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The South Eastern Circuit
Leader's Update

Committee and Officer Elections
As I near the end of my term as Leader of this great Circuit, I can say that it has been both hugely rewarding and challenging. 

It has been and continues to be an honour to represent you. 

If you would like to be involved in the work of the SEC, representing your fellow barristers and supporting those coming into the profession, please consider standing for election to the Committee or to one of the Officer positions which will shortly be vacated. 

I can honestly say that you will find it interesting and worthwhile. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with me if you would like more information as to what being on the committee entails. 
 
There are not many things in life I can guarantee but I feel confident in saying that this election will go more smoothly, and the successful candidates will have a longer time in office than our most recent ex PM. 
 
All the information you need can be found
here. The AGM will be held on Thursday 24 November at 2BR with drinks afterwards  – if you would like to attend, please let my PA know – harriet.devey@southeastcircuit.org.uk
 
CBA Action
I hope that those of you who practise in the Crown Courts are all managing to deal with the challenges over the additional backlog of cases now that the strike is over. Although not everyone voted to return to work it is important that we now move forward to support each other and the criminal justice system as best we can. I know that you will. 
I also would like to thank all of our colleagues who practise in other areas of law who have stood so firmly next to the criminal practitioners in recent months – your support (both financial and moral) has been hugely appreciated.
 
Ongoing court news
As s28 is rolled-out across the South East, I continue to attend meetings with Resident Judges, CPS and HMCTS. Do let me know if you have any issues on this topic.
 
I am also attending regular meetings with the SPJ and other Circuit Leaders, the Bar Council, our Presiders, the CPS Chief Prosecutors and HMCTS Delivery Directors, as well as visiting Courts on the Circuit to speak to Resident Judges and practitioners. If you would like me to come to the court where you practice, do get in touch.
 
Access to Justice Foundation
I would like to draw your attention to the work of the Access to Justice Foundation, a unique charity founded by the legal professions and focussed solely on fundraising and awarding grants to increase the provision of free legal advice across the UK. Their grants are distributed to frontline legal advice agencies that offer free legal advice to clients who would otherwise be unable to access such services. Of course, such grants are reliant upon successful fundraising and in order to achieve success, we turn to representatives from across the sector to support our fundraising initiatives.
 

Pro bono costs orders offer a significant opportunity for barristers to level the playing field when representing a pro bono client. They also offer the potential to generate funds to support the provision of future free legal advice, when pro bono advice and representation is successful in civil matters, there is an opportunity to apply for costs. Of course, as the client is represented pro bono, costs cannot be paid to the barrister. As a result of S194 LSA 2007 fees that would have been payable had the client been fee paying, may be applied for and paid to the Access to Justice Foundation, as the prescribed charity.
 
Tribunals are now also able to award pro bono costs (S194a LSA 2007) and the Foundation is keen to ensure that pro bono practitioners are aware of this.
More information can be found in this document.
 
Dinner
Given the ongoing strike it was felt by the committee to be inappropriate for the SEC to host a dinner. The privilege of doing so will be one for my successor in 2023. Watch this space. 
 
Silk Mentoring
I know that some of you will be awaiting the feedback from the KC Appointments board in relation to your unsuccessful application. Keep going – you will get there eventually. To you, and to those of you considering a first time application please do consider applying to the SEC for a mentor. We have a group of willing and able young Silks who are very happy to help in any way they can.  
 
Reverse Judicial Mentoring
I am pleased to report that this programme initiated b
y Mrs Justice Bobbie Cheema-Grubb and supported by the SEC has been enormously successful. There are moves afoot to extend it due to its popularity. I am extremely grateful to Nneka Akodolu KC for her huge effort in getting ‘volunteers’ on board. 

In these times of political turmoil I wish you well. You know where I am if you want to speak to me. 


Yours,


Christine Agnew QC
Leader of the South Eastern Circuit

leader@southeastcircuit.org.uk

Announcements:

The South Eastern Circuit RASSO Training:
The recording and handout bundle are now available here

ICCA Pupilage Ethics Material:
The ICCA’s Pupillage Ethics materials have been designed to assist pupils in their preparation for the Bar Standards Board’s centrally-set Pupillage Ethics Exam.  
Please access the material here.

Advocacy & the Vulnerable Resources:
For those who are yet to study the Criminal A&V materials, there is a new activity at Stage 3 which is accessible via the 
Bar Council Portal. There is now just one interactive activity taking delegates through a 'best practice' cross-examination of the youngest complainant in the R v George Graham case study. For anyone who has already completed the course, the new activity is recommended revision!

Wellbeing Recordings:

'Resilience - Part Two'
Recorded on Thursday 4th February 2021

A copy of the recording can be accessed here


'Parental Talk - Part Two'
Recorded on Thursday 25th February 2021

A copy of the recording can be accessed here

'Persistent Musculoskeletal Pain Talk'
Presentation Slides accessed here

'Kindness at the Bar'
A copy of the recording can be access here


Further Resources

SEC and Bar Mess Events:

Applied Memory Research:
Date and Time to be confirmed shortly
18.00 - 19.00
Online Lecture
Booking details to follow

Two Parts - Silk Application & Interview Training Seminar:
Date and Time to be confirmed
18.00 - 19.00
Online Lecture


Two Parts - Recorder Application & Interview Training Seminar:
Date and Time to be confirmed
18.00 - 19.00
Online Lecture
Booking details to follow

Tax and Accounting:
Date and Time to be confirmed
18.00 - 19.00
Online Lecture
Booking details to follow

Diversifying Your Practice: 
A Young Bar Event
Date and Time to be confirmed
18.00 - 19.00
Online Lecture
Booking details to follow

Surviving 1st and 2nd Six Pupilage: 
A Young Bar Event
Date and Time to be confirmed
18.00 - 19.00
Online Lecture

Booking details to follow


Dame Anne Ebsworth Memorial Lecture:

Date and Time to be confirmed
In-Person
Details to follow
Other Events:

Annual Bar and Young Bar Conference 2022: 
'Future-proofing the Bar'
23rd - 26th Nov 2022, 17:00 - 19:30
Online & in-person

Full details and to book

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