In recent years, there has been a call for individuals, chambers and organisations at the Bar to put in the work when it comes to racial equity.
In 2021, The Bar Council published a report which addressed inequality at the Bar. The report found that barristers from ethnic minority backgrounds, particularly Black and Asian women, faced systemic obstacles to building and progressing a rewarding career at the Bar.
The report found that Black and Asian women at the Bar were four times more likely to experience bullying and harassment at work than White men and that candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds were less likely to obtain pupillage than candidates from White backgrounds.
The report also found that women earned less than men and Black men earned less than White men, even when factoring in practice area, work volume, region and seniority. Black and Asian barristers were under-represented in taking Silk (becoming Queen’s Counsel).
Three years on, a new report has found that while some progress has been made, there is still much more to be done- especially when it comes to the experience of Black barristers and Black aspiring barristers, students and pupils.
One set of barristers, 11KBW, are tackling this issue through a targeted scholarships which addresses the first obstacle many ambitious students face– tuition fees.
Founded in 1981 by Lord Irvine KC, 11KBW’s founder members include former Prime Minister Tony Blair. Since its foundation, 11KBW has steadily expanded with 63 members of Chambers and handles headline cases.
Recognising the need for financial and other support dedicated to supporting Black students on the Bar course and to encourage candidates to pursue a career in the Bar, 11KBW offer an annual scholarship of £30,000 for a Black student on the Bar course each year.
In 2024, the recipient of the competitive scholarship was Jaizzail Ofori. A City St George’s alumnus, Jaizzail obtained a First in his undergraduate degree at the University before receiving a Distinction in his LLM in International Corporate and Commercial Law at King’s College London.
Commenting on underrepresentation at the Bar, Jaizzail said: “While the situation is improving, there is still a significant journey ahead. A gradual shift towards diversity and inclusion is evident, yet a deep-rooted adherence to tradition persists, particularly within the commercial bar.
“This disparity is reflected in the statistics on the representation of Black barristers, which remains disproportionately low compared to their white counterparts. In response, Chambers such as 11KBW have initiated scholarships aimed at addressing this imbalance and promoting greater equity within the profession.
“I’m keen on establishing my own project to help aspiring Black lawyers and, more specifically, barristers to navigate the journey and the routes to the bar, because I think personally it can be quite difficult to understand.
“My aim is to offer an on-boarding programme which would help aspiring black barristers to understand what they should be doing at various stages of their career and provide access to these necessary experiences.”
On securing the 11KBW scholarship, he said: “I am incredibly honoured and grateful to have been awarded the 2024 11KBW Scholarship. This invaluable opportunity will enable me to pursue the Bar Vocational Studies course at City St George’s, University of London this year, providing both financial support and an essential pathway towards my ambition of becoming a commercial barrister.”
Jaizzail was previously shortlisted for the same scholarship a year earlier but was not selected. On this experience, he said:
“I was incredibly disheartened after receiving rejection. The prospect of becoming a barrister slowly began to wane.
“However, I persevered, working as a Paralegal at the Serious Fraud Office and Fenwick Elliott LLP, to strengthen my legal skills and resolve. My persistence and hard work ultimately paid off.”
On the lessons taken away with him from this experience, he said:
“Don’t let rejection define your success. Faith, determination, and community will help you achieve your goal.”
The talented graduate said he was excited to return to City St George’s to further his studies.
“This is an institution that I greatly admire for its commitment to excellence in education and its supportive learning environment. Known for its outstanding provision of the Bar Vocational Studies course, City St George’s will undoubtedly offer an enriching academic experience that aligns with my aspirations,” he said.