Bar Representation Committee
The Bar Representation Committee (BRC) plays a prominent representative role within the Inn. The Committee exists to provide representation on behalf of those who have been called by the Inn who have not been elected Benchers, also known as members of Hall. The Committee currently (as of July 2024) has 31 members, reflective of the Inn’s diverse membership.
Members of the Committee sit on most of the Inn’s Bench Committees and play an active role in the governance of the Inn; having an input into Inn’s responses to Bar Council proposals and a say in strategic issues such as the management of the Inn’s property, finances and investment, as well as education, admissions, and scholarships.
The Committee meets six times a year to discuss issues which have arisen and to represent the views of members of Hall on matters which affect them at the Inn.
There are currently three Sub-Committees of the Bar Representation Committee:
Elections 2024
The BRC Election happens every year. All members of Hall, who have opted into email correspondence from the Inn, are eligible to nominate themselves, and vote for candidates.
This years successful candidates were as follows:
Members of Hall of over 7 years Call with a current practising certificate in England and Wales at the employed Bar:
Chris Loweth
Members of Hall of over 7 years Call with a current practising certificate in England and Wales at the self-employed Bar:
Tariq Mahmood
Mark Watson
Cleon Catsambis
Members of Hall of 7 years Call and under with a current practising certificate in England and Wales:
Hannah Gilliland
Members of Hall with no current practising certificate in England and Wales (encompassing but not exclusively for overseas members):
Muhammad Chaudhary
Many congratulations to the successful candidates.
Rule for BRC Elections
In the past, we have received disturbing reports that candidates for election have been subject to intimidation by Inn members in an attempt to get them to withdraw their candidacy in favour of another person in the same category. The Inn takes very seriously any behaviour that is intended or likely to block participation in our elections or that goes beyond normal campaigning and attempts to improperly influence the outcome of elections. As a result, the Committee have adopted rules for future BRC elections, for both candidates standing and voters.
We invite all members to have the courage to report to the Inn any concerns about the conduct of candidates, their supporters or other members at [email protected] in order that such ignominious conduct can be stopped and prevented in future. All reports will be examined, in confidence as far as possible and appropriate, and if determined to be well-founded may result in a number of measures, including but not limited to: exclusion from involvement in the Inn’s functions and activities and/or the Inn reporting the matter to the Bar Standards Board and other relevant regulatory authorities.
Individuals who feel that they have been subject to harassment or inappropriate conduct in connection with the activities of the Inn (or witnesses to the harassment of others) should also refer to the Inns of Court Anti-Harassment Policy. You can find further information on the Diversity and Inclusion webpage.
Representation on Bench Committees and other groups
At least one representative from the Bar Representation Committee (BRC) sits on each of the Inn’s Bench Committees. This ensures that issues that affect bar members are being raised.
|
Committee or Organisation |
BRC member(s) |
|
Advisory (Benchers) |
Chris Loweth |
|
Bar wine |
to be filled by Chair on ad hoc basis |
|
Chapel |
Emma Southern |
|
Chattels |
Holly Quirk |
|
Estates |
Ben Hamer |
|
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion |
Chris Loweth |
|
Finance & General Purposes |
Chair |
|
Gardens |
James Manning |
|
Hospitality, Events and Dining |
Imogen Sadler |
|
Investment |
Dilpreet Dhanoa |
|
Library |
James Manning |
|
Planning and Development Group |
Chair |
|
Post-Call Education |
Tomas McGarvey |
|
Pre-Call Education |
Timothy Folaranmi |
|
Regulatory Panel |
Timothy Lyons KC |
|
Scholarships |
Jack Meek |
|
Staff |
Laureen Hussein |
|
Social Mobility Sub-Committee |
Co-Chairs: Chris Loweth and His Honour Judge Afzal CBE Members: Brynmor Adams |
|
Social and Wellbeing Group (SWG) |
Chairs: Laureen Husain & Linda Turnbull Members: |
|
Junior Members Committee (JMC) |
Chairs: Ben Hamer & Hazel Jackson Members: Leo Graves |
Want to get involved?
An Annual General Meeting (AGM) of all members of Hall usually takes place in mid-November. In addition, members of Hall are very welcome to attend* the open section of an ordinary Committee meeting to observe. Meetings are usually organised hybrid, both at the Inn and via Zoom. Alternatively, we are happy to provide copies of minutes of meetings on request. You can request a copy by emailing [email protected]
* ‘To attend’ means to observe, e.g. there is no right to participate and you may be asked to leave at any time. Prior booking is essential, so please reserve your place by emailing the BRC Secretary via [email protected]
Meeting Dates
Meetings normally start at 5:30 pm. They usually take place in the Ashworth Centre and via Zoom.
2024
- Monday 22 January
- Tuesday 19 March
- Wednesday 15 May
- Wednesday 17 July
- Monday 14 October
- Wednesday 13 November
- Tuesday 10 December
Committee Rules
The rules of Lincoln’s Inn Bar Representation Committee (BRC) can be found here. We have also adopted rules for BRC elections, for both candidates standing and voters. The election rules can be found here.