In Conversation with Alex Benn

During June, to celebrate Pride month, YLAL committee member Priya Pandya had a conversation with barrister Alex Benn.

Alex specialises in criminal defence at Red Lion Chambers. They also teach law at University College, Oxford.

During the discussion, Priya asked Alex the following questions about Alex’s experiences and reflections as a member of the LGBTQ+ community at the Bar.

What was your experience at the Bar like when you first started, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community?

I came to the Bar in 2021. By that point, I already had the benefit of the work other people had done to combat homophobia and transphobia at the Bar, alongside other forms of discrimination. I also had encouragement from my pupil supervisor, Joanna Hardy-Susskind, who reminded me that you should start as you mean to go on. Although many of us know, in principle, we should not cram ourselves into boxes of gender (or similar) to succeed at the Bar, you can feel a bit daunted when you start. Still, the Bar is a great place for uniqueness: ultimately, what makes you distinctive can be what makes you successful.

Has it changed? If so, how?

Given that it has only been a few years, it is probably premature to say. In my particular experiences, I noticed that awareness of gender and the gender-neutral prefix, Mx, has improved. It is rare for me now to walk into a courtroom to find a judge or fellow counsel unaware or unkind. In that sense, things seem to be moving in the right direction. Does that necessarily mean a bigger transformation for people coming into the profession, especially in a lasting way? So much of the Bar is still heavily reliant on the binary of gender (e.g. ‘my Lord, my Lady’). Time will tell.

What would you say to an aspiring or junior barrister who’s a member from the LGBTQ+ community to support them in their journey?

For aspiring barristers, it is difficult to give advice without reciting clichés. But, at least when they capture truths, clichés are useful. To that end, you have to be yourself. That is not just an empty idea. You should reflect on your important values and what qualities you think make you a good advocate. You should hold fast to them, even when you feel nervous or intimidated. Beyond that self-reflection, look around yourself. Over the last few years, I have received great advice from others both inside and outside the profession. I have also had a lot of laughter, even about significant topics. I recommend it: surround yourself with good people and, often with humour, you will thrive.