Barristers have started to make use of changes to their practice rules that allow them to operate in new business models.On 1 April the Legal Services Board approved changes to the bar’s code of conduct to enable barristers to practise together in partnership or to become partners in legal disciplinary practices with solicitors.

The Bar Standards Board said it had granted waivers to 15 barristers to enable them to become managers of LDPs before the code amendments were approved by the LSB.

A group of barristers in ­London is about to launch ­Fulcrum Chambers, a new set in which the barristers operate in partnership rather than the loose affiliation of traditional chambers. The set will specialise in advising companies accused of corruption following the introduction of the new Bribery Act.

Meanwhile, London firm Penningtons has promoted professional regulation barrister Nicole Curtis to the partnership.