Chambers for sale

Chambers were discussing the recent report of the sale of two solicitors firms for large sums of money. “It’s about time barristers started taking advantage of the new commercial environment offered by alternative business structures,” said the modernising QC Slick. “What? You think we’re going to sell out to some international law firm for millions [...]

February 3, 2012 · babybarista · No Comments
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Licence to pry

“I love it when a witness completely fails to come up to proof in the witness box,” said OldSmoothie. “Particularly when it was due entirely to the other side’s solicitor making errors in the typing of the witness statement.” “But don’t you think that’s a little unfair on the witness if it wasn’t their mistake?” [...]

February 1, 2012 · babybarista · No Comments
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Civvy street

There was a spirit of rebellion in chambers today after Slick the reforming QC tried to introduce a so-called “civies” or “dress down Friday sort of a day” for all those who weren’t in court. “We can’t possibly come into chambers without suits,” said HeadofChambers. “We might bump into clients going to conferences.” “What, and [...]

January 27, 2012 · babybarista · No Comments
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Who guards the guards?

“I really did feel sorry for the juror who was jailed for sharing her research with the rest of the jury,” said TheVamp today. “But what else can we do if we’re to ensure fair trials?” said BusyBody. “I know,” said TheVamp. “I get the point. I guess my only gripe is that it seems [...]

January 25, 2012 · babybarista · No Comments
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OldSmoothie’s Law of Unintended Consequences

“I still can’t believe I didn’t get anything in the New Year’s Honours,” said OldSmoothie. “What? Been a bit too tight-fisted with your political donations, have you?” said BusyBody. “That’s exactly the point,” said OldSmoothie. “I’ve been paying way over what I consider fair. In the past it’d have got me a peerage and these [...]

January 19, 2012 · babybarista · No Comments
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The Bar is in managed decline

“You know, whatever they said about Liverpool in the past, there’s one thing that is definitely in managed decline,” said HeadofChambers. “OldSmoothie?” said UpTights. “That’s a bit rich coming from the person with a face in such overly managed decline that she can’t even stretch to a smile,” he replied. “What is it?” asked TheCreep. [...]

January 15, 2012 · babybarista · No Comments
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Age of austerity

Despite the fact that it is supposed to be the Christmas holidays, chambers was absolutely packed today. Maybe it’s worries about recession or maybe they’re simply a bunch of workaholics who don’t know what to do when spare time presents itself. Whatever it is, it meant that chambers tea was as full as a mid-week [...]

December 29, 2011 · babybarista · No Comments
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Justice for sale

OldSmoothie was looking particularly smug today, even for him. “Yes, I’ve just got £10,000 on the brief for tomorrow’s one day trial,” he mentioned at least twice just when I was within hearing. “Why on earth would someone pay that much when they could get the junior tenant I shadowed today for £350?” asked a [...]

December 22, 2011 · babybarista · No Comments
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Steering clear of the clients

“It’s about time everyone in chambers qualified for direct access,” announced the modernising Slick today. “You must be joking,” said OldSmoothie. “Can’t think of anything worse, in fact.” “What? You don’t want access to that huge pile of potential fees which is the general public?” said Slick. “It’s all very well giving us direct access [...]

December 15, 2011 · babybarista · No Comments
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Put out to pasture

“Ah, Mr Wheaton,” said HeadClerk today. “I have a possession hearing for you in Lambeth.” There was silence in the clerks room as the other barristers passing through took in the full implications of what was being said. The aged John Wheaton looked distraught. You could tell that something very serious had just been indicated [...]

December 13, 2011 · babybarista · No Comments
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