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Conducting Litigation
| Purpose: | Helpful links to BSB and Bar Council information about what constitutes the conduct of litigation |
|---|---|
| Scope of application: | All practising barristers |
| Last reviewed: | 26/11/2019 |
The conduct of litigation is a reserved legal activity under the Legal Services Act 2007. A barrister cannot conduct litigation without authorisation from the Bar Standards Board (BSB). This means that you need to apply to the BSB for a specific extension to your practising certificate, in order to be able to conduct litigation. Information on the application process can be found on the BSB’s website via the link below.
It is a legal matter as to what constitutes the conduct of litigation. The Bar Council and the BSB have, however, separately provided advice on the topic to assist you in making these determinations. Please see the links below for the current advice:
BSB Guidance:
Guidance on conducting litigation
Authorisation to conduct litigation
Applying to conduct litigation
Public access guidance for barristers
Bar Council document:
Important Notice
This document has been prepared by the Bar Council to assist barristers on matters of professional conduct and ethics. It is not “guidance” for the purposes of the BSB Handbook I6.4, and neither the BSB nor a disciplinary tribunal nor the Legal Ombudsman is bound by any views or advice expressed in it. It does not comprise – and cannot be relied on as giving – legal advice. It has been prepared in good faith, but neither the Bar Council nor any of the individuals responsible for or involved in its preparation accept any responsibility or liability for anything done in reliance on it. For fuller information as to the status and effect of this document, please see here.