Need to hold a meeting in central London? Hire a meeting room at the Bar Council

Our Bar Council meeting facilities are available for the profession to hire from Monday 20 July. If you need a Covid-19 risk-assessed safe space to hold a meeting in central London, we can accommodate parties of up to 56 people in a range of different room sizes and seating formats, subject to social distancing guidelines. Audio and video conferencing facilities, equipment hire and catering are also available. Refurbished just a before the lockdown, our rooms offer a convenient, modern setting for you to meet with clients and colleagues. The rooms are fully Covid-19 risk assessed and cleaned between meetings. 

Bar TV - short films from the Bar

Catch up with the ‘on screen’ latest from the Bar Council and the Bar via the Bar Council’s YouTube channel.

• Chair of the Bar – Legal Pride 2020
• Diversity in Law with Amanda Pinto QC – Get Legally Speaking
• A service from The Temple Church
• Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards

• International rule of law

  Statement on Hong Kong’s national security law

  The Bar Council, together with the Law Society, have sent a letter to Carrie Lam, Chief Executive of Hong Kong, expressing concern regarding the national security law passed in Hong Kong last week.

  Read the letter

  Hong Kong’s national security laws are incompatible with the rule of law

  The Bar Council’s International Committee member, David O’Mahony - barrister at 7BR chambers - argues that Hong Kong’s national security law contains provisions that are incompatible with the rule of law and China’s international commitments.

  Read David’s detailed analysis

  Covid-19 and the Rule of Law: an international perspective The Bar Council’s International Committee is continuing to review the different impacts on the rule of law being experienced in jurisdictions around the world as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, engaging in dialogue with local practitioners.  In this edition, we take a look at both Taiwan and India.     The article on Taiwan is written by Simon Milnes (barrister at Twenty Essex).  He concludes that ‘there is no sign of the Executive seeking to use the pandemic as a pretext for increasing its powers or weakening the rule of law’.  The picture is not as positive in India.  David O’Mahony (barrister at 7 Bedford Row), assessing the unfolding and complex situation in India, raises concerns as to the legal basis for the powers being exercised and the way in which they are being enforced. Partners for the Bar Why not fund your July tax bill with affordable monthly instalments to avoid a large payment in January 2021? Many barristers are planning to unlock their aged debt now to fund their tax for July rather than deferring their payment until January 2021, thereby reducing a potentially larger than usual bill in the new year.   Other barristers may be considering funding their July, January and on account payment together in a one-off January loan. A potentially higher than usual loan amount could possibly be spread over a longer term than one year if required as a shorter-term facility may negate the benefit of augmenting cash flow.   Unlocking aged debt is an effective, fast track and often tax efficient method of releasing tied up funds quickly with the added benefit of augmenting cash flow and offering peace of mind in one easy step.   Vector Professions Finance is a well-established company whose principal activity is the provision of aged debt funding services to the Bar.    Vector offers a fast track online application and only usually require electronic printouts from the clerk’s system of your gross receipts for the last 12 months to date and your aged debt, together with the application and personal worth forms that can be completed online.    To arrange an appointment please call Philip Bristow on 0845 500 1666 or apply online at www.ageddebtfunding.co.uk. Please quote reference BAR777.      All unsecured loan applicants must be homeowners. Much of the Bar Council’s work would not be possible without funding from the Bar Representation Fee (BRF): a £12.50 per month voluntary subscription. Find out more and sign up to help support the Bar. The Bar Council (England and Wales) · 289-293 High Holborn   London, London WC1V7HZ · United Kingdom