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 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
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...
LawCare's Chief Executive Elizabeth Rimmer has considered both LawCare's latest research and our 'Wellbeing at the Bar Report 2025 side by side.
She says the message is clear: it’s time for collective, sustained action to build a healthier legal culture.
Read her blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/4410mNE
She says the message is clear: it’s time for collective, sustained action to build a healthier legal culture.
Read her blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/4410mNE
November 14, 2025 at 5:25 PM
LawCare's Chief Executive Elizabeth Rimmer has considered both LawCare's latest research and our 'Wellbeing at the Bar Report 2025 side by side.
She says the message is clear: it’s time for collective, sustained action to build a healthier legal culture.
Read her blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/4410mNE
She says the message is clear: it’s time for collective, sustained action to build a healthier legal culture.
Read her blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/4410mNE
Thank you to all those who joined us for this evening’s Chair’s event.
Barbara Mills KC shared updates on the latest Wellbeing at the Bar report and discussed the initiatives that have been piloted this year, including the Balint reflective practice pilots and trauma-informed practice training.
Barbara Mills KC shared updates on the latest Wellbeing at the Bar report and discussed the initiatives that have been piloted this year, including the Balint reflective practice pilots and trauma-informed practice training.
November 13, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Thank you to all those who joined us for this evening’s Chair’s event.
Barbara Mills KC shared updates on the latest Wellbeing at the Bar report and discussed the initiatives that have been piloted this year, including the Balint reflective practice pilots and trauma-informed practice training.
Barbara Mills KC shared updates on the latest Wellbeing at the Bar report and discussed the initiatives that have been piloted this year, including the Balint reflective practice pilots and trauma-informed practice training.
Young Barristers’ Committee (YBC) Chair Lachlan Stewart was part of this year’s Bar Council delegation to the International Bar Association (IBA) conference in Toronto.
Read his blog on his highlights of this year's programme➡️ https://bit.ly/47U3kVp
Read his blog on his highlights of this year's programme➡️ https://bit.ly/47U3kVp
November 12, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Young Barristers’ Committee (YBC) Chair Lachlan Stewart was part of this year’s Bar Council delegation to the International Bar Association (IBA) conference in Toronto.
Read his blog on his highlights of this year's programme➡️ https://bit.ly/47U3kVp
Read his blog on his highlights of this year's programme➡️ https://bit.ly/47U3kVp
Join our expert panel this Thursday for our 'Handling client complaints' seminar
At the session you'll learn more about:
-Why clients complain and the process for handling them
-How to prevent complaints
-Responding to subject access requests
Book your place: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
At the session you'll learn more about:
-Why clients complain and the process for handling them
-How to prevent complaints
-Responding to subject access requests
Book your place: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
We're two weeks away from out Handling client complaints seminar.
Hear about making subject access requests, the Legal Ombudsman's rules and chambers' approach to complaints handling and learn how to communicate effectively with complainants.
Book your place: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
Hear about making subject access requests, the Legal Ombudsman's rules and chambers' approach to complaints handling and learn how to communicate effectively with complainants.
Book your place: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
We're one month away from our Handling client complaints seminar.
Find out more about responding to subject access requests, how to avoid and manage complaints, and hear from our expert panel from the Legal Ombudsman and chambers.
Book your place: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
Find out more about responding to subject access requests, how to avoid and manage complaints, and hear from our expert panel from the Legal Ombudsman and chambers.
Book your place: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
November 10, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Join our expert panel this Thursday for our 'Handling client complaints' seminar
At the session you'll learn more about:
-Why clients complain and the process for handling them
-How to prevent complaints
-Responding to subject access requests
Book your place: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
At the session you'll learn more about:
-Why clients complain and the process for handling them
-How to prevent complaints
-Responding to subject access requests
Book your place: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
The overall levels of wellbeing and job satisfaction of barristers continue to improve but the Chair of the Bar Council says there is still a lot of work to do.
Read the full report ➡️ https://bit.ly/4ouuclL
Read the press release ➡️ https://bit.ly/43nuSRB
Read the full report ➡️ https://bit.ly/4ouuclL
Read the press release ➡️ https://bit.ly/43nuSRB
November 10, 2025 at 12:31 PM
The overall levels of wellbeing and job satisfaction of barristers continue to improve but the Chair of the Bar Council says there is still a lot of work to do.
Read the full report ➡️ https://bit.ly/4ouuclL
Read the press release ➡️ https://bit.ly/43nuSRB
Read the full report ➡️ https://bit.ly/4ouuclL
Read the press release ➡️ https://bit.ly/43nuSRB
The family court system plays a vital role in tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) so we're calling for investment in, and reform of, the family justice system. Read this excellent write up of our new policy paper in the Guardian:
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/nov...
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/nov...
Bar Council calls for legal aid for all family court cases involving domestic abuse
Only 15% of families are eligible for legal aid which has led to huge swathes of UK becoming ‘legal advice deserts’, body says
www.theguardian.com
November 9, 2025 at 4:02 PM
The family court system plays a vital role in tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) so we're calling for investment in, and reform of, the family justice system. Read this excellent write up of our new policy paper in the Guardian:
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/nov...
www.theguardian.com/law/2025/nov...
With Pro Bono Week 2025 drawing to a close, Advocate's Chief Executive Rebecca Wilkie wanted to share her highlights from the week, as well as a thank you to all barristers taking on pro bono work.
Read Rebecca's blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/3LOBQsJ
Read Rebecca's blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/3LOBQsJ
Pro Bono Week 2025: celebrating the Bar’s commitment to justice for all
Rebecca Wilkie, the Chief Executive of Advocate, celebrates the pro bono work done by barristers, demonstrating that the profession cares deeply about ensuring justice is not just a privilege for the ...
bit.ly
November 7, 2025 at 8:34 PM
With Pro Bono Week 2025 drawing to a close, Advocate's Chief Executive Rebecca Wilkie wanted to share her highlights from the week, as well as a thank you to all barristers taking on pro bono work.
Read Rebecca's blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/3LOBQsJ
Read Rebecca's blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/3LOBQsJ
This summer, we consulted chambers and the Inns to establish chambers' accessibility for mobility impaired people. Our findings are disappointing, highlighting work to do.
In this new blog, Sam Mercer, our Head of Diversity and Inclusion, discusses our findings and recommendations.
In this new blog, Sam Mercer, our Head of Diversity and Inclusion, discusses our findings and recommendations.
November 6, 2025 at 5:21 PM
This summer, we consulted chambers and the Inns to establish chambers' accessibility for mobility impaired people. Our findings are disappointing, highlighting work to do.
In this new blog, Sam Mercer, our Head of Diversity and Inclusion, discusses our findings and recommendations.
In this new blog, Sam Mercer, our Head of Diversity and Inclusion, discusses our findings and recommendations.
Young barrister Harrison Engler is keen to urge pupils and junior tenants to incorporate pro bono work into their career at the earliest stage.
Read his blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/4hNtDkE
#ProBonoWeek
Read his blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/4hNtDkE
#ProBonoWeek
November 5, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Young barrister Harrison Engler is keen to urge pupils and junior tenants to incorporate pro bono work into their career at the earliest stage.
Read his blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/4hNtDkE
#ProBonoWeek
Read his blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/4hNtDkE
#ProBonoWeek
Sometimes working at the Bar can be stressful, and it can impact on you physically and mentally.
Our new training for barristers and clerks gives you practical tools to recognise, understand and respond to stress.
www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
#NationalStressAwarenessDay
Our new training for barristers and clerks gives you practical tools to recognise, understand and respond to stress.
www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
#NationalStressAwarenessDay
November 5, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Sometimes working at the Bar can be stressful, and it can impact on you physically and mentally.
Our new training for barristers and clerks gives you practical tools to recognise, understand and respond to stress.
www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
#NationalStressAwarenessDay
Our new training for barristers and clerks gives you practical tools to recognise, understand and respond to stress.
www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
#NationalStressAwarenessDay
Is pro bono good for professional development? Is it an asset for business development? Clerk Daniel Birch explores this year’s theme of why pro bono is a win-win for everyone.
Read his blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/4onKCwr
Pro Bono Week UK #ProBonoWeek
Read his blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/4onKCwr
Pro Bono Week UK #ProBonoWeek
November 4, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Is pro bono good for professional development? Is it an asset for business development? Clerk Daniel Birch explores this year’s theme of why pro bono is a win-win for everyone.
Read his blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/4onKCwr
Pro Bono Week UK #ProBonoWeek
Read his blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/4onKCwr
Pro Bono Week UK #ProBonoWeek
Family law barrister Hazel Samuriwo is one of more than 600 barristers recognised on this year’s Pro Bono recognition list but her commitment to pro bono work did not begin at the Bar.
Read her blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/3JzwJMu
Read her blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/3JzwJMu
November 3, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Family law barrister Hazel Samuriwo is one of more than 600 barristers recognised on this year’s Pro Bono recognition list but her commitment to pro bono work did not begin at the Bar.
Read her blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/3JzwJMu
Read her blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/3JzwJMu
We have some great training and events taking place in November and beyond.
Don't miss our disability inclusion event tomorrow.
View our full calendar and book your space for all the seminars, workshops and events relevant to you: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
Don't miss our disability inclusion event tomorrow.
View our full calendar and book your space for all the seminars, workshops and events relevant to you: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
November 3, 2025 at 10:52 AM
We have some great training and events taking place in November and beyond.
Don't miss our disability inclusion event tomorrow.
View our full calendar and book your space for all the seminars, workshops and events relevant to you: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
Don't miss our disability inclusion event tomorrow.
View our full calendar and book your space for all the seminars, workshops and events relevant to you: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
"The Race Relations Act 1965 is a key moment in the UK’s journey towards racial equality – a journey that remains ongoing," our Chair Barbara Mills KC told Law Gazette.
This article explores how the act and its successors appear to be in ‘jeopardy’.
Read more⤵️
https://bit.ly/3LiWml5
This article explores how the act and its successors appear to be in ‘jeopardy’.
Read more⤵️
https://bit.ly/3LiWml5
Black history month: First-class citizens
The Race Relations Act 1965 ducked key issues but stands as a seismic legislative moment, paving the way for the more comprehensive laws that followed. On its diamond anniversary, Eduardo Reyes consid...
bit.ly
October 31, 2025 at 6:54 PM
"The Race Relations Act 1965 is a key moment in the UK’s journey towards racial equality – a journey that remains ongoing," our Chair Barbara Mills KC told Law Gazette.
This article explores how the act and its successors appear to be in ‘jeopardy’.
Read more⤵️
https://bit.ly/3LiWml5
This article explores how the act and its successors appear to be in ‘jeopardy’.
Read more⤵️
https://bit.ly/3LiWml5