Bar in the Community

Overview

Bar in the Community (BIC) is a UK-based initiative overseen by Advocate, the pro bono charity of the Bar. Its primary goal is to provide opportunities for barristers and legal professionals to volunteer their skills and experience in support of charities across England and Wales[3][5].

Purpose

BIC aims to bridge the gap between the legal community and charitable organizations by making available the skills that barristers and chambers' professionals can offer. These volunteers contribute by becoming trustees, committee members, workshop facilitators, mentors, and more, thus supporting various causes and charities[4][5].

Activities

The initiative offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities, allowing legal professionals to engage with charities working on diverse causes. This includes roles with organizations like the Schools Consent Project, which educates students on legal consent, and Lawyers Against Poverty, which fights poverty-related injustices[5].

Volunteers can leverage their expertise to support these organizations in several ways:

• Trustee and Committee Roles: Volunteers can serve on management committees, bringing governance and strategic guidance to charities.
• Training and Workshops: Facilitating legal training and workshops for charities and communities.
• Mentorship: Providing guidance and mentorship to individuals in need.
• Business Support: Offering business acumen to help charities operate more effectively.

Benefits for Volunteers

Participating in Bar in the Community not only provides an opportunity for legal professionals to give back to their communities but also offers professional benefits:

• Networking and Career Advancement: Volunteering can help build professional networks, develop leadership skills, and enhance career prospects.
• Skill Development: Engaging with diverse causes allows volunteers to gain unique insights and experiences, particularly valuable in understanding issues faced by marginalized communities[2][5].

Impact

As the UK faces challenges such as the cost-of-living crisis, which exacerbates social inequalities, the role of Bar in the Community becomes increasingly important. By offering vital support to charities, volunteers can contribute significantly to addressing these societal issues[5].

Charity Details

• Charity Number: 1089907
• Charity Type: Initiative overseen by Advocate, focused on providing legal professionals' skills to charities.

[1] https://weareadvocate.org.uk/volunteer/bar-in-the-community/bar-in-the-community-opportunities.html [2] https://weareadvocate.org.uk/volunteer/bar-in-the-community.html [3] https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/resource/blog-bar-in-the-community-how-and-why-to-get-involved.html [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/constituency-search/-/charity-details/3982507 [5] https://www.counselmagazine.co.uk/articles/bar-in-the-community