I am delighted to be Chair of the Young Bar Committee (YBC) in 2026.
The YBC’s role is to represent and to be the voice of barristers under 7 years’ call. Our remit ranges from policy work (including drafting reports and guidance for young barristers and responding to government consultations) to maintaining and developing relationships between regional, national and international professional organisations for young lawyers. Above all, we are the port in the storm for all of those taking their first steps at the Bar. We are here to listen to you, to support you and to represent your views to the wider Bar Council and to the rest of the profession.
I have enjoyed an unusual career in the law so far and my priorities for my year as YBC Chair reflect that experience:
Supporting women in the profession: This year, for the first time in its history, all four officers of the Bar Council, as well as the Vice Chair of the YBC, are women. Although this is testament to the fact that female barristers have made advances within the profession, there is work to be done. Baroness Harriet Harman KC, in her Independent review of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment at the Bar observed that bullying and harassment disproportionately impact women, those from ethnic minorities, and people with a disability. The YBC will work towards eradicating those behaviours and we are ready to help the new Commissioner for Conduct Dame Maria Miller tackle bullying, harassment and sexual harassment at the Bar.
International opportunities: I intend to use my transatlantic experience and connections to help develop relationships between the Bar and American law organisations. The YBC encourages and provides opportunities for young barristers to attend international conferences and to make connections with fellow young lawyers through programmes such as the annual Anglo-Dutch Exchange.
Careers at the employed bar: As the first employed barrister to be YBC chair, it is important to me to champion the sometimes-undervalued employed Bar, and to support and encourage young barristers who want to explore a career at the employed Bar. I have experience of practising in chambers, in the United States and now at the employed Bar in England and therefore I am uniquely placed to understand the benefits and difficulties experienced by both the independent and the employed Bar.
You can read more about my priorities for this year as well as what influences and motivates me in Counsel magazine.