Covid-19 and the Rule of Law: an international perspective

As the fight against the coronavirus pandemic develops the Bar Council continues to be actively involved in discussions with government and judiciary highlighting the need for actions taken to uphold and promote the rule of law, not only on the domestic level but also internationally.

The Bar Council has a long-standing role supporting practitioners in other jurisdictions grappling with similar issues, some in difficult situations.  It is also keen to learn from the experience of other practitioners and facilitate a genuine and equal exchange of ideas. 

There has been an exchange of experience of Covid-related justice policies with Bars in Europe and engagement with the Commonwealth Lawyers’ Association.  The Bar Council’s International Committee is, in addition, reviewing the different impacts on the rule of law being experienced in jurisdictions around the world, liaising with local practitioners. 

In the first article produced as part of this ongoing review David Owusu-Yianoma (barrister at 12 Old Square and a member of the Ghana Bar Association) focuses on Ghana.  He notes the financial and practical difficulties being faced by Ghanaian lawyers and the backlog in court cases, with strict time limits being applied to hearings.  However, he also comments that not only is Ghana among innovators brought together by the African Regional Office of the World Health Organisation, but has implemented legislation with clear ‘sunset provisions’, which ‘does not appear to be a pretext to weaken the Rule of Law’.

Isabel Hitching QC, member of the Bar Council International Committee coordinating the review.

Ethics and Practice updates

The following ethics and practice guides have recently been reviewed by the Bar Council on the Ethics and Practice Hub:

• Solicitors not on record

• Copyright guidelines  

• Change of plea

• Jury service  

• Commissioner for Oaths               

• Dual-practice protocol

• Client money and payments in advance

• Conflicts - pre-instruction discussions

• Personal issues and relationships

Parliamentary update

Justice Questions took place this week and can be read here. The Bar Council briefed MPs and members of the Bill Committee of the Domestic Abuse Bill ahead of its first sitting and continues to monitor its progress. We are also working with Young Legal Aid Lawyers on immigration/asylum fixed fees and are working with a number of organisations on an amendment to the Immigration Bill. The Lords Constitution Committee has been holding several evidence sessions on the constitutional implications of Covid-19. We briefed members of the Committee on the impact of the pandemic on courts and justice online and were referenced by a few Peers. We also hope to give evidence to the Committee in the coming weeks. The session can be watched here.

Guest blog: Social immobility in a Covid-19 era

Sailesh Mehta of Red Lion Chambers writes about how social mobility has changed since he came to the Bar and the impact Covid-19 is having on progress across the profession.

Guest blog: Four little known facts about barristers & GDPR

Two years into GDPR, it continues to be a piece of legislation which touches on every part of life. Even during a global pandemic it seems GDPR doesn’t go away. From privacy issues in the UK government’s track and trace app, to increased data breaches as a result of new technology and home working, this is an area of legal compliance that continues to be prominent for consumers, and a headache for barristers and chambers.

Working behind the scenes with many sets advising on data breaches and how to handle them, we at Briefed have a unique level of insight as to what is happening at the bar. Here are four little known facts you might find useful to know...

Orlagh Kelly, barrister and Managing Director at Briefed

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Fundraising

Vacancies

Bar Council vacancy - Employed Junior Counsel/QC over seven years in practice

Incorporated Council of Law Reporting (ICLR)

The Bar Council is looking to nominate a barrister representative for the Incorporated Council of Law Reporting (ICLR).  

Panel Counsel, Serious Fraud Office

The SFO invites applications from advocates with an appetite for combatting serious fraud, bribery and corruption and recovering the proceeds of crime.

What's on

Free webinars from new banking resolution service (BBRS)

The Business Banking Resolution Service (BBRS) is a free independent service being developed to resolve disputes between those who are self-employed, SMEs and their banks. Those barristers with business accounts will be able to use the service when it officially launches later this year. Register for BBRS webinars taking place in June to find out how to use the new service.

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London, London WC1V7HZ · United Kingdom