Emma Hughes

Bridging the Bar (BTB) is a registered Charity, entered on the Register of Charities under the registration number 1190369 with the stated aim of improving diversity and equality of opportunity at the Bar. Conceived in early 2020 by Mass Ndow-Njie as a direct response to his own lived experience as one of very few black pupil barristers across the country, BTB has grown beyond all recognition in its short life through the combined ideas and efforts of its talented and dedicated committee. BTB is steadfast in its approach to increase the equality of access to opportunities in the legal profession across all underrepresented groups. The charity assist students who, owing to their disability, ethnic background, socio-economic background, education or sexuality, belong to groups which are statistically underrepresented in the profession. Over 40 Chambers across England and Wales are now signed up as partners on BTB’s flagship mini-pupillage scheme. However, we at BTB see this as just the start. Equality of opportunity means so much more than just provision of work experience. Equality of opportunity means supporting applicants much earlier in the process, and even after they have secured entry into the profession.