On Circuit, October 2026

Dear All,

Times are busier than ever as we continue our work to represent you on Circuit.

A few updates for you.

Central Criminal Court

After many months of discussions, we have an agreement for a pilot to start on 1st December 2026 on changes to the procedures counsel are required to follow for entrance to the building.

You will still need to send the usual email in advance of your attendance at court and show photographic ID. However, between 08:30 and 09:30 the following procedure will apply:

- There will be a professional users’ lane and a specific pod to assist speed of entry.

- You can leave your laptops in your bag.

- There will be no need to remove your belts, etc.

- You will still be required to undertake the sip test if taking in liquids.

- Prohibited items remain the same.

- Random checks will be carried out on equipment in bags and, if operational reasons require it, procedures may return to normal.

We hope, however, that this will ease the issues that counsel face upon entering the building. We remind all to always be courteous to court staff and security.

Website and emails

We have undergone a rebranding and are also launching a new website in the next couple of days. It has been a labour of love by Aaron, for which we are very grateful. Please do give it a look from 1st November 2026. There is a court directory for all on Circuit, information on all Bar Messes and a new members’ section where you will be able to book Circuit events. Please do let us know your feedback, but I am sure you will see how fantastic it is.

Our new email addresses are:

- leader@southeasterncircuit.com

- arabella.womersley@southeasterncircuit.com

- aaron.dolan@southeasterncircuit.com

Prisoner delays

The Bar Council are still collecting evidence of the delays in delivering prisoners to court and into the courtroom.

Please remember to complete the survey for every delay. The survey can be found here.

Access to cells

Along with the CBA, we have submitted representations to HMPPS concerning the use of the Bar Pass to enter the cell area at court. We recognise the issues the refusal to accept it will cause. I will of course keep you updated on any progress. Please contact me directly if you have problems entering the cells.

Courts and Tribunals Bill

The Bill was before the House of Lords on Tuesday afternoon for its Second Reading, which took place over several hours. It is clear there are a variety of views on the current form of the Bill, voiced by Peers of all parties. The backlog in the magistrates’ courts was raised, as were the removal of the right to elect, the lack of legal advisers, the impact on diversity and the inability of many magistrates to sit for longer periods for more serious cases. You can watch the session here.

Please see here the Bar Council briefing sent to Peers. We wait to see what amendments are made as it progresses. Please do keep in touch with your MPs about it.

Employment Bar

The Employment Bar has been getting to grips with the biggest changes in a generation as the Employment Rights Act 2025 comes into force, impacting on dozens of causes of action. The reduction in the qualifying period for unfair dismissal and the removal of the cap on compensation for unfair dismissal, along with a number of claims being drafted by AI, are sending the waiting lists further into the future, when they are already at three to four years in many regions.

Bar Council Conference

Please do attend the conference on 14th November 2026. There really are some excellent sessions and speakers. Tickets are available here.

Retirements

The start of next year will see the retirement of two of our Circuit Judges, who will be greatly missed.

- HHJ Lodge: a retirement dinner will be held on 12th February 2027 by the North London Bar Mess. To book, please contact John Warrington.

- HHJ Sheridan: a retirement dinner will be held by the Thames Valley Bar Mess, date to be announced.

AGM

The Circuit AGM will be held at Farringdon Chambers at 18:00 on 26th November 2026. Members are encouraged to attend. Please RSVP to Arabella.

Elections

Nominations are now open for positions becoming vacant on the Circuit Committee at the end of this year, including the Circuit Leader, Recorder and 2nd Assistant Junior.

Nominations should be made by or on behalf of Circuit Members who seek election to these positions and must be received no later than 10:00 on 5th November 2026. A brief written statement (200 words maximum) must also be received from the nominee by the deadline. The Circuit Leader must be King’s Counsel. The Recorder and 2nd Assistant Junior must both be juniors. Nominations can be made by any fully paid-up member of the Circuit, and any nominee must be a current member of the Circuit. In the event that more than one eligible nomination is received for a position, the current Circuit Committee will conduct an election. Nominations should be emailed to aaron.dolan@southeasterncircuit.com.

Nominations are also now open for vacant positions as elected SEC Committee members. There are 17 vacancies becoming available from 2027. Nominations should be sent to arabella.womersley@southeasterncircuit.com by 10:00 on 26th November 2026 at the latest.

I look forward to seeing a large number of you at the Circuit’s Annual Dinner this coming Friday at Lincoln’s Inn!

Yours,

Claire Davies KC

Leader, South Eastern Circuit