One year of All Things Bar: Building pathways into the legal profession
The first anniversary of All Things Bar (ATB) was celebrated with the ATB Conference, ‘Bridging Barriers: One Year of Access, Growth and Opportunity’. Founded by NLS student Precious Akowuah, currently undertaking the LLM Barrister’s Training Course, ATB continues to create pathways into the Bar. Here, she reflects on the impact of this milestone event.
Published on 2 April 2026
Categories: Current students; Nottingham Law School;
“As the Founder of ATB, the vision for the conference was simple: to create a space where people could leave with clarity, feel comfortable being themselves, and have meaningful, honest conversations about their journey into the legal profession.
From the outset, both myself and the team were intentional about diversity in representation. We brought together a range of speakers from judges, barristers, solicitors and solicitor advocates, to personal immigration advisers and those working within the civil service. It was important that attendees could see the breadth of opportunities within law and recognise that there is no single “correct” path.
One of the key themes of the day was acknowledging that the journey to the Bar is not always straightforward. Through our panel discussions, we explored personal career journeys, the importance of mentorship, diversity, and representation, as well as the variety of legal pathways available. Alongside this, the student panel played a key role in highlighting real student voices and journeys, creating space for honest reflections and relatable experiences from those currently navigating the path.
A particularly impactful part of the day was our wellbeing session, delivered by Edieneh Spencer a psychotherapist and educator, on the “Law of the Rubber Band.” She reminded us that our mental health is much like a rubber band there is only so much it can stretch before it needs care and restoration. Her session provided practical insight into managing stress, building resilience, and prioritising wellbeing, both now as students and in future legal practice. This was a powerful and necessary reminder of the importance of looking after ourselves within a demanding profession.
We were also incredibly grateful to have the presence of student-led organisations such as the NLS Mooters Guild and The University of Nottingham Bar society and Advancing Black Careers society whose involvement added to the sense of community and collaboration throughout the day.
Having alumni and professionals such as District Judge Jeffers, Tom Lawal, Zara Mahmood, Anthony Cheung, Bridget Omeyi Umoru alongside Senior Lecturers at Nottingham Law School like Natalie Robinson and Lucy Walker, truly highlighted the power and importance of representation. For many attendees, seeing individuals who had once been in their position was both inspiring and reassuring.
On a personal level, the support from Nottingham Law School has been invaluable. From the very beginning, I have been encouraged by the Deputy Dean, Matthew Homewood who has followed the journey of ATB closely. Having him present on the day meant a great deal. I have also been incredibly supported by Natalie Robinson, who taught me during my undergraduate studies and has continued to offer both academic and pastoral support throughout my journey as well Andrea Pigott who taught me during undergraduate and teaches me on the Bar Course now. A massive thank you to Christopher Ratcliffe who teaches me on the Bar course for coming to support.
I was really touched as well as many students left the room with their first ever work experience opportunities.
The event was not just a milestone for ATB, but a reflection of what can be achieved through community, collaboration, and a shared commitment to making the legal profession more accessible.”