New South Wales barristers will this week receive their ballot papers for the Bar Council 2017/2018.

I am standing to provide an alternative opinion to the zeitgeist of recent Bar Councils . A complete re-think of the challenges and the direction of the Bar is urgent.A variety of opinions is vital to find a way through the current difficulties.

The Bar is in apparent numerical decline against the increasing numbers of our colleagues in the solicitors’ branch of the legal profession . That fact has meant a loss of work and in turn less necessary advocacy experience for the junior Bar. That is not good for the Bar or the solicitors who rely upon a skilled band of advocates available to all . The celebrated ‘cab rank rule’ does not apply to solicitors, particularly the big firms who can pick and choose sides and clients . The symbiotic relationship between the two branches of the profession is a result of long held wisdom.

This relationship is in danger of fracture . The Bar Councils of recent times have done little to restore it . Instead have engaged like university SRCs in peripheral political issues or behaved like Brahmins pretending all is well .

I stand for the re-introduction of QC.

I support a full embrace of mediation and the role of mediator  as a skill for the Bar. My friend Mary Walker must be commended for her tireless campaign to bring this issue to our attention and benefit.

I am opposed to the Bar expressing a view concerning Same Sex Marriage and similar matters of personal choice and conviction. This issue is a very personal one about which the Bar Council did not consult its members.

The Equitable Gender Briefing policy should be abandoned and more focused assistance be given to those at the Bar who need help.

I would be delighted to receive your support.