Bar activity and economic trends in sync
One barrister has pointed to a link between activity at the Bar and economic trends, enabling her to predict what cases they will see over the next 12 months.

Banco Chambers barrister Ruth Higgins told Lawyers Weekly: "With the exception of crime, practice area activity tends to correspond loosely to economic trends.”
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
Ms Higgins said she has seen substantial merger and regulatory activity recently, which reflects the upward economic trend. She also pointed to overall lower numbers of insolvency cases.
“If predicted market downturns eventuate, that ratio may invert somewhat,” Ms Higgins said. “Insolvency and related work may increase, with fewer mergers and acquisitions.”
An area of work that has been steadily growing, according to Ms Higgins, is alternative dispute resolution. In particular, she pointed to an increased number of arbitrations.
Ms Higgins was awarded the Junior Barrister award at Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards in 2013 – nominations for this year’s event open now.
Like this story? Subscribe to our free newsletter and receive Lawyers Weekly every day straight to your inbox.