Andrew Walker QC shares his reflections on a year in office & looks ahead
As Chair of the Bar this year, I have tried to focus relentlessly on seeking to secure a better future: for the Bar itself, of course, but also in every area affecting the Bar and which the Bar cares about as a profession. It has been a difficult agenda, with many strands. We owe it to the Bar to pursue all of those strands with vigour, and I hope the Bar will judge that we have done so, and are continuing to do so. As the end of my term approaches, what do I see ahead?
For years, we have seemed to be on the back foot, fighting off yet further damaging changes, with little opportunity to move forward. Some of this is now changing, little by little, and we have been working hard to try to build the relationships that can make this happen.
A major focus has been on improving the situation for the publicly funded Bar. A viable future requires criminal and family