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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Voting is now open for Bar Council elections. The deadline for voting is 10am on Friday 16 October. See the full list of candidates and their statements ➡️ bit.ly/4ecRw4r

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Leaders of the legal profession from around the world have gathered in London today for the Opening of the Legal Year. The event comes at a time of growing concern over attacks on judicial independence and increasing threats and harassment. Read our joint press release ➡️ bit.ly/4z8o9IL

A large group of people in formal attire are gathered for a portrait in an ornate room with columns and bookshelves.

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Good morning from the September #BarCouncil meeting chaired in the room by our Vice Chair Heidi Stonecliffe KC with our Chair @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social joining us from Delhi to deliver her statement. Follow along for updates from today's meeting and AGM...

Heidi Stonecliffe KC standing at a wooden lectern speaking. People are on a screen in the background and Jim Morris is sitting on a long table to the side

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

We have responded after the Trump administration announced new sanctions against senior members of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Read our full statement ➡️ bit.ly/3UeuK5a

A person with light hair is pictured on a pink background with the quote: "The independence of judges and prosecutors is a fundamental principle of the rule of law." The name Kirsty Brimelow KC, Bar Council Chair, is written below.

A pink graphic featuring a quote: "At a time when respect for international law is under considerable strain, independent courts and the lawyers and judges who serve them must be able to perform their duties without fear or favour." Quotation marks are prominently displayed at the top and bottom.

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Arranging your diary for autumn? Chair Kirsty Brimelow KC has a date for your calendar. Join this year's Bar Conference on Saturday 14 November. For more on the programme, speakers and ticket options ➡️ bit.ly/4wPl935 @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

BREAKING: Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated to the press today that he may scrap controversial plans to reduce access to jury trials.

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

New rules on reporting Income Tax will affect almost all self-employed barristers from next month. We’ve published a guide from our Taxation Panel to help barristers comply with the new Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax. bit.ly/4fgVyIN

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

How do courts make sentencing decisions for children? In this new blog post, criminal and public law silk Samuel Skinner KC @the36group.bsky.social explains the law & guidelines on sentencing children and explores the difficulties in finding the right sentence: www.barcouncil.org.uk/resource/loc...

White text on a teal background read: "Sentencing, notoriously, is an art not a science. Some of the greatest art may look effortless, but it actually requires considerable work and skill."

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Congratulations to all the nominees shortlisted for our Employed Bar Awards 2026! Take a look at the shortlist and be sure to join us on Thursday 5 November to celebrate the winners ➡️ bit.ly/3xKUhb9

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Writing in @theguardian.com, Chair of the Bar Council @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social explains why we're making the case for the minimum age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales to be increased from 10 to 14. ➡️ www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

White text on a pink background reads: “The measure of a justice system lies not in how early it punishes children but in how wisely it protects their future. Kirsty Brimelow KC, Chair of the Bar Council”. There are large white quote marks at the top and bottom of the image.

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Book your ticket for this year's Bar Conference on Saturday 14 November. Our unique programme of expert speakers will debate the big issues and provide practical advice for career development. Book now ➡️ bit.ly/4vQeipN

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Modern slavery was the theme of our Law reform lecture tonight with Dame Jennifer Eady DBE as keynote speaker & joined on the panel by the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner Eleanor Lyons, Peter Carter KC, Parosha Chandran, Adam Smith-Anthony & Chair of our Law Reform Committee Eleena Misra KC.

Photo of the panel speakers (from left to right): Dame Jennifer Eady DBE, Eleanor Lyons, Adam Smith-Anthony, Parosha Chandran, Peter Carter KC and Eleena Misra KC.

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Chair of the Bar Kirsty Brimelow KC addressed the Youth Justice Legal Centre Summit this morning, highlighting our new report that recommends raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14.

A woman wearing a pink suit jacket and black trousers stood next to a banner. The banner is mainly yellow with a white circle on the left side. The banner reads "YJLC Youth Justice Legal Centre" "The centre of excellence in youth justice law in England and Wales"

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

A glorious day for our summer #BarCouncil meeting kindly hosted at @lincolnsinn.bsky.social Ashworth Centre ahead of our annual summer reception to thank our hundreds of volunteers and staff. Follow along for updates from the meeting…

Photograph of Lincoln’s Inn with a blue sky and bright sunshine with a sign pointing into the entrance

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

Today we're launching a new expert report calling for the age of criminal responsibility in England & Wales to be increased from 10 to 14. We explain how a change to the min. age will lead to better outcomes for children & society. @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social 👉 www.barcouncil.org.uk/resource/inc...

A photograph of hands holding a report titled ‘Reviewing the minimum age of criminal responsibility’. Across the bottom of the image text reads “Increase the minimum age of criminal responsibility, says Bar Council”

White text on a pink background with large white quotation marks reads: “The minimum age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales has remained unchanged for 60 years despite the profound shifts in knowledge about children that is based on developmental neuroscience and psychology...”

White text on a pink background with large white quotation marks reads: “Increasing the minimum age of criminal responsibility is essential as it can tackle reoffending and prevent future victims of harm.” Below the text is a portrait photo of Kirsty Brimelow KC, Chair of the Bar Council

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

The Bar Council’s Commissioner for Conduct and Bar Standards Board (BSB) have agreed a new protocol on reporting serious misconduct. The way you can report serious misconduct has changed - you can now report to the Commissioner via Talk to Spot, as well as the BSB. bit.ly/4oqGxbw

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Reposted by The Bar Council

JUSTICE @justicehq.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

'It's essential we keep public participation in the justice system.' Chair of @thebarcouncil.bsky.social, @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social on why jury trials shouldn't be curtailed & how to really fix the courts backlog. Sign up to our weekly juries newsletter to stay updated: bit.ly/3PuvuRQ

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Today we are hosting MPs in courts across England and Wales to hear about the issues affecting the criminal justice system as part of our #JusticeNeedsJuries campaign. First stop Merthyr Tydfil👇

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, it's important to recognise that good wellbeing starts during pupillage. We're resharing this piece from Counsel Magazine, written by our current Young Barristers' Committee Chair Amelia Clegg and former Chair Lachlan Stewart.

counselmagazine.co.uk

Pupillage special: Look after your wellbeing from the start

Tap into every source of support, urge Lachlan Stewart and Amelia Clegg, Chair and Vice Chair of the Bar Council's Young Barristers' Committee

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

In response to today's King's speech, Chair of the Bar Council Kirsty Brimelow KC has emphasised our opposition to restricting jury trials, called for more investment for the justice system and welcomed plans to reset UK-EU relations. Our full reaction ➡️ bit.ly/4wp4mUG

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

We’re calling on the UK Government to ratify the Council of Europe’s Convention on the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer. Kirsty Brimelow KC said: "The safety of lawyers is essential to the rule of law and a functioning liberal democracy." Read in full➡️ bit.ly/435L7SI

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Last week our Chair @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social had a very constructive meeting with Sir Mark Rowley, Metropolitan Police Commissioner, covering violence against women & girls (including abuse through harmful practices), rape and serious sexual offence (RASSO) cases, delays pre-court and AI.

Kirsty Brimelow KC, Chair of the Bar Council, and Sir Mark Rowley, Met Police Commissioner standing together smiling in a meeting room.

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Anneli Howard KC closed our International collective redress conference by highlighting all the experience in the room, and thanking everyone for attending including the sponsors.

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

"If the government replaces proposals for judge-only trials with trials by a judge plus two magistrates we are out of the frying pan and into the fire." Chair Kirsty Brimelow KC's letter to the Times sets out why we're completely opposed to any restriction on jury trials⤵️ #JusticeNeedsJuries

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Opening our International collective redress conference, The Hon. Mrs Justice Kelyn Bacon, President of the CAT said collective redress facilitates access to justice, enables efficiency and can support compliance. Its about making the civil justice system work for the many.

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

Chair of the Bar, @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social gives opening remarks at today's Ukraine law day. She explains the importance of our cross-border collaboration 4 years on from the start of the conflict.

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Claire Davies KC has been elected as the Vice Chair of the Bar Council for 2027. She will join Heidi Stonecliffe KC, elected as Chair, and Lucinda Orr, re-elected as Treasurer, alongside Dame Maria Miller, Bar Commissioner for Conduct, as the officer team for 2027. ➡️ bit.ly/4cAVW4T

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Reposted by The Bar Council

Kirsty Brimelow KC @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

This excellent guide demystifies terms/ acronyms. Climate literacy is essential. How else for informed conversations? I am encouraging the Bar - across all jurisdictions- to engage/further engage.Estelle Dehon KC is co-chair of the Bar Council’s Nature and Climate panel. @thebarcouncil.bsky.social #

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

We’re launching our first Bar Council engagement survey to better understand barristers' views, needs and expectations of us in our role as a professional body. To ensure you receive our survey, check your preferences in MyBar (instructions in image). www.barcouncil.org.uk/about/about-...

share your views
Take part in our engagement survey

We'll ask you about
Your views about us in our role as your professional body.
What you think about our services and products.
What you may want from us in the future.

How to check you'll receive our surveys.
Log in to MyBar.
Select update details.
Select communications preferences.
Ensure the box about participation in surveys is unticked.

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

We're looking for chambers to support the next generation of barristers and host students from underrepresented backgrounds to give them insight into life at the Bar. If you're interested in hosting students as part of our Bar Placement Scheme, please complete the form: bit.ly/4tpeiM2

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

Today our Chair Kirsty Brimelow KC will be out on the Western Circuit to speak with barristers and chambers professionals but first on the agenda is a stop at this year's conference of the Association of Law Teachers. Kirsty opened with a keynote address on freedom, law, power and social justice.

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

In a joint opinion piece for the Telegraph, our Chair Kirsty Brimelow KC and Labour MP Charlotte Nichols set out – from the Bar’s perspective and victims’ perspective – why the government’s proposals to curtail jury trials won’t work. Read the full op-ed ➡️ bit.ly/3OIhvaq

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Reposted by The Bar Council

The Dickson Poon School of Law @kcllaw.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Join us on 8 May for the International Collective Redress Conference, organised by The Bar Council of England and Wales (@thebarcouncil.bsky.social) in partnership with the Centre of European Law. Read the programme ⬇️ www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve... Book⬇️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/internatio...

eventbrite.co.uk

International collective redress conference

Come together to discuss, compare and contrast experiences and practices in class actions and collective proceedings.

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Chair of the Bar Kirsty Brimelow KC opens the #BarCouncil meeting with "record attendance" online and in person, as Sir Brian Leveson is our guest speaker tonight.

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Founding head of Doughty Street Chambers Geoffrey Robertson KC has written a polemical attack on the government's proposals to restrict jury trials through the Courts and Tribunals Bill, which begins committee stage scrutiny this week. Read more: www.barcouncil.org.uk/resource/jur...

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 29/03/2026

Watch our Chair @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social explain to MPs why the government needs to focus on what's really causing delays in rape and sexual offence cases. The Bar knows operationally what works - and what doesn't - because barristers are in court every day. #JusticeNeedsJuries

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

Welcome to your March wellbeing spotlight, focused on bringing you news, events, thoughts and support from across the Bar and further afield ➡️ bit.ly/4bUzPow

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

The government's plan to bring down the Crown Court backlog by pushing cases into the magistrates’ court and restricting jury trials is high risk. Data shows that the magistrates' court backlog is now at a record of high of 379,437 cases – 70% higher than in 2019. Read more bit.ly/47uV2UG

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Tune in 📺 Today Bar leaders will be giving evidence on the Courts and Tribunals Bill to the Public Bill Committee in Parliament from 2pm. Watch live via parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/04abf… #JusticeNeedsJuries

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

It's silks day! Huge congratulations to all the barristers and clerks celebrating today. Chair of the Bar Kirsty Brimelow KC attended the ceremony at Westminster Hall to celebrate with all those being sworn in as King's Counsel by the Lord Chancellor. @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

This #NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek we have published our new neurodiversity guide. It's full of advice for chambers and neurodivergent barristers, pupils and aspiring barristers, including what support you can expect. Read the guide: bit.ly/4bGSrZ7

Our neurodiversity guide includes: 1) An introduction to neurodiversity, 2) Legal and regulatory requirements (including reasonable adjustments), 3) Advice for chambers in supporting neurodivergent barristers, pupils, and aspiring barristers (including FAQs), 4) Advice for neurodivergent barristers, pupils, and aspiring barristers, 5) Links to useful organisations.

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Reposted by The Bar Council

The Dickson Poon School of Law @kcllaw.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

barcouncil.org.uk

Read the programme

Explore the detail of our conference programme on Friday 8 May

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

"What is Parkinson's? Will I have to stop working as a barrister?" These are just some of the questions barrister Colin Wells asked when he was diagnosed in 2017. In this blog Colin discusses how his diagnosis has impacted his working life & how he has continued practising️ bit.ly/4lswLnW

The quote, attributed to Colin Wells, Barrister at 25 Bedford Row, reads: With a positive attitude, physical exercise, specialist healthcare (Parkinson's nurse, physiotherapy, psychologist, Deep Brain Stimulation surgery), medication and an adjusted work-life balance, I have successfully carried on practising at the Bar.

The process of adjustment has been greatly assisted by discussing the matters with my clerks, who have been very supportive, and encouraging.

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

We heard in the debate on juries this week that MPs really value visiting their local Crown Courts to hear directly from barristers about what’s happening in the criminal justice system. #JusticeNeedsJuries

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

More than 300 KCs and 22 retired judges are among the 3,236 legal professionals who have signed our letter calling on the Prime Minister to stop the government's jury trial proposal ahead of a parliamentary debate on new legislation to restrict jury trials today.🧵

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Day 2 on our excellent Northern Circuit visit - today we were in Preston, kindly hosted by Julie Taylor at 15 Winckley Square Chambers. Chair of the Bar @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social and Chair of the Young Barristers' Committee Amelia Clegg met with senior judges at Preston Combined Court.

Five women standing outside a red brick building smiling. Behind them is a black sign with white writing that reads: "Preston Combined Court Centre"

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Barristers repeatedly tell us that significant delays are caused by the late delivery of individuals in custody to the court room. If you experience a delay, please tell us about it so we can demonstrate the impact to HMCTS and the Ministry of Justice: bit.ly/4lcqkoX

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Fantastic first day on our visit to the Northern Circuit hosted by Circuit Leader Samantha Hillas KC and Circuit Junior Isabella Denn-White. In the morning Chair of the Bar Kirsty Brimelow KC met with HHJ Wood, Designated Civil Judge for Cheshire and Merseyside.

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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

We have postponed our upcoming Dubai event and encourage UK lawyers in the Middle East to register with the FCDO and follow the travel advice for the country, the advice of the local authorities and from the relevant British embassy or consulate. www.barcouncil.org.uk/resource/mid...

barcouncil.org.uk

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 B...

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