Standing firm in power and pride - Black History Month 2025

Courtenay Griffiths KC
A giant of the criminal Bar. Respected and revered all over the world for his brilliance in high profile cases. Courtenay Griffiths KC was dedicated to using his voice to advocate for the integrity of the justice system he served. He opened doors for aspiring barristers and colleagues. Tireless, generous and inspiring, he showed what it means to use power with purpose.

Anesta Weekes KC
Renowned for her sharp advocacy and public service, Anesta Weekes KC has shaped the criminal Bar through landmark inquiries, including the Stephen Lawerence Inquiry. Anesta shares her expertise through advocacy training across the world. Beyond the courtroom, she is a dedicated mentor and advocate for diversity. Anesta’s career reflects both mastery of the law and a deep commitment to fairness at every level.

Leonard Woodley QC
Leonard Woodley QC was the first Black barrister to take silk. He was involved in significant Black civil liberties trials including the Mangrove Nine and the Newham Eight. Underscoring his support for the fight against apartheid in South Africa, as head of his chambers, Len invited Nelson Mandela to be an honorary door tenant, which he accepted. A visionary whose influence endures.

Dame Linda Dobbs DBE
Dame Linda Dobbs was the first Black person appointed as a High Court Judge in the UK. She served on the Queen’s Bench Division from 2004 to 2013. Her achievement marked a turning point in the judiciary and remains a beacon of inspiration. Beyond the Bench, she has trained judges and lawyers across world, particularly in Africa and the Caribbean. She has devoted herself to mentoring and creating opportunities, ensuring that others can follow the path she helped to carve.

Bibi Badejo
Bibi Badejo is a recognised expert in trial advocacy and founded The Advocacy Podcast and The Advocacy Coach to help lawyers worldwide sharpen their courtroom skills. With listeners in over 150 countries and a worldwide coaching practice, Bibi’s work transforms talented advocates, empowering them to excel while raising standards across the profession.

Rachel Bale
Rachel Bale co-founded HerBar, an online hub and community for aspiring and practising women barristers and clerks. Rachel has created a space for connection, support and professional growth. Through events, mentorship and advocacy, HerBar supports women across the profession, helping them gain visibility, confidence and opportunities, while shaping a more inclusive and connected legal community.

Mass Ndow-Njie
Determined to make the Bar a place of belonging, Mass Ndow-Njie founded Bridging the Bar. Now in its 5^th year, the initiative has become a leading force in opening doors for aspiring barristers from under-represented communities. Mass also broke new ground as the first pupil barrister recognised as ‘Barrister of the Week’ by a leading legal publication.  Tireless in his commitment to fairness and access, he is reshaping the future of the profession with courage and generosity.

Glenn Parsons
Glenn Parsons is as committed to his community as he is to the courtroom. Known for tackling some of the most complex criminal trials, he has also led diversity outreach work on the North Eastern Circuit. This includes a scholarship award fund launched in 2021 which has successfully supported many people to enter the profession who would otherwise not have. He has also been inspirational outside of the Bar and brought the spotlight onto the efforts of Black soldiers stationed in Filey in WWII, ensuring a blue plaque was placed in their honour.

Ife Thompson
Rooted in activism and community advocacy, Ife Thompson founded BLAM UK and Black Protest Legal Support. A United Nations Fellow for the International Decade for People of African Descent, she leads on pioneering work on Black language justice, challenging how Black voices are represented in education and the legal system. Her work continues to challenge systems of bias, ensuring Black voices are heard, understood and given the weight they deserve.