I stood for election to the Bar Council around 18 months after qualifying, having heard about its work through my pupil supervisor who had been a member for a number of years. My key motivation was to represent the employed junior Bar. I was also conscious that practising within a specialised area could lead to feeling disconnected from the wider profession, and thought that becoming a member of the Bar Council would be a good opportunity to become involved in discussions on broader issues impacting the profession.
Since joining in January this year, I have attended a number of Bar Council meetings. Although initially nervous about attending my first meeting not knowing anyone, particularly with so many experienced and impressive members (many of whom I had admired from afar during my budding Bar school years), I was immediately put at ease by how welcoming and inclusive other members were.
Within my first six months as a member, I have met a network of barristers from a variety of practice areas; heard from figures such as the Shadow Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions on key issues impacting the legal profession; and been involved in important discussions on topics including SLAPPs, earnings disparity at the Bar, and a review into bullying and harassment at the Bar. Members are encouraged to proactively engage in discussions, with the benefit of being a varied group with members from different backgrounds who bring unique skill sets.
Committee work
There are various committees within the Bar Council, including committees for Law Reform, Ethics, Equality and Diversity amongst others. I am a member of the Young Barristers’ Committee (YBC), which is comprised of members up to 7 years qualified who want to improve the profession for young barristers generally, as well as within specific practice areas.
Since joining, the YBC has organised a number of events aimed at providing career assistance to newly qualified barristers, published guidance on remote working and wellbeing, and discussed ways to address earnings disparity between young male and female barristers. The YBC also provides opportunities to meet and gain insights from lawyers from other jurisdictions, for example through regular conferences organised by the European Young Bar Association (EYBA) and the annual Anglo-Dutch exchange. A highlight for me so far has been attending the EYBA Summer Conference in Copenhagen as part of my role as EYBA Bar Council Representative.
Thinking of standing?
My experience in the short time since being elected to the Bar Council has been overwhelmingly positive. I have gained insights into the wider profession and met lots of interesting people who I may not have come across professionally otherwise. There is a time commitment involved, but the Bar Council takes a flexible approach to make meetings as accessible and inclusive as possible for all members.
I would encourage anyone interested in applying to do so. I am so glad that I applied as I have gained so much value and enjoyment from my experience so far, as I'm sure I will continue to do in the future.
Aoife Kennedy is an employed Barrister at Capsticks LLP, specialising in Professional Discipline.
Find out more about elections to the Bar Council. Nominations are open from 9 September to 20 September 2024.