NEW REPORT: the gov’s proposals for judge-only trials will deliver only marginal savings and distract from the real route out of this crisis: reversing recent falls in court productivity.

Properly funding the court system would clear the backlog even more quickly. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

Clemmie wishes you all a Happy and Healthy 2026

Finally! An accurate explanation of the courts backlog from journalists! And you'll notice that juries have absolutely F all to do with it! This is correct. Lammy and Leveson etc are not telling you the truth in their PR campaign to ruin the CJS yet more.

Justice needs juries. Write to your MP to oppose the restriction of jury trials. Download the template ➡️ https://bit.ly/4pnfz4o #JusticeNeedsJuries #WriteToYourMP

Honouring one of Birmingham’s finest

Why can’t my commute to work be like this every day?

Working from home, the dog has resolutely ignored me all morning. I make myself lunch, suddenly she’s my new best friend.

Is there a more “Bank Holiday job” than sorting out the kitchen drawers?

How do I still know every word to The Chicken Song? #TOTP

Is there a greater look of disgust than that from a bulldog with whom you won’t share lunch?

An honour to attend a Garden Party, with thanks to the Bar Council for the nomination

Tune in to Michael Portillo’s Railway Journeys to see my husband talking about his passion for Tolkien at Sarehole Mill- tonight 6.30pm BBC2

If you're planning your travel to Birmingham for Bar Conference 2025 we've got a great offer for you from our travel partner. TrainSplit is offering all event attendees £10 back on their train travel when booking through the TrainSplit app. Find out more www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-eve...

Game days with my Dad are the best #UTV

Turn off the news, ignore worries about International Trade, just enjoy a picture of our magnolia tree in full bloom!

After doing various news-shows last week, talking about Adolesence, I had so many people asking for more advice on teenage boys, I wrote this: www.mumsnet.com/articles/adv...

I've written a blog attempting to offer some answers to 'Adolescence': thepaternitytest.blogspot.com/2025/03/atte...

If you are preparing your silk application and would like some support, take a look at our silk mentoring service. Or, if you are a KC and would like to help someone through the process, we welcome new mentors. Find out more: www.barcouncil.org.uk/support-for-...

To mark International Women's Day tomorrow, Chair Barbara Mills KC and other women leaders in law share their advice for the next generation of lawyers in @legalcheek.bsky.social Barbara Mills KC shares the 3 things that have made a real difference to her over the years⬇️ Read more bit.ly/4hkpoel

📣 Important announcement! @thebarcouncil.bsky.social practising certificate renewal portal is now open. When renewing your practising certificate, you have the opportunity to donate to Advocate.   If you can, please consider donating. 🔎 Find out more on our website: bit.ly/ATP2025

Ah- that moment when you are CVP linking from a room in one court building to another, and the motion sensitive lights go out, plunging you in darkness- only to come back on when you start waving like a lunatic.

Part 1 of the sentencing review echoes our concerns about how we got here and the scale of the problem. We're at a point of crisis and we agree: change is needed now. Long sentences aren't always the right long-term solution. Radical thinking is required. Read our full statement: bit.ly/3EIcwkJ

Pie, pint, Villa, happy days!

Intermediate courts aren't the answer. Changing the fundamental structure of delivering criminal justice is not a principled response to a crisis that wasn't caused by that structure in the first place. We've set out alternative recommendations in our submission to Leveson's review⬇️ bit.ly/4hnvOKT

Guess where the warmest spot in the house is…

Pleasure to speak to @lizziedearden.bsky.social about this issue www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...

Tony Slattery May he find peace❤️ #TonySlattery

En route to a conference and checking directions, spotted this gem on Google Maps- surely this isn’t real?

Sad story about the state of our courts www.nottinghampost.com/news/notting...

we're thrilled to share that we've started the year with a new addition to our team! he's extremely smart, capable, charming, persuasive, and boasts a wealth of museum experience

First day back at school, rushing to get boys out of car with kit bags etc. Naturally youngest thinks this is the best time to tell me that dolphins eat puffa fish so they can get high. Fascinating information and exactly what I needed to know at 8.22am

A little news to start 2025! Very excited and privileged to become Head of the chambers I first started as a Pupil in.

The dog is keeping a close eye on me, making sure I’m working.

I’ve collected cufflinks since coming to the Bar. Inordinately pleased with this display box - only difficulty will be choosing which pair to where each day now that I can see them all properly!

Clemmie hopes that Father Christmas brought you all that wanted!

We’ve had to put this out to apologise to the neighbourhood dogs…

Yay! Father Christmas has been early! Thank you @lawpawcalendar.bsky.social

Lot of working from home today if Bham International is anything to go by!

Once again the dog refuses to acknowledge we have moved her basket in order to accommodate the Christmas tree.

Long week made infinitely better by bulldog cuddles

Talk to Spot is a secure online tool to support anyone working at and around the Bar to confidentially raise concerns about inappropriate or abusive behaviours. Find out more: www.barcouncil.org.uk/support-for-...

Got mugged at court by a cute dog- couldn’t say no that face when she wanted to borrow my wig!

Away for work, nice looking pub at the top of the road. Arrive 6.30pm Q- “Hi, are you doing food?” A- You’re a bit early” I look at my watch- Q- “What time do you start serving?” A “Next Sunday” Ready meal for one it is then.

A face only a mother could love

I’m working from home today. Do I A) Get on with my trial prep and myriad advices B) Build a snowman?

Are we doing those old-school, meandering, ludicrous threads here? They were the best thing about ol’ Twitter. And, hoo boy, have I got one for you. Buckle up. We need to talk about Gromit. 🪡 🧵 🪡

The Chair says we will engage positively with the newly announced sentencing review. Delighted that our working group on sentencing will be chaired by @brummybar.bsky.social #BarCouncil

Been away with work for a few days. The dog is overjoyed to see me.