Negligence and the Family Barrister

Paul Pavlou Barrister 4 Brick Court Temple London

'The leading rule for the lawyer as for the man of every other calling is diligence. Leave nothing for to-morrow which can be done to-day.' Abraham Lincoln.

The Bar Code of Conduct is surprisingly quiet on the issue of barristers keeping up to date with the latest sensations to appear from the higher courts. Paragraph 708(c) states:

'A barrister when conducting proceedings in court must ensure that the court is informed of all relevant decisions and legislative provisions of which he is aware whether the effect is favourable or unfavourable towards the contention for which he argues.'

And of course in the first 3 years of practice newly qualified practitioners are required to complete 45 hours of CPD including at least 9 hours of advocacy training and 3 hours of ethics (the 'New Practitioners' Programme'). After the first 3 years of practice barristers are required to undertake 12 hours of CPD each year (the 'Established Practitioners' Programme').

There is nothing however that suggests that barristers...

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