We Set the Bar

The Bar has a long-standing reputation for being the preserve of public-school educated, white men. Power and privilege can create abuses of power, from discrimination and disadvantage in entering the profession, to toxic work practices, sexual harassment, judicial bullying and more. In her trademark outspoken style, Jo Delahunty K.C. reveals what life at the legal aid Bar involves and identifies what can be done to change its culture and image for the better, reshaping the traditional image of a barrister in terms of the diverse profession it should be. By celebrating the highs, but not concealing the lows, of a life in law, Jo’s love letter to her profession ‘sets the bar’ for action: what we can learn from the past and what needs to be done in future to galvanise it into a united, egalitarian, healthy environment for all.

The Bar has a long-standing reputation for being the preserve of public-school educated, white men. Power and privilege can create abuses of power, from discrimination and disadvantage in entering the profession, to toxic work practices, sexual harassment, judicial bullying and more. In her trademark outspoken style, Jo Delahunty K.C. reveals what life at the legal aid Bar involves and identifies what can be done to change its culture and image for the better, reshaping the traditional image of a barrister in terms of the diverse profession it should be. By celebrating the highs, but not concealing the lows, of a life in law, Jo’s love letter to her profession ‘sets the bar’ for action: what we can learn from the past and what needs to be done in future to galvanise it into a united, egalitarian, healthy environment for all.