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The Bar Council

@thebarcouncil.bsky.social
2K followers 334 following 1.2K posts

Representing and supporting the 18,000 practising barristers in England and Wales. www.barcouncil.org.uk

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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
The Attorney General closes the #AGM and thanks everyone for attending. Including one member David Taylor of @stjohnsbuildings.bsky.social who attended on his birthday. Happy Birthday DT! Thank you to everyone for following along.
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
The final report at our #AGM is our Chief Executive Jim Morris. He encourages members to take a look at our annual report which sets out the breadth of our work. JM thanks our volunteer barristers as "the lifeblood of the Bar Council". www.barcouncil.org.uk/resource/bar...
A graphic in pink and navy titled 'Our year in numbers' summarising the Bar Council's annual report. For example, 4,945 ethical enquiries answered. 5,624 event attendees, 29,171 Pupilage Gateway applications
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Dame Maria explains that a focus for her first months as Commissioner for Conduct has been making sure the guidance and information is in place to help people know how to report inappropriate behaviours. She has agreed protocols with the BSB and judiciary to make reporting clearer. #AGM
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
The AG introduces Dame Maria Miller - our first Commissioner for Conduct - to deliver her report to the #AGM. She says we have a responsibility to ensure the best legal system in the world has the highest professional standards.
Dame Maria Miller speaking at a wooden lectern. The Attorney General Ellie Reeves KC is sitting on a long table next to her.
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
The Treasurer highlights that the allocation of the practising certificate fee between the Bar Council and BSB has moved over years and is now at 76% to BSB (from 72% in 2023/24). She welcomed the Director General comments at the earlier mtg that they are focusing on budget as a priority #AGM
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Lucinda Orr delivers the Treasurer's report to the #AGM and thanks the finance team. Highlights: additional income & savings - inc from AETOs and increases in attendance at Bar Council training; additional costs inc dilapidations provision & increase in projects not accounted for as cap ex.
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
The AG thanks KBKC for her report. She has been struck by the scale of the work the Bar Council has undertaken. The work on social mobility has really struck a chord - ensuring legal professions are open to people from all backgrounds. #AGM
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
The Chair runs through some other priorities: increasing min age of criminal responsibility; implementation of match-funded pupillages; social mobility & promoting our Speak for Success school resources; improving disability access to courts; climate change & the law; closing earnings gaps #AGM
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
KBKC also flags the importance of investing in our justice system as a shop window for our international work, inc through the English Law Promotion Panel, stressing the need for investment in legal aid and the wider justice system. #AGM
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Chair of the Bar @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social delivers her report to the #AGM echoing the importance of the relationship between the Bar and law officers. KBKC recognises the AG's commitment to tackling violence against women and girls.
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Attorney General @elliereeves.bsky.social KC MP welcomes members to our #AGM. She says "The close relationship between law officers and the Bar is incredibly important." And recognises the shared commitment for upholding the rule of law & public confidence in our justice system.
Attorney General Ellie Reeves KC MP speaking. Heidi Stonecliffe KC is sitting to her left. People appear on a large screen behind them.
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
That's a wrap for the #BarCouncil meeting and we're heading into our annual general meeting which will be chaired by the Attorney General Ellie Reeves KC MP... We'll continue our updates on this thread shortly
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Sally Burnell, Bar Council Director of Communications, updated #BarCouncil on the brand refresh project which is due to roll out later this month. The project aims to bridge the Bar Council's history with the modern Bar. Watch this space...
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Lucinda Orr delivers the Treasurer's report to #BarCouncil. M'ment accounts dashboard is all on green. The forecast at June for our end year surplus is £395k. However, we need to wait for Q2/Q3 for a more accurate forecast position. LO notes BSB has made a remarkable improvement in its budgeting
Lucinda Orr speaking at a wooden lectern with the Bar Council and BSB logos on it
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Next at #BarCouncil, our Chief Exec Jim Morris thanks everyone for their support in his first 6m in post. Priorities are: leadership dev; IT and tech support across Bar Council & BSB; refreshing our strategy; internal governance and processes; and relationships between Bar Council and BSB.
Jim Morris speaking from a wooden lectern with the Bar Council and BSB logos on it
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Q from @faiselsadiq.bsky.social about the understanding of @barstandardsboard.bsky.social lay board members of how the barrister profession is structured. PG says current BSB board aim is to regulate less, better #BarCouncil
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
In response to Q from Western Circuit Leader Sarah Jones KC abt BSB monitoring of training on circuit, PG says they're aware it's an area they need to look at closely. Reg requirements are possibly going further than they need to. #BarCouncil
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Phil Golding tells #BarCouncil he and the Chair Prof Chris Bones are also focused on relationships and greater collaboration, whilst maintaining independence as a regulator.
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Next up at #BarCouncil: the Director General of the @barstandardsboard.bsky.social Phil Golding. Their focus is summed up as "performance, budget and relationships". Working hard to meet the undertakings made to the LSB. On the budget BSB is aiming for inflation-only increases...
Phil Golding - Director General of the BSB - speaking at a wooden lectern. Jim Morris is sitting to one side and there are people on a large screen behind them.
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Our international visits over the summer have been extremely successful in promoting the Bar of England & Wales esp in relation to international arbitration. The Chair reports to #BarCouncil that we've delivered across all the key priorities with more to come. Thanks to all Bar volunteers & staff.
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
We're waiting to hear the new govt's plans on reform of jury trials and our #JusticeNeedsJuries campaign with the CBA and Circuit Leaders continues. Some ideas were floated in the media this week & we continue to engage with MoJ and parliamentarians. #BarCouncil www.barcouncil.org.uk/resource/bar...
barcouncil.org.uk
Bar Council urges government against "tampering" with jury trials
The government is reportedly considering a new proposal which would restrict the right to jury trial by giving judges the power to decide which cases go before a jury.
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
The Chair flags to #BarCouncil our report on delays with the delivery of people in custody to court. Thank you to all the barristers who've reported through our delay form - it's essential these delays are tackled. Read our report and pls keep reporting: www.barcouncil.org.uk/resource/bar...
barcouncil.org.uk
Barristers report "endemic" delays to trials caused by late delivery of prisoners
Research based on reports from barristers has shown the ‘endemic’ and ‘routine’ nature of delays caused by the late delivery of prisoners to court, casting doubt over the validity of official data.
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
On wider work since the last mtg the Chair highlights our important report on increasing the miniumum age of criminal responsibility. On legal aid we have a ministerial mtg coming up on family legal aid with FLBA & we've responded to the consultation on increasing criminal legal aid. #BarCouncil
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
The Chair encourages everyone to come to this year's Bar Conference on 14 Nov in London. A fantastic line up of speakers & sessions. A great opportunity to network & learn. Pre-conf breakfast sessions for the young Bar and heads of chambers. Join us: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve... #BarCouncil
barcouncil.org.uk
Bar Conference 2026: your guide to the event
The only event that brings the whole Bar together
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Chair of the Bar @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social opens her statement and highlights the current #BarCouncil elections: "Bar Council members are the best" and it's great to be on Bar Council. Pls consider standing & encourage others. Deadline for noms is Fri 18 Sept: www.barcouncil.org.uk/about/bar-co...
barcouncil.org.uk
Elections
Details about past and upcoming Bar Council elections
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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
Speaking at an event in Sheffield today, the new Prime Minister said he wants to “look in detail” at the proposals - but that his instincts are “not to reduce access to jury trial”. Our Chair Kirsty Brimelow KC has responded to the news➡️ bit.ly/4wxWRdV @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social
bit.ly
Bar Council Chair welcomes indication Andy Burnham may scrap plans to reduce jury trials
The PM said his instincts are "not to reduce access to jury trial"
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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 reads: "Locking up children is difficult. Samuel Skinner KC, Legal Services Committee". A profile photo of Sam Skinner KC is in the bottom left of the imageWhite 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: “Jailing children does not make us safer – we need to get rid of this Dickensian delusion”. Under the text is an profile photograph of Kirsty Brimelow KC, Chair of the Bar Council. The Guardian logo and Bar Council logo are at the top.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
@kirstybrimelow.bsky.social
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
You can read our report ⬇️ www.barcouncil.org.uk/resource/inc...
barcouncil.org.uk
Bar Council recommends increasing the minimum age of criminal responsibility
A change to the age threshold will lead to better outcomes for children and society.
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Kirsty was on a panel with Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, Professor of Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge Centre for Child, Adolescent and Family Research, and Shauneen Lambe, Director of the Youth Justice Legal Centre.
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
She said: “A measure of the justice system is how readily it punishes children and how it responds to childhood itself.”
There are three women sat on a panel desk facing an audience. The first woman is wearing a green dress, the second woman, who is mid speech, is wearing a pink suit jacket, and the third woman is wearing a black dress. Behind them is a screen which shows the front of a report and a QR code.
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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
Under #BarCouncil AOB members are invited to approve a new scheme of delegation as part of our commitment to good governance. The scheme is approved. Also under AOB @eleenamisrakc.bsky.social plugs the upcoming Law Reform Lecture on 2 July: www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...
barcouncil.org.uk
Law reform lecture 2026
This year, we welcome Mrs Justice Eady to deliver a keynote speech and to discuss their perspective of modern slavery and the future of the law.
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
David Abbott updates #BarCouncil on the work of @freerepunit.bsky.social which exists to help train aspiring lawyers and alievate poverty. He thanks the Bar Council for all its support for the charity. The Chair @kirstybrimelow.bsky.social thanks FRU for their important work www.thefru.org.uk
thefru.org.uk
FRU | Free Representation Unit
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
#BarCouncil members thank former President Mohamed Nasheed for his truly inspirational talk. The conversation will continue through our Nature and Climate Panel.
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
#BarCouncil member Michelle Butler asks about the ICJ's finding that states can be found legally responsible for breaching their promises on climate. How can we assist vulnerable states to enforce those rights? MN says take some countries to court to see if we can achieve reparations.
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
On the role of law & lawyers, MN says we need proper legislative frameworks to meet the challenge. Mostly power purchasing agreements, management plans for conservation etc - all of these things need to come from legislation. We need lawyers to help our countries come up with the laws. #BarCouncil
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
In response to #BarCouncil member Zoe Leventhal, MN highlights the disparity in costs of fossil fuels and new technology. There are denials and obstacles to prevent energy transition. He says it's an economic problem.
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The Bar Council @thebarcouncil.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
#BarCouncil member @estelledehon.bsky.social (Chair of Nature & Climate Panel) asks about obligations on professionals to advise clients (govts, businesses, individuals). MN says professionals must believe the science now and bring it into their advice.
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