The Bar Council
LightNews LightNews
banner
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
The Bar Council
@thebarcouncil.bsky.social
1.9K followers 320 following 940 posts
Representing and supporting the 18,000 practising barristers in England and Wales.
www.barcouncil.org.uk
Posts Replies Media Videos
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
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...
On the left hand side is a slightly blurry picture of a man and a women in business suits shaking hands in a modern office with glass walls. To the right on a navy background is the text: "New resource. Fair access to work guide and policy template". The Bar Council logo is in the top right.
November 28, 2025 at 5:15 PM
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
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
November 27, 2025 at 9:43 PM
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
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
November 27, 2025 at 8:12 PM
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
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
November 26, 2025 at 6:36 PM
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
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...
November 26, 2025 at 4:51 PM
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
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...
November 19, 2025 at 4:42 PM
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
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
November 19, 2025 at 2:39 PM
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
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.
November 19, 2025 at 12:49 PM
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
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
November 17, 2025 at 11:55 AM
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
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
November 14, 2025 at 5:25 PM
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
November 13, 2025 at 9:09 PM
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
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.
November 13, 2025 at 9:09 PM
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
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
November 12, 2025 at 3:50 PM
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
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
November 10, 2025 at 12:31 PM
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
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.
Image of a metallic accessibility symbol displayed on a brick wall, with the Bar Council logo in the top left corner. In a teal box is the word 'blog' and in a navy box is the title of the blog: "We need to do better: examining chambers' accessibility" overlaying the image. Quote by Sam Mercer, Bar Council's Head of Diversity and Inclusion and Corporate Social Responsibility, stating, "We need to do better. The inability to physically enter your chambers will significantly impact your experience of the profession and your career." The quote is presented in white text on a teal blue background with quotation marks at the top and bottom.
November 6, 2025 at 5:21 PM
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
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
November 5, 2025 at 9:20 PM
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
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
November 5, 2025 at 4:28 PM
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
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
November 4, 2025 at 7:26 PM
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
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
November 3, 2025 at 2:50 PM
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
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...
November 3, 2025 at 10:52 AM
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
Today we're celebrating someone whose career reflects both mastery of the law and a deep commitment to fairness: Anesta Weekes KC.

All this month we've been highlighting the impact and achievements of 9 exceptional individuals nominated by our Race Panel.

Read more⤵️
https://bit.ly/3JvISlB
Promotional image for Black History Month 2025: Standing firm in power and pride featuring Anesta Weekes KC, surrounded by ribbons in the Black History Month colours, with the Bar Council logo at the bottom. The text in white reads: "Renowned for her sharp advocacy and public service, Anesta Weekes KC has shaped the criminal Bar through landmark inquiries, including the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry. Anesta shares her expertise through advocacy training across the world. Beyond the courtroom, she is a dedicated mentor and advocate for diversity. Anesta’s career reflects both mastery of the law and a deep commitment to fairness at every level." The image includes the Black History Month ribbons and the Bar Council logo.
October 31, 2025 at 4:25 PM
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
Former UK Special Forces and Royal Marines leaders, Gerard Wood MC and Phil Jones, will deliver a practical workshop on managing stress and fatigue at this year's Chair's event: advancing wellbeing at the Bar.

Join us on Thursday 13 November at 6pm.

Book your place➡️ https://bit.ly/48uwtZi
October 30, 2025 at 8:43 PM
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
We’re absolutely thrilled to be co-hosting an evening in conversation between the Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr and Chair of the Bar Barbara Mills KC with @innertemple.org.uk. With wonderful introductions to these incredible leaders from Mrs Justice May.
A photograph showing an audience looking towards a stage at Inner Temple with a wood panelled backdrop and glass cabinets. Seated on the stage in armchairs are the Lady Chief Justice and the Chair of the Bar. Mrs Justice May is standing to the right at a lectern speaking.
October 28, 2025 at 6:07 PM
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
We're one week away from our disability inclusion seminar.

This year we're focusing on physical access to chambers for mobility impaired people.

Find out more about our panel of expert speakers, view the programme, and book your free place today: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
October 28, 2025 at 3:46 PM
thebarcouncil.bsky.social
Ife Thompson strives to challenge systems of bias, ensuring Black voices are heard, understood and given the weight they deserve.

In 2014, Ife founded BLAM UK, which aims to promote a positive dialogue of social identity and culture through history.

Find out more⬇️
https://blamuk.org/
Promotional image for Black History Month 2025: Standing firm in power and pride featuring Ife Thompson, surrounded by ribbons in the Black History Month colours, with the Bar Council logo at the bottom. The text in white reads: "Rooted in activism and community advocacy, Ife Thompson founded BLAM UK and Black Protest Legal Support. A United Nations Fellow for the International Decade for People of African Descent, she leads on pioneering work on Black language justice, challenging how Black voices are represented in education and the legal system. Her work continues to challenge systems of bias, ensuring Black voices are heard, understood and given the weight they deserve." The image includes the Black History Month ribbons and the Bar Council logo.
October 27, 2025 at 3:59 PM