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Social & Wellbeing Group

The Social & Wellbeing Group (SWG) was established at the beginning of 2017 by the Bar Representation Committee. The group organise social and wellbeing events and initiatives for members of the Inn. Some events are held in the form of lectures or discussions, others are more interactive.

The following two events are annual:

Gourmet Dinner

This annual event is the event for members of Hall and is a highlight of the social calendar in Michaelmas term. The Inn’s chefs take it very seriously and you can always expect superb food, fine wine, and an opportunity to dance the night away. The event is usually held in December and further information can be found in the What’s On section.

Quiz Night

Another annual event showing how much  fun you can have exercising your grey cells or showing off your knowledge of TV history or pop music in a team. A cash prize for the winning team and a bottle of champagne for the runner-up are to be won. The event is usually held in October and further information can be found in the What’s On section.

Future Events

The group are very keen to build on what has been achieved so far and to offer a programme of events, activities, and initiatives which will attract the whole spectrum of members of Hall, including those outside London. Social and wellbeing events for members are publicised in the Inn’s monthly Newsletter and in the What’s On section.

Membership

Portrait of Umar Ali

Umar Ali

Self-employed criminal barrister at Holborn Chambers.

BRC member since 2023 (elected 2023-2026).

Umar is a member of the Social and Wellbeing Group.

 

Ben Hamer

Ben Hamer

Media and communications barrister at 5RB. BRC member since 2018 (elected 2021-2024) and co-opted in November 2024 until December 2026.

Ben represents Hall on the Advisory (Benchers) Committee and Estates Committee. In addition to this he is a member of the Social & Wellbeing Group.

Alice Hawker looks at the camera for a headshot. She is a white woman with shoulder length brown hair and green eyes. She wears a dark blazer and a white top.

Alice Hawker

Commercial Chancery barrister at Selborne Chambers.

 

 

Laureen Husain

Laureen Husain

Self employed criminal barrister at 187 Fleet Street.

BRC member since 1999 (last elected 2021-2024).

Laureen co-chairs the Social and Wellbeing Group with Linda Turnbull.

She represents Hall on the Staff Committee.

Holly Quirk wearing glasses and a black suit

Holly Quirk

Employed barrister based in Manchester, practising in regulatory, education and inquest work at Browne Jacobson LLP.

BRC member since 2024 (elected 2024 – 2027).

Holly represents Hall on the Pre-Call Education Committee, Chattels Committee, the Social & Wellbeing Group, and the Junior Member’s Sub-Committee.

Emma Southern

Emma Southern

Self-employed family barrister at 3PB.

Emma is a Bencher of the Inn and a member of the Social & Wellbeing Group.

 

Linda Turnbull looks to the left of camera. She is a middle aged white woman, with dark brown hair cut into a fringe. She wears a black blazer, a Lincoln's Inn brooch and a white shirt.

Linda Turnbull

Barrister at Goldsmith Chambers.

Linda co-chairs the Social & Wellbeing Group, together with Laureen Husain.

Sheila Watson, preacher of Lincoln's Inn, smiles to the left of camera. She is a middle aged white-woman, with mousy hair that is beginning to grey, worn in a bob. She wears pearl earrings and a patterened cardigan, with a priest's collar poking through the top.

The Venerable Sheila Watson

Preacher at Lincoln’s Inn.

Sheila is a member of the Social & Wellbeing Group.

Mark Watson_BRC

Mark Watson

Self-employed barrister at Mountford Chambers in London.

Elected member of the BRC since 2025 (elected 2025 – 2028).

Mark represents Hall on the Pre-Call Education Committee, the Social & Wellbeing Group, and the Social Mobility sub-committee.

Julie Whitby is a middle-aged white woman. She wears her grey hair pulled back. She wears a black blazer and a white blouse with a dark trim.

Julie Whitby

Barrister at 15 New Bridge Street.

Julie is a member of the Social & Wellbeing Group.