Emma Price celebrates book launch at Gray’s Inn Hall

Congratulations to barristers Emma Price and her co-author, Emma-Louise Fenelon on the launch of their book, Baby at the Bar: Navigating life as a barrister after becoming a parent. The book launch, which took place on Monday in Gray’s Inn Hall, was attended by over 140 people from across the industry.

As well as an opportunity to celebrate the launch and to network with peers, the evening also included an insightful interview with Emma and Emma-Louise, with introductory remarks from Mrs Justice Lieven. Georgina Wolfe spoke with the authors about the inspiration for the book, their research process and findings, before opening to questions from guests.

Baby at the Bar provides comprehensive guidance for barristers at the self-employed Bar embarking on the parenting journey, or already on it, addressing not only the immediate considerations, such as taking and returning from maternity/parental leave, but also the years and evolving challenges which follow.

The authors build on the collective wisdom of over 250 barristers, women and men, from across all areas of law and levels of call, who shared their insight, advice and strategies in response to the authors’ research survey. The book rectifies a previous absence of such information.

In addition to being a source of reassurance and guidance for those seeking it, the book highlights how the profession could help. It encourages more supportive practices in chambers, amongst colleagues, opponents and the judiciary, by sharing what works, what can be improved, and what needs to end. The result is an unvarnished account of the challenges facing those at the self-employed Bar with parenting responsibilities, designed to encourage open and honest discussion about where the solutions lie.

Congratulations to Emma and Emma-Louise on their achievement and on being a part of vital wider discussions about balancing parenting and other caring responsibilities with life at the self-employed Bar.

You can view the Baby at the Bar website here. The book is available to buy from Bloomsbury Professional here.