Council raises bar

Under-performing barristers can be told to raise their game by a new advisory panel launched this week by the Bar Council. The Bar Quality Advisory Panel (BQAP) is a non-disciplinary body which will receive referrals about a barrister’s performance from judges, instructing solicitors or other barristers. The panel can advise the referred barrister to undergo advocacy training, discuss the matter with his/her head of chambers, or take advice on management and administration. It has no coercive powers, but if the barrister refuses to co-operate, it may advise the referrer to make a complaint to the Complaints Committee of the Bar Standards Board.