The outgoing chairman of the Bar, Alistair McDonald QC, has commended the Ministry of Justice, under the leadership of Michael Gove, for being prepared to listen to the Bar and act on its concerns. McDonald believes proposals in the recent consultation on criminal advocacy could, if implemented correctly, serve to strengthen criminal advocacy in England & Wales. Further evidence that the government was listening to the Bar’s concerns emerged when it announced that it would not proceed with the cuts to the Advocates’ Graduated Fee Scheme .
27 November 2015
Positive overtones at the Bar
MOVERS & SHAKERS
NLJ Career Profile: Hugo Plowman, Mishcon de Reya
From global fraud cases to fishing off-grid, Mishcon de Reya’s chair of dispute resolution Hugo Plowman discusses mentors, management switching off
Maguire Family Law—Jennifer Hudec, Ciara Florey, Alice Ferguson & Ruth Wynn
Maguire Family Law announces partner promotion and new hires amid a record year for enquiries
Switalskis—Rebecca Parry & Hannah Gamble
Switalskis wills and probate team extends reach with two appointments
NEWS
Restrictions on workplace non-disclosure agreements could make settlements slower, more complex and more expensive when reforms expected in 2027 take effect
Private prosecutors face closer scrutiny under Crown Prosecution Service guidance designed to strengthen accountability and consistency when intervention is requested
Foreign states cannot necessarily claim immunity for cyber operations launched abroad against computers in Britain, following a divided Supreme Court ruling
Defendants who make unsupported complaints about their lawyers risk losing legal aid while confiscation proceedings continue without representation
Lawyers advising Russian clients face different sanctions restrictions across the UK, EU and US, despite their shared objective of increasing pressure on Russia
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