Emma Southern elected as a Bencher at Lincoln's Inn

17th May 2024

3PB Barristers are delighted to announce that family barrister Emma SouthernEmma SouthernCall: 2006 has been elected as a Bencher at Lincoln’s Inn. Emma becomes Lincoln's Inn's youngest woman to be elected to their Council, after being nominated for this prestigious honour by the Inn’s other Benchers.

Benchers contribute by attending Council meetings, serving on committees, and representing the Inn during events like Call Days. A Bencher, "Benchsitter" or (formally) Master of the Bench is a member of the Council, the governing body of the Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn and once elected, a Bencher retains the title for life.

Emma now ceases to serve as a member of the Bar Representation Committee of Lincoln’s Inn (elected in 2018), was the first Junior Representative of the Western Circuit for the Inn (2019-2023) and is currently a representative for Lincoln’s Inn on the Bar Council. She is a part-time judge, sitting as a Recorder hearing family cases on the Western Circuit. In August last year, the President of the Family Division approved her to hear matters in the Court of Protection as a Recorder. She is also a fee paid Judge of the First Tier Tribunal (HESC, SEND). Emma is also responsible for 3PB's substantial mini-pupillage programme that has over 40 people every year do work experience with the national chambers.

Emma said of her appointment: “I feel privileged to become a Bencher at Lincoln’s Inn. I have hugely enjoyed assisting in the work of the Inn so far and am committed to continuing to play an active role.”

You can contact Emma by emailing her at [email protected]. To instruct her on a family law matter, please contact her clerk Rob Leonard by emailing him at [email protected] or calling him on 01202 292102.