Legal Profession
News, analysis, comment and updates from ICLR's case law and UK legislation platform
Let me introduce you to a new character in the BabyBarista fold: His Honour Judge Pennyweather who sits as a circuit judge outside London. He’s grumbly, eccentric, crusty and seemingly older than his 68 years would suggest. The first part of his name brings to mind a penny for your thoughts which seem to leak… Continue reading
“Is nothing sacred these days?” said UpTights. “What are you moaning on about now?” said OldSmoothie. “Once upon a time institutions were respected but in the last few years it seems like it’s all gone to pot. First, we find out that a fair proportion of our politicians were on the make at the public’s… Continue reading
What is the meaning and purpose of the so-called Cab Rank Rule in the context of the new legal services market? Is it a Holy Cow or Shibboleth, taken for granted but more honoured in the breach? Or is it still a driving principle, a philosophical touchstone that underpins the approach of advocates to their… Continue reading
The Bar Standards Board, which regulates barristers in England and Wales, has announced that the training barristers undergo for providing legal services directly to clients (i.e. without being instructed by a solicitor), is to be overhauled. Among the changes announced will be “an element of formal assessment to make sure that barristers have the knowledge… Continue reading
“Have you ever come across a young barrister who seemed to crash every drinks party in the whole of EC4 this Christmas season,” asked BusyBody today. “Ah, so you’ve met LiggerLawyer,” smiled TheVamp. “She’s like the worst kind of Z-list celebrity who would go along to the opening of a briefcase if she’d been invited… Continue reading
Judges in Egypt have threatened to go on strike in protest against a decree, issued by new president Mohammed Mursi, the terms of which place the president above any law and declare that his decisions cannot be challenged. According to reports from the International Business Times, the decree purports to give the president immunity from… Continue reading
An older barrister was in chambers this morning questioning HeadClerk about why he hadn’t had any decent briefs in the last few months. “Very sad to see,” whispered OldSmoothie. “He used to be the very best there was but for whatever reason, solicitors have more recently looked elsewhere.” “Reminds me of the roar of a… Continue reading
Two of the pupils had raised the question today as to what it is that really wins a case. “Not hiring TheCreep is a good start,” said BusyBody. “I always make a point of hiring OldSmoothie when UpTights is on the other side. With his arrogance and pomposity he never fails to press her buttons,”… Continue reading
I had a terrible dream last night in which I was standing in the dock in my wig and gown and looking up at a terrifying judge (I won’t mention who he was) as he boomed down his judgment from on high. “BabyBarista, you have been found guilty of the heinous crime of failing to… Continue reading
OldSmoothie was lecturing the pupils at chambers tea today. “Remember this in all things and you can’t go far wrong: always judge a book by its cover.” “Don’t you mean that you shouldn’t always judge a book by its cover?” interrupted BusyBody. “Quite the opposite. Appearance not only matters but is a good indication as… Continue reading
