Chambers sponsors ‘Bridging the Bar’ initiative promoting diversity and equal opportunities

December 1, 2020

Chambers is delighted to support Bridging the Bar [BTB] in its aim to increase diversity at the Bar. BTB was launched earlier this year with a commitment to the promotion of equal opportunities and is predominantly comprised of aspiring barristers and barristers at the beginning of their careers.

BTB candidates will have the chance to apply for a bespoke mini pupillage programme including Red Lion Chambers. They will get hands-on experience of life in chambers, observe cases on key issues, and gain insight and guidance from RLC members on how to cultivate their careers.

In 2019, a survey found that almost half of Chambers members (46%) were the first generation in their family to go to University compared with 19.8% reported overall at the Bar. Just under half (47%) of members came from a UK state school background compared with 25.8% reported overall at the Bar and 17% of members came from a non-white background, above the 13.9% currently represented at the Bar.

Joint Heads of Chambers Gillian Jones QC and Tony Shaw QC said: “We are delighted to be sponsors of the BTB initiative supporting BTB applicants on the mini pupillage round by providing a ‘bridge’ between today’s Bar and the diverse Bar our society needs. Red Lion Chambers remains committed to promoting diversity, equality and social mobility within the profession. Working with an organisation such as BTB supports the work we already do in encouraging and enabling students from non-traditional backgrounds to consider a career at the Bar.”

Mass Ndow-Njie, Barrister and Founder of Bridging the Bar said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Red Lion Chambers who have signed up to our flagship mini-pupillage scheme as well as sponsoring us. Applications will be open shortly and we look forward to providing Chambers with a shortlist of diverse candidates from which to choose.”

For more information about Red Lion Chambers association with BTB please see: [Bridging the Bar – Our Programmes]