Community space

Advocacy Practice Club (APC) is a supportive community for aspiring barristers to build confidence, sharpen advocacy skills, and connect with others on the journey to the Bar.

APC hosts weekly practice sessions which cover all aspects of advocacy — from case theory to witness handling, and closing arguments. Sessions explore a variety of legal topics, providing exposure to different areas of practice.

Seasoned practitioners provide constructive feedback to support your development as an effective advocate. Whether preparing for pupillage or seeking a professional peer network, APC will help you grow, connect, and thrive as you prepare for success at the Bar.

advocacypracticeclub.com

AllBar was founded to support barristers, and aspiring barristers, with a disability. We host events including an annual webinar for pupillage applicants with a disability. We have created a support network and hope to set up a work experience scheme for disabled pupillage applicants. We hope to contribute to making the Bar more representative by making the Bar a more supportive place for disabled practitioners. We have a steering group of barristers, pupil barristers and aspiring barristers in England and Wales, some of whom have a disability, and some of whom do not. Reach us at [email protected].

allbar.org.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.

disabledlawyer.co.uk

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.

bacfi.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.

bridgingthebar.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.

bdabar.org

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.

cpba.org.uk/about/

International [Future] Barrister Mentorship (IFBM) is a pioneering initiative supporting international applicants pursuing a career at the Bar of England and Wales. IFBM offers a tailored, three-stage mentorship scheme: pre-pupillage, pupillage, and beyond attaining pupillage mentorship. It provides twelve months of bespoke mentoring, including CV reviews, application workshops, and general immigration support. Its mentors comprise barristers, pupil barristers and incoming pupil barristers with international backgrounds. IFBM addresses unique challenges faced by international candidates, by fostering a supportive community and sharing vital information on scholarships, employment, and regulatory requirements. IFBM’s impact is evident in its mentees’ successes and positive feedback.

uk.linkedin.com/company/international-future-barrister-mentorship 

Lawyers Who Care (LWC) is the UK’s first organisation to enhance access for care leavers within the Legal industry. They are an apolitical organisation, facilitating long-term mentoring and paid work experience opportunities for care-experienced aspiring solicitors and barristers.

LWC aims to:

• Build legal networks for care leavers.
• Bridge the lack of social capital that accompanies care experience.
• Erase the stigma associated with such experience.
• Demonstrate the unique gifts and talents that care experienced people can bring to the profession.

lawyerswhocare.org

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.

neurodiversityinlaw.co.uk/

YLAL is a group committed to practising in publicly funded areas of law. We believe good quality legal aid is essential to protecting the rights of the vulnerable and upholding the rule of law. We campaign for a sustainable legal aid system that ensures access to justice for those who cannot afford it. We also support new entrants and junior lawyers, promoting social mobility and diversity within the profession. By providing a network for like-minded individuals at the start of their careers, we work to strengthen the legal aid sector and support its vital role in society.

neurodiversityinlaw.co.uk/