Sam Mercer is Head of Policy: Diversity & Inclusion and CSR at the Bar Council. Prior to this she worked on a portfolio of consultancy projects for blue-chip companies, NHS Trusts, Charities and Government, was Workplace Director at Business in the Community (BITC) and was Chief Executive of the Employers Forum on Age (EFA).
It is easy to be gloomy about wellbeing, says Sam Mercer, but this article celebrates a shift in the right direction, and the 45 chambers recognised in the Bar Council’s relaunched wellbeing certificate programme
The Bar loses too many talented barristers (usually women) to parenthood so the Bar Council is encouraging chambers to take positive action to help parents build a sustainable and thriving work-life balance: Sam Mercer explains more
Why Talking to Spot, Bar Council support and becoming an active bystander can create change – by Sam Mercer
The Bar Council wants everyone working at the Bar to be aware of Talk to Spot; an easy and controllable way to raise a concern or make a complaint, writes Sam Mercer
The Bar Council’s plans to accelerate progress (or at least shift away from reverse) in diversity and fair work distribution across the Bar. By Sam Mercer
Cynical business ploy or socially responsible purpose? Sam Mercer asked four leading sets how and why they do CSR…
The beginning of the legal year offers the opportunity for a renewed commitment to justice and the rule of law both at home and abroad
By Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management sets out the key steps to your dream property
A centre of excellence for youth justice, the Youth Justice Legal Centre provides specialist training, an advice line and a membership programme
By Kem Kemal of Henry Dannell
By Ashley Friday of AlphaBiolabs
Providing bespoke mortgage and protection solutions for barristers
Joanna Hardy-Susskind speaks to those walking away from the criminal Bar
From a traumatic formative education to exceptional criminal silk – Laurie-Anne Power KC talks about her path to the Bar, pursuit of equality and speaking out against discrimination (not just during Black History Month)
Irresponsible use of AI can lead to serious and embarrassing consequences. Sam Thomas briefs barristers on the five key risks and how to avoid them
Yasmin Ilhan explains the Law Commission’s proposals for a quicker, easier and more effective contempt of court regime
James Onalaja concludes his two-part opinion series
