Shining a Light on Justice, Empowering Your Legal Journey
Written by John Barwell
In March 2025, ten women – among them doctors, a nurse, and a nuclear industry whistleblower – launched a legal challenge against the UK’s judicial watchdog. They allege that an employment judge, Philip Lancaster, bullied and biased proceedings in their cases, yet the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) refused to investigate.[^1] One complainant, Alison McDermott, […]
Written by John Barwell
SRA faces judicial review over alleged regulatory failures and calls for reform.
Written by John Barwell
The Crown Court backlog highlights systemic failures, with costly Nightingale courts offering little more than a temporary patch.
Written by John Barwell
A Channel 4 documentary exposes severe corruption and misconduct within Avon and Somerset Police, highlighting the critical need for systemic reform.
Written by John Barwell
Concerns about Freemasonry’s influence in the UK’s police and judiciary persist, highlighting the need for renewed scrutiny and updated transparency measures to restore public trust and ensure institutional integrity.
Written by John Barwell
Conflicts of interest, hidden networks, and a lack of accountability plague the UK justice system—who stands to benefit, and what needs to change?
Written by John Barwell
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) can seem like an intimidating body, especially when challenging misconduct in the legal profession. This guide aims to simplify the process for those who want to apply directly to the SDT without the help of a lawyer, making it clearer how to work within this regulatory framework.
Written by John Barwell
In my previous articles, I’ve criticised the SRA’s failures extensively. The Axiom Ince scandal is just one example that highlights how a body meant to regulate the profession often appears to shield it instead. However, I now find myself at a point where I must engage with the wider regulatory system, specifically the Solicitors Disciplinary […]
Written by John Barwell
John Barwell clarifies the correct process for lay applications to the SDT, addressing misconceptions and providing accurate guidance.
Written by John Barwell
The Myth of Fairness The presumption that the UK justice system is inherently fair and impartial is a comforting yet ultimately misleading notion. For many LiPs, this perception of fairness is wholly detached from reality. Increasingly, there is a pervasive sentiment that the justice system is not only rigged but disproportionately skewed in favour of […]
