Choose your Leeds JLD Committee for 2024
BAR REPRESENTATIVE:
PENNY EMMOTT

I am a junior commercial barrister at Exchange Chambers in Leeds having recently finished my pupillage in September 2024. In the early stages of my career at the Bar I am developing a broad practice in business and property work across areas including insolvency, property, wills and probate, commercial litigation and company law. I regularly appear in the County and High courts in Leeds and as a result I am developing a good relationship with the judiciary in Leeds as well as instructing solicitors and other junior members of the Bar.

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As a multi-disciplinary set, I am in chambers with junior members of the Bar across all practice areas including crime, personal injury, employment and commercial and could therefore promote the JLD events and seminars to members across the scope of the profession.

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Further, chambers regularly host seminars and events in house to provide opportunities for training and networking. The Business and Property Courts Forum recently held their Question Time event in chambers which was well attended by the judiciary, barristers and solicitors across all levels and was a great way to meet and hear opinions on shared topics from each angle of the profession.

 

I think junior barristers would greatly benefit from becoming more involved with the JLD and the supportive network it provides to all junior lawyers in Leeds. Through this role I would focus on raising the profile of the JLD among junior barristers by assisting in the marketing of the events and seminars via LinkedIn, the North-Eastern Circuit, chambers in Leeds and by attending events.

 

I would get involved in the organisation of events and seminars and could host any Bar related events in Chambers such as a pupils/trainees meet and greet after work drinks or round tables on topical issues such as EDI at the Bar as well as seminars and/or training events for young lawyers across different practice areas. This might involve talks on legal updates, procedural elements such as counsels’ briefs or how to assist in preparation before trial.

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My objective with these events is to promote the JLD amongst junior barristers, emulate the inclusive and supportive network the JLD has built and provide a welcoming environment for young lawyers to meet and connect.

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