Dear Colleagues,
As you many of you will know, I am big on legacy and our future.
Tomorrow marks the countdown for the inaugural Pupillage Fair (North). Whilst it is in conjunction with the Northern Circuit it is to take place on this Circuit at the Law School at Leeds Beckett’s University, Leeds on Saturday 30th November 2024. It will be the first pupillage fair of its type with the blessing (eventually) of the Bar Council. The aim is to showcase the array of work and the real benefits of practice on our Circuits to those considering a career at the Bar. This can only serve to increase the pool of the very best candidates who apply for pupillage with us and augment the undoubted talent and success we have going forwards. Historically, many of those have not been able to envisage life beyond the M25 so we are thrilled that it will be a great advert for Circuit. Already it is oversubscribed (in excess of 500 students having signed up and a waiting list also) and we anticipate it will be a huge success. Regardless, tha nk you to all those who have shown their support for the event and those who will be taking part. For those wishing to find out more please email admin@northeasterncircuit.co.uk.
Whilst we are on the topic of prospective pupils can I remind you to show your support for the Circuit Scholarship Fund. It aims to support those who would otherwise not have the financial means to come to the Bar on Circuit. For the first year it is operating under its own charitable banner, rather than being taken directly with your membership subscription fee. The consequence (probably through administrative inertia rather than a lack of charity or caring) has been a significant drop in donations. I know that is not what will have been intended by our members and therefore please can I encourage you to support the fund as per the letter attached as set out by Glenn Parsons on behalf of the Diversity Outreach Group. It is an aspect of our work on Circuit that has enhanced our Circuit's progressive reputation; let’s keep it going.
Whilst any donation is welcomed we suggest the following amounts:
Judges - £25
Silks - £25
Juniors over 7 years call - £20
Juniors under 7 years Call - £10
Please can we ask that you make your donation by Friday 8th November 2024 to the new 'North Eastern Circuit Diversity Scholarship Foundation' bank account as detailed in the attached letter.
On to our present pupils and our most junior members. It was refreshing to see so many new members join Circuit at Grand Court; so many of them were keen to engage with the traditions of Circuit at mess. What we sometimes forget is that, in many ways the business meeting is the more important aspect of Grand Court; not just a tradition but the place where the important Circuit business is dealt with and where the full detail of what is happening on Circuit is discussed. We had a strong turn out to the mess, but it is important that we reflect that in the business meeting beforehand (for those hiding in the bar, just bring your drink with you!). For our new pupils, as we have said previously, we will be having a more informal mess for them next week on 7th November 2024. It is open to all members, pupils and pupil supervisors so please sign up to welcome them here:
https://www.northeasterncircuit.co.uk/events/
At long last the Business and Property Court was officially opened on Monday 21st October by the Lady Chief Justice at Westgate in Leeds. I have spoken before about the collaborative efforts of all those involved and the importance the Court will have not just for us but for the region’s legacy. It should be a proud moment for all those who played a part.
Can I finish then on Black History Month on what is its final day this year. It should never be just about history but about the legacy of that history and our shared history in particular. On the 1st October 2024, the first day of Black History Month, Alford Gardner, one of the last remaining passengers from Empire Windrush passed away at the age of 98. He was one of the pioneers within the Caribbean community in Leeds, having first come here to join the RAF during WWII. He became the face of the campaign run by Glenn (and supported by Circuit) to have a plaque erected in memory of those who served at RAF Humanby, Filey. He returned here as one of the passengers on Empire Windrush in 1948. Having been a pillar in the local Afro-Caribbean community (and one of the founders of the Caribbean Cricket Club) he was celebrated last year by the King with having his portrait hung in Buckingham Palace, amongst others, at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. The str uggles and hostility he faced on arrival here were no doubt behind his observation “I didn’t expect to be a part of history.” It is difficult to imagine the pleasure he would have had to read the announcement that on 11th October 2024, North Eastern Circuit member, Francesca Gardner was to be appointed as District Judge. She is Alford’s granddaughter and in doing so became Circuit’s first full-time judge of African-Caribbean descent – a history and legacy which we can all be proud of!
(You can read more about Alford’s story and eulogy in the links below)
Jason Pitter KC
Leader of Circuit