Taseem Ashraf

2020 Elections for the Bar Representation Committee of Lincoln's Inn Member with no current practising certificate in England and Wales

Taseem Ashraf

Year of call 2018

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) Non-practising barrister based in London Trainee Lawyer, GLD Justice & Development Division London

Statement Esteemed Colleagues,

I write to you today to ask for your vote in support of my candidacy for ‘Member with no current practising certificate in England and Wales’ on the Bar Representation Committee of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn.

Currently a trainee lawyer with the Government Legal Department, with a particular interest in Justice and Development, I have been an enthusiastic and involved member of Lincoln’s Inn since 2014 and was called to the Bar in 2018.

If elected with your support, I will do my utmost to represent your interests in the Inn’s Bench Committees, influencing strategic issues such as the management of the Inn, as well as education, admissions, and scholarships.

I have a good perspective of life and work of the Inn, having regularly contributed by volunteering as a witness on the Pupils Advocacy Training course and Tutor Training sessions, offering guidance to new students at introductory events and as a panellist answering questions from BPTC students.

It is an honour and great joy to be a part of the Lincoln’s Inn community. I would be grateful for the opportunity to give back to the Inn by steadfastly representing your views and interests.

Thank you.

Taz

Committee Status Seeking Election for the first time

Dzedhaan Bhatoo

Year of call 2007

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) Senior State Counsel Office of the DPP Mauritius Since 2011

Statement I have not been active with the Inns but wish to change that.

In Mauritius, I had been in private practice since 2008 and I joined the ODPP in 2011.

I have had exposure to trials on a wide range of offences (homicide, financial and fraud crimes, road traffic offences, sexual offences, cybercrime cases and drug

2 trafficking) before stipendiary magistrates as well as Judges in appellate capacity and Judges before the Assizes (jury trials).

I have had training in cybercrime and computer misuse and recently followed a seminar on human trafficking organised by the APA, led by the New York District Attorneys’ Office.

Committee Status Seeking Election for the first time

Dr Miranda Brawn

Year of call 2012

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) Banking and Finance within City of London

Statement Dr Miranda Brawn Esq is an inspirational global leader and diversity expert with 20+ years of fresh, transformational leadership delivered to global companies, universities, schools, non-profits and governments across both public and private sectors. One of the first women of colour on the trading floor of a tier one investment bank where her career includes her work as a lawyer, banker, sales trader, equality commissioner and advisor for various organisations across all sectors including law and educational institutions. She has advised Lambeth Council, 10 Downing Street and the Cabinet Office etc. Multi-award winning Brawn is recognised as a trailblazer and honoured numerous times domestically and internationally for her achievements. This includes Woman of the Year at the Women in Finance Awards and Highly Commended Diversity Leader at the UK Diversity Legal Awards. She is the Founder of a multi-award-winning Charity called “The Miranda Brawn Diversity Leadership Foundation”, where she has mentored Lincoln’s Inn members and partnered with University of Law, Hogan Lovells and Hardwicke Chambers to name but a few to increase diversity within law. Her annual diversity leadership lecture

3 made UK history at the University of Law in 2016. https://www.tmbdlf.com/annual- lecture-and-events

Committee Status Seeking Election for the first time

Ewelina Florczak

Year of call 2020

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) Called to the Bar in March 2020.

Statement I aspire to practice Criminal Law. I was called to the Bar in March 2020 and I am currently working for a national charity providing advice regarding employment disputes and welfare rights. I have had experience advocating on behalf vulnerable citizens. I have an innate ability to engage with the public and understand their opinions of the Trust.

I enjoy working with others, especially when I know that my assistance can change someone's life for the better.

I am driven by a desire for social justice and advocating change.

I found the Inn to be extremely supportive during my BPTC . Therefore, I have dedicated myself to participate in voluntary actives to support the Inn and its members.

I hope I can contribute with my experience and passion to represent the best interest of the Members.

Committee Status Seeking Election for the first time

Katie Hardman

Year of call 2019

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) Non-practising barrister based in the South West of England.

Statement Hello everyone,

I am standing for election to the Bar Representation Committee because I believe that, in the current challenging climate faced to enter the legal profession, new members and those seeking pupillage need someone who is in the same situation as them and understands their concerns representing them.

Since completing the BPTC in 2019 I have been in that position. Whilst seeking pupillage I have begun to forge a career in the legal profession as a County Court advocate, gaining experience on my feet and speaking to others in the same position about the challenges they have faced. I have been fortunate enough to be able to continue this work despite the recent disruptions to Court listings and can appreciation for how difficult it may have been for recent graduates to begin their careers in a similar fashion, instead having to turn to alternative routes.

I consider that I have demonstrated my commitment to expanding access to the profession, having come from a non-legal family myself, through my volunteering work for Mooting competitions, making myself available to external students to help them grow in their confidence, develop their advocacy skills and gain an insight into the Bar.

Committee Status Seeking Election for the first time

Hasan Hashmi, ASC

Year of call 2009

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) Self employed as a Partner at Hashmi & Hashmi in Karachi, Pakistan, dealing mainly in Corporate and Commercial matters.

Statement May I avail this opportunity to introduce myself to all learned members of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn.

I was Called to the Bar in 2009 having completed my LLB (Hons.) and LL.M from the University of Buckingham, UK. I was enrolled as an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 2016.

I have been a Visiting Faculty member of several reputable educational institutions in Karachi, including Institute of Business Administration, SZABIST and S.M. Law College.

My active participation at the Bar and aforesaid role as a lecturer has enabled me to support and encourage aspiring lawyers in the challenges they face in the early years of their career.

If elected with your support as a member of the Bar Representation Committee, I shall play a vital role in the affairs of the Inn, facilitating students who have pursued a degree in law and are aspiring to be Called to the Bar, in due course.

I look forward to your kind support.

Committee Status Seeking Election for the first time

Joseph Maillard

Year of call 2014

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) French member (non-practising barrister), deputy general counsel of a leading European media group based in both Paris and Brussels.

Statement I strongly believe that the Inn should support the Members who are currently practising overseas, in particular in terms of post-call education and for those intending to return to England & Wales to practise at the Bar.

Proud member of Lincoln’s Inn, I am confident that the excellent staff and the magnificent facilities of our Inn are key elements for achieving this goal. In the context of the withdrawal from the EU and of the global paralysis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, I am of the view that it is vital for the Inn to remain firmly a welcoming and supportive place for all its Members.

Committee Status Seeking Election for the first time

Tonmoy Mukherjee

Year of call 2002

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) Non-practicing Barrister, working in-house as Global Head of Legal at a tech/data analytics/market research company based in London.

Statement I first joined Lincoln's Inn whilst attending University (LSE, Law 2000), directly located next to the Inn. I spent many an afternoon using the library, visiting the chapel and regularly walking through the grounds. Subsequently, I have attended events at the Inn, including talks and seminars.

Upon completion of the Bar, I have been working within the law till date, in a variety of roles and organisations. Having started off working at a City law firm in the Litigation department, I have substantially spent my career working in industry as a lawyer for a variety of multi-national organisations.

Whilst maintaining a professional career, I have conducted pro-bono legal work at Battersea Law Centre, and I served as a Special Constable with the Metropolitan Police between 2006 and 2011, reaching the rank of MSC Sergeant.

My experiences have entailed working with non-legally qualified colleagues, addressing and assisting with commercial matters as well as legal conundrums.

This exposure holds me in good stead to provide guidance and assistance to all Inn members, irrespective of discipline. I would very much relish the opportunity to serve the Inn as a Bar Committee Representative, and contribute to the workings of the Inn.

Committee Status Seeking Election for the first time

Amber Qureshi

Year of call 2006

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) I am currently working in Immigration, Family and Property

Statement Lincolns Inn is and always will be the strength and strandard that empowers me everyday to achieve. I have been associated with this esteemed institution since 2003. In Pakistan I practiced actively as a member of the High Court for many years. I have been involved in legal work in UK for the past decade and want to be honoured with the responsibility of representation. Being entrusted with this honour I will represent the Bar at every avenue and will assist in the furtherance of every objective that the Inn sets itself upon. I believe that the Bar is a true representation of a global entity which supports equally. Its a medium, an avenue to voice concerns and ideas that could eventually shape the future. Through this opportunity I want to be the mouthpiece for the countless ideas and positivity that characterizes our members. Together we can work relentlessly to achieve the excellence that our Inn symbolises. I truly believe in the strength of a wise, positive idea. Its truly the way forward. Please support me in achieving this opportunity so that I can represent you and do justice by your invaluable input.

Committee Status Seeking Election for the first time

Rifat Rahman

Year of call 2017

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) Non-practicing Barrister; “Corporate & Commercial Associate” in a leading set of chambers in Bangladesh; Associate Arbitrator of ADR ODR International

Statement I am a Bangladeshi National. Having been Called to the Bar in 2017, I returned to Bangladesh and joined a top tier set of chambers as a “Corporate & Commercial Associate”. Additionally, I am an Associate Arbitrator of ADR ODR International. I am also an Adjunct Faculty Member at a Recognised Teaching Center of University of London International Programmes in Bangladesh. I have been involved with a number of pro-bono projects and currently I am a part of a team of young professionals who have been working on judicial reforms. During my time at the Inn, I have actively participated in public speaking competitions, advocacy trainings and residential weekends.

My main motivation of opting for this election is to represent overseas members with no practicing certificate in England and Wales. I firmly believe that being a young professional, I can sincerely commit my time and effort to bridge the gap between the Inn with the Barristers’ Associations from Southeast Asian jurisdictions. I am confident that I have the capabilities of being the spokesperson of my fellow colleagues in this profession to ensure that their views are well represented before the Inn. I am looking forward to your kind support.

Committee Status Seeking Election for the first time

Karim Ullah Sraw

Year of call 2018

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) Non-practising barrister based in Pakistan

Statement I am connected to the legal profession since 2012 when I started studying law. I started working for a law firm, part-time. After graduating, I worked at the Advocate General Office, Punjab, Pakistan for some time before joining a local law firm in Punjab. Currently, I teach law as well.

During my years in practice, I have been involved in pro bono work, giving lectures and talks, training new entrants to the profession, giving opinions to the Government of Punjab on legal reform, participating in electoral process of the local bar and arranging social meet-ups and literary events for lawyers.. During my time at Lincoln's Inn, I actively participated in life at the Inn. I used to attend events and spend time in the MCR, socially meeting people and gathering knowledge of their plight. I have also been giving feedback to the Inn.

I firmly believe I am a fit candidate, being energetic, socially active and a professional. Also, I have done BPTC recently and thus can contribute better in terms of education, admissions, scholarships and social mobility. Moreover, being someone who was actively involved in life at the Inn, I can relate to issues involving the Inn.

Committee Status Other - I lost the election last year, by a fairly narrow margin, and am contesting for the same vacancy again

Keaton Tyrrell-Moloney, LLB(Hons), LLM, BPTC

Year of call 2020

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) Aiming to practice on Northern and North Eastern circuit in the areas of Criminal law, Human Rights and International law.

Statement During my BPTC year, I became an active representative of Lincoln's Inn within my capacity as an out of London BPTC Student Representative. Whilst completing the BPTC in Newcastle my role consisted of providing a link between the Inn and the student body at my provider. I also served as a communicator between student members and issues or concerns that they have with their affiliation to the Inn, as well as other issues pertinent to their education and training for the Bar.

Similarly, as a Lincoln's Inn representative for a provider outside of London, I organised three educational activities which were credited as qualifying sessions for my cohort. Funding for these events was provided for by Lincoln's Inn. Within my role I managed the funds, booked speakers, ensured that activities were educational as well as assuring that administratively the event was a success to allow the qualifying sessions accreditation.

I am a proud North Easterner, living in the region most of my life. I therefore understand how it is possible for members outside of London to feel remote and removed from the Inn due to distance, because of this I would be proud to represent this sector of members.

Committee Status Seeking Election for the first time

2020 Elections for the Bar Representation Committee of Lincoln's Inn Member of over 7 years call with a current practising certificate in England and Wales at the employed bar

Stefan Fox

Year of call 2011

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) In employed practice on the Midland Circuit out of Carringtons Solicitors in Nottingham. Specialist criminal and prison law practitioner.

Statement I was called to the Bar by Lincoln's Inn in 2011. I am a specialist in crime and prison law with a particular emphasis on defending in cases involving serious violence, vulnerable witnesses, sexual offences, and the proceeds of crime. I also specialise in the representation of life sentenced prisoners before the Parole Board.

Despite being in employed practice I am acutely aware of the difficulties that the Bar faces, particularly amongst junior practitioners who practice in areas of law that are publicly funded. These difficulties have been laid bare during in the wake of the destruction caused by Covid19.

I try to involve myself with as much of the Inn's activities as I can. In the past I have been involved with the Pupillage Foundation Scheme, mentoring students, and in 2019 I was elected as the junior representative for the Midland Circuit. I want to be in a position where I can actively help the members of our Inn, and to invest back into

1 the society from which I have been fortunate to benefit a great deal from. I believe that the best way I can help others is by representing them on the Bar Representation Committee. Thank you.

Committee Status Seeking Election for the first time

Professor Anthony Lavers

Year of call 1997

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) Counsel, Construction & Engineering Practice Group,White & Case LLP, London and Visiting Professor of Law, King's College, London.

Statement I have lived in 16 Old Buildings for 6 years and am a member of the Lincoln's Inn Residents' Association, which has involved communication and negotiation with the Inn on behalf of residents.The life of the Inn is very important to me; I normally use the MCR at least once a week and also have lunch in Hall about once a month, as well as supporting events in Chapel, such as Remembrance Sunday, and choir performances. I have contributed to the Inn's education activities on a number of occasions, and have been a member of the Employed Barristers' Committee of the Bar Council for over 9 years. I greatly value contact between employed and self- employed members of the Bar, both as a significant part of my job and socially. It would be a privilege to represent Members of Hall and I believe that my enthusiasm and committee experience would be an asset to the BRC.

Committee Status Seeking Election for the first time

Chris Loweth

Year of call 1996

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) Employed barrister at BBC Global News in London

Statement I have spent my career at the commercial employed Bar, leading legal teams for a number of high profile organisations including the BBC, London 2012 Olympic Games, and Channel 5. I have extensive experience of providing representation at a senior level, including executive committees and as a non-executive director. I would use the skills and knowledge I have acquired in a commercial environment to ensure the interests of members at the employed Bar are heard and considered, particularly as we deal with the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on our careers, welfare, and finances.

As well as being a sponsor and mentor to students of the Inn, I have a particular interest in diversity and inclusion matters. Events over the summer have demonstrated how far we all still have to go in order to ensure equality of opportunity, diversity of thought, and inclusion for all, and I passionately believe the Inn has a role to play in this. I am currently leading a review of the Inn’s diversity and inclusion policy and action plan, and would use my position on the BRC to ensure D&I plays a central role in the governance and management of the Inn.

Committee Status Seeking Election for the first time

Ian McDougall

Year of call 1997

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) General commercial, international, IT, IP.

Statement As the General Counsel of one of the world's leading providers of data and technology to the legal profession I benefit from viewing an important meeting point; both provider and consumer. It gives me a good perspective on the challenges faced by the in-house legal profession as well as the legal profession as a whole. The representation of the in-house Bar is becoming increasingly important as the in- house community represents amongst the fastest growing sector of the legal profession. In addition, having sat on committees at both the United Nations and the International Bar Association I bring a wealth of experience and knowledge that can be deployed in representing the Bar generally as well as specifically the in-house community.

The future of the legal profession is increasingly becoming an area of keen debate; how will it develop? What are its educational needs going to be? How do we ensure diversity and broad representation? How will technology change the work that lawyers do? How will Artificial Intelligence affect the legal profession. I have written and lectured on these topics and can provide input and thought leadership in these crucial areas.

Committee Status Seeking Election for the first time

George Payne

Year of call 2004

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) Criminal barrister practising in London and the South East. Since 2009 employed within a solicitors firm and previously self-employed

Statement I would like the chance to continue to serve on the Bar Representation Committee.

Since joining the committee in 2017 I have been working hard with the other members to represent your interests. I have been a member of the Catering Committee working to keep costs down for members of the bar wanting to attend our collegiate events. I have also served as a member of the Pre-Call Education Committee, the Qualifying Sessions Working Group and more recently on the Collegiality Working Group set up to foster closer ties within the membership of the Inn.

For a number of years I have contributed to the Inn’s educational programme including post-call advocacy training, bar school residential weekends and our debating club.

I strongly believe that the Inn has a vital role to play in holding together our profession at a time when more of us work away from chambers and where the need for a collegiate support network is stronger than ever.

I look forward to your support and to being able to represent your views.

Committee Status Currently Co-opted and seeking election

Ryan Richter

Year of call 1998

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) In Practice - Crime - South East

Statement I stand for election in order to use my experience to best represent the views of members and to further the work of the Inn. I am currently the co-chair of the Employed Barristers Committee of the Bar Council and in that position I have sought to bring real change and highlight the work of the Employed Bar. I am a passionate believer in the ‘One Bar’ ethos and if elected I would maintain the spirit of co- operation and respect which exists within the Inn. As a student I was an elected member of the Inn’s Student Committee and worked with the excellent facilities team to host a number of successful educational and social events. I have in the past been an Inn advocacy tutor and taught at the student residential weekends. Having completed pupillage and enjoyed ten years of tenancy at a leading criminal set I joined the CPS in 2008 working within the South East area. I am well placed to know the difficulties facing our profession from both employed and self-employed viewpoints. If elected I will continue to work to secure equality and unity within the Inn and fight to advance members' interests.

Committee Status Seeking Election for the first time

2020 Elections for the Bar Representation Committee of Lincoln's Inn Member of over 7 years call with a current practising certificate in England and Wales at the self-employed bar

Brynmor Adams

Year of call 2008

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) Self-employed barrister specialising in property and public law based at Exchange Chambers in Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds.

Statement I am self-employed barrister specialising in property, public and local government law. I am based at Exchange Chambers in Manchester but practise nationwide.

I was called to the Bar in 2008, which I would not have achieved without the Inn's generous scholarships. I have since actively contributed to the Inn's education activities. For several years I have mentored prospective barristers and provided training through the Pupillage Foundation Scheme. More recently I have become an advocacy tutor. I have taught advocacy and ethics to new practitioners at Highgate House. During lockdown I have delivered training remotely to the Inn's students using Zoom.

I was a Peter Duffy scholar at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg and was afterwards invited to join the Inn's European Group. I have helped organise the Inn's European activities including its popular lecture series.

I was a pupil and tenant at chambers in London before moving to Exchange Chambers in Manchester in 2018. I have experience of life at both the London and regional Bars and can bring a different perspective to the committee.

Committee Status Seeking Election for the first time

León Fernando Del Canto Gonzalez

Year of call 2006

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) Self Employed international tax and intellectual property barrister at 218 Strand, London.

Statement Being the first Spanish Abogado called to the Bar in England and Wales (March 2006) has enhanced my career enormously. A legal career for a non-national in London is not easy and even though, international barristers play and important role not only for the international promotion of the Bar and the Inns, but, most importantly, to attract new business. I put forward my proposition because I strongly believe that the Bar and our Inns should make a concerted effort to expand their global reach, attract new members and establish international connections in new territories. During my legal career I have travelled with the Bar Council to Qatar, Oman, Abu Dhabi, Mexico, Colombia and I have seen great interest in forging links and friendship with the Bar, even in civil law jurisdictions. The role of the Inns as learning and professional development centres and the Bar model supervising the unique strengths and values of the profession must be protected and promoted. We are the oldest and one of the few independent legal professions in the world, and we should make additional effort sto promote it.

Committee Status Seeking Election for the first time

Nigel Royston Edwards QC

Year of call 1995

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) Independant practice based in London, live in Yorkshire, work countrywide and internationally in serious crime, regulatory work and human rights.

Statement I joined the Inn when Sheila Gerahgty was the Student affairs administrator and because of her ethos. As a result in my early years I assisted with training weekends and various events on the North East circuit. Of late I have assisted with Advocacy training and undertaken initiatives on social mobility and diversity alongside various other colleagues and professions. I took silk in the 2018/19 round and immediately stood for election for Vice Chair of the CBA on a ticket of fairness, social mobility together with a view to root and core change to diversity improvement and advancement. I have also taken an apolitical stance on issues of fees and wellbeing for all juniors in the face of cuts. My chambers have been at the forefront of these issues and I have played a significant role in advancing these causes. If elected I would seek to ensure that the Inns proud heritage in such areas is honed and improved as best I can. My aim in all things is to ensure that the interests of all are promoted and that no group or individual is left behind. I would assist and represent all unswervingly, without self interest in any way.

Committee Status Seeking Election for the first time

Gerard Forlin QC

Year of call 1984

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) Cornerstone Barristers QC doing Regulatory/ Transport work both in the UK / Globally Private and some Legal Aid work

Statement I have been on the Bar RepresentationCommittee for the last 4 years. I have also been on the Investment and Library Committee. Given my International background and practice I have been able to make a full, regular and valuable contribution especially in relation to investments which is a very important part of the Inn especially, for the present and future Students and Barristers. I have also built up a degree of expertise over the last four years that I would like to continue to use especially when questioning the various advisors. Since March I have been on a weekly Head of Chambers call with upto forty various sets. I am therefore painfully aware of the perilous situation that a huge percentage of the Bar currently face, with the latest survey indicating that upto 37 percent of the Bar may not renew their practising certificate. I have continued to push this issue at meetings and would like to be able to continue to do so.

I used to live in the Inn and deeply care both about the future of it and all aspects of the Bar, especially now when it needs to be nutured more than ever.

Thank you. Gerard Committee Status Currently Co-opted and seeking election

Keith Gordon

Year of call 2003

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) Self-employed barrister specialising in tax disputes, Temple Tax Chambers, London

Statement I have been privileged to serve the members of the Inn for ten years on the Bar Rep and on two Benchers' Committees (Finance & General Purposes, Library) and previously the Investment Committee. These have allowed me to use by background in accountancy for the benefit of the Inn.

Having come to the Bar in my 30s and with family responsibilities, I recognise the importance of ensuring that the Inn caters for all its members. I am also keen to ensure that the Inn takes an active role in promoting diversity within the legal profession and recently participated in the Social Mobility Forum's mentoring scheme. If re-elected, I look forward to continuing to serve the Inn.

Committee Status Currently Co-opted and seeking election

Laureen Husain

Year of call 1997

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) Criminal Practitioner at 187 Fleet Street

Statement I have actively served on the BRC for over 20 years, each time elected to the post. It is imperative that the publicly funded Bar is represented on this committee, a role I strive to fulfil with enthusiasm and dedication. I have broad experience of serving on different bench committees, successfully representing the interests of the Bar.

I have assisted in the scholarship interviews process for the Inn, which ensures that the most deserving candidates receive funding for their future career. Working for the Inn in this capacity is highly rewarding and I hope I have made some difference.

I have served as co-Chair of the Lincoln’s Inn Social & Wellbeing Group since 2018, and contributed in obtaining a Certificate of Recognition from the Bar Council. We offer a programme of events, activities and initiatives for hall members. I facilitated an open discussion about work/life balance between the Judiciary and members of the Bar, in collaboration with the SEC.

I currently also sit on the Staff Committee. It is important for our voices to be heard, and I will continue to work for hall members with vigour, should I be re-elected to this committee.

Committee Status Seeking Re-election

Timothy Lyons QC

Year of call 1980 (Inner Temple) 1994 (Lincoln's Inn ad eundem)

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) Self-employed barrister at 39 Essex Chambers, London

Statement I have experience of serving on the Bar Representation Committee and other Inn committees, such as the investment committee. It takes time to become familiar with the particular issues which the Inn faces so that experience will be useful in the future.

At the present time, however, my willingness to embrace change while advancing the Inn’s basic values, supporting and developing the community of its members, is as important as experience.

Practising at 39 Essex Chambers, I have become acquainted with a variety of practitioners within and outside London. I look forward to representing members whatever their interests and wherever they practise, employed and self-employed. The Inn must be particularly careful for those practising under financial constraints due to public funding limitations or the public health crisis.

Being qualified in Ireland and Brussels as well as London, I am conscious that the Inn is at the heart of an international community which it is important to nurture. Diversity and inclusion in all respects should mark the conduct of the Inn.

Our Inn has established an important educational role. I hope that my links with universities in the UK and internationally will be especially valuable as the role develops.

Committee Status Seeking Re-election

Dr Tariq Mahmood

Year of call 2002

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) Self- employed Commercial/Chancery/Arbitration London

Statement Dear Members of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn,

I seek your support in the forthcoming elections to be your representative at‘ The Bar Representation Committee of Lincoln’s Inn’.

Why you should vote for me?

1. I was called to the bar in 2002 and this is the first time I am putting myself forward. I have substantial experience at the self-employed commercial bar and will use my experience for the benefit of the Committee. 2. I have substantial experience sitting on various Committee nationally and internationally. 3. I wish to be your voice on the Committee and will do my best to engage with all members. 4. I head the ADR group in chambers which has allowed to me to work with a diverse team of people of different ethnicity, religion and jurisdictional backgrounds.

Committee Status Seeking Election for the first time

Raj Sahonte

Year of call 1987

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) Full-time practice at New Square Chambers, Lincoln's Inn. My workload consists principally of contentious property and probate.

Statement I have been in full-time practice since being called to the Bar. I work within the traditional chancery field and have developed a specialism in real estate and probate work.

I serve on the Inn' scholarship committee and have done for a number of years. I also am a member of the Equality & Diversity Sub-Committee of the Chancery Bar Association. In addition, I am a member of the E&D Panel of my Chambers as well as being a member of the Executive Committee of my Chambers.

I would welcome the opportunity of serving on the Bar Representation Committee and would hope as a result to make an effective contribution especially on the issue of equality of opportunity at the Bar.

Committee Status Seeking Election for the first time

2020 Elections for the Bar Representation Committee of Lincoln's Inn Member of 7 years call and under with a current practicing certificate in England and Wales

Ben Hamer

Year of call 2017

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) I am a tenant at 5RB, the media and information set, in London.

Statement I have been co-opted to the Bar Representation Committee since 2018, and have served as co-chair of the Junior Members' Committee (JMC) since its creation. I presently sit on Staff Committee and the BRC's Social and Wellbeing Group. I have strong experience of the Inn's processes through my membership of other committees and the BRC itself.

If elected, I would focus on further improving engagement with junior members (both those starting to practise at the Bar and those seeking pupillage) and providing more opportunities for participation outside of London. I have enjoyed working with the BRC and JMC to increase the opportunities for skills sharing and socialising for the junior members of the Inn, with events such as the 'Second Six and Beyond' and 'Pathway to Pupillage', as well as the annual dinner and termly drinks for junior members.

The pandemic raises real uncertainty for those beginning their careers, and we must consider how best to support those most vulnerable to current and future risks. Building on the Workshare Scheme, it would be my priority to continue developing

1 support systems for members and ensure there is appropriate assistance for those who need it.

Committee Status Currently Co-opted and seeking election

Michael Levenstein

Year of call 2015

Practice (current practising status, practice area and location of practice) Self-employed commercial and construction barrister at Hardwicke Chambers in London

Statement For six years, Lincoln’s Inn has been my home—both professionally and personally. During that time, not only was I called to the Bar and set forth into my early years of practice, but I also have had the privilege to forge close friendships, many of which started here.

As early as when I was a BPTC student, I sat on the then-Students’ Activities Executive Committee, and have remained actively involved in all manner of activities for the Education department, ranging from debate coaching and moot judging to acting as a mentor on the Pupillage Foundation Scheme and as an advocacy tutor for BPTC students. This is in addition to teaching BPTC students at City Law School as a Visiting Lecturer and LLM supervisor. More recently, I also became a committee member of LIRA, the Inn’s residents’ association.

In a post-COVID-19 world where most are still forced to work remotely, the relevance of the Inn has seldom become greater, and will continue to offer a unique environment in which its members can still work, learn and share with each other. If elected, I hope to build upon those qualities for the benefit and welfare of all our members.

Committee Status Seeking Election for the first time