Community space

weareadvocate.org.uk

Advocate is the Bar’s national pro bono charity.  They match members of the public who need free legal assistance with barristers across England and Wales who generously donate their time and expertise in deserving cases where individuals are unable to obtain legal aid and cannot afford to pay. They cover all areas of law, and work in all courts and tribunals.

Barristers with a practising certificate, from their second six all the way to KC can sign up to browse pro bono cases with Advocate.

Please reach out to their team to find out more about how you can get involved.

disabledlawyers.co.uk

The Association of Disabled Lawyers (ADL) was the first independent, pan-profession organisation of people working in and studying law with impairments and physical and mental health conditions (referred to as ‘disabled people’ or ‘disabled lawyers’ for brevity hereafter).

The ADL is a community and network raising awareness that disabled people can learn and practice law. It also provides education and information about breaking barriers faced by disabled lawyers, and the reasonable adjustments that can mitigate the disadvantage faced. The ADL achieves its aims through engagement, podcasts, school projects, events, campaigning and research.

bridgingthebar.org 

Bridging the Bar is a charity, founded in July 2020, that aims to support aspiring barristers from a range of statistically underrepresented groups at the Bar. We are working to create a Bar that benefits society by ensuring that the profession is open to individuals from all walks of life. 

The Bridging the Bar Academy was created to act as a “bridge” between today’s Bar and the diverse Bar that our society needs. Through our programme, candidates receive one-on-one mentoring with practising barristers, gain mini-pupillage experience, and access paid internships with the UK Supreme Court, High Court, Court of Appeal, and the Law Commission. They work with chambers to develop their advocacy skills, practice with actors, and utilise resources designed to enhance their chances of securing pupillage and succeeding at the Bar. 

bdabar.org 

BDABar is led by disabled aspiring barristers and allies. Our organisation aims to make the Bar a more diverse and disability-inclusive profession. Through research and EDI education, we are reframing the narrative around disabilities. By supporting aspiring disabled candidates, we will empower the emergence of an equal and representative Bar. 

By aspiring barristers, for aspiring barristers: We are a network of aspiring barristers, supported by professional allies. On our own journey to the Bar, we offer insight into what needs changing and provide support where needed. 

Our holistic strategy: BDABar believes that awareness-raising and career opportunities are best facilitated when combined with evidence-based advocacy. Our holistic strategy will improve accessibility to the profession and educate the wider community. 

Intersectionality: Multiple protected characteristics can exacerbate assumptions about your suitability to succeed at the Bar. We resolve to shatter those misconceptions.

ipsea.org.uk

IPSEA is widely recognised as the leading charitable organisation in England providing free independent legal information, advice, and casework support to families with children and young people, aged 0-25, with SEND.  All their free advice services are delivered by a network of around 100 volunteers who are at the heart of IPSEA’s work.

IPSEA also provides training to parents, carers and SEND professionals as well as work to influence local and national SEND policy.

neurodiversityinlaw.co.uk 

Neurodiversity in Law is a charitable organisation dedicated to raising awareness, providing support, and promoting the inclusion of neurodivergent people at every stage of the legal profession. We work to break down barriers, provide resources, and promote a more inclusive environment for everyone. 

We believe in a future where the legal profession recognises and values neurodivergent perspectives, provides accessibility for all, and creates inclusive spaces where everyone's needs are met. 

atjf.org.uk/ 

Every year across the UK, millions of people will need legal advice. They’re families at risk of eviction and homelessness, grown children fighting to get care for a loved one, or workers challenging discrimination from an employer. But they won’t get the support they need - because they can’t afford it or they don’t know where to turn. 

The Access to Justice Foundation is the only funder dedicated to increasing free legal support, advice and representation across the UK. The funds raised help community organisations offer free legal advice. The focus is on communities where people are less likely to know about or be able to access legal help. 

bacfi.org

BACFI is celebrating 60 years of representation, education and support to employed barristers and works to promote "one Bar", to ensure that the status and interests of our members are fully recognised and taken into account by the Bar Council and the Bar Standards Board (BSB). BACFI is a recognised Specialist Bar Association and though it remains independent of Bar Council, members sit on the Council and many of its Committees. 

BACFI also focuses on professional development and career opportunities for its members and hosts a variety of seminars, webinars and social networking events throughout the year. It also welcomes student members and members of the Inns of Court who are interested in a career outside Chambers. 

charitylawassociation.org.uk/ 

Founded in 1992, the Charity Law Association brings together those who advise and work with charities: barristers, solicitors, academics and charity professionals. 

Charity law shapes the work of museums, schools, hospices, faith groups and campaigning organisations. Our 1,100 members deal with questions of public benefit, trustees' duties, the powers of the Charity Commission, and what happens when a founder's wishes no longer serve contemporary society. 

We hold an annual conference and members' meetings, run working parties, produce model documents, and respond to government and regulator consultations. 

Student membership is available at a heavily reduced rate. Do visit our stand to find out more. 

cpba.org.uk/about/

The Court of Protection Bar Association is a professional association for barristers who specialise in cases in the Court of Protection. Cases are heard in the Court of Protection or (sometimes) in the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court. Whilst there is a vast range of such cases, the one thing almost all have in common is that one or more litigants lacks the capacity to make their own decisions.

thefru.org.uk

The Free Representation Unit is a pro bono legal charity. We provide one of the few opportunities to deliver advocacy in real legal cases prior to qualification. 

FRU volunteers represent clients in social security, employment and criminal injuries compensation appeal tribunals. Our volunteers are trainined and  supported by a team of paid legal officers to take ownership of all aspects of case preparation and advocacy at the tribunal hearing.

FRU volunteers gain experience in case strategy, client care, legal research, drafting of witness statements, schedules of loss and submissions, case file preparation, settlement negotiation and oral advocacy.