Sarah Abram KC appointed Vice Chair of Advocate

18/05/23

Brick Court Chambers is pleased to announce that Sarah Abram KC has been appointed as the new Vice Chair of Advocate, having been involved with Advocate and its predecessor, the Bar Pro Bono Unit, since the start of her career at the Bar. 

Her very first case was a pro bono case, acting for a client in the Croydon Employment Tribunal. Sarah says, “I was representing the claimant in an unfair dismissal claim involving a total absence of proper process, against a background of some serious allegations of wrongdoing which had been effectively accepted by his former employer without being investigated. After a two-day trial, we won and he was awarded £6,000. It’s still one of the victories that I’m proudest of, over 15 years later.”

She continues, “I’m hugely honoured to be appointed as Advocate’s Vice Chair.  When a barrister is willing to give up their time for free to act for litigants who can’t afford to pay for legal representation, that doesn’t just help the client in their individual case; it also makes a real contribution to access to justice.  Pro bono cases can change lives for the better.  Advocate is the critical centre of that system, matching barristers who are willing to act pro bono with people who need help.  I couldn’t be prouder to be part of Advocate’s work, alongside the Chair Sharif Shivji KC, the other Trustees and every member of staff from the CEO to the case-workers.”

Sarah was previously named Pro Bono Junior of the Year at the Bar Pro Bono Awards 2021, and is a Trustee of Advocate. 

Sharif A Shivji KC, Chair of Advocate, warmly welcomed the appointment, saying “We are delighted by Sarah’s appointment as Vice-Chair. She brings a host of skills to our organisation as well as her enthusiasm and wisdom. She will play a key role as we continue our important mission of access to justice for all”.

Helen Davies KC, Joint Head of Brick Court Chambers, congratulated Sarah on her appointment as Vice Chair.  She says “We are also delighted at the news of Sarah’s appointment and wish her every success. Brick Court Chambers is proud to be a Gold Patron of Advocate, and has been for several years.  Additionally, during our centenary in 2021, we undertook to raise £250,000 for four charities of which Advocate was one. Ultimately we raised over £312,000 with gift aid for the centenary charities. We look forward to continuing to work with Advocate in the future.”