The Bar

Outer Temple in management structure reshuffle

Outer Temple Chambers has re-jigged its management structure in a move that will see three QCs take on new leadership roles as the set gears up for the Legal Services Act (LSA). Head of Chambers Philip Mott QC has become the set’s executive director... more 06 November 2008 05:51

Who are the Inns of Court A-listers of the future? Dominic Carman meets 10 up-and-coming young barristers who are being tipped for the top more 06 November 2008 02:30

Every cloud has a silver lining. The current financial crisis is already bringing in more work for the commercial Bar — and this increase is set to continue. Past performance is no certain guide to the future, but it is one of the only yardsticks we... more 06 November 2008 02:04

“It is a trite observation that environmental problems, although they closely affect municipal laws, are essentially international; and that the main structure of control can therefore be no other than that of international law.” The above was... more 06 November 2008 02:03

The worlds of the TV star and the barrister are not as far apart as one might think. The day job at the Bar is in some ways akin to putting on a performance — it is not about illusion, but there is more than a degree of acting and drama about the court... more 06 November 2008 02:02

Earlier this month Mr Justice Jackson gave judgments on outstanding issues and legal costs in the protracted litigation between Multiplex and Cleveland Bridge (Cleveland). The dispute, which received substantial media coverage, arose from the new... more 06 November 2008 01:00

Northwest chambers signs up 25-strong group

St Johns Buildings is set to take 25 members of rival set Peel Court Chambers – including Leader of the Northern Circuit Richard Marks QC, following Peel Court’s dissolution earlier this month. The 25 members, which includes Marks and four other... more 28 October 2008 11:52

Govt ups high-cost case rates after crisis talks

The Government has increased rates for advocates on very high-cost criminal cases (VHCC) following crisis talks after a majority of barristers boycotted the panel over poor fee arrangements. As a result of talks between the Ministry of Justice... more 27 October 2008 14:09

Top chambers including Matrix and Outer Temple are looking at opportunities available through alternative business structures (ABS) as the Legal Services Act (LSA) gains momentum at the Bar. A number of sets are considering how they can benefit from... more 23 October 2008 14:19

A report setting out proposals for the introduction of plea-bargaining in UK fraud trials has been delayed until at least the end of the year. The Attorney General report was due to be published earlier in October but has now been pushed back by... more 23 October 2008 05:05

Kaplan voices interest in BVC replacement

The number of law schools offering the new Bar entrance course, the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) looks set to increase, with Kaplan Law School — a joint venture operating with Nottingham Law School — considering whether to enter the market.... more 23 October 2008 04:59

BCCI working group set for trial reform summit

A top-level summit is set to take place in the New Year to gather feedback on the post-BCCI reforms from the Aikens working party — more than two years after the first symposium on the subject. The group is set to meet on 26 January to discuss... more 23 October 2008 04:32

BSB reviews pupillage model as places fall

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) is to launch a root-and-branch review of the pupillage system, it has emerged. The body is in the process of setting up a working party to be led by Falcon Chambers’ Derek Wood QC, with the first meeting due to take... more 16 October 2008 04:18

There is every indication that tough times lie ahead for lower league football clubs. Luton have started the season with a massive 30 points deducted for breaching insolvency rules, while Bournemouth and Rotherham have both had 17 point handicaps imposed... more 02 October 2008 02:05

Pump Court barrister's £22m negligence claim settled

A £22m negligence claim, thought to have been one of the largest ever cases to be brought against a barrister, has settled after a four-week trial. The claim against tax specialist Adrian Shipwright of Pump Court Tax Chambers and accountancy firm Baker... more 25 September 2008 05:58

It may seem an odd question at a time when US policymakers are gearing up for FDR-style interventionalism on Wall Street, but what was wrong with leaving the market to settle the issue of costs in complex commercial litigation? I ask because... more 25 September 2008 05:55

Bar Council chairman Timothy Dutton QC is to replace Michael Brindle QC as head of Fountain Court Chambers. Dutton will take the helm at Fountain Court on 1 October with Brindle stepping down at the end of this month when his five-year term comes to a... more 25 September 2008 05:51

Ex-Sullivan partner quits Bar over billing fraud

A former Sullivan & Cromwell partner has resigned from the New York Bar for billing his clients and firm more than $500,000 (£270,000) in fraudulent travel and entertainment expenses, reports the New York Law Journal. Carlos Spinelli-Noseda, a... more 24 September 2008 12:36

The Government is in crisis talks with the Bar Council after the poor uptake of the very high-cost criminal cases (VHCC) panel has threatened the number of major trials going ahead. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ), Bar Council and Legal Services... more 18 September 2008 05:57

The Swedish Bar Association has backtracked on its proposals to relax the regulations governing controlled auctions by allowing law firms to represent more than one bidder in an auction. The country’s Bar Council voted against its own proposal of a... more 11 September 2008 05:43