2022 marks the centenary of the first woman, Dr Ivy Williams, being called to the Bar. Whilst there has been considerable progress in moving towards gender equality since then, there is a long way to go. Qualitative research to improve understanding of the experiences of women barristers and possible explanations for disparities of income and representation has consistently identified the same or similar perceived barriers to progression and retention of women at the Bar. Such barriers must be addressed to achieve genuine equality of opportunity and treatment within the profession.

The Inns of Court wish to support Heads of Chambers and Senior Clerks in their development of practical solutions to ensure a fairer allocation of work. To that end, the newly formed The Inns of Court Alliance for Women (formerly the Temple Women’s Forum) is holding a facilitated hybrid panel discussion at Middle Temple Hall on 9 March – Foundations for a Fairer Future.

Panellists include:

• Maggie Semple OBE- QC Appointments Panel (Chair)
• Rachel Krys - in charge of the accelerator programme at the Bar Council
• David Stone - Allen & Overy
• Nkumbe Ekaney QC - Joint Head of Chambers,1GC Family Law
• Susanna McGibbon - Treasury Solicitor
• Joanne Kane - Former Chair, Young Barristers Committee of the Bar Council
• Rachel Holmes - Chief Executive, Matrix Chambers

The discussion will be streamed so that the session will be available to all chambers.

The importance and urgency of this issue is such that we have invited all Heads of Chambers and Senior Clerks or equivalent. We hope that you and your Senior Clerk/Practice Director will attend this important discussion and join us in taking practical steps to improve equality in the profession.

Due to the popularity of this event, please do not select more than one ticket type per order.

Online attendees: If you have not received the joining link or are having issues logging into Zoom please email c.lench@middletemple.org.uk and we will do our best to sort the problem.

Data Protection & Photography

Please be aware that photography, audio and video recording may take place at our events. These may be used for promotional purposes by the Inn, including in printed publications, on our website, and on our social media accounts. If you do not wish to have your photograph taken or to have images of you used, please alert the Middle Temple Membership Team at the start of the event. We are unable to guarantee that you will not be included in the background of photographs that are being taken. Contact: 020 7427 6385, members@middletemple.org.uk

All personal data that the Inn stores and processes is held in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Inn’s Data Protection Policy. You can ask the Inn to stop using your images at any time, or request to see the personal data that the Inn holds on you. For more information please visit the Data Protection page: http://www.middletemple.org.uk/about-us/data-protection