This autumn, the Bar Council Race Summit will explore the continuing challenges of racism at the Bar, celebrate the progress being made and look at how the profession can work more effectively to tackle discrimination and promote anti-racism.
Find out more and book your place below.
About the summit
The Bar Council Race Summit is a new landmark event providing an opportunity for the Bar to consider the key ongoing race equality issues it is facing. Join us at the summit this November for the launch of a new Race at the Bar report and a keynote speech by former Metropolitan Police Superintendent Dr Leroy Logan MBE, followed by a networking reception to discuss the issues raised.
Race at the Bar report launch
The summit will see the launch of the Bar Council’s Race at the Bar report, featuring recommendations and findings from roundtable discussions held by the Bar Council with over 80 Bar leaders including Chambers' Equality and Diversity Officers, Heads of Chambers and leaders of race equality networks. Among the ongoing race equality issues under consideration are culture, access, retention and progression. The key findings and recommendations on how to tackle race discrimination will be announced at the summit.
Guest speaker: Dr Leroy Logan MBE
Leroy is a former superintendent in the Metropolitan police. He retired in 2013 after 30 years' service. He is also a former chair and founding member of the Black Police Association. Leroy is one of the UK’s most highly decorated and well known black police officers. A highly respected and well regarded commentator on policing in black communities, he believes that there is still much work to do in creating a more equitable and fair criminal justice system. Since his retirement, Leroy has built a reputation as a go-to person expert, using his decades of experience to give insightful, critical analysis on current events surrounding our justice system. He has been called upon by the likes of Channel 4, Good Morning Britain, The Guardian, LBC, BBC Radio 4, HardTalk and more.
Leroy is also the author of 'Closing Ranks: My Life as a Cop.' The book recounts his 30 years in the Metropolitan police which also inspired director Steve McQueen’s recent acclaimed film 'Red, White and Blue' (part of the 'Small Axe' series) in which Leroy was played by John Boyega. At the summit Leroy will share his journey as a black police officer and perspective on race issues; where we have got to as a society, what is still needed to build a more equal criminal justice system and how we tackle issues around race and social mobility going forward.
Attend in-person or online
The event will be hosted at The Honourable Society of Middle Temple in London and live streamed online for those unable to join in person.
All proceeds generated from tickets sales will be donated to equality and diversity based networks working on this agenda across the Bar. Attendees will also have the option of giving an additional donation on the day.
Book your place
Ticket prices
| Ticket type | Price |
| In-person: pupils and barristers in income bands 1 and 2 | £15 |
| In-person: standard ticket | £30 |
| Online only: pupils and barristers in income bands 1 and 2 | Free |
| Online only: standard ticket | £15 |
All proceeds generated from tickets sales will be donated to equality and diversity based networks working on this agenda across the Bar.
With thanks to The Honourable Society of Middle Temple and 7BR for supporting the Bar Council Race Summit 2021.
Please note
Whilst the focus for this event is all ethnic minority communities, the spotlight will be on the experience of Black barristers and Black students aspiring to join the profession as this has been the focal point of the Bar’s work on race over the last 15 months, driven by data on access, retention and progression.