Incoming Bar Council chairman Desmond Browne QC has hailed the UK as the jurisdiction of choice for resolving disputes arising as a result of the global economic downturn.

In his inaugural speech last night (8 December), Browne, who is joint head of chambers at 5 Raymond Buildings, commented: "Our jurisdiction is well-suited to become the choice location for resolving a wide range of international and national disputes, which will arise out of the recession and the global banking crisis, as much by arbitration as by litigation. This can become one of the drivers for a return to growth in the financial services sector."

He also highlighted the importance of the £220m contribution the Bar makes each year to the UK's overseas earnings

Browne is set to meet the financial services secretary to the Treasury, Lord Myners, in the New Year to discuss ways of promoting English commercial law as the global business law of choice.

However, he expressed concern at moves to cut family legal aid, as well as highlighting the need for publicly-funded work during the downturn.

Browne said: "It is at times like these, when the fabric of our society is under such severe financial pressure, that more than ever the services of publicly-funded criminal and family practitioners are required. Social pressures put the livelihoods, the homes and the family lives of the economically vulnerable directly on the line, and they are entitled to look to our profession as the first line of defence."

He committed staunch support for a solution on the issue of Very High Cost Criminal Cases when the existing system expires next July, pledging that the Bar Council would to continue to oppose hourly rates as a perverse incentive "particularly when those rates are set so dismally low."

He pointed to continuing support for Lord Neuberger's proposals on opening up diversity at the Bar and highlighted the need to promote the role of female practitioners in the profession.

Browne said: "There is too much evidence of heads banging against glass ceilings".