The Ministry of Justice is organising a UK-Middle East Legal Services Week on 6 to 8 July 2021, hosted by Lord Wolfson of Tredegar QC. Details can be found here

The aim is to take delegates on an insightful virtual journey with expert industry insiders who will lead engaging sessions for law firms and chambers that want to expand their global footprint and explore business opportunities across the Middle Eastern markets. Sessions will draw on both the opportunities and challenges for growth in key sectors, including Financial Services, Infrastructure and Lawtech. A significant number of leading speakers have been confirmed. Please see attached.

Webinar recording will be uploaded in Members’ Area.

There will be a seminar on Tuesday 23 March 2021, at 5.30pm, for those considering a judicial career. Speakers will be Lady Justice Carr, Mrs Justice Cockerill and others to be confirmed. Zoom details will be sent to COMBAR members nearer the time.

The Honourable Mr Justice Foxton, Sonia Tolaney QC, and Conall Patton QC will present this zoom event at 5pm [please note earlier start time] on Monday 29 March 2021. Pupils are welcome to attend. There is no need to register in advance.

Zoom details will be sent to COMBAR members nearer the time.

A Barrister’s Guide to Ranking: Q&A with Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500 – will take place on 22 February 2021 from 5.30pm – 7pm. If you would like to attend, please book your place here.

During this 90-minute Q&A session, both directories will provide a brief overview of how their ranking systems work before answering your questions. The focus of the event will be on individual rather than organisational level submissions to provide barristers with a clearer idea of how to make an argument for your chambers or firm to support your application; and what you can do to make sure you are ready to apply.

This event is aimed at practising barristers and clerks, particularly those who have Black barristers within their chambers.

Before the session, attendees may wish to watch the Chambers and Partners’ November 2020 “How To”webinar which provides some background to their processes although the BBN event will be specifically tailored towards Black barristers.

Attendees are encouraged to send questions in advance using the event registration form or via email to info@blackbarristersnetwork.org.uk

Monday 1 March 2021, 5.30pm via zoom

Simon Salzedo QC, Adam Kramer and Professor Jane Stapleton

Mohsin’s book focuses on his experiences growing up gay in a strict Muslim household as well as addressing themes of race, class and mental health.  A Dutiful Boy, named in the Guardian and GQ Magazine‘s Best Books of 2020, is a coming of age memoir about Mohsin Zaidi’s life. Mohsin grew up in east London in a devout Muslim household in which being gay would be inconceivable. A young closeted Mohsin attended an inner city school where violence was a fact of life and his drive led him to become the first person from his school to attend Oxford University. At university, he was able to be his true self but when confronted by his father, he was invited to be ‘cured’ by a witch doctor.  Mohsin will discuss his battle with shame and the long journey to acceptance him and his family faced, overcoming religious and cultural barriers in the process.  Please register by clicking here. This session will be recorded.

23 February 2021 – TECBAR, COMBAR and ChBA  are jointly hosting a panel discussion “The Silk Application and Life as a Junior Silk” from 5.30pm-6.30pm. This will be administered by Gray’s Inn.

The panel discussion and Q&A session will  be led by Siân Mirchandani QC of 4 New Square. The panellists include:

• Mrs Justice Cockerill, Judge in Charge of the Commercial Court, DBE
• Mrs Justice O’Farrell, Judge in Charge of TCC, DBE
• Mrs Justice Bacon, Chancery Division, DBE
• Russell Wallman – Chief Executive of the QCA
• Andrew Walker QC – QCA Selection Panel
• Claire Packman QC elect – 4 Pump Court (2020 silk)
• Nichola Warrender QC elect – Quadrant Chambers (2020 silk)
• Saima Hanif QC elect – 3 VB (2020 silk)
• Clare Dixon QC elect – 4 New Square (2020 silk)
• Myriam Stacey QC elect – Landmark Chambers (2020 silk)

We welcome all practitioners (barristers and solicitors) and practice managers. This includes more junior practitioners who want a better understanding of what the application and life in silk entails. Questions can be sent to the email address below and will be addressed by the panel.

This event is organised by the Equality and Diversity Sub-Committees of TECBAR, COMBAR and ChBA and has been generously supported by Gray’s Inn.

RSVP by email to paula@4pumpcourt.com

Nicholas Vineall QC (who represented the LMAA before the Supreme Court) and a panel of experienced arbitrators (Hilary Heilbron QC, Christopher Style QC and Clare Ambrose) will discuss the decision and its ramifications.

COMBAR Handout 11 December 2020