Law Update: Setting standards

The independent review body set up to examine the Bar's professional standards has published a consultation paper. It is seeking views on issues including improvements to the complaints and disciplinary system, and ending the rules prohibiting barristers from seeing witnesses in advance.

Also under consideration is common training for barristers and solicitors. The Bar Council has issued a consultation paper examining a series of options leading to the merging of legal education, but the council's chairman, Robert Seabrook QC, makes clear that there is no suggestion of fusing the two branches.