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
Please write to your local MP to voice your concern on the government's plan to restrict jury trials.
Our updated template letter now includes the latest data from the Institute for Government and our response to Part 2 of Sir Brian Leveson’s report.
Download the letter: https://bit.ly/4bKjRPs
Our updated template letter now includes the latest data from the Institute for Government and our response to Part 2 of Sir Brian Leveson’s report.
Download the letter: https://bit.ly/4bKjRPs
Please write to your local MP to voice your concern on the government's plan to restrict jury trials.
Our updated template letter now includes the latest data from the Institute for Government and our response to Part 2 of Sir Brian Leveson’s report.
Download the letter: https://bit.ly/4bKjRPs
Our updated template letter now includes the latest data from the Institute for Government and our response to Part 2 of Sir Brian Leveson’s report.
Download the letter: https://bit.ly/4bKjRPs
February 9, 2026 at 3:12 PM
Please write to your local MP to voice your concern on the government's plan to restrict jury trials.
Our updated template letter now includes the latest data from the Institute for Government and our response to Part 2 of Sir Brian Leveson’s report.
Download the letter: https://bit.ly/4bKjRPs
Our updated template letter now includes the latest data from the Institute for Government and our response to Part 2 of Sir Brian Leveson’s report.
Download the letter: https://bit.ly/4bKjRPs
Talk to Spot is a secure online tool to support anyone working at and around the Bar to confidentially raise concerns about inappropriate or abusive behaviours.
Find out more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4prP7qk
Find out more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4prP7qk
February 8, 2026 at 5:19 PM
Talk to Spot is a secure online tool to support anyone working at and around the Bar to confidentially raise concerns about inappropriate or abusive behaviours.
Find out more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4prP7qk
Find out more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4prP7qk
Reposted by The Bar Council
Good morning indeed! We are in full flow and our Chair is outlining the full programme of work being done for barristers. Note for diary: 14 November 2026 is Bar Conference! And a heads up from me as Chair of the Law Reform Committee is that our annual lecture will be held on 2 July. More to follow.
Good morning from a drizzly London for our first #BarCouncil meeting of 2026. Chair of the Bar @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social welcomes everyone to the meeting. We’ll be sharing highlights and key points in this 🧵
February 7, 2026 at 10:19 AM
Good morning indeed! We are in full flow and our Chair is outlining the full programme of work being done for barristers. Note for diary: 14 November 2026 is Bar Conference! And a heads up from me as Chair of the Law Reform Committee is that our annual lecture will be held on 2 July. More to follow.
Good morning from a drizzly London for our first #BarCouncil meeting of 2026. Chair of the Bar @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social welcomes everyone to the meeting. We’ll be sharing highlights and key points in this 🧵
February 7, 2026 at 10:02 AM
Good morning from a drizzly London for our first #BarCouncil meeting of 2026. Chair of the Bar @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social welcomes everyone to the meeting. We’ll be sharing highlights and key points in this 🧵
Our race equality toolkit was designed to support the Bar in taking effective action toward race equality.
It breaks down the actions for chambers and organisations to take, as well as sharing good practice ideas and resources.
Download from the ethics and practice hub ➡️ https://bit.ly/4agRdmB
It breaks down the actions for chambers and organisations to take, as well as sharing good practice ideas and resources.
Download from the ethics and practice hub ➡️ https://bit.ly/4agRdmB
February 6, 2026 at 7:59 PM
Our race equality toolkit was designed to support the Bar in taking effective action toward race equality.
It breaks down the actions for chambers and organisations to take, as well as sharing good practice ideas and resources.
Download from the ethics and practice hub ➡️ https://bit.ly/4agRdmB
It breaks down the actions for chambers and organisations to take, as well as sharing good practice ideas and resources.
Download from the ethics and practice hub ➡️ https://bit.ly/4agRdmB
In this blog, policy analyst Nell Ferrall summarises the thoughts of a recent panel discussion on how and when evaluation beyond the court room might assist parties in resolving a dispute and in turn, achieve quicker, more affordable justice.
Read the blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/4rqgod6
Read the blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/4rqgod6
February 5, 2026 at 7:53 PM
In this blog, policy analyst Nell Ferrall summarises the thoughts of a recent panel discussion on how and when evaluation beyond the court room might assist parties in resolving a dispute and in turn, achieve quicker, more affordable justice.
Read the blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/4rqgod6
Read the blog ➡️ https://bit.ly/4rqgod6
IIf you are looking for support, there are a range of places that offer help including the Bar Council's Health Assured Assistance Programme, LawCare and national charities like Mind.
You can find resources, stories and advice on Wellbeing at the Bar ➡️ https://bit.ly/4r63v8s
#TimeToTalkDay
You can find resources, stories and advice on Wellbeing at the Bar ➡️ https://bit.ly/4r63v8s
#TimeToTalkDay
February 5, 2026 at 6:07 PM
IIf you are looking for support, there are a range of places that offer help including the Bar Council's Health Assured Assistance Programme, LawCare and national charities like Mind.
You can find resources, stories and advice on Wellbeing at the Bar ➡️ https://bit.ly/4r63v8s
#TimeToTalkDay
You can find resources, stories and advice on Wellbeing at the Bar ➡️ https://bit.ly/4r63v8s
#TimeToTalkDay
Sir Brian Leveson has published Part 2 of his independent review of criminal courts and put forward recommendations to address the deep and sustained failures within the criminal justice system, brought about by a slash and burn approach to its funding needs.
Read our response ⬇️
bit.ly/3NVnBDI
Read our response ⬇️
bit.ly/3NVnBDI
Leveson report: Address systemic criminal court inefficiency and stop wasting time on restricting jury trials
Sir Brian Leveson has published Part 2 of his independent review of the criminal courts
bit.ly
February 5, 2026 at 5:32 PM
Sir Brian Leveson has published Part 2 of his independent review of criminal courts and put forward recommendations to address the deep and sustained failures within the criminal justice system, brought about by a slash and burn approach to its funding needs.
Read our response ⬇️
bit.ly/3NVnBDI
Read our response ⬇️
bit.ly/3NVnBDI
Reposted by The Bar Council
Visited Liverpool Crown Court as part of a Court Constituency Day with @thebarcouncil.bsky.social.
Message was clear: scrapping jury trials won’t fix delays. Liverpool’s low backlog & strong workplace culture show what’s possible & what should be replicated nationally.
#JusticeNeedsJuries
Message was clear: scrapping jury trials won’t fix delays. Liverpool’s low backlog & strong workplace culture show what’s possible & what should be replicated nationally.
#JusticeNeedsJuries
February 2, 2026 at 8:20 AM
Visited Liverpool Crown Court as part of a Court Constituency Day with @thebarcouncil.bsky.social.
Message was clear: scrapping jury trials won’t fix delays. Liverpool’s low backlog & strong workplace culture show what’s possible & what should be replicated nationally.
#JusticeNeedsJuries
Message was clear: scrapping jury trials won’t fix delays. Liverpool’s low backlog & strong workplace culture show what’s possible & what should be replicated nationally.
#JusticeNeedsJuries
Today we are hosting MPs in courts across England and Wales to give them an opportunity to talk to circuit leaders, barristers and court staff about the backlogs and wider criminal justice system issues.
Follow the day ⬇️
Follow the day ⬇️
January 30, 2026 at 10:46 AM
Today we are hosting MPs in courts across England and Wales to give them an opportunity to talk to circuit leaders, barristers and court staff about the backlogs and wider criminal justice system issues.
Follow the day ⬇️
Follow the day ⬇️
Please write to your MP and ask them to attend our lobby day in Westminster on Tuesday 3 February to discuss the issues and concerns around the government’s proposal to restrict the right to jury trial.
Find your MP: https://bit.ly/4qL44UW
Thank you for your support
#JusticeNeedsJuries
Find your MP: https://bit.ly/4qL44UW
Thank you for your support
#JusticeNeedsJuries
January 28, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Please write to your MP and ask them to attend our lobby day in Westminster on Tuesday 3 February to discuss the issues and concerns around the government’s proposal to restrict the right to jury trial.
Find your MP: https://bit.ly/4qL44UW
Thank you for your support
#JusticeNeedsJuries
Find your MP: https://bit.ly/4qL44UW
Thank you for your support
#JusticeNeedsJuries
The Bar Council of England and Wales extends a hand of support across the Atlantic to colleagues who are being targeted" says Kirsty Brimelow KC, offering support to US lawyers and to mark the Day of the Endangered Lawyer today.
Find out more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4qw00I6
@kirstybrimelow.bsky.social
Find out more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4qw00I6
@kirstybrimelow.bsky.social
Bar Council extends a hand of support to colleagues across the Atlantic
For this year's Day of the Endangered Lawyer the country focus is threats to the profession in the United States
bit.ly
January 24, 2026 at 10:38 AM
The Bar Council of England and Wales extends a hand of support across the Atlantic to colleagues who are being targeted" says Kirsty Brimelow KC, offering support to US lawyers and to mark the Day of the Endangered Lawyer today.
Find out more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4qw00I6
@kirstybrimelow.bsky.social
Find out more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4qw00I6
@kirstybrimelow.bsky.social
Our range of conferences, seminars, workshops and training courses are designed to support you and your professional development.
Subscribe to receive our weekly 'What's on' events listing and our monthly training and events newsletter, straight to your inbox: www.barcouncil.org.uk/media-campai...
Subscribe to receive our weekly 'What's on' events listing and our monthly training and events newsletter, straight to your inbox: www.barcouncil.org.uk/media-campai...
January 23, 2026 at 5:17 PM
Our range of conferences, seminars, workshops and training courses are designed to support you and your professional development.
Subscribe to receive our weekly 'What's on' events listing and our monthly training and events newsletter, straight to your inbox: www.barcouncil.org.uk/media-campai...
Subscribe to receive our weekly 'What's on' events listing and our monthly training and events newsletter, straight to your inbox: www.barcouncil.org.uk/media-campai...
Save the date: Saturday 14 November | in person | London
Join us for Bar Conference 2026.
Sign up to be the first to hear when tickets are released:
https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-events/calendar/bar-conference-2026.html
Join us for Bar Conference 2026.
Sign up to be the first to hear when tickets are released:
https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-events/calendar/bar-conference-2026.html
January 23, 2026 at 3:34 PM
Save the date: Saturday 14 November | in person | London
Join us for Bar Conference 2026.
Sign up to be the first to hear when tickets are released:
https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-events/calendar/bar-conference-2026.html
Join us for Bar Conference 2026.
Sign up to be the first to hear when tickets are released:
https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-events/calendar/bar-conference-2026.html
"David Lammy’s plans to introduce judge-only criminal trials in England and Wales will save less than 2% of time in crown courts, the Institute for Government has said."
Read the Guardian article on the IFG report ➡️ https://bit.ly/4b8RNEY
Read the Guardian article on the IFG report ➡️ https://bit.ly/4b8RNEY
Judge-only trials in England and Wales will not wipe out crown court backlog, report says
IFG says proposed plans, which will slash the number of jury trials, will produce ‘marginal gains' of less than 2% time saved
theguardian.com
January 22, 2026 at 5:25 PM
"David Lammy’s plans to introduce judge-only criminal trials in England and Wales will save less than 2% of time in crown courts, the Institute for Government has said."
Read the Guardian article on the IFG report ➡️ https://bit.ly/4b8RNEY
Read the Guardian article on the IFG report ➡️ https://bit.ly/4b8RNEY
Do you want to be part of supporting rule of law initiatives internationally? Can you help develop opportunities for collaboration and training around the world?
We’re looking for 4 new practising barristers to join our International Committee.
Find out more ➡️ https://bit.ly/3w9fAlL
We’re looking for 4 new practising barristers to join our International Committee.
Find out more ➡️ https://bit.ly/3w9fAlL
Committee vacancies
Current vacancies on Bar Council committees
www.barcouncil.org.uk
January 22, 2026 at 9:37 AM
Do you want to be part of supporting rule of law initiatives internationally? Can you help develop opportunities for collaboration and training around the world?
We’re looking for 4 new practising barristers to join our International Committee.
Find out more ➡️ https://bit.ly/3w9fAlL
We’re looking for 4 new practising barristers to join our International Committee.
Find out more ➡️ https://bit.ly/3w9fAlL
In her third week as Chair of the Bar Council, Kirsty Brimelow KC met with Baroness Smith of Cluny KC, Advocate General for Scotland and with justice minister Jake Richards MP.
@kirstybrimelow.bsky.social
@kirstybrimelow.bsky.social
January 20, 2026 at 5:51 PM
In her third week as Chair of the Bar Council, Kirsty Brimelow KC met with Baroness Smith of Cluny KC, Advocate General for Scotland and with justice minister Jake Richards MP.
@kirstybrimelow.bsky.social
@kirstybrimelow.bsky.social
Welcome Dame Maria Miller DBE, the Bar’s first Commissioner for Conduct.
The former Women and Equalities Committee Chair, who was awarded a damehood for her work on equality matters, will lead our work to eradicate bullying and harassment at the Bar.
Read more⤵️
https://bit.ly/4qovxvw
The former Women and Equalities Committee Chair, who was awarded a damehood for her work on equality matters, will lead our work to eradicate bullying and harassment at the Bar.
Read more⤵️
https://bit.ly/4qovxvw
January 20, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Welcome Dame Maria Miller DBE, the Bar’s first Commissioner for Conduct.
The former Women and Equalities Committee Chair, who was awarded a damehood for her work on equality matters, will lead our work to eradicate bullying and harassment at the Bar.
Read more⤵️
https://bit.ly/4qovxvw
The former Women and Equalities Committee Chair, who was awarded a damehood for her work on equality matters, will lead our work to eradicate bullying and harassment at the Bar.
Read more⤵️
https://bit.ly/4qovxvw
Our anti-racist training is available for all barristers and chambers staff.
Chambers can book a group session, at a time and date to suit. Or you can book our scheduled 'Introduction to race training' taking place on Thursday 29 January.
Book your place: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
Chambers can book a group session, at a time and date to suit. Or you can book our scheduled 'Introduction to race training' taking place on Thursday 29 January.
Book your place: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
January 19, 2026 at 5:06 PM
Our anti-racist training is available for all barristers and chambers staff.
Chambers can book a group session, at a time and date to suit. Or you can book our scheduled 'Introduction to race training' taking place on Thursday 29 January.
Book your place: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
Chambers can book a group session, at a time and date to suit. Or you can book our scheduled 'Introduction to race training' taking place on Thursday 29 January.
Book your place: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
The jury trial as currently constituted reflects the legal history, tradition and culture of England and Wales. We stand firm in protecting it from further unnecessary erosion.
Read more in Chair Kirsty Brimelow KC's letter to the Guardian⬇️
https://bit.ly/462Bq9t
Read more in Chair Kirsty Brimelow KC's letter to the Guardian⬇️
https://bit.ly/462Bq9t
January 19, 2026 at 1:06 PM
The jury trial as currently constituted reflects the legal history, tradition and culture of England and Wales. We stand firm in protecting it from further unnecessary erosion.
Read more in Chair Kirsty Brimelow KC's letter to the Guardian⬇️
https://bit.ly/462Bq9t
Read more in Chair Kirsty Brimelow KC's letter to the Guardian⬇️
https://bit.ly/462Bq9t
Get to know new Bar Chair Kirsty Brimelow KC in her first Counsel article as she tells Frances Gibb about her 2026 priorities, career highlights and passion for making changes for the better.
Read Kirsty's full interview ➡️ https://bit.ly/4pBBRhX
Read Kirsty's full interview ➡️ https://bit.ly/4pBBRhX
January 16, 2026 at 4:06 PM
Get to know new Bar Chair Kirsty Brimelow KC in her first Counsel article as she tells Frances Gibb about her 2026 priorities, career highlights and passion for making changes for the better.
Read Kirsty's full interview ➡️ https://bit.ly/4pBBRhX
Read Kirsty's full interview ➡️ https://bit.ly/4pBBRhX
Join our popular ethical dilemmas webinar. Our experienced Ethics Committee members will share common scenarios, and how to manage them while maintaining ethical independence.
Book your free place: https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-events/calendar/maintaining-ethical-independence.html
Book your free place: https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-events/calendar/maintaining-ethical-independence.html
January 15, 2026 at 5:42 PM
Join our popular ethical dilemmas webinar. Our experienced Ethics Committee members will share common scenarios, and how to manage them while maintaining ethical independence.
Book your free place: https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-events/calendar/maintaining-ethical-independence.html
Book your free place: https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-events/calendar/maintaining-ethical-independence.html
Our Chambers Training Package is an easy and cost-effective way for you to book training for your chambers.
Choose a plan to suit your chamber's needs and meet your CPD requirements.
Find out more: https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-events/training-and-workshops/chambers-training-package.html
Choose a plan to suit your chamber's needs and meet your CPD requirements.
Find out more: https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-events/training-and-workshops/chambers-training-package.html
January 14, 2026 at 5:17 PM
Our Chambers Training Package is an easy and cost-effective way for you to book training for your chambers.
Choose a plan to suit your chamber's needs and meet your CPD requirements.
Find out more: https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-events/training-and-workshops/chambers-training-package.html
Choose a plan to suit your chamber's needs and meet your CPD requirements.
Find out more: https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-events/training-and-workshops/chambers-training-package.html
On the latest episode of A Lawyer Talks, Chair Kirsty Brimelow KC discusses our 'principled and pragmatic' opposition to the government's proposal to curtail the right to jury trial.
Kirsty also sets out her priorities for 2026 - from children in the justice system to the protection of lawyers.
Kirsty also sets out her priorities for 2026 - from children in the justice system to the protection of lawyers.
Principled and pragmatic
Incoming barristers’ leader summarises bar’s opposition to jury reform
bit.ly
January 13, 2026 at 5:10 PM
On the latest episode of A Lawyer Talks, Chair Kirsty Brimelow KC discusses our 'principled and pragmatic' opposition to the government's proposal to curtail the right to jury trial.
Kirsty also sets out her priorities for 2026 - from children in the justice system to the protection of lawyers.
Kirsty also sets out her priorities for 2026 - from children in the justice system to the protection of lawyers.
Read @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social full speech from last night's inaugural address ⬇️
January 13, 2026 at 2:40 PM
Read @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social full speech from last night's inaugural address ⬇️