Navigating Parenthood at the Bar

Navigating Parenthood at the Bar

Balancing a legal career with parenting or caring responsibilities is a reality for many in the profession—but one that is often under-discussed. Whether you’re managing the demands of early parenthood or supporting those with additional needs, the challenges of combining care and career are complex, personal, and evolving.

This event brings together a diverse panel of legal professionals from across the judiciary and the Bar, including parents of young children, those with experience of caring for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and chronic health challenges, and carers navigating later stages of family life. Some are at the start of their parenting journeys, while others reflect on the long-term impact of parental responsibilities across a legal career.

Together, they will share honest reflections and practical insights for those at every stage of their legal journey.

The discussion will be chaired by Mrs Justice Lieven, co-convener of ICAW (Inns of Court Alliance for Women) who will be joined by:

• The Rt Hon Lady Justice Whipple DBE – Appointed to the High Court in the Queen’s Bench Division in 2015 and the lead Presider for the South Eastern Circuit since 2018. Lady Justice Whipple has experience of raising children whilst growing her career.
• Sean Jones KC – Fee Paid Employment Judge and Employment law barrister at 11KBW. Sean speaks openly about family life and the Bar on social media.
• District Judge Fagborun Bennett – District Judge based at Central Family Court and Central London Trial Centre. District Judge Fagborun Bennett previously facilitated the Bar Council Leadership Programme and co-founder of the All Rise initiative. She has also raised three children whilst in practice.
• Emma Price – barrister at 5 Essex Chambers, Emma has written for Counsel Magazine on returning to work after parental leave and is currently co-writing a book on being a parent at the Bar with Emma Louise Fenelon.
• Emma Louise Fenelon – barrister at 1 Crown Office Row and winner of barrister of the year 2024 at the Next 100 Years’ Inspirational Women in Law Awards. Emma is also a presenter on ‘Law Pod UK’ and is co-writing a book with Emma Price on being a parent at the Bar.

Event Timings

18:00  – Talk begins via Teams
19:00  – Talk finishes
19:00 – 19:30 – Q&A Session

Location: Online via Teams

This is a free event brought to you by The Inns of Court Alliance for Women (ICAW) and is open to all members of the Inns of Court.

This event is not a qualifying session.

If you have any questions about the event, please contact the Member Engagement Team.