint📅 Date: Thursday 9th October, 2025⏱️ Time: 12pm📍 Location: OnlineA chambers’ sustainability journey begins with its car...
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 5d
The President of the American Bar Association (ABA), Michelle Behnke, has been interviewed by The Guardian. She was in London this week for the opening of the legal year and to take part in a discussion with Bar and Law Society leaders on the safety and protection of lawyers.
https://bit.ly/4nCqTsy
Trump's crackdown on lawyers shows ‘no place is immune', says US bar chief
Michelle Behnke says lawyers from around the world have given support as ABA challenges ‘policy of intimidation'
www.theguardian.com
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thebarcouncil.bsky.social
The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 5d
There'll also be a practical, interactive workshop led by experts, who'll dive into proven techniques and strategies designed to help you:

✅ Build lasting resilience
✅ Reclaim your work-life balance
✅ Embed habits that support long-term wellbeing

Book now: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 5d
Join us on Thursday 13 November for an energising evening hosted by Barbara Mills KC, dedicated to her personal priority: championing wellbeing across the profession.

She’ll kick things off with a reflection on the progress made so far and her vision of a more sustainable future at the Bar.
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 5d
For this year's Black History Month we're celebrating leading Black figures at the Bar under the theme ‘standing firm in power and pride’. Of course we have to start with the extraordinary Courtenay Griffiths KC who we sadly lost this year. A true giant. www.barcouncil.org.uk/resource/sta...
A black background with the red, green and yellow ribbons of Black History Month. White text across the top reads 'Black History Month 2025: Standing firm in power and pride'. In the middle is a head and shoulders profile photograph of Courtenay Griffiths KC - his name is in white text underneath the photo. The Bar Council logo is in the bottom right corner. Black background with white text. The red, green and yellow ribbons of Black History Month are in the top right corner. Text reads: 'Courtenay Griffiths KC. A giant of the criminal Bar. Respected and revered all over the world for his brilliance in high profile cases. Courtenay Griffiths KC was dedicated to using his voice to advocate for the integrity of the justice system he served. He opened doors for aspiring barristers and colleagues. Tireless, generous and inspiring, he showed what it means to use power with purpose. Black History Month 2025: Standing firm in power and pride.' The Bar Council logo is in the bottom right corner.
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thebarcouncil.bsky.social
The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 7d
We welcome an increase to Crown Court sitting days but more sitting days and long-term investment are needed to have 'significant impact' on the criminal court backlog.

Read our full statement ➡️ https://bit.ly/430WtaX
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thebarcouncil.bsky.social
The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 8d
Help support the next generation of barristers by joining our CV and application clinic at this year’s Pupillage fair.

The event will take place near Liverpool Street, London, on Saturday 18 October from 10am to 3pm.

Sign up to volunteer: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
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thebarcouncil.bsky.social
The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 8d
Richard Atkinson, President of the Law Society of England and Wales, closes our event today by highlighting our common purpose to promote access to justice and the rule of law. "International collaboration is essential … we all have a responsibility to act" when lawyers are threatened.
Photo of Richard Atkinson, the President of the Law Society of England and Wales.
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 8d
Chair of the Bar Barbara Mills KC opens the discussion for Bar associations and Law Society leaders to share their experiences, ideas and strategies.
Photo of the meeting room and international guests at the Bar leaders' discussion today in London.
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 8d
The Law Association for Asia and the Pacific President Shyam Divan offered a "caution against complacency" to Bar and Law Society leaders today as he highlighted many examples of the attacks, intimidation and violence directed at lawyers in different countries.
Photo of the panel with the Law Association for Asia and the Pacific President Shyam Divan speaking to our event
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 8d
The Law Society of Zimbabwe President Lison Ncube said threats to lawyers include arbitrary arrest, physical assaults & detention. The Law Society has been accused of being toxic & disloyal, but they continue to take a robust & proactive approach in challenging threats & supporting the profession.
Photo of the Law Society of Zimbabwe President Lison Ncube
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 8d
The American Bar Association President Michelle A. Behnke said the ABA has responded to threats by continuing to advocate & speak out on the rule of law, for an independent judiciary & independent legal profession. Adding: "Lawyers are not their clients or their client's clauses."
The American Bar Association President Michelle A. Behnke speaking about the threats to lawyers
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 8d
Our first speaker today is the Istanbul Bar Association President Professor Dr Ibrahim Kaboğlu. In Türkiye, Bar associations are independent and the freedom of lawyers is essential. Dr Kaboğlu described the unprecedented attacks and pressures on lawyers and the Istanbul Bar Association.
Picture of the panel speakers with Istanbul Bar Association President Professor Dr Ibrahim Kaboğlu speaking on screen.
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thebarcouncil.bsky.social
The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 8d
At our #OLY discussion today, Chair of the Bar Barbara Mills KC said the new safety convention for lawyers has the potential for an "immense positive impact".
www.counselmagazine.co.uk/articles/cou...
Council of Europe treaty to protect lawyers
As threats and attacks against lawyers continue to rise, a new international treaty offers a much-needed safeguard. Sarah Kavanagh reports on the landmark convention defending the independence of lawy...
www.counselmagazine.co.uk
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thebarcouncil.bsky.social
The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 8d
Our first official event for the opening of the legal year has now started, Chair of the Bar Barbara Mills KC welcomed our international guests and panel speakers from America, Istanbul, Zimbabwe, Asian and the Pacific. The theme of our discussion this afternoon is the safety of lawyers.
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 8d
Lawyers’ organisations from around the world are coming together in London today to discuss threats facing the legal profession. Read on: www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/nationa...
National bars convene in London to discuss threats to lawyers
Barristers have faced 'death threats and rape threats' and lawyers are 'traduced in some parts of the media'.
www.lawgazette.co.uk
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 9d
Due to high demand, this year's in person event is now sold out. But, you can still join us to have your questions answered, with our Life at the Bar webinar series, taking place from Monday 13 to Thursday 16 October.

Book your free ticket: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · Sep 1
- Attend seminars to gain insight into the profession and hear advice about funding and support
- Network with other aspiring barristers and chat with organisations committed to supporting diversity at the Bar

Book your free ticket now: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...

#PupillageFair2025
Attendees interacting at The Bar Council's Pupillage Fair. Taking place from Monday 13 to Saturday 18 October 2025.
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 10d
Great to be at party conference #2 - this time it’s Labour in Liverpool with Law Soc and @soclablaw.bsky.social. Our chair Barbara Mills KC is talking about the importance of considering family courts in tackling violence against women and girls
5 people sitting at a long table with microphones on it. Left to right are Sarah Sackman MP, Richard Atkinson, George Perez KC, Barbara Mills KC and Ellie Reeves MP. Barbara is speaking. Behind them are two pull-up banners. One has a red rose and says Society of Labour Lawyers. One has a graphic of a set of scales and says The Bar Council.
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12d
If you're a young barrister, make sure you're subscribed to our quarterly newsletter. It's full of news, updates, resources and support to help the young Bar.

Our next edition is out Tuesday. Subscribe today: www.barcouncil.org.uk/media-campai...