Goodbye to CEO, Rebecca Wilkie

Advocate says farewell to Rebecca Wilkie as she steps down as CEO after two six-year terms leading the organisation. We reflect on the impact of her outstanding leadership and commitment to Advocate over the past two decades. 

Today, we say a heartfelt goodbye to our Chief Executive Officer, Rebecca Wilkie, as she steps down after two six-year terms leading Advocate.

Rebecca first joined Advocate as CEO in 2007, returning in 2020 to guide the charity with unwavering dedication, integrity and compassion. Through periods of change and growth, she has provided calm, thoughtful leadership, always keeping access to justice and the people we serve at the heart of every decision.

Under Rebecca's leadership, Advocate has continued to strengthen its support for those unable to afford legal representation, while growing and engaging our extraordinary community of volunteer barristers and clerks. During this time, the Authorisation to Practise donations were launched, which have since become a fundamental portion of our income.

Rebecca was a driving force in making Advocate a national organisation, expanding our reach across England and Wales. With her ambition and leadership, we recruited our first circuit caseworkers and, in 2023, saw a caseworker helping connect volunteer barristers and those needing legal assistance in every circuit. Alongside these major chapters of growth, Rebecca has overseen a number of successful projects: the launch of the Pupil Pledge scheme and the Chambers Pro Bono Framework. Both growing our reach to more barristers, allowing us to place more cases. Most recently, she has led the development of our new three-year strategy, leaving the charity well placed for the future.

Those of us who have had the privilege of working alongside Rebecca know that her greatest strength has been her people-centred approach. She has been an exceptional leader, offering encouragement, wisdom and steadfast support to the Advocate team and beyond. Her ability to lead with both confidence and kindness has shaped the culture of Advocate and inspired those around her.

Rebecca said:

“Serving as Advocate’s CEO for a second time has been a huge privilege. Every year, thousands of people turn to Advocate because they have nowhere else to go – they cannot get legal aid, cannot afford a lawyer. In the wake of COVID and the increased cost of living, the number of people unable to afford legal help has increased significantly, making Advocate’s mission more important than ever.

I am deeply grateful to the team, trustees, supporters and thousands of barristers whose dedication makes this work possible. Their willingness to volunteer their time and expertise to help those who cannot afford legal representation is extraordinary and represents the Bar at its best. Advocate has evolved enormously in recent years, building a stronger and more geographically diverse team while remaining true to its founding purpose. I leave with immense pride in what we have achieved together and step down with enormous confidence in the future.”

On behalf of everyone at Advocate, and the thousands of volunteers who make our work possible, we would like to thank Rebecca for her outstanding leadership, commitment and unshakeable belief in the power of pro bono. Her contribution to Advocate and to access to justice has been immense, and her impact will be felt for many years to come.

We wish Rebecca every success and happiness in this next chapter.