Three barristers, one shared challenge: balancing the demands of life at the Bar with the realities of parenthood.

With honesty, warmth, and insight, they take listeners through the journey of caring responsibilities - from discovering a baby is on the way, to parental leave, returning to practice, and the shifting dynamics as children grow.

Alongside their own stories, they offer understanding, experience, and inspiration for anyone navigating the joys and pressures of raising a family while building a career at the Bar.

RESOURCES

Inner Temple Website

ABOUT YOUR HOST

Sunyana Sharma is Head of the Inquest team at 3PB and, in addition to her inquest work, she practises in professional discipline and health and safety. She also sits as a Deputy District Judge in the County Court and as an Assistant Coroner. As a mum of two children, she is a mover and returner to the Bar. She has written for a number of publications, including an article on 'Kids, Court and Caffeine…How to survive having a baby at the Bar’ for The Barrister Magazine.

CONTACT

Karen Taylor, Head of Teaching & Learning, The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, education@innertemple.org.uk

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This episode is both an inspiring look at the role of pro bono at the Bar and a practical guide for barristers considering how volunteering can enrich their careers.

In this panel discussion, three barristers share their experiences of volunteering and mentoring with Advocate, the Bar’s national pro bono charity. Together, they explore the impact of pro bono work - not only on the clients who receive vital support, but also on their own professional and personal development.

The conversation highlights how engaging with pro bono work can be especially valuable for practitioners who are moving chambers, returning to practice, or navigating a career break - offering a meaningful way to stay connected, sharpen skills, and contribute to the profession.

RESOURCES

Inner Temple Website

Advocate website

ABOUT YOUR HOST

Rachel Spearing KC is a Master of the Bench at The Honourable Society of Inner Temple. She leads the Movers & Returners programme at the Inn alongside the Education & Training Team in support of their Established Practitioner Programme. In 2012 she co-founded the Wellbeing at the Bar initiative with the General Council of the Bar.

CONTACT

To contact Faye Pauffley, Engagement Manager, Advocate: Email f.pauffley@weareadvocate.org.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our inaugural episode, we sit down with the CEO and Engagement Manager of Advocate, the Bar’s national pro bono charity, to discuss how pro bono volunteering helps movers, returners, and those changing practice areas build skills, confidence and connections - while delivering vital legal support to those who need it most.

You will discover

• How Advocate connects barristers with people in urgent need of representation and advice
• How volunteering helps movers, returners and those changing practice area build skills and confidence
• How cases are managed to balance the needs of the public with barrister capacity

RESOURCES

Inner Temple Website

Advocate website

ABOUT YOUR HOST

Rachel Spearing KC is a Master of the Bench at The Honourable Society of Inner Temple. She leads the Movers & Returners programme at the Inn alongside the Education & Training Team in support of their Established Practitioner Programme. In 2012 she co-founded the Wellbeing at the Bar initiative with the General Council of the Bar.

CONTACT

To contact Faye Pauffley, Engagement Manager, Advocate: Email f.pauffley@weareadvocate.org.uk

DISCLAIMER

We’re delighted to welcome more barristers into the pro bono community. If listening to this episode inspires you to take on a case, please do get in touch.

This episode includes general commentary on Advocate’s insurance arrangements. Eligibility to be covered under Advocate’s insurance varies depending on individual circumstances, and the information discussed should not be relied upon as confirmation of eligibility. Barristers must sign up to our panel of volunteers and confirm their eligibility and insurance cover with Advocate before accepting a case. This information may not apply in all situations and should not be relied upon as confirmation of eligibility.

If you have any questions about your eligibility or the scope of Advocate’s insurance cover, please contact a member of the Advocate team.

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The Inner Temple Movers & Returners Podcast supports colleagues at the Bar navigating career breaks, transfers and transitions. Hosted by Inner Temple practitioners, each monthly episode features guests with experience and expertise in moving and returning, offering guidance, tips and resources to aid retention and wellbeing at the Bar.

Subscribe now to gain the support and community you need to thrive and succeed at every step of your journey at the Bar.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.