Bar's transformation policy raises hackles

A draft transformation policy which compels senior counsel to brief black and female junior colleagues was sent to members of the Cape Bar for comment last week, according to a Weekend Argus report. It states senior members of the Bar risk disciplinary action if they fail to appoint black and female junior counsel with less than five years’ standing on a fee-sharing basis. Fee-sharing guidelines were attached. Weekend Argus says that on the face of it the document seems a step towards transformation of the white male-dominated Bar. However, many members are expected to lodge fierce objections because the proposals exclude black and female advocates who have been at the Bar for more than five years. The Bar Council said the document would be reconsidered after comments were received.