The Team

Portrait of Rebecca Griffiths. Rebecca is wearing a black jacket.

Rebecca Griffiths

I was called in 2005 and practise in crime and regulatory law from Apex Chambers in Cardiff. I work part-time and am immensely grateful to my clerks for facilitating this still uncommon way of working.

I have an autoimmune disease (SLE) and associated conditions, including depression and anxiety. My symptoms vary and unpredictable disabilities can make planning my work diary difficult. I have learned that it is vital to accept the reality of my limits and make adjustments accordingly, such as booking time out of my diary. I always have invisible disabilities and frequently a visible disability. For example, my mobility is usually affected and I sometimes need to use a walking aid or wheelchair.

I experienced a significant period of depression during my Bar course and it was hard to get through to the end of the year. My physical difficulties began in my first year of tenancy, but initially I was able to work full-time for a number of years.

Continuing to practise at the Bar is immensely beneficial to my mental wellbeing. I find the job incredibly rewarding and enjoyable, and it is more than worth the additional efforts needed to enable me to practise.

I hope that those who have a disability and aspire to practising at the Bar will be encouraged by my story.

Portrait of Daniel Holt. Daniel is wearing a blue jacket and bow-tie and is seated in his wheelchair.

Daniel Holt

I am a practising barrister the Founding Chair of the Association of Disabled Lawyers.

I was educated in special needs schools and am a seasoned disability rights activist. I have engaged with the Bar Standards Board, Legal Services Board, Solicitors Regulatory Authority, and many other organisations to help improve the experiences of lawyers and students with health conditions.

I have a long-standing participation in pro bono cases and have volunteered with Queen Mary Legal Advice Centre, Hackney Community Law Centre, and the Free Representation Unit. I have a particular interest in social security cases and relishes helping those in vulnerable situations to access support.

I currently serve as Middle Temple Young Barristers Association’s Diversity and Inclusion Officer as well as sitting on AllBar and Human Right Lawyers Association Committees. I am also a member of the Advisory Committee at Pictor Academy. I play football for Sale United and Greenwich and can be found regularly at Muscleworks Gym.

Portrait of David Hughes. David is wearing a dark suit jacket and bright tie. David wears glasses.

David Hughes

I was called in 1997. Until 2007 I practised at the Gibraltar Bar (save for a year as a pupil), and joined 30 Park Place in Cardiff that year.

I specialise primarily in civil actions against the police.

I was formally diagnosed with dyslexia in the summer of 2021. That late diagnosis means that I am familiar with coping with a disability at the bar without adjustments, with disclosing a disability part-way through my career, and with seeking adjustments as an established practitioner.

Portrait of Sarah Phillimore. Sarah is wearing a black top and wears glasses.

Sarah Phillimore

I was called to the Bar in 1994 and now practice on the South Western Circuit from St Johns’ Chambers in Bristol, primarily in Children Act public law proceedings. I was born with proximal focal femoral deficiency which means my left femur and the bones around it did not grow properly. My left leg was amputated in 1982 and I get around with an artificial leg. The switch to electronic working has been a boon as I can now bring one iPad to court as opposed to six lever arch files. I remain concerned that during all my time at the Bar I have not seen an increase in the numbers of barristers with disabilities and I hope we can do something to encourage more to join and remain in the profession.