This year, Lachlan Stewart hopes to improve the working lives of all members of the young Bar across the country with his four priorities for the year ahead ranging from tackling bullying and harassment to building a sustainable practice.

In Counsel magazine, I set out my key priorities for 2025:

  1. Funding our justice system: I’m determined to work with the YBC to do everything we can to help hold those in power to account. We must increase funding to our court centres and improve payment for publicly funded work. We must ensure the young Bar’s voice is heard on any proposals that are put forward as to how to reduce the damage done to our system. 
  2. Making the future of our work, work for us: The Bar has operated in certain ways for hundreds of years, but the pandemic permanently altered the way in which barristers work and are trained. Such change has brought benefits but also real disadvantages. The issue is not going away and I will lead the YBC in doing all we can to make sure the future of work is working for the Young Bar.
  3. Connecting the junior Bar: The Bar is more than just London, and the Bar Council is here to serve the whole profession. The YBC and Bar Council must reach out to all members of the young Bar across the country. This is firstly to ensure that all young barristers are heard and represented. I want to make sure that all the opportunities we have to offer to young barristers are known about and that those who want to, can take advantage of them.
  4. Tackling bullying, discrimination and harassment: Sadly, bullying, discrimination and harassment at the Bar is an issue that has been felt most acutely by young barristers. The independent review into bullying and harassment is an opportunity for real reflection and change across the profession. The YBC has a crucial role to play in engaging with the review’s findings and proposals. Our legacy will hopefully be a fairer and more inclusive profession to work in. 

Read more in the article: Advocating for the young Bar