Thriving in your first year of practice

Amrit Kaur Dhanoa, Chair of YBC

I became Chair of the Young Bar because I wanted to play a greater role in ensuring young barristers’ voices are heard on a range of issues, their concerns brought to the fore and that they feel confident that the YBC represents their needs and interests.

The early years of practice for a junior barrister can be fraught with opportunities but challenges too. It is essential that the YBC remains a vital voice for the Young Bar as they navigate those crucial early years and look forward to building successful practices.

Read about Amrit’s priorities.

Zayd Ahmed, Chair of the Young Criminal Bar Association

Zayd is a criminal and extradition barrister who represents both children and adults charged with a full range of criminal offences. He has represented a variety of individuals at both the magistrates’ and crown courts and has conducted in excess of 200 trials obtaining great results. Zayd has an in-depth understanding of the CPIA and the disclosure obligations on both the prosecution and defence.

Zayd is also a dual qualified duty solicitor and has a detailed understanding of the police interview process, allowing him to challenge any breaches of the codes of practice.

He also has experience in dealing with extradition proceedings both at the initial and final hearing and has worked on Proceeds of Crime applications so is able to advise on and challenge cash seizure, forfeiture and confiscation proceedings.

Prior to qualifying as a barrister, Zayd worked for some of the top criminal defence firms litigating high profile cases including murder, terrorism and fraud. He is the chair of the young criminal bar association and an elected member of the Bar Council and confidently represents the needs of young and Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic barristers practising at the bar in England and Wales. He is also a social mobility advocate for the Bar council.

Lauren Webb, Fox Williams

Lauren is a seasoned marketing and communications professional, working with organisations to deliver strategies that elevate visibility, reputation, and authority.

With a wealth of experience garnered from both global and national entities, Lauren has spent the last six years specialising in marcom for the legal and professional services sectors. She brings a straightforward and clear approach to demystifying the realms of public relations, communications, and marketing. Her unique insights and practical methodologies make these often-complex subjects accessible to individuals at all levels of expertise, even those with limited prior knowledge.

With a keen understanding of the evolving landscape, Lauren will share invaluable tips and ideas on how to leverage LinkedIn for success, specifically tailored for newly qualified barristers. Her session promises to equip attendees with the tools they need to build a robust and influential online profile that will support career success.

Luke Eaton, Barrister at 1GC Family Law

Luke is a barrister at 1GC Family Law. He specialises in the law as it relates to children, including private and public law applications and  ‘modern families’ cases.

Luke was called in 2015 and has been shortlisted twice in the LexisNexis awards for Family Law Young Barrister of the Year. He is also ranked in the Legal 500.

Steven Wright, Senior Clerk at 7BR Chambers

Steven is joint Senior Clerk at 7BR Chambers, a leading multi-disciplinary set with over 90 members, including 18 Kings Counsel.

He is responsible for the business development and marketing of members and chambers both nationally and internationally, where the chambers regularly work in Isle of Man, Channel Islands, Hong Kong, Cyprus and the Caribbean. He has over 20 years’ experience in clerking.

Steven also sits on the management committees of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks and the International Bar Council.

Daria Dybov, Medical negligence solicitor at Irwin Mitchell