We define barristers by their experience. A newly qualified barrister in their 50s would be as ‘young’ as a newly qualified barrister in their 20s. Both individuals would experience similar challenges in the early years of practice.
The Young Barristers’ Committee (YBC) is the voice of the young Bar. The YBC works to represent and promote your interests, on everything from career development opportunities, to addressing issues around bullying and fair allocation of work. The committee is committed to making sure junior barristers are well equipped to master your practice and face the future.Young barristers are the future of the profession, and experience many challenges on the road to building a successful career at the Bar. ‘Young’ barristers can be any age and at any stage of life; your breadth of experience and background is reflected in the committee's work.
Amelia Clegg (Chair), BCL Solicitors LLP
Amelia Clegg is Chair of the Bar Council’s Young Barristers’ Committee and is a dual-qualified in England and Wales and New York. Having practised as a self-employed and employed barrister, and on both sides of the Atlantic, Amelia brings a broad range of experience to her role as Chair. Amelia is currently employed at BCL Solicitors LLP in their Business Crime team.
Yaa Dankwa Ampadu-Sackey (Vice Chair), Four Brick Court
Yaa Dankwa Ampadu-Sackey is a family law barrister specialising in children law and a Special Educational Needs mediator. Cross-qualified in Ghana, she holds a practising licence there and sits on the Bar Council’s Ghana Bar Association Working Group. In 2025, she was named LexisNexis Family Law Young Barrister of the Year for her contribution to family law. Yaa Dankwa is an active member of Inner Temple and serves on several committees supporting education, engagement and retention at the Bar. A passionate advocate for social mobility and diversity, she now serves as Vice Chair of the Young Barristers’ Committee.
Thriving in your first years of practice: event series
We’re here for you at every stage of your career. Our 2026 series of free events ensures you have everything you need in your first few years of practice.
Thriving in your first years of practice: speaking with gravitas
Wednesday 28 January. Learn how to be clear and persuasive, and have a confident communication style.
Thriving in your first years of practice: starting your practising period as a pupil barrister
Tuesday 3 March. For pupil barristers moving from their first to second six.
Thriving in your first years of practice: managing your finances
Thursday 12 March. Take control of your finances and build your confidence in managing your money.
Thriving in your first years of practice: building your practice
Thursday 19 March. Find out how to build and maintain a sustainable practice.
Thriving in your first years of practice: a networking event for the young Bar
Tuesday 24 March. Join us for an informal networking evening.
Thriving in your first years of practice: building your brand
Thursday 26 March. We'll give you the tools to market and position yourself effectively.
'Starting at the Bar: your essential guide' and the 'Life at the Young Bar' report
The Bar Council’s Young Barristers’ Committee has launched 'Starting at the Bar: your essential guide' for young barristers to help ensure everyone joining the Bar starts on an equal footing, with equal access to information and the opportunity to build a thriving practice.
The 'Life at the Young Bar' report, published on 26 January 2022, is based on research from 2021 into barristers who have been practising for up to seven years.
Wellbeing at the Bar
Our research shows that young barristers in particular are exposed to emotionally and psychologically challenging environments on a daily basis. We want to ensure that young barristers feel supported as they join the profession.
Wellbeing at the Bar aims to tackle the stigma associated with mental health and encourage members of the profession, and those who support us, to better understand wellbeing and feel empowered to make healthy choices. The Young Barristers' Committee is helping to support them in their efforts.
Find out more about the programme and view our resources.
