Now call me a cynic, but how much like PR nonsense does this article in the Times about the programme for the Bar Conference 2007 sound?

Ah, yes. Human Rights pervade all aspects of the profession, that and an ability to export legal services. Well yes, acting for vulture funds indicates a remarkable regard for human rights, so no contradiction there.

The organiser of the conference, Catherine Addy, a ‘young’ Chancery practioner is apparently terribly au courant with human rights. Heavens knows how it affects a Chancery practice, but never let it it be said that a lack of practical knowledge impedes a member of the bar. I’m also delighted to see that a concern for rational argument has won out over seeking desperate reaction-prodding sensationalism by inviting Melanie Phillips to a panel discussion.

If somebody wishes to inform me how Human Rights inform a Commercial or Chancery Bar practice, or indeed the practices of a large part of the Bar, other than the obvious ones, I would be delighted to be put straight.

In further shock news, ‘I had no problem gaining access to the Bar’ says the comprehensive educated, northern, Cambridge graduate Chancery Barrister organising the conference. ‘As one of the themes of the conference is access to the Bar, I don’t feel at all used as a token’, she didn’t say.