//Welcome to BACFI

 Follow us on LinkedIn

BACFI represents the interests of employed and non practising barristers providing legal services in commerce, finance and industry - the CFI Bar. It also welcomes student members and members of the Inns of Court who are interested in a career outside Chambers.

BACFI was founded in 1965 and merged in 2004 with the Employed and non practising Barristers' Association (ENPBA). BACFI provides representation, education and support to barristers working in a commercial environment and works to promote "one Bar", to ensure that the status and interests of our members are fully recognised and taken into account by the Bar Council and the Bar Standards Board (BSB).

In 2000, employed barristers were granted equal practising rights with the self employed and gained 14 elected seats on the Bar Council. BACFI is a recognised Specialist Bar Association and though it remains independent of Bar Council, members sit on the Council and many of its Committees. BACFI is also represented on the BSB and some of its committees and through its Professional Issues Committee contributes on members' behalf to both BSB and Bar Council consultations. If you are interested in contributing to BACFI's work or in standing for election to the Bar Council or appointment to the BSB, please contact us.

BACFI also focuses on professional development and career opportunities for its members and hosts a variety of CPD seminars and social networking events throughout the year. Our flagship Denning Lecture and Christmas party is the highlight of our social year.

Membership is open to all barristers and student members of the Inns of Court. To join BACFI, click here.

IMPORTANT CHANGES TO PRACTISING CERTIFICATES

Changes to how to obtain and renew a practising certificate will be implemented in 2012. For details please see the paper on authorisation to practice.

Next Event

On Wednesday 25 April, join us for our Spring Debate: The Press v. The Law at Middle Temple.  Following this event is a Supper Party also at Middle Temple.  Please register in advance by email or telephone (01525) 222 244.

Latest News

BACFI is very keen to increase its involvement with our regulatory body, the Bar Standards Board (BSB).  The BSB is has commenced another round of recruitment for three committees (Standards Committee, Qualifications Committee, Professional Conduct Committee (formerly Complaints Committee) ).  We would therefore like members to consider applying.  At least one of our members was successful in the last round in October.

Please note that a practising certificate is no longer required for these appointments so non-practising barristers can also apply.  The work is interesting and as well as making a contribution to the profession you will also be able to represent the views of in-house barristers.  This is increasingly important at a time of intense regulatory activity.   The time commitment varies between committees but should not be more than one meeting (usually at 5 p.m. at the BSB in High Holborn) every 6 weeks with reading of papers in between.

The application details are on the BSB website at http://www.apoint.co.uk/housing/applicant/application_form_Stage1.aspx?id=6670&Qid=760.  The closing date for applications is 30 January.  We have raised before with the BSB the short timescale so if you are interested we may be able to get the date extended.

I am currently on the Qualifications committee so if you would like any more information about what is entailed do get in touch.  For those who thought of applying last time or who did apply I would very much like to have your feedback to the extent you have not already let me know.  As well as timing issues there may be other aspects which we need to draw to the BSB's attention.

Helen Fletcher Rogers
hfrogers@bacfi.org
(01582) 472 300

Appointments and Diversity: A Judiciary for the 21st Century - BACFI has been asked to contribute to a Bar Council response to this Ministry of Justice consultation. If you have any comments you think we should make, please send them to Tricia Howse before 16th January 2012.

Consultation proposals on Judicial appointments and diversity:  Please see here for proposals put forward by the Ministry of Justice.

Lincoln's Inn first Tuesdays (for members of Lincoln's Inn) - Meetings for the employed bar from 7th February 2012 at 6.30pm in the members' common room at Lincoln's Inn. Why not drop in and meet other employed members for a drink and a chat?

BACFI was delighted that The Rt Hon Lord Justice Munby, Chairman of the Law Commission, was able to give our Denning Lecture on 29th November at Inner Temple. It was entitled “Shaping the Law – the Law Commission at the crossroads” and the text is now available here.

Barristers needed for the ‘Speak up for others – a career as a barrister’ scheme (outside London). Could you give up a few hours to speak at a school about a career as a barrister? If so, and you are outside London, please volunteer. This scheme aims to enhance awareness of the role and training path of barristers, particularly within schools currently without access to this information. The Bar Council will match you with a school in your chosen area (where you live or work) and provide materials for the talk. Further details are available here.

The Professional Issues committee is currently engaged in many important professional activities and welcomes input from members.  Further details can be found on the Professional Issues page.

New Situations & Vacancies

Internship opportunities and requests -- See featured candidates
Tips on EU Vacancies from an Insider
Judicial Appointments Commission -- Forthcoming selection exercises for 2012