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NLJ this week: Bar Council vows ‘decisive & radical’ reform after Harman review

03 October 2025
Issue: 8133 / Categories: Legal News , Profession , Harassment
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Barbara Mills KC, chair of the Bar 2025 and joint head of chambers at 4PB, sets out in this week's NLJ how the profession will respond to Baroness Harriet Harman KC’s review into bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct at the Bar

The review, published in September, recorded almost 200 submissions and exposed a culture where junior barristers, women and people of colour were most at risk, often targeted by those in power. Harman’s 36 recommendations include mandatory anti-bullying training, consistent complaints procedures and a new Commissioner for Conduct.

Mills stresses that change is not optional: chambers have been issued with immediate guidance and further reforms will follow by year’s end. The Bar Council unanimously backed the proposals and pledged to drive culture change with regulators, chambers and the judiciary.

Mills insists this is a generational chance to ensure everyone belongs at the Bar and that the response will define the profession’s credibility.

Issue: 8133 / Categories: Legal News , Profession , Harassment
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