Barristers on picket lines wearing wigs may — in Lord Sumption’s words — look “ridiculous”, but that would not deter the new leader of the Bar. Richard Atkins, QC, says that he has been out there taking part in strike action, and would do so again. “I don’t want to see, if at all possible, barristers on picket lines,” he says. I’ve taken action in the past.”The threat of such action, taken by barristers twice in the past two years, hovers over the present review of criminal work. “I think we have a better relationship now with the Ministry of Justice than I’ve seen for a long time.

Source: The Times January 10, 2019 00:01 UTC