Master of the Bench
First released 2 December 2025. Running time 21 minutes.
In our inaugural episode, we sit down with the CEO and Engagement Manager of Advocate, the Bar’s national pro bono charity, to discuss how pro bono volunteering helps movers, returners, and those changing practice areas build skills, confidence and connections – while delivering vital legal support to those who need it most.
You will discover
- How Advocate connects barristers with people in urgent need of representation and advice
- How volunteering helps movers, returners and those changing practice area build skills and confidence
- How cases are managed to balance the needs of the public with barrister capacity
RESOURCES
ABOUT YOUR HOST
Rachel Spearing KC is a Master of the Bench at The Honourable Society of Inner Temple. She leads the Movers & Returners programme at the Inn alongside the Education & Training Team in support of their Established Practitioner Programme. In 2012 she co-founded the Wellbeing at the Bar initiative with the General Council of the Bar.
CONTACT
To contact Faye Pauffley, Engagement Manager, Advocate: Email f.pauffley@weareadvocate.org.uk
DISCLAIMER
We’re delighted to welcome more barristers into the pro bono community. If listening to this episode inspires you to take on a case, please do get in touch.
This episode includes general commentary on Advocate’s insurance arrangements. Eligibility to be covered under Advocate’s insurance varies depending on individual circumstances, and the information discussed should not be relied upon as confirmation of eligibility. Barristers must sign up to our panel of volunteers and confirm their eligibility and insurance cover with Advocate before accepting a case. This information may not apply in all situations and should not be relied upon as confirmation of eligibility.
If you have any questions about your eligibility or the scope of Advocate’s insurance cover, please contact a member of the Advocate team.
Listen
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