An independent referral bar is in the public interest and has an ‘assured future’, despite increasing competition and changing working practices, according to its new chair. In an interview with Gazette Online, Michael Todd QC said solicitors see value in the continuation of the independent bar. ‘The bar doesn’t want to do everything solicitors do and, as far as I’m aware, solicitors don’t want to do everything the bar does,’ said Todd.

He added that, despite competition, he did not expect the relationship between the two professions to become adversarial, because they provide complimentary services, albeit it with some overlap: ‘There is no reason to be at each others’ throats.’

Todd also said legal aid cuts had put the publicly funded bar under pressure, and risk damaging the reputation of the English legal system and deterring international clients from using UK courts.