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Women's Forum

The North Eastern Circuit Women’s Forum was set up in 2020 with the following aims of improvement, retention and progression:

• To improve the working lives of women barristers on the North Eastern Circuit,
• To encourage and help more North Eastern Circuit women to stay at the Bar,
• To encourage and help more North Eastern Circuit women to become KCs, Recorders or judges.

Like the rest of the country there is a stark imbalance of the sexes in the senior ranks of counsel and it is a serious problem. The work we do is to try and address that imbalance.

About Us

The North Eastern Circuit Women’s Forum does not require membership, but welcomes participation and ideas from all.

The Forum is Chaired by Kama Melly KC with Co Vice-Chairs Leila Benyounes and Chloe Hudson.

 

  Co Vice-Chair - Chloe Hudson               Co Vice-Chair - Leila Benyounes 

The North Eastern Circuit Women’s Forum social, networking and training events, has commissioned research projects and coordinates lobbying on issues that affect female barristers.

We liaise with other organisations such as the Bar Council and CBA about policy and working practices, and with the KC Secretariat and Judicial Appointments Commission to ensure we can provide help with career progression. 

We supports the aims of the Inns of Court Alliance for Women and the Women in Law Pledge.

Recent Work

We have responded to consultations, including to the Bar Standards Board on extended hours, completing a detailed survey of our members on these important issues. We have supported women through complaints and procedures both as regards the judiciary and within their Chambers.

We run events on vicarious trauma and returning to work after a career break. We even ran a successful campaign regarding the bathroom provision at Leeds Crown Court when there were seven facilities provided for male barristers and only one for women!

Planned Events 

For an updated list of our Women's Forum events please see the events section of the website.

Recorded Events

19/06/2023 - Advice Regarding Panel and Recorder Applications

To access the recording please email the circuit administrator at admin@northeasterncircuit.co.uk for the password