Equality & Diversity
Atkin Chambers is a forward-looking and modern set with an international outlook. Chambers is committed to respecting and understanding the cultural needs of its diverse and global client base, and is committed to equality and diversity in both recruitment and the provision of services.
Equality and diversity policy
Chambers operates under an equality and diversity policy in accordance with the Bar Standard Board’s Equality and Diversity Code. Please click here for a copy.
Recruitment and equality and diversity
All applications (be it for staff, tenants, pupils or mini-pupils) are considered on merit alone. All selection procedures are operated without discrimination, that is to say without regard to considerations such as age, sex, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership, religion or belief, or age.
Chambers also recognises the importance of increasing social mobility at the Bar and looks equally at applications for pupillage and mini-pupillage from graduates of all universities and from all backgrounds and all sectors of the community with the ability and determination to succeed as a barrister.
Partly in recognition of the monetary barriers to entering the Bar, Atkin Chambers offers one of the highest pupillage awards at the Bar and the opportunity to “drawdown” £25,000 in advance funding towards the costs of the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC). Chambers reimburses all reasonable travel expenses for pupillage interviewees and successful applicants to the mini-pupillage scheme can claim reasonable travel expenses and ask us to arrange overnight accommodation.
Anti-racist statement
Atkin Chambers is committed to ensuring fairness and equality, and to being an anti-racist organisation.
We recognise our role in society as a source of access to justice and we reject racism in all its forms.
Atkin Chambers has a duty to promote diversity within Chambers and its members have a core duty not to discriminate unlawfully against any person.
We are committed to the promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion within our organisation, and to driving change by embedding an anti-racist approach in the way we work and in the services we provide. We therefore commit to:
- Educating ourselves through mandatory comprehensive training for all barristers and staff;
- Completing a race equality audit;
- Designing and implementing positive action measures; and
- Maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to any form of racism and condemning discriminatory behaviour of any kind.
Atkin Chambers is also committed to taking positive steps to improve access to the Bar. In addition to the work experience and mentoring that Chambers already provides, Atkin Chambers is a participant in the 10,000 Interns Foundation which aims to create a sustainable cycle of mentorship and sponsorship for the Black community by providing paid training and development opportunities.
Chambers also is a Silver Partner of the Bridging the Bar charity and both provides financial support and participates in its mini-pupillage programme. Bridging the Bar is committed to increasing the equality of access to opportunities in the legal profession for students across all underrepresented groups.
Atkin Chambers will continue to monitor performance and positively implement any necessary changes to fulfil its commitment to being an anti-racist organisation.
Flexible working
Chambers’ parental leave policy, flexible working policy and reasonable adjustments policy aspire to meet best practice and recognise in particular the need for better access for those with disability and the importance of striving to retain women barristers in practice.
Diversity data
Findings of the Atkin Chambers’ diversity data survey – November 2023
Total universe: Pupils: 2 | Barristers: 55 | Staff: 25
In accordance with BSB rules and guidance, all members, pupils and staff were provided with the opportunity to complete a data diversity questionnaire in November 2023. This was a voluntary exercise and not all that were provided with the opportunity completed the questionnaire. As a result, the data does not give a meaningful representation of Chambers’ diversity and there is a real risk of participants being identifiable if published. If you require further information, please contact Chambers’ DDO at DDO@atkinchambers.com.
News and events
Please our news and events updates and the section on Corporate Social Responsibility for details of the activity Chambers has supported and Chambers welcomes the opportunity to support other diversity groups and industry initiatives.