Corporate Social Responsibility

At Chambers, we take Corporate Social Responsibility seriously, valuing our commitment to ‘giving back’ to the community that supports us, both collectively and individually.

Chambers actively supports Alex’s Wish, a charity established by Emma and Andy Hallam in late 2012 to combat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a severe condition affecting 1 in every 3,500 boys. To aid in funding research for new treatments and ultimately a cure, Chambers makes monthly donations to the charity. Sally Barnett serves as a Trustee, participating in regular meetings to offer strategic guidance and support. Chambers also serves as a local hub for the charity, hosting meetings to further its mission.

In addition to her role with Alex’s Wish, Miss Barnett is a member of the DMU Business and Law Advisory Board, which comprises leaders from various organisations providing strategic insights to the faculty. Chambers also facilitates law student groups’ visits for Q&A sessions, giving students a glimpse into the legal profession and life at the Bar. Chambers also offer mini-pupillages, allowing aspiring legal professionals to shadow Counsel for up to a week, providing them with invaluable insights into court proceedings and advocacy.

Earlier this year, Miss Fountain took part in a podcast episode to share her own experiences of life at the Bar.

Mentorship is another pillar of our commitment to the next generation. Hannah Fountain and Andrew Horner each mentor students annually through their respective Inns of Court, meeting regularly to offer support and guidance. The mentoring scheme aims to provide focused, structured assistance to help mentees achieve specific goals, promoting social mobility and ensuring that the Bar retains its brightest talents.

Sarah Cornish is also involved as a mentor in the Bar Futures Programme at the School of Law at De Montfort University, supporting and advising those law students interested in a career at the Bar.

In addition, Ms Cornish, along with Miss Fountain, is involved as a judge in the National Speed Mooting competitions; Ms Cornish recently having had the privilege of judging the final in the latest competition.

Mr. Horner also dedicates time to teaching at the University of Law’s Nottingham Campus, inspiring future lawyers with his unique insights into life at the Bar.

Miss Fountain is on the Board of Trustees for Leicester Community Advice and Law Centre (LCALC), a charity dedicated to fostering a fair and inclusive society by providing access to justice and free independent advice for those in need. LCALC provides advice regarding a range of social welfare issues, including debt, welfare benefits, housing and immigration. Miss Fountain attends regular board meetings, contributing her expertise and support.

Recently, Miss Barnett was appointed as a member of governing body of North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC), a top educational provider recognised for its commitment to high-quality learning and accessibility, crucial for the success of every student.

Emma Burden is a member of the Education and Training subcommittee of the Leicester   and Leicestershire Family Justice Board (‘LLFJB’). The LLFJB is a subsidiary of the National Family Justice Board which is comprised of representatives of those involved in family justice, including the Courts Service (HMCTS), CAFCASS, Leicester City and County Council, the Police, Mediators, Magistrates, Legal Advisers, the Legal Aid Agency, Solicitors and Barristers. The Board aims to work collaboratively to improve performance and efficiency within the local family justice system.

2 New Street is a Georgian townhouse built in about 1750 and constitutes an important Grade II listed landmark in Leicester; we have a blue plaque commemorating the first female barrister to practice in Leicester, and we are very proud of our 100-year history.   Andrew Harper is our heritage lead and among other things he conducts free guided tours of the Greyfriars Conservation Area as part of Chambers’ participation in Leicester City Council’s Greyfriars Townscape Heritage Initiative. The tours promote awareness of the surrounding buildings, their architecture and their historical significance.

Jack Wood, New Street’s Junior Clerk, is also keen to give back to society. As a member of the committee for Barkby Cricket Club, Jack was responsible for raising over £10,000 for the club following an act of vandalism against it. For this he set-up a Go-Fund Me page and promoted the cause through social media and local and national media outlets, both on and offline.

In July of 2023, Sally Barnett wrote an article for Niche Magazine about New Street’s approach to CSR. This can be viewed from the following link (Page 55): https://issuu.com/niche-magazine/docs/niche_magazine_issue_55