We recently visited the Old Bailey and the Bar Council to discuss some of the key issues facing the legal profession.
Insights from the Old Bailey
We were fortunate to meet Her Honour Judge Anuja Dhir KC, who shared her perspectives on a range of topics including public confidence in the rule of law, the growing role of AI in legal services, and the relationship between the judiciary and the Bar.
A particular highlight was the opportunity to observe proceedings in her courtroom, where we saw first-hand the interaction between judge and counsel before hearing a closing statement in an ongoing trial. It was a valuable insight into the professionalism and expertise that underpin the justice system.
Access to justice, AI and more – understanding the Bar Council’s priorities
During the meeting, the Bar Council shared some of their key policy work and priorities with us.
We gained insights into the experiences of barristers at different points in their careers through the latest Barristers’ Working Lives survey. The results highlighted concerns around access to justice and the sustainability of legal aid work. Notably, 20-25% of legal aid barristers would like to do less legal aid work, and 75% of barristers did not think that the public had enough access to justice.
We heard about the Bar Council’s IT panel and its role in shaping support and guidance for barristers adopting generative AI technologies. As we have recently published our AI plan for 2026/27, it was great to further explore the use of AI in legal services and the importance of maintaining public trust around data security.
Looking Ahead
The day provided a valuable opportunity to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing the Bar and the wider legal sector. Our thanks go to Sarah Richardson and the wider Bar Council team for organising such an informative visit.
Visits like this feed directly into our thinking as we develop our new three-year strategy. Regulation works best when it is grounded in real experience, and conversations with professional bodies and members of the judiciary provide us with valuable insights. We will consult on the draft strategy later this year and welcome views from across the sector.
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