Chalk might well have taken silk in the real world though. Not that I identified him as a future star when we did the GDL and BVC together.

Well, there is also the *other* problem with the infrastructure, ie, lifts, aircon etc broken all over the estate.

I think ideas on those lines have been floated every time this question comes round (which it does regularly) but never got anywhere because it's all too difficult...

Because huge numbers of students from commonwealth countries place value on being called to the bar by the English Inns of Court but do not want to do pupillage here (nor is there capacity) let alone practice.

Straight away, as they come out of the oven

You mean, if you were applying the Bar Standards Board code to politicians? Yes, I guess that would be about right

Not quite, the key test is if the size etc 'would lead others reasonably to think that your independence had been compromised'. (Personally I've never been offered more than a decent bottle of wine after a case)

Having just looked at COM1040 that seems wrong to me, but as I said in another comment bit outside my field

Not profits or income of the company so I think COM1040 indicates HMRC think it's ok. Agree it's doubtful and it's not really my field. My chambers' co does other things as well so clearly isn't dormant.

We certainly do. Would be quite peeved if they weren't.