Advocate welcomes new CEO at key time for access to justice

Advocate (formerly the Bar Pro Bono Unit) is delighted to announce the appointment of Rebecca Wilkie as its new Chief Executive Officer. Rebecca will take up the post at the beginning of July.

Rebecca was previously the CEO of Advocate from 2007 to 2015. She has since developed further her already extensive experience in the access to justice sector. Most recently, Rebecca has been the programme director for the Litigant in Person Support Strategy, where she facilitated the work of a key partnership of charities working across the sector and with support from the Ministry of Justice. She will continue to be involved with that Strategy as CEO of Advocate.

Rebecca joins at an exciting time for Advocate and her enthusiasm, experience and expertise will drive forward casework and innovation in both the short and long term.

Rebecca said: "At a time of real challenge for the Bar and society, remembering how much so many barristers give freely to those in greatest need is humbling and inspiring. I’m thrilled to be joining the Bar’s charity as Chief Executive and look forward to working with the team and dedicated volunteers at Advocate.”

Sir Robin Knowles CBE, Chairman of the Advocate board, warmly welcomed the appointment, saying "The access to justice that Advocate strives to enable is needed more than ever, as the public faces the pandemic and then its aftermath. Advocate could not be more fortunate with this appointment at this time. Rebecca and Advocate are a proven combination. Both have gone on to develop hugely since Rebecca’s last term as Advocate’s CEO - the combination was strong then, but it promises to be even stronger now.”