On Circuit, September 2026

Dear Members,

I hope many of you have been able to enjoy some much-deserved time off work to enjoy the wonderful summer we have had, and if not, that you will be taking a break soon.

The Circuit did not stop over the summer, submitting a response to the fees consultation on AGFS, which is available here. A big thank you to Tim Forte KC and Stephen Rose KC who assisted me with the response. We await the Government's response. We do not accept that there should be no increase to the Daily Attendance Fee, but even more importantly the fee increases must be on current cases in the system.

We welcome Andrew Thomas KC into the role as Chair of the CBA and congratulate Kama Melly KC on her appointment as Vice Chair of the CBA, which began on 1st September 2026. We will continue to work alongside the CBA regarding the Courts and Tribunals Bill.

Due to our remote working we often do not get time to come together and socialise, and so once again we are hosting our Circuit Dinner at Lincoln's Inn on 30th October 2026. To book your tickets before they sell out, please contact the Circuit office.

Jury trials

We now know there is not much longer to wait to see what form the Courts and Tribunals Bill will take when it returns to Parliament on 13th October 2026. We hope that both the Prime Minister and the Lord Chancellor have reflected on the proposal to restrict the right to a jury.

We continue to press MPs for their support and there are several visits lined up on our Circuit which we encourage you to attend and let the MP know your views. We will be having visits to Wood Green, Canterbury and Cambridge over the coming months.

Bullying and harassment at the Bar

It is now a year since Harriet Harman's report was published, and during that time we have seen the appointment of Dame Maria Miller as the Commissioner for Conduct. On 29th September 2026 we are hosting an in-person event at 25 Bedford Row for members of the Circuit to meet Dame Maria Miller, to air your views and discuss progress, or what you would like to see happen going forward.

Spaces are limited and places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

If you have been the subject of bullying, whether by a member of the Bar or the Judiciary, please do not hesitate to contact me directly and in confidence.

Snaresbrook Crown Court: Mental Health Roundtable

On 8th October 2026 HHJ Cuthbert is chairing a roundtable event bringing together mental health practitioners, legal practitioners and criminal justice partners to discuss ways of improving access to justice and the handling of cases involving individuals with mental health conditions.

All are welcome to share their experiences and the current challenges faced within the system. It will take place in the Bar Mess between 16:30 and 18:30. Refreshments will be provided.

Southwark Crown Court

The updated protocol is now in place as of 1st September 2026. This includes what I previously referred to as an inference document. It has been renamed as a prosecution core document schedule and a defence core document schedule. A copy of the protocol is available here.

We have raised concerns on your behalf as to the increase to counsel's workload this document could produce, if, as has been required in some cases, it is to address all documents in a jury bundle. We continue to monitor the position along with the CBA and the FLA. Please could anyone involved in a case where such a document is required get in touch with me directly.

Bailey security

At last, the Central Criminal Court has reviewed its security process and has agreed that professional court users, including barristers, solicitors, police officers, CPS staff and other recognised professionals, will be permitted to retain and carry aerosols and perfumes within the building. Discussions continue as to whether other restrictions can be lifted to ensure counsel can go about their day without obstruction.

Junior mentoring scheme

Our junior mentoring scheme continues to run for members of the Circuit who wish to be allocated a mentor to advise on matters such as career progression, changes in chambers, and returning to work. It is intended for tenants, and you can be allocated a mentor within your own specialism or across specialisms. The scheme is proving a success so far.

New pupils: First Six Pupils Event, Friday 23rd October

Autumn brings a new cohort of pupils into many of our chambers, and I am sure we can all recall this as an exciting start to our legal journeys, but also nerve-racking. Please help them settle in, and remember our annual pupils event in October.

We are grateful to Gray's Inn for once again hosting the event. Due to its popularity this informative evening is now fully booked with a large waiting list. If your pupil has gained a place but can no longer attend, please let the Circuit office know so that we can offer the place to someone on the waiting list.

Young Bar Day, CBA

On 17th October 2026 the CBA are hosting a Young Bar conference. I encourage all those up to seven years' call to attend. There will be an experts' demonstration, a panel on building your brand and developing your practice, and a choice of drop-in workshops, with a drinks reception to follow.

RASSO training

On 24th October 2026 we are holding an accredited RASSO course at QEB. It is an in-person event. I encourage you all to ensure you update your training if you prosecute or defend in these sensitive cases.

Law Commission homicide consultation and roundtable

The Law Commission are undertaking a comprehensive review of the law of homicide and are keen to engage with legal practitioners. The consultation period runs until 30th September 2026. They are hosting a remote roundtable on 23rd September from 16:30 to 18:00 and would welcome participation. Please let the Circuit office know if you wish to attend.

Family

The FLBA National Conference and AGM takes place on Saturday 17th October 2026 between 08:45 and 16:30 at the Grand Hotel, Brighton, followed by a Gala Dinner. There will be drinks for junior barristers beforehand at the Lion and Lobster from 19:00. On 22nd October 2026 there is an online panel event for pupils, recent tenants and junior barristers, at 18:00.

Bar Council Conference

The Bar Council are holding their annual conference on 14th November 2026 in London, with sessions on expert witnesses, justice matters, building your practice and culture at the Bar.

If there are any issues you wish to raise, please do not hesitate to contact me. It is your Circuit and it is here to work for you.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Circuit events this year.

Claire Davies KC, Leader, South Eastern Circuit