THIS EVENT IS BEING HOSTED BY LINCOLN'S INN.
Balancing a legal career with parenting or caring responsibilities is a reality for many in the profession—but one that is often under-discussed. Whether you’re managing the demands of early parenthood, supporting children with additional needs, or caring for ageing relatives, the challenges of combining care and career are complex, personal, and evolving.
This event brings together a diverse panel of legal professionals from across the judiciary and the Bar, including parents of young children, those with experience of caring for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and chronic health challenges, and carers navigating later stages of family life. Some are at the start of their parenting journeys, while others reflect on the long-term impact of caring responsibilities across a legal career.
Together, they will share honest reflections and practical insights for those at every stage of their legal journey.
The discussion will be chaired by Mrs Justice Lieven, co-convener of ICAW (Inns of Court Alliance for Women) who will be joined by:
The Rt Hon Lady Justice Whipple DBE – Appointed to the High Court in the Queen’s Bench Division in 2015 and the lead Presider for the South Eastern Circuit since 2018. Lady Justice Whipple has experience of raising children whilst growing her career.
Sean Jones KC – Fee Paid Employment Judge and Employment law barrister at 11KBW. Sean speaks openly about family life and the Bar on social media.
District Judge Fagborun Bennett – District Judge based at Central Family Court and Central London Trial Centre. District Judge Fagborun Bennett previously facilitated the Bar Council Leadership Programme and co-founder of the All Rise initiative. She has also raised three children whilst in practice.
Emma Price – barrister at 5 Essex Chambers, Emma has written for Counsel Magazine on returning to work after parental leave and is currently co-writing a book on being a parent at the Bar with Emma Louise Fenelon.
Emma Louise Fenelon – barrister at 1 Crown Office Row and winner of barrister of the year 2024 at the Next 100 Years’ Inspirational Women in Law Awards. Emma is also a presenter on ‘Law Pod UK’ and is co-writing a book with Emma Price on being a parent at the Bar.
Event Timings
18:00 – Talk begins via Teams
19:00 – Talk finishes
19:00 – 19:30 – Q&A Session
Location: Online via Teams
This is a free event brought to you by The Inns of Court Alliance for Women (ICAW) and is open to all members of the Inns of Court.
This event is not a qualifying session.
Members of all four Inns are welcome.
Please note that this is not a Qualifying Session.
Book here via Lincoln's Inn.
If you have questions about accessibility at the Inn or if you would like to request support, please email Laura Hacon.
The Inn is committed to improving access to all its services and encourages members to get in touch with suggestions and feedback on how we can improve. If you feel your experience using the website or attending one of our events could be improved, please email Laura. Your suggestions will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Middle Temple endeavours to make the Inn as inclusive as possible for all of its members, guests and staff.
If you have questions regarding religious practice at the Inn or at Inn events, or if you would like to request support, please email the Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator Laura Hacon. The Inn endeavours to make reasonable adjustments where possible.
The Inn is committed to improving access to all its services and encourages members to get in touch with suggestions and feedback on how we can improve. If you feel your experience using the website or attending one of our events could be improved, please email Laura. Your suggestions will be treated in the strictest confidence.