“[The most rewarding thing about volunteering is] feeling you have made a difference, particularly to those who do not have the advantage of life at the bar.”
Mark Warwick KC, Head of Selborne Chambers, speaks to us about his positive experiences volunteering for Age UK in a position he found through Bar in the Community.
What kind of volunteering opportunities have you undertaken, and why did you decide to do this type of volunteering work in particular?
About 17 years ago I became a trustee of Age Concern Islington. I chose this charity from a useful list, provided by Bar in the Community. The charity appealed to my interests, and I was local, living in Islington. Age Concern later became Age UK, and I remained a trustee. Together with 2 other long serving trustees, I retired as trustee at the end of 2022.
At what stage in your career did you first start taking on volunteering opportunities?
In my early 50s.
How has your volunteering work positively impacted on your career?
Most of the time meetings involved discussions about money. At the Bar one is insulated from the financial impacts of legal advice. Assisting with a charity underlines the importance of funding.
What was the most memorable volunteering opportunity you worked on, and why?
Some years ago the charity had a stall at an open day in Islington town Hall, offering advice. I helped to co--ordinate a large number of visitors to the stall, who had a variety of issues they wished to discuss.
Do your Chambers support barristers and professionals who want to do volunteering work?
Absolutely. As Head of Chambers I encourage volunteering, although any pressure has to be gentle. Over 20 years ago I signed up Chambers for the London Legal Walk (a 10k walk through London which raises money for the advice sector). I have led a team from Chambers every year, raising substantial funds.
Why do you think people at the Bar should take on volunteering work outside of traditional pro bono work like advice and representation?
To be exposed to the “real world”.
What advice would you give to anyone at the Bar who is unsure about whether to start doing volunteering work?
Do it! You will not be disappointed.
What is the most rewarding thing about volunteering work?
Feeling you have made a difference, particularly to those who do not have the advantage of life at the bar.
Interested in volunteering? Check out our current volunteering opportunities here and sign up here to receive regular updates on volunteering opportunities.