The purpose of the Talent Retention Scheme is to provide support to Middle Temple barristers who are either returning from time out of practice (a “returner”) or switching practice areas (a “mover”).

The scheme is open to men and women, and all barristers, employed and self-employed.

Time out of practice may be for any reason including maternity leave, paternity leave, adoption leave, caring responsibilities, health reasons, further study, time-out or to pursue other ventures. Movers could be changing discipline because they are excited about a new challenge or because their practice is not compatible with family or caring responsibilities, other commitments, or has become difficult to sustain for various reasons. For example, criminal barristers moving to family or regulatory work; self-employed barristers becoming employed, or vice versa.

Supporting returners and movers is a concrete way of encouraging diversity, equality and inclusion. Returners and movers offer cognitive diversity and will bring different approaches, skills and experience to enrich the offer of the organisation that takes them on. Also, if chambers and employers compete to offer longevity of careers and, in particular, a horizon that goes beyond having children, health, study or other breaks, this will help recruit the best young barristers from the outset.

Returner and Mover Practitioner Panel

Our first initiative under this scheme was the creation of a panel of practitioners to serve as coaches to returners or movers. The coaches are experienced practitioners who have direct experience of the issues around returning or moving. Returners and movers who made use of the service were paired with a coach, providing an opportunity to discuss issues and concerns in a confidential space.

If you would like to volunteer to be a coach, please contact Gabriel Dorey at g.dorey@middletemple.org.uk.

If you are a returner or a mover and would like to be paired with a coach, please also contact Gabriel Dorey. 

Other Initiatives

The Talent Retention Scheme holds a variety of events, which include Advocacy Refreshers, Lectures, and Coffee Mornings. Do keep an eye on the Middle Temple events page for upcoming ones.