Issue 139 | 23 July 2020

Chair’s update: Small Change for Justice, modernising the Bar Council, survey findings + more

In her most recent message to the profession, Amanda Pinto QC, Chair of the Bar, gives a preview of shocking findings from our recent survey of the profession, shares insights from our new Small Change for Justice report and looks at what’s being done to increase work volumes and to modernise the Bar Council.

New report: Pennies for the justice budget

The Bar Council has just published a major report, Small Change for Justice, on cuts to the justice budget over the last ten years. Covered by hundreds of national and regional media, our findings reveal that massive cuts by the government meant that, in 2019, 39p per person per day was spent on protecting the public, the courts and wider justice system. That’s less than the price of a red pepper and yearly, less than the nation spends on coffee per person.

For just small change – 22p per person more – the Government could bring justice spending back up to 2010 levels and boost the system at a time when it is most needed.

Shielding/self-isolating barristers and court hearings

The Bar Council has produced a document, following discussions with the Senior Presiding Judge, which aims to help vulnerable barristers who need the court to accommodate their specific Covid-19 related issues, in respect of a hearing in which they are instructed to represent a party.

Black Barristers’ Network: Survey

If you are a self-employed practising Black Barrister, or Second or Third Six Pupil of African and Afro-Caribbean descent, please take a moment to fill out the BBN’s new survey which has been emailed to you. The survey is also open to employed barristers who have previously been self-employed barristers. If you are not on the BBN’s mailing list and would like to fill out the survey, please email requesting the link.

Bar Pro Bono Awards: Nominations open

Do you have a friend or colleague who goes above and beyond for every pro bono client? A mentor who goes the extra mile? A clerk who always manages to find time in everyone’s diaries for pro bono work?

Give them the recognition they deserve by nominating them for a Bar Pro Bono Award at weareadvocate.org.uk/nominate

The deadline for nominations is Sunday 27 September 2020 and most of the awards will be presented at an online awards ceremony during Pro Bono Week in November.  

Bar Council raises student concerns over BPTC assessment

The Bar Council has raised its concerns with the Bar Standards Board (BSB) after students expressed frustration with arrangements for the August BPTC online assessment. The BSB has since made an important announcement in relation to the booking process for the exams to accommodate those students sitting the exams and needing reasonable adjustments.

Exclusive: Foundation Meditation training now open to solicitors and other professionals

In response to demand, the Bar Council is delighted to open its exceptional accredited mediator training course, which has been re-written to reflect professional life both during and after Covid-19, to the sister professions. Against a background of more than 15,000 civil and commercial mediations in the last year, and clinical negligence mediation being at record levels, now is the time to train - whether as a mediator or to become a skilled mediation advocate.

Parliamentary update

In the last week, the Chair of the Bar, Amanda Pinto QC, spoke at the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Legal Aid, on the impact the pandemic has had on access to justice and the publicly funded Bar. She also spoke at the APPG on Legal and Constitutional Affairs discussing “Should we allow coronavirus to change the way we do justice in the UK?” The Lords Constitution Committee heard from the Lord Chancellor and from HMCTS Chief Executive, Susan Acland-Hood on Wednesday. Discussion focused on gathering qualitative data, tackling the backlog, court reform and more. We briefed members ahead of the session and it can be watched here.

Parliament breaks for summer recess shortly and will return on September 1. In the meantime, for any further information email .  

Bar TV - short films from the Bar

Catch up with the ‘on screen’ latest from the Bar Council and the Bar.

• APPG on Legal Aid: COVID-19 and the Legal Aid Sector
• LGBT+/Diversity at the Bar Instagram Q&A

Blogs

Guest blog: How will restricting jury trial and reducing jury numbers affect the delivery of justice?

Guest blog: Brazil, Covid-19 and the rule of law

The Bar Council’s International Committee continues 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 guest blog, Frederico Singarajah considers the position in Brazil.  

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