We are passionate about social mobility at the Bar. The passion runs right from the top and throughout Chambers.

At St Pauls Chambers we strongly believe in the power of education. This is why we created our school outreach program, designed to offer students insight into the world of law and spark inspiration in young people to help them become the lawyers of the future.

Raising awareness about what the role of a barrister involves can help students make informed decisions about their potential futures within the legal field.

Our barristers come from diverse backgrounds with many having attended state schools, enabling them to relate to young people who have never thought they could be a lawyer. Therefore we have a true understanding of the challenges faced by young people wanting to get into law who don’t have the knowledge, financial support, or connections they think they need to be successful.

Head of Chambers: Denise Breen-Lawton KC was state school educated and was the first in her family to go to university. Having done a Business Management degree, she then converted to law through the GDL and left her job in marketing to go on the Bar Course. She worked part-time jobs and holiday jobs to pay for her own education and has recently become the first female Head of Chambers at St Pauls and, with Nikki Saxton KC, the first female Silks to come from St Pauls.

Gabrielle Coates, our most junior tenant, was also state school educated in Leeds and has worked incredibly hard to achieve her own success in life and at the Bar. She is the very epitome of social mobility, and we are extremely proud to have her in our chambers.

Denise and Gabrielle regularly go to local state schools to deliver talks and do workshops with young people who might never consider a career as a lawyer, because they have never heard of Barristers, or they simply think they can’t do it when they can. Outreach to those at such a young age is hugely important for the profession.

As a Chambers we are proud that we also volunteer for ‘Bridging the Bar’ and each year take part in the 10K Black Interns programme. One of our pupils in September 2024 was recruited through participating in the 10K Black Interns programme.

What does our Outreach Program include?

Our school Outreach program includes various activities tailored to suit a variety of age groups. Some example activities we conduct include:

Career talks: Our team offers career talks, sharing insights into their personal legal profession journey and valuable advice concerning pursuing a career in law. Following this, our barristers are also happy to offer an open Q&A where students can freely ask any questions about careers in law, wellbeing at the bar and our legal expertise, amongst other things.

Workshops: our barristers lead interactive workshops on a range of topics, from family law to financial and corporate crime. Like in career talks, students are also given plenty of opportunities in workshops to ask questions and get involved in discussions.

Mock trials: with mock trial exercises, students can get a feel for the courtroom with a more hands on approach. This strategy aims to help students better understand courtroom procedures and the skills required in legal decision making.

Contact Us

Chambers is centrally located within walking distance of the train station, secure car parks and the Courts.

Contact Us

St Pauls Chambers
Park Row House
19-20 Park Row
Leeds
LS1 5JF

For out of hours assistance please call the senior clerk on 07854170429.

The switchboard will open from 08:30 until 17:30

Phone: +44 (0)1132 455 866
Email: [email protected]
CJSM: [email protected]

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