Bar must adapt

Barristers attending the 26th Annual Bar Conference in London last week were warned they must keep pace with a changing environment and look for “opportunities in times of adversity”.

Addressing the 600 delegates, Peter Lodder QC, chairman of the Bar, said: “Whatever our area of practice, there are significant challenges ahead, whether that is because of government cuts, because of regulatory pressures, or because of the financial crisis. Our client base is changing and adapting, working globally, looking to save costs, depending on technology more, and having higher expectations of their service providers.”

He cited direct contracting in civil work and public-access trained barristers working directly with clients as examples where the Bar has adapted to take on new opportunities.