We are committed to equal treatment in all aspects of our work and practices. This is reflected in our overarching Equality and Diversity strategy and in our Equality, Diversity and Social Responsibility group. We dedicate significant time and attention to fair recruitment, to encourage and achieve the recruitment at all levels of talented individuals from minority groups that are currently under-represented. We monitor the incomes of members of chambers to work to drive out the gender and race pay gap within the profession. We do not offer unpaid internships.
All members who play a role in recruitment are given EDI specific training. We are involved, either as partners or through members of Chambers volunteering, in several outreach and social mobility programmes, including, Kalisher Trust, Young Citizens, Bridging the Bar, Urban Lawyers, BME Legal, Bar Placement Week, Women in Criminal Law Group, I am the Bar, Barristers in Schools, Bringing (Dis)Ability to the Bar and Lawyers who Care.
In addition to a comprehensive Equality & Diversity Policy, we have dedicated policies and charters addressing, paid parental leave, career breaks and flexible working hours, career progression and mentoring, mental health, wellbeing, anti-harassment and anti-bullying, anti-racism and complaints.
These policies apply to all barristers and staff and are designed to ensure that neither direct nor indirect discrimination is permitted or practised within Chambers and that the effect of any discriminatory practice by any individual or organisation with whom we have contact is negated. We have two Equality and Diversity officers with direct responsibility for ensuring that our policies are respected and implemented. We know that discrimination and inequality appear in many forms and may be difficult to recognise. Education, training and consultation are therefore central to our strategy. We employ external specialists to assist us, and we review guidance from the Bar Council and other organisations within the justice system. All of our policies are regularly reviewed and revised.
In accordance with BSB Handbook Rule C110.3, we publish a summary of the diversity data of our members and staff. That summary may be accessed here.
2 Hare Court is committed to being an anti-racist organisation. This means not just refraining from acting in a racially discriminatory way, but taking positive steps to confront and remedy the effects of existing and systemic racism in all its forms as we encounter it and as it exists within the systems and industries that we work in.
A key part of that commitment is to create a work environment in which members, trainees, staff and clients from all backgrounds can live and work free from prejudice, discrimination, and marginalisation.
We work to address discrimination in our professional lives but acknowledge that our everyday lifestyle choices and priorities are no less important. We pledge to confront racism in our society and in our own lives; we make this pledge to do what we can because we must.
We recognise that the points that are made in Barbara Mills KC’s and Simon Regis’ report have long been made by those seeking to improve the Bar. We understand that the efforts that have been made at the Bar have not yielded sufficient results and we must commit to more meaningful action in order to make effective change.
As a result, this year 2 Hare Court continues a programme of work that reflects our commitment to be a truly anti-racist organisation in the future. This includes:
2 Hare Court is dedicated to achieving meaningful and sustainable change and we will continue to develop our anti-racist practice by reviewing and reflecting on its progress on an ongoing basis.
We make this statement to share our intention and to hold ourselves accountable. It is reasonable for victims of racism to take the view that well-meaning words and good intentions are not enough. Organisations that claim to be anti-racist should expect to be judged not just on their stated aims but by their results.
2 Hare Court is dedicated to the core values of corporate social responsibility (CSR). We take part in a range of charity initiatives that benefit others. Many of our barristers undertake sporting challenges to raise money for various charitable organisations, supported by chambers.
We are aware of the environmental impact of our office waste and re-use and recycle wherever possible. We also regularly donate furniture and materials to the British Heart Foundation.
Many of our barristers provide pro bono advice, both through https://weareadvocate.org.uk and otherwise to those who are unable to afford legal representation. We are committed to the London Living Wage.
We are keen to work together with our clients on their CSR programmes, if you would like to know more please contact us.
