Jury proposals “a cure worse than the disease” – Geoffrey Robertson KC, founding head of Doughty Street Chambers
The distinguished silk writes that the government has overlooked the constitutional importance of trial by jury
Pupils positive about pupillage with incidents of bullying and harassment falling but disabled and second six pupils more negative, survey finds
The Bar Council’s annual pupil survey found 83% had an overall positive pupillage experience while more than half (56%) described it as ‘very positive’.
Pupil survey report 2026
This report is generated from our annual survey of pupils.
Beat the drum for English law – legal, government and business leaders agree
In this blog Natalie Darby, Head of Policy: International at the Bar Council, explains the importance of coming together to promote English law.
Bar Council pledges to defend international rule of law
The Bar Council supports the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) statement on the protection of international law and justice.
Barristers urge government to deliver specialist courts for sexual and domestic abuse cases, instead of restricting jury trials
The Bar Council, together with the Criminal Bar Association, is calling on the government to open specialist courts which would retain a jury but focus on sexual offences and domestic abuse cases, prioritising vulnerable victims/complainants.
Government’s proposal puts magistrates' courts at ‘high risk’ Bar Council warns as backlog reaches record high
New Ministry of Justice figures show that the magistrates' court backlog has now reached a record high of 379,437 cases. Meanwhile the government propose to move more serious cases out of the Crown Court and into the magistrates' court.
CourtWatch report is "timely intervention" says Bar Chair
The CourtWatch London project report shows why pushing to remove rights to elect to the Crown Court and moving many more cases to the magistrates’ court is flawed.
How does the Bar Representation Fee support the young Bar?
Among the payments for insurance, accountants, practising certificates, train fares and much-needed coffees with friends, the BRF can fall way down our list of priorities. However, in my view, the BRF is a small donation that allows the Bar Council to do important work for the benefit of the whole profession.
'Pause and breathe': advice to follow in your pupillage interview from interviewers themselves
Barristers, who have between them interviewed hundreds of aspiring barristers, share words of wisdom to bear in mind as you head into your pupillage interview – and into your career at the Bar.
MoJ client account interest plans “overly broad” and “flawed”
The Bar Council has opposed the proposed scheme in response to the MoJ consultation
Garden Court Chambers - crime (no deadline)
£1200 per month | Crime| London | start date: as soon as possible
Over 3,200 lawyers including retired judges, past and present Bar Council Chairs and a former DPP call on Prime Minister to stop jury trial proposal
More than 3,200 lawyers including a former head of the CPS, retired judges, senior barristers, solicitors and academics have urged the Prime Minister to stop the government's jury trial reforms ahead of a parliamentary debate on new legislation.
"‘Give to gain’ is the hand outstretched to women": Bar leaders reflect on IWD
For International Women's Day, our women Bar leaders discuss what they hope to see change for women at the Bar in the next decade, what they would do differently if they were starting their career at the Bar today and much more.
IWD 'Give to gain' - young Bar share advice they would give their younger selves
As part of the 2026 International Women's Day theme 'give to gain', 5 women members of our Young Barristers' Committee share one piece of advice they would give their younger selves at the beginning of their career.
Middle East crisis - Bar Council statement
We have postponed our upcoming Dubai event and encourage lawyers affected to register with the FCDO and follow the travel advice for the country, the advice of the local authorities and the relevant British embassy or consulate.
United Arab Emirates - Bar Council statement
The Bar Council is aware that barristers are currently working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Restricting jury trials carries substantial risk and little gain – Bar Council
In response to legislation restricting the right to jury trial published today, the Bar Council has urged the government to give efficiency measures time to work rather than drain time and resource on a proposal that carries substantial risk for negligible gain.
"I see it as an act of public service" - volunteering for the Bar Council committees
Eleena Misra KC is the Chair of the Bar Council’s Law Reform Committee. In this guest blog, she shares some of what that involves and why she does it.