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In a recent conversation with Anna Yarde, a barrister at Hardcourt Chambers specialising in family law, we explored various themes surrounding the future of the bar, the challenges faced by barristers, and the evolving landscape of the legal profession. Anna shared her personal journey, pivotal moments, and thoughts on diversity, resilience, and the impact of AI on the profession.

Here, we summarise the main findings from the discussion.

Personal journey and pivotal moments

Anna Yarde's journey to becoming a barrister was marked by determination and resilience. Reflecting on her early career, Anna shared a significant moment from her university days when her director of studies advised her to consider alternative paths due to the challenges of entering the bar directly from university. Anna recalled, "I don't have a plan B and I don't want a plan B... I'm all in this is what I'm doing and I'm going to have to just keep going." This unwavering commitment and the drive to overcome obstacles were crucial in shaping her career.

Anna emphasised the importance of resilience and commitment in the profession, stating, "Resilience is a bit of a buzz word at the moment but it's particularly relevant to this profession... you have to be able to reflect on your own performance and how you can meet the needs of your client." She highlighted the need for barristers to endure challenges and learn from each experience to better serve their clients.

Diversity and inclusion at the bar

Anna discussed the importance of diversity at the bar, noting the upward trajectory of women entering the profession. She acknowledged the progress made in recent years, with more female role models and supportive policies in chambers. Anna stated, "We need more barristers who are women... who identify as LGBTQ plus... who belong to an ethnic minority or a different cultural group." She stressed the need for the bar to reflect the diversity of society to improve outcomes for clients and enhance the profession.

Anna also highlighted the significance of supportive policies in chambers, such as parental leave and discussions around fertility and menopause. She explained, "Having all of those policies is one way to show young women who are coming to the bar that there is longevity here... you will be supported."

The role of empathy and emotional intelligence

Anna emphasised the importance of empathy in the profession, describing it as a crucial skill for barristers. She stated, "Empathy is so important... it's not just about good client care... it's about presenting your case as well as possible." Anna argued that understanding clients' experiences and needs is essential for effective advocacy and achieving the best outcomes.

The impact of AI on the legal profession

Anna shared her experiences with AI tools, particularly in case preparation. She described AI as a "springboard" for research, allowing barristers to work more efficiently. However, she cautioned against relying solely on AI, emphasising the importance of developing judgment and confidence in one's own skills. Anna stated, "AI might be able to tell me what the most relevant case is but part of the process... is reading around the subject as well."

Family law developments and cultural shifts

Anna discussed the evolving landscape of family law, particularly in relation to post-adoption contact. She highlighted the cultural shift towards understanding trauma, identity, and narrative, and the practical implications of social media and online DNA testing. Anna explained, "We have to be realistic now about social media... it has an impact on the decisions that the court needs to make for babies now about what their contact should be like with their families."

In conclusion, Anna Yarde's insights provide a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities facing the legal profession. Her emphasis on resilience, diversity, empathy, and the thoughtful integration of AI highlights the evolving nature of the bar and the importance of adapting to meet the needs of clients and society.