header-logo header-logo

Rebranding the past

16 July 2021 / John Gould
Issue: 7941 / Categories: Opinion , Profession , Public , Human rights
printer mail-detail
52819
What’s in a name? John Gould on when historical ideals fall out of step with the modern day

‘That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet’

Barristers have always practised alone. Once upon a time, the only collective identity required was that provided by the name of the head of chambers or their address. A grand head of chambers might produce some reflected glory for those toiling away below, but generally addresses provided more continuity and allowed even the slowest-witted solicitor to avoid becoming muddled about where to send their briefs.

Addresses have always seemed like a safe, if somewhat unimaginative, bet. They tend to include words like ‘new’ or ‘old’, reference uncontroversial building materials such as stone or brick, pick up institutional references like the King’s Bench or the Crown Office, or deploy architectural features such as fountains, pumps or gardens. Outside of the Inns, barristers might have to make do with everyday addresses.

Slowly, however, the fact that barristers undertaking similar

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Serious injury teambolstered by high-profile partner hire

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Firm strengthens employment team with partner hire

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

Lawyers’ liability practice strengthened with partner appointment in London

NEWS
Tech companies will be legally required to prevent material that encourages or assists serious self-harm appearing on their platforms, under Online Safety Act 2023 regulations due to come into force in the autumn
Commercial leasehold, the defence of insanity and ‘consent’ in the criminal law are among the next tranche of projects for the Law Commission
The Bar has a culture of ‘impunity’ and ‘collusive bystanding’ in which making a complaint is deemed career-ending due to a ‘cohort of untouchables’ at the top, Baroness Harriet Harman KC has found

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has secured £1.1m in its first use of an Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO)

County court cases are speeding up, with the median time from claim to hearing 62 weeks for fast, intermediate and multi-track claims—5.4 weeks faster than last year
back-to-top-scroll