Building Future Barristers: The University of Greenwich Bar Society’s Commitment to Excellence

by Daria Ilyushenkova

Bar Society Elected President 25/26, Univeristy of Greenwich

July 12, 2025

The University of Greenwich Bar Society is a dynamic, student-led organization committed to bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice within the legal field. Our society serves as a vital platform for aspiring barristers, offering opportunities for skill development, networking, and practical insights into the realities of a legal career. More than just a student group, we are a supportive community dedicated to

empowering each other to succeed. Through various initiatives, events, and mentorship programs, the University of Greenwich Bar Society aims to create the next generation of legal professionals, preparing

them to excel in their careers and make a meaningful impact in the legal industry.

ACHIEVEMENTS

One of our flagship accomplishments is the successful organization of the ‘Rule of Law Conversations,’ a series

of engaging discussions featuring esteemed judges. These events, held in partnership with the university and Tim Barnes KC, have provided members with valuable insights into the judiciary and the importance of the rule of law, creating a deeper understanding of legal principles among aspiring professionals.

BUSINESS LINK

The University of Greenwich Bar Society, as a student-led organization, develops essential skills that directly translate to the business world, such as leadership, teamwork, event management, and professional communication. By organizing networking events, legal workshops, and collaborations with industry professionals, the society provides members with practical experience in project coordination, strategic planning, and engagement — skills highly valued in the business sector. Additionally, it encourages entrepreneurial initiatives and professional development, preparing students to navigate competitive environments and build valuable connections that can benefit their future careers in both law and business.

Most recently, we were honored to receive the Best Academic Society Award for 2024–2025, recognizing our dedication to academic excellence, community engagement, and innovative initiatives. This award underscores our commitment to shaping future legal leaders and highlights the impact of our society within the university and beyond.

PAST EVENTS

UK Supreme Court visit

For instance, hosting an event at the UK Supreme Court has provided students with a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the highest court in the country. This visit and discussions have deepened students’ understanding of constitutional law, judicial independence, and the functioning of the UK’s legal system. Such exposure inspires future legal professionals by showcasing the importance of judicial integrity and the critical role the courts play in upholding justice and the rule of law. Additionally, these experiences have helped students develop a greater appreciation for the complexities of legal decision-making at the highest level,

motivating them to pursue excellence in their legal careers.

Inner Temple visit

Moving on, collaborating with the Inner Temple has significantly enriched students’ legal education by offering access to one of the four Inns of Court, essential for those aspiring to become barristers. Through the visit, students have gained practical knowledge about the vocational training and professional standards required

for the Bar. Ultimately, this initiative has helped bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice, empowering students to make informed decisions about their legal careers.

RULE OF LAW CONVERSATIONS

The Rule of Law Conversations series has developed meaningful dialogue between students and esteemed legal figures, including judges and legal scholars. These events have highlighted the importance of the rule of law in maintaining democracy, justice, and social stability. By engaging with leading legal minds, students have

gained valuable insights into the judiciary’s role in safeguarding fundamental rights and the challenges faced in upholding the rule of law in a changing world. This initiative has also enhanced students’ critical thinking, communication skills, and awareness of the societal impact of legal principles, inspiring them to become

responsible and ethical legal professionals.

‘INTRODUCTION TO THE BAR’ DONE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CITY BAR &

MOOTING SOCIETY

The ‘Introduction to the Bar’ event, conducted in partnership with the City Bar and Mooting Society, has been instrumental in preparing students for the practical realities of a legal career. It provided valuable guidance on the pathway to becoming a barrister, including insights into pupillage, advocacy, and courtroom etiquette. Participating students benefited from the perspectives of alumni from both City University of London and the University of Greenwich. This initiative has played a crucial role in showcasing the profession, encouraging more students to consider a career at the Bar, and equipping them with the tools needed to succeed in

competitive legal environments.

COMMUNITY

Most of our events are open to both students and non-students from outside the University of Greenwich. They provide an inclusive platform for a diverse range of participants. This approach encourages broader engagement and knowledge-sharing within the legal community.

SUCCESS STORIES

Our event provided students with valuable opportunities such as mini-pupillage

experiences and the chance to marshal a judge, offering practical insights into the

legal profession. Additionally, a Kingston student who participated in our activities was awarded the

Bronze Kingston Award, a recognition that highlights the skills, leadership, and

personal development gained through extracurricular engagement alongside their

academic studies. These experiences demonstrate how our events support students

in developing essential professional skills and achieving recognition beyond the

classroom.

FUTURE GOALS

Looking ahead, we aim to double our current membership reach and grow our

community. We're excited to find sponsors and partners to support our goals. We will

keep hosting inspiring speaker events, covering topics like the future of law,

commercial law, and international law, to help members learn and succeed. Our goal

is to create a lively, inclusive space that prepares students for bright legal careers

and keeps everyone engaged and motivated. We will also focus on the application

process for mini-pupillage and ways to help students stand out, especially since we

face challenges as a non-target university. To address this, we plan to introduce more initiatives and support programs to give our members a competitive edge and better prepare them for success. Being a

non-Russell university doesn’t mean we aren’t strong candidates for work — in fact,

we believe we can be even better. Our goal is to move beyond the

Russell-versus-non-Russell rivalry and focus on showcasing the talent, skills, and

potential of all students, regardless of university reputation.