Choose your Leeds JLD Committee for 2025
BAR REPRESENTATIVE
CHARLOTTE ASH

I am writing to express my interest in the position of Bar Representative for the Leeds Junior Lawyers Division (JLD). As an enthusiastic and driven individual working within the litigation arena and with personal advocacy experience, I believe my extensive litigation experience and my personal use of many barristers has given me a fantastic insight into the roles barristers play in our legal ecosystem. My interactions with clerks and administrative staff in various chambers has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of their roles and the importance of fostering a supportive and communicative environment within chambers.

 

Whilst I appreciate I am not a barrister, I am eager to strengthen my ties with the local Bar and contribute to the growth of the JLD, ensuring that the interests and needs of the members are effectively promoted and addressed. As solicitors, our thought as to the instruction of a barrister is often brief and in passing on specific matters. I believe it is critical for the profession and the local JLD community that both 'sides' of our profession work and socialise closely. Fostering understanding and strengthening those ties only enhances the collective knowledge we share and the resources available to us all.

 

I recognise the crucial role the Bar Representative plays in ensuring that junior barristers and clerks have the opportunity to join in with the excellent events that are running in our local legal community and to highlight to them that there is a welcome and warm place for them within the Leeds JLD.

 

As Bar Representative, I would work closely with other members of the JLD committee to provide valuable networking opportunities, promote professional development and ensure that all junior members of the Bar and their Clerks feel supported.

 

My organisational and communication skills make me well suited to the collaborative nature of this role. I am confident in my ability to engage with members, whether through one-on-one conversations or larger events, and to bring together the different perspectives solicitors and barristers bring.

 

In conclusion, my passion for the profession and encouraging collaboration between junior professionals, both solicitors and barristers, supporting the junior legal community and my desire to champion positive change within our local make me a strong candidate for the position of Bar Representative. I am eager to contribute to the continued development of the Leeds JLD and to ensure that the voices of our junior barristers and clerks are always heard. I would be delighted to serve in this capacity and to do what I can to make a meaningful contribution for our members.