Women's Forum
Maximising potential through professional development, networking and support for women on the Midland Circuit.
MCWF brings together women from all areas of law...
From crime and family, to civil and commercial – and all levels of seniority. We recognise that there are very different challenges facing women working across these disciplines at all call levels, but MCWF’s hope is that by pooling and sharing the wealth of information that women barristers on Circuit have, we can maximise the potential of all, and strengthen our position, individually and collectively, within the profession.
Set up in July 2018, MCWF’s aim is to encourage and help every woman barrister on the Midland Circuit to stay at the Bar, and to help them progress and fulfil their potential as juniors, KCs and judges. The committee includes silks and juniors from a number of different chambers and practice areas across Circuit.
Women's Forum Committee
MCWF was set up in 2018 by Esther Gamble and Sophie Garner, both of whom sit on the Bar Council Retention Panel (Sophie as Chair) which is focussed on supporting women to remain and progress at the Bar.
Hena Vissian stepped into the role of Vice Chair in 2022 and became Chair in January 2024. Dewinder Birk, District Judge stepped into the role as Vice-Chair of the Committee in January 2024.
Secretary Karen Kabweru-Namulemu sits on the Bar Council Race Working Group and is funder of BME@TheBar.
Social Media Co-ordinator Rhianna Manani also sits on Circuit’s Social Mobility Committee and Treasurer Jodie Kembery is Circuit’s Assistant Treasurer.
The primary aim of MCWF is to help women barristers on Circuit maximise their potential in all areas of their professional lives.
The 2016 report, “Women at the Bar” states that, as of 2015, only 33% of the self-employed Bar are women; for those over 20 years’ call, the figure falls to just 25%. Only 15% of heads of chambers, and 13% of KCs, are women. MCWF’s aim is to increase these figures, by supporting women barristers to remain in practice, and to progress to become KCs or judges, or to become involved in chambers management, if they choose.
Set up in July 2018, MCWF’s aim is to encourage and help every woman barrister on the Midlands Circuit to stay at the Bar, and to help them progress and fulfil their potential as juniors, KCs and judges. The committee includes silks and juniors from a number of different chambers and practice areas across Circuit.
MCWF brings together women from all areas of law – from crime and family, to civil and commercial – and all levels of seniority. We recognise that there are very different challenges facing women working across these disciplines at all call levels, but MCWF’s hope is that by pooling and sharing the wealth of information that women barristers on Circuit have, we can maximise the potential of all, and strengthen our position, individually and collectively, within the profession.
The primary aim of MCWF is to help women barristers on Circuit maximise their potential in all areas of their professional lives. With this goal in mind, as well as running a mentoring scheme MCWF organises professional development events (e.g. for silk and judicial applications) as well as networking events, where junior and senior members of the profession and judiciary can get to know one another and exchange ideas. All MCWF events are open to all members of Circuit. You can contact us at womens.forum@midlandcircuit.co.uk.
MCWF Committee
MCWF's Committee is drawn from Chambers across the Midlands and includes barristers of a wide range of calls and practice areas.
Women's Mentoring Scheme
Key to the provision of support is MCWF’s mentoring scheme which aims to provide a mentor to every woman barrister on Circuit who wants one. Not just useful in a crisis, the mentoring relationship can provide a sounding board and camaraderie in a profession where barristers’ self-employed status means there is often little by way of career development advice and support.