Early morning on October 17th, at Lincolns Inn Fields in London, the three core legal institutions of England and Wales - the Bar Council, Institute of Legal Executives and the Law Society came together through Advocates for International Development (A4ID) (http://www.a4id.org) to declare their support for the UN’s Stand Up Speak Out initiative.

A range of barristers, solicitors, students, legal academics and members of the judiciary from various areas of expertise pledged their support and helped to make a new world record. This momentous occasion not only saw collaboration between the core legal institutions, it reflected a partnership spanning all areas of legal theory and practice. Also committing their support were Bar Human Rights, Bar Pro Bono Unit, BPP, College of Law, LawWorks, Law Society of Westminster & Holborn, Ministry of Justice, Queen Mary Student Pro Bono Group, UCL Law Society and the United Nations Association - UK Young Professionals Network.

“As lawyers, we need to stand up and be counted in the fight against poverty, inequality and injustice. This campaign should and must involve us all," said Geoffrey Vos QC, Chairman of the Bar.
“Eliminating poverty is one of the great challenges facing the world today. As guardians of the law, lawyers have a duty to remind governments and major institutions around the world of their commitment to eliminate world poverty and that they remain accountable for their actions. Events such as this are crucial to maintain pressure on governments to ensure they keep their promises. I am honoured that the Institute of Legal Executives and its members are able to join the millions around the world today in demonstrating our commitment to eliminating poverty across the globe,” said Diane Burleigh, Chief Executive, Institute of Legal Executives.
“Stand Up Speak Out is not just about a single event. We ask that it be a trigger for lawyers to engage and use their skills to improve the opportunities and lives of others,” said Chris Marshall, Chairman, Advocates for International Development.