Episode 6: Mary Prior KC in conversation with Barbara Mills KC, chair of the Bar Council

In this latest episode of the Criminal Justice Matters podcast from the Criminal Bar Association of England & Wales,former Chair of the CBA Mary Prior KC discusses with the Chair of the Bar Council, Barbara Mills KC the privilege, responsibility and pressures of their offices, and their efforts to help barristers of all backgrounds become the best they can be.

Mary and Barbara share their insights into what it takes as women to have risen to the very highest positions of leadership during a time of ongoing generational shift towards greater inclusiveness, kindness and respect in the profession.

They shine a light into the world of negotiations with justice stakeholders, and highlight the power of unity shared through mutual trust between Chairs.

Mary Prior KC, was CBA Chair for a year until 31 August 2025 before which she served one year as Vice Chair. Barbara Mills KC continues her term as Bar Council Chair until 31 December 2025. Riel Karmy-Jones KC succeeded Mary as CBA Chair on 1 September 2025 andcontinues to positively engage with criminal justice matters at the highest political and judicial levels, and fosters the strong, united, working Chair relationship with the Bar Council leadership.

Criminal Justice Matters is produced on behalf of theCriminal Bar Association by ⁠AdamBatstone Media &Communications⁠

For any further information on issues raised in this seriescontact: James Rossiter, CBA director of Communications ⁠07985 117887