Barristers
Historically barristers have always enjoyed a somewhat different relationship with those responsible for their conduct, and even today, although they are primarily regulated by the Bar Standards Board, nevertheless the individual Inns of Court play an important role, not only in their education and training but also in ensuring that barristers meet required standards of conduct. Indeed, the Inns have a role in administering disciplinary tribunals to deal with more serious complaints against barristers and a person can only be a barrister if he or she has been “Called to the Bar” by an Inn of Court.
The Legal Services Act 2007 has, however, started to impact more fundamentally upon the regulatory duties and responsibilities of barristers and many, especially those who choose to work in multi-disciplinary partnerships with other qualifying lawyers, are finding that they need to be far more aware of issues of conduct – even issues affecting other branches of the legal profession.
The Lawyers Defence Group can assist all members of the Bar, not only in relation to regulatory and conduct related matters, but also with issues of management, finance, employment and in relation to their membership of Legal Disciplinary Partnerships.
Direct access, and new structures through which barristers can offer their services, brings with it the need for barristers to begin to consider issues such as client management, marketing, client care and other matters. The Lawyers Defence group can assist them in that process.
You will also find helpful links to other information provided by organisations such as the Bar Council, Bar Standards Board, the Solicitors Regulation Authority and other regulators and professional bodies as well as news items, current information and regulatory and conduct related case reports.
For further information, contact the Lawyers Defence Group by:
- telephoning during office hours – 0333 888 4070,
- requesting a call-back using the call-back request form to the right,
- telephoning our out of hours number (but please only in an emergency – for example when someone has been arrested or you believe that your firm might be about to be intervened in) 07952 861 868,
- emailing us at help@lawyersdefencegroup.org.uk, or
- writing to us at one of the addresses at the bottom of this web page.
To find the information you require, use the drop down menus above or if there is a particular topic with which you require help, use the search box to the right of this page.