We Set the Bar: Fighting for Equality, Empowerment and Change within the Legal Profession

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Jo Delahunty (Barrister, 4 Paper Buildings,Temple, London Emeritus Professor of Law, Gresham College (Founded 1597) , London)

We Set the Bar

Name: We Set the Bar
Price: 41.95 AUD
Availability: PreOrder
ISBN: 9781529221282

Fighting for Equality, Empowerment and Change within the Legal Profession

Jo Delahunty (Barrister, 4 Paper Buildings,Temple, London Emeritus Professor of Law, Gresham College (Founded 1597) , London)

$41.95

Paperback

Forthcoming
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English

Bristol University Press
31 March 2026

Law & society; Legal ethics & professional conduct

The legal profession has a long-standing reputation for being an 'Old Boys' Club' with both unequal access and progression within it. In recent years, this has begun to be acknowledged, but much more needs to be done to overturn the culture of power and privilege that perpetuates it.

In her trademark outspoken style, Jo Delahunty Q.C. shines a light on these problems – from discrimination and disadvantage in entering the Bar, to toxic work practices, sexual harassment, judicial bullying and more. Jo shows how they impact most negatively on women and minorities, resulting in the loss of diversity from, and underrepresentation in, the senior Bar and judiciary. Finally, using her passion for legal aid work with the most vulnerable in society, she identifies what can be done to make changes to the Bar for the better.

Drawing on her own story and those of others to expose the highs and lows of a life in the law, this book is a challenge to the Bar as it stands and a call to action for the next generation of change-makers. Every professional can make a difference: this book reveals how.

By: Jo Delahunty (Barrister 4 Paper Buildings Temple London Emeritus Professor of Law Gresham College (Founded 1597) London)
Imprint: Bristol University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 140mm,
ISBN: 9781529221282
ISBN 10: 1529221285
Pages: 306
Publication Date: 31 March 2026
Audience: Professional and scholarly , General/trade , Undergraduate , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Introduction Wigs and Gowns A Life in the Law Power and Patronage Power Inside the Courtroom The Next 100 Years Advocating for Change Epilogue: Is It Worth It?

Professor Jo Delahunty KC, Emeritus Gresham Professor of Law, is one of the UK’s leading barristers, specialising in child protection law who, over her 40 years at the Bar, has chosen to champion the vulnerable, using her status and public platforms to speak out about wrongs in her working world. Being the child of a single parent from a working-class family and the first to go to university, she has defied the script for class and gender to challenge inequality and injustice, through her actions, achievements and public speaking. By writing about the realities of a life in law, confronting issues such as sexual harassment, bullying and lack of diversity she Sets The Bar for others to follow.

Reviews for We Set the Bar: Fighting for Equality, Empowerment and Change within the Legal Profession

“A vibrant and vigorous story long overdue. Warrior and worker – Jo – tells it as it is. An intimate account of struggle on the publicly funded legal frontline – often maligned, often overlooked – but vital to sustaining the values and fabric of an egalitarian society under relentless attack right now from the forces of darkness.” Michael Mansfield KC “A brave and honest account, relatable for many who have taken a less conventional journey to the bar. Jo characteristically challenges the power structures and stereotypes which hobble progress and equality, bringing to life their deep-rooted reality. Her ‘love letter’ is an inspiring call to arms for all changemakers.” Jenny Beck KC (Hon), Solicitor & Director