1.1 Organisations regulating barristers

Question 1

What are the three organisations involved in regulating barristers?

Answer 1

1.
The Bar Council;
2.
The BSB; and
3.
The Legal Ombudsman.

Question 2

What, in broad terms, does the Bar Council do?

Answer 2

The Bar Council represents the interests of the Bar.

It is also the approved regulator for barristers, but since 2006 this function has been carried out by the BSB.

Question 3

What does the Bar Standards Board do?

Answer 3

The BSB is the regulatory body for the Bar.

The BSB sets standards for:
1.
education and training;
2.
CPD;
3.
standards of conduct;
4.
service to clients.

The BSB also handles complaints about breaches of the Handbook rules.

Question 4

What does the Bar Tribunals and Adjudication Service (BTAS) do?

Answer 4

BTAS appoints and administers:
1.
Disciplinary tribunals; and
2.
Panels considering suspension, fitness to practise and admission and discipline for Bar students.