Committee Vice Chair 2021

Simon Rowbotham has recently moved to London from Manchester, where his practice included all areas of family and Court of Protection law.

I’m BAME, gay, dyslexic, have ADHD and hail from a working class background. I am an employed immigration barrister at GLD and joined Middle Temple well after I was Called. Yet I have never felt as accepted anywhere as much as at Middle Temple. The staff and members treat me like family, welcoming me into an inclusive environment that cherishes diversity and uniquity. 

Ellie was called to the Bar in 2019 as a Queen Mother Scholar and commenced pupillage at Fourteen in October of the same year. She joined the Committee to give something back to the Inn and is particularly committed to the inclusion of members from underrepresented and non-traditional backgrounds. 

In her spare time, Ellie enjoys horse riding, playing the piano and singing.

Merlene is keen to provide various professional development opportunities for members who feel detached from the Inn, having directly benefitted from the advice and guidance provided by these same members! Merlene strongly believes in investing in our talented membership.

Merlene is highly involved with the Inn and currently serves as the 2020 Communications Officer of MTYBA. She was the 2019 Advocacy Officer of MTYBA and the 2018 Debating Officer of MTSA. Also, she was employed by the Education Department of Middle Temple between 2018 and 2019.

Jennifer Moles is a Second Six Pupil at Chartlands Chambers in Northampton, practising in Family and Civil law. Prior to commencing pupillage, Jennifer worked as a County Court advocate. She has a particular interest in domestic violence work and have been a Board Member of Women’s Aid in Northampton for the past year. Jennifer additionally works as a volunteer advocate for the Schools Consent Project, delivering workshops to secondary school children on the law surrounding sexual consent.

Monifa Walters-Thompson was called to the bar in 2014 and practices family law at Garden Court Chambers. She is involved in the pupillage and mentoring committee in chambers and dedicated to assisting people from minority backgrounds gain access to the bar and benefit from inclusion in the workings of the Inn.

Monifa served on the MTYBA committee and in her student days organised the Munroe Cup debating competition held at Middle Temple.

Michael is the current President of the Middle Temple Young Barristers' Association (MTYBA).