These websites are external to the Northern Circuit Website and, as such, the Northern Circuit is not responsible for their content or accuracy. The inclusion of these links does not imply a recommendation of any products or services they may offer. This section aims to provide information not only for established Circuiteers, but in particular to those new to Circuit or aspiring to practise in the region, as well as any visitors wishing to know more about barristers generally.
General Council of the Bar / Bar Standards Board www.barcouncil.org.uk
The Bar Council is the professional body for barristers in England & Wales which provides representation and other services, including guidance, for current and aspiring barristers, and information for those looking to use barristers’ services.
Bar Standards Board www.barstandardsboard.org.uk
The Bar Standards Board was set up by the Bar Council to deal with the regulation of barristers, and has its own separate website containing, amongst other information, the professional Code of Conduct.
Education & Continuing Professional Development information on continuing education requirements for pupils, new and established practitioners is contained on the Bar Standards Board website, including a database of forthcoming courses provided by a range of providers.
The Circuits of the Bar
The country is divided into regions for the administration of justice, and in each of these regions, barristers have come together to form groups known as ‘Circuits’ – of which the Northern Circuit is one. Based on traditions going back hundreds of years, modern Circuits now provide a range of services to their members or ‘Circuiteers’, from education and training sessions for pupils, new and established barristers, to regular gatherings such as mess or debates on important issues. New Circuiteers are ‘elected’ to Circuit. The newest Circuit is the European Circuit which was established to meet the needs of barristers undertaking European law and / or practising as advocates in the European Union.
Further information on the Circuits is provided via the links below.
The European Circuit
The Midland Circuit
The North Eastern Circuit
The South Eastern Circuit
The Wales & Chester Circuit
The Western Circuit
The Inns of Court
All aspiring barristers must be ‘called to the Bar’ by one of the four Inns of Court. As such, the Inns are crucial to barristers’ initial and ongoing support and training, with many barristers continuing to have strong links with their Inn long after qualifying. The Inns provide library and dining facilities, as well as being involved in disciplinary matters. To find out about the Inns, including their histories and current functions, please follow the links to their respective websites below. Gray’s Inn Lincoln’s Inn Inner Temple Middle Temple
The Specialist Bar Associations
The Specialist Bar Associations have been formed to meet the needs of barristers practising in specific areas of law such as commercial, family and personal injury. The ‘SBAs’ (some based on the Circuits) typically provide their members with regular training and education events, as well as providing a voice when it comes to consultations affecting their areas of practice. Many produce periodicals to keep their members up-to-date with changes to law and practice. Some of the events held by the various SBAs (especially if they take place on Circuit) will be added to this website’s events page, and further information is available by following the links below. Administrative Bar Law Association (ALBA) Bar for Commerce, Finance & Industry Bar Association for Local Government & the Public Sector (BALGPS) Bar European Group (BEG) Chancery Bar Association (ChBA) Commercial Bar Association (ComBar) Employment Law Bar Association (ELBA) Family Law Bar Association (FLBA) Intellectual Property Bar Association (IPBA) London Common Law & Commercial Bar Asssociation Midland Chancery & Commercial Bar Association Northern Chancery Bar Association Northern Circuit Commercial Bar Association (NCCBA) Parliamentary Bar Mess Personal Injuries Bar Association(PIBA) Planning & Environmental Bar Association Professional Negligence Bar Association (PNBA) Property Bar Association Public Access Bar Association (PABA)Revenue Bar Association Technology & Construction Bar Association
The Legal System
The Courts (and related sites) The Children & Family Court Advisory & Support Service (CAFCASS) Civil Court Users Association (CCUA) Criminal Justice System on-line Court Funds Office Court Serve (Daily Listings) Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Court Administration (HMICA) House of Lords Judicial Studies Board Judiciary of England & Wales Tribunals (and related sites) Asylum & Immigration Tribunal (AIT)Council on Tribunals Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) Review of TribunalsTribunals Service********************************************************************************************
This page is being redrafted to contain more links, but in the meantime please feel free to look at the links below.
lawZONE www.lawzone.co.uk
Online legal community, providing daily news and information, resources, practice management tips, exchanges of thoughts, and contacts to the members of the UK legal profession.
Law Commission www.lawcom.gov.uk
A link to the independent body set up by Parliament in 1965 to keep the law of England and Wales under review and to recommend reform when it is needed. Includes a link to the Scottish Law Commission.
UK Legislation www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk
Website containing the full text of all Public and Local Acts of the UK Parliament, the Explanatory Notes to Public Acts, Statutory Instruments and Draft Statutory Instruments; and Measures of the General Synod of the Church of England.
Harassment and Anti-Social Behaviour Law www.harassment-law.co.uk
Website dealing with all aspects of Harassment and Anti-social Behaviour Law created by Neil Addison a member of Circuit based in New Bailey Chambers, Liverpool and Preston.