Community space

AllBar was founded to support barristers, and aspiring barristers, with a disability. We host events including an annual webinar for pupillage applicants with a disability. We have created a support network and hope to set up a work experience scheme for disabled pupillage applicants. We hope to contribute to making the Bar more representative by making the Bar a more supportive place for disabled practitioners. We have a steering group of barristers, pupil barristers and aspiring barristers in England and Wales, some of whom have a disability, and some of whom do not. Reach us at [email protected].

allbar.org.uk

The Association of Disabled Lawyers (ADL) was the first independent, pan-profession organisation of people working in and studying law with impairments and physical and mental health conditions (referred to as ‘disabled people’ or ‘disabled lawyers’ for brevity hereafter).

The ADL is a community and network raising awareness that disabled people can learn and practice law. It also provides education and information about breaking barriers faced by disabled lawyers, and the reasonable adjustments that can mitigate the disadvantage faced. The ADL achieves its aims through engagement, podcasts, school projects, events, campaigning and research.

disabledlawyer.co.uk

Bridging the Bar is a charity, founded in July 2020, that aims to support aspiring barristers from a range of statistically underrepresented groups at the Bar. We are working to create a Bar that benefits society by ensuring that the profession is open to individuals from all walks of life.

The Bridging the Bar Academy was created to act as a “bridge” between today’s Bar and the diverse Bar that our society needs. Through our programme, candidates receive one-on-one mentoring with practising barristers, gain mini-pupillage experience, and access paid internships with the UK Supreme Court, High Court, Court of Appeal, and the Law Commission. They work with chambers to develop their advocacy skills, practice with actors, and utilise resources designed to enhance their chances of securing pupillage and succeeding at the Bar.

bridgingthebar.org

BDABar is led by disabled aspiring barristers and allies. Our organisation aims to make the Bar a more diverse and disability-inclusive profession. Through research and EDI education, we are reframing the narrative around disabilities. By supporting aspiring disabled candidates, we will empower the emergence of an equal and representative Bar.

By aspiring barristers, for aspiring barristers: We are a network of aspiring barristers, supported by professional allies. On our own journey to the Bar, we offer insight into what needs changing and provide support where needed.

Our holistic strategy: BDABar believes that awareness-raising and career opportunities are best facilitated when combined with evidence-based advocacy. Our holistic strategy will improve accessibility to the profession and educate the wider community.

Intersectionality: Multiple protected characteristics can exacerbate assumptions about your suitability to succeed at the Bar. We resolve to shatter those misconceptions.

bdabar.org

Lawyers Who Care (LWC) is the UK’s first organisation to enhance access for care leavers within the Legal industry. They are an apolitical organisation, facilitating long-term mentoring and paid work experience opportunities for care-experienced aspiring solicitors and barristers. 

LWC aims to: 

• Build legal networks for care levers. 

• Bridge the lack of social capital that accompanies care experience. 

• Erase the stigma associated with such experience. 

• Demonstrate the unique gifts and talents that care experience people can bring to the profession. 

lawyerswhocare.org

Neurodiversity in Law is a charitable organisation championing neurodiversity within the legal profession. We believe in the strength of the neurodivergent community and strive to create an inclusive environment. 

Our mission extends across the legal profession, from students to seasoned practitioners. Our work focuses on raising awareness, providing support, and reducing the stigma surrounding neurodiversity. By offering guidance and creating a safe community, we empower neurodivergent individuals to thrive at every stage of their legal career.

neurodiversityinlaw.co.uk/