Each member of the Social Mobility Advocates has had a non-traditional path to the Bar, coming from working-class or low-income households, attending a state school and non-Oxbridge universities, and working to fund their education and training. None of the Advocates had prior links to the Bar, and many faced various other challenges along their paths to becoming barristers.
The Advocates represent the incredible breadth of experience at the Bar and they aim to use this understanding to inspire a new generation of barristers from a wide variety of social backgrounds. The new Advocates are:
- Tahina Akther
- Yaa Dankwa Ampadu-Sackey
- Andrew Carter
- Rachel Chan
- Lucy Chapman
- Emma Cross
- Andrew Dakoutros
- Peter Eguae
- Jack Meek
- Ian Smith
- Christina Warner
Derek Sweeting QC, Chair of the Bar, said: “At the Bar Council, we believe that social mobility is an integral part of creating a modern Bar. It is crucial that barristers from all walks of life feel welcome in the profession, regardless of background. Visibility plays a vital role in this – highlighting the diverse stories of our colleagues at the Bar is a powerful way of showing prospective barristers that there is no one way to sound, look or act like a barrister.
“That is why I am honoured to announce the launch of our new group of #IAmTheBar advocates. Selected from diverse backgrounds across England and Wales, our Social Mobility Advocates represent the best and brightest of the Bar. Although each of their stories is unique, one thing remains constant: a determination to make their voices heard. I look forward to seeing how they use this drive to inspire and encourage potential barristers in the coming months.”
In the coming week, social mobility stories are being highlighted on the Bar Council’s Twitter.
