Racial Equality Society

Established in 2019 by Sefki Bayram, the Racial Equality Society (RES) is a student led society at the Inner Temple. RES was originally known as the BAME Student Network (BSN).

RES aims to increase access and improve the representation of ethnic minority groups at the Bar. We routinely analyse the annual diversity reports published by the Bar Standard Board and use them to inform the events and support we provide to aspiring barristers.

We hold discussions with notable speakers and practising barristers in a safe space where members can be open about the challenges they face and current challenges within the profession. The aim is to identify and potentially implement ways in which these challenges can be overcome.

In our wider events, we also assess the views and contributions of a larger audience to build a bigger picture and reflect on the general perception of racial diversity and what this should look like.

Our Executive Committee guides the direction of RES and we are always looking for individuals to get involved and share ideas, particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We have had several safe space meetings, round table discussions, conferences and private social events. Notable events include:

• BAME Student’s Mock Interview scheme, 17th March 2021
• Combating the Impostor Syndrome, 25th March 2021
• Black History Month: Black Champions in Law, 28th October 2021 (video available)
• Pupillage Application Event, 19th January 2022 (pictures available, looking for video)
• The Law: Health and Wellbeing, 25th October 2022
• Pupillage Applications 2023: Ethnic Minorities, 24th January 2023
• Black History Month Event: Politics and the Law, 20 October 2023

We work closely with other societies of the Inner Temple and encourage our members to take full advantage of the facilities that Inner Temple offers its members. We also work with a number of different chambers across the UK.

You will have the exciting opportunity to take on roles as officers of RES and pioneer of our projects. If yes, then read on.

To become a member of RES, you must be a current member of Inner Temple and fall under one or more of the following:

• identify as an ethnic minority
• Be a student or have not completed the first year of your tenancy

Our major events are open to all members of Inner Temple but members of RES will receive exclusive access to all events. Membership is free, just send us an email. 

Roles

The Executive committee is made up of:

• President
• Vice President(s)
• Secretary General

The remaining members of the Committee shall consist of one or more of the following:

1. Social Secretary
2. Publicity Officer
3. LGBTQIA + Officer
4. Wellness Officer
5. Events Officer

This depends on need, capacity, and availability. Further roles can be created on the committee where necessary, but current role descriptions can be viewed HERE 

Applications for the 2023/24 committee are NOW CLOSED!