Barristers
Research lays bare Bar’s gender and ethnicity pay gap
Female barristers and those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are likely to earn less than male and White counterparts by every measure, new research has found.
Leading academic to review BSB exams furore
A leading legal academic has been appointed to lead the independent review into the difficulties experienced by students who sought to sit the centralised Bar exams this summer.
New chambers goes virtual – for now
Crucible Law opens its doors virtually this week following the closure of predecessor set Charter Chambers in the teeth of the pandemic’s impact on the justice system.
Exclusive: New ‘corporate’ chambers looks to shake up Bar
A family law barrister, together with the former chief executive of the Lawn Tennis Association, are looking to shake up the Bar by adopting a corporate structure for their new chambers.
Barrister avoids disbarment despite expenses fraud conviction
An employed barrister convicted of fraud after claiming expenses he was not entitled to has avoided being thrown out of the profession by a Bar disciplinary tribunal.
Be yourselves, Black female QCs advise young barristers
Young barristers from ethnic minorities should not be afraid to be who they are – including maintaining their hair in its natural look – as they look to progress, pioneering QCs have advised.
High street solicitor launches second BSB firm with client
A solicitor has launched a second law firm regulated by the Bar Standards Board – this time an alternative business structure with a letting agent client.
Barrister suspended for breaking man’s jaw with hockey stick
A barrister convicted of grievous bodily harm after breaking a hotel receptionist’s jaw with a hockey stick while drunk has been suspended by a tribunal – having qualified as a solicitor in the meantime.
High Court upholds order to stop barrister from acting
The High Court has upheld a highly unusual order prohibiting counsel from continuing to act for the father in a bitter child custody dispute because of acrimony between her and the mother.
Bullying at the Bar “tolerated”, with pupils suffering most
Bullying, discrimination and harassment at the Bar is perceived to be tolerated “to a certain extent” due to its “adversarial, male-dominated culture and competitive nature”, new research has found.
Blog
The importance of benchmarking reports – and lessons on profitability
Regional firms reported the largest revenue growth this year (12%), outpacing their City counterparts. Yet many are not converting that growth into profitability.
Fixed recoverable costs: Sacrificing justice for predictability?
The extended fixed recoverable costs regime is failing to achieve its stated objectives. Instead of promoting fairness and efficiency, the rules are creating anomalies that undermine justice.
Expectations keep rising, so prioritise client experience
Law firms are facing growing pressure to place greater focus on client experience or risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive legal market.
