What today's Labour victory means for me 🧵 

Like many young people who voted for the first time yesterday, most of my childhood was spent under one Government - the Labour Gov't of Tony Blair from 1997 - 2007, with his resignation announced a few months after we met, shortly after my 17th birthday.

Before you come for me, I'm aware he's a polarising figure and take note of the justified strong sentiment given the grave errors he made with Iraq (cc: tuition fees)

If just his name evokes the most visceral of responses from you, stop reading. 

This thread is not about that.


The point is, growing up in a single-parent household in an overcrowded Council flat in East London in the late '90s and early 2000s, opportunities seemed limited. 

But Tony Blair's government gave working-class kids like me hope and a fighting chance. 

Blair's vision for a fairer society was embodied in progressive policies like Child Working Tax Credits. This support was crucial for families like mine, helping us afford essentials and giving me the stability to focus on my studies. 

Another transformative policy was the Education Maintenance Allowance. This small weekly payment made a huge difference, helping me cover travel and school supplies, meaning I did not have to take out a part-time job and making it easier to stay in post-16 education.

We all remember "Education, Education, Education"—another top priority. Blair oversaw a big expansion in higher and further education, poured money into early years learning and pioneered academy schools—although the jury is still out on that last one.

That said, I'm convinced that the reality of a childhood under a progressive gov't meant a working-class kid from the East End could achieve his distant dream of attending Oxford University and making it to the English Bar. 

These policies weren't just about providing financial aid; they symbolised a gov't that believed in the potential of every child, regardless of their background. They instilled a sense of possibility in me and many others.

As I pursued my goals, I was driven by the knowledge that my country was investing in my future. This belief in social mobility was the wind beneath my wings, propelling me towards the path I find myself on today. 

My reaching the English Bar wasn't just a personal achievement; it was a testament to what can be achieved when a gov't prioritises fairness and opportunity for all its citizens.

Today, I look at the challenges faced by working-class kids, and I see the need for policies that promote social mobility more than ever. We need to reignite that belief in equal opportunity.

@Keir_Starmer, your leadership is crucial. 

Let's bring back the vision of a country where every child, no matter their background, has the chance to succeed. Let's make this country fair(er) again.

END

Reflecting on Today's Labour Victory


Enjoyed this piece by one of my closest friends - Jeffrey Krampah-Williams  - on the state of the housing market for first-time buyers:
https://www.mortgagesolutions.co.uk/better-business/2024/02/26/ignoring-first-time-buyer-obstacles-will-only-deepen-despondency-krampah-willams/
🧵 1/6

1. First-time buyer struggles deepen as affordability hurdles grow higher. Jeffrey highlights historic data showing increased mortgage burden and delayed home ownership.

2.  Rising mortgage percentages and older age of first-time buyers reflect a challenging landscape for homeownership. The trend demands attention and innovative solutions.

3. Family support and government schemes like Help to Buy provide some relief, but challenges persist. Lenders explore longer terms and high LTV mortgages to aid buyers.

4. Hope remains for first-time buyers, projected to slightly increase their share of the mortgage market in the coming years. Financial literacy and support crucial for their success.

5. Urgent action needed to address housing affordability and supply issues. Without intervention, the situation will only worsen, amplifying future challenges for prospective homeowners.

6. Question for us planners is how we do what we do best to get more houses built.

As I travel up and down the country appearing in planning inquiries, my constant wish is that more of these young people who needs these homes would attend and make their views known.

END

First-Time Buyer Struggles Deepen

Bar Council issues guidance on using generative AI like ChatGPT: https://www.barcouncilethics.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Considerations-when-using-ChatGPT-and-Generative-AI-Software-based-on-large-language-models-January-2024.pdf

Here is a thread summary of the key points for barristers navigating this evolving tech landscape

1/7

2/ What is ChatGPT? An advanced AI technology by OpenAI, using the GPT architecture. It's a powerful text generator, but understanding its limitations is crucial.


3/ Key risks in using LLMs include anthropomorphism, hallucinations, and information disorder. Real-world examples highlight potential pitfalls - think New York lawyer who presented fake cases to the Court.

4/ Beware the copyright and IP minefield! Content generated by LLMs might violate intellectual property rights. Barristers need to tread carefully.

5/ Irresponsible generative AI use can lead to harsh consequences – negligence claims, breach of confidentiality, defamation. Barristers, proceed with caution.

6/ Protecting client confidentiality is paramount. Be vigilant not to share privileged info with LLMs. GDPR compliance is a must in this evolving landscape.

7/ In conclusion, the legal landscape is evolving with AI. Barristers should understand AI tools, use them responsibly, ensuring accuracy, and compliance.

END

Bar Council Guidance on Using Generative AI: Key Points for Barristers

1/ Judge Sebutinde's dissent in ICJ ruling on South Africa vs. Israel challenges majority's conclusion. Stresses alternative interpretation of applicable laws.

This is 10 tweet summary for X, the full opinion can be found here: https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/192/192-20240126-ord-01-02-en.pdf

1/10

2/ She contends that the court overlooked crucial historical context, arguing it's essential for a comprehensive understanding of the dispute.

3/ Not convinced that the acts complained of by SA are capable of falling within the scope of the Genocide Convention, in particular, because it has not been shown, even on a prima facie basis, that Israel’s conduct in Gaza is accompanied by the necessary genocidal intent.

4/ This is a different question from whether they amount to grave viollations of international humanitarian law.

5/ Considers SA's request for the Court to order a ceasefire regardless of whether Hamas an organization not party to these proceedings continues to attack Israel or continues to hold Israeli hostages, to be "unrealistic".

6/ She is highly critical that many of the provisional measures requested by SA bear no link with the rights asserted.

7/ With respect to a number of the provisional measures, found they merely amount to a requirement for Israel to abide by international humanitarian law, rather than its obligations under the G Convention - with the Court being seised only with matters related to the latter.

8/ If it is right that SA continues to enjoy a cordial relationship with Hamas, then she encouraged SA - as a party to these proceedings and the Convention - to use that influence to try and persuade Hamas to immediately release the remaining hostages.

9/ She advocates for a more inclusive and diplomatic resolution, expressing concerns about the potential long-term consequences of the majority's decision.

10/ In summary, Judge Sebutinde's dissent contends that the majority's ruling may lack a comprehensive understanding of the case, and calls for a more nuanced, context-aware decision.

If there's anything you'd like to add, feel free.

END

Dissenting Views on ICJ Ruling: Judge Sebutinde's Alternative Interpretation

Unraveling the Myth: "Work hard, buy a home, start a family" — a once cherished belief now fading. Enjoyed  @FT's insightful article on the seismic shift in homeownership rates and the looming housing affordability crisis

https://www.ft.com/content/f21642d8-da2d-4e75-886e-2b7c1645f063

But what housing crisis?

🧵 1/9

Part of my day job as a planning barrister involves traveling up and down the country appearing in planning inquiries in support of or resisting new housing developments

I truly believe this next election is fundamentally going to come down to two issues: housing and social care

I know a little bit more about the former rather than the latter so, in the run-up to the next general election, have decided to use this platform to talk a little bit more about that.

Key 5 takeaways from John Burn-Murdoch's article:

1. 🔄 The housing landscape is transforming. Between 1980 and today, the dream of 18 to 34-year-olds owning homes with children has shifted from nearly half to just one in five. Living with parents is now the norm.

2. Why is the housing crisis overshadowed by other issues? Age plays a dual role: the affected youth lacks political clout, and decision-makers over 45 may not grasp what it’s like to have this particular key rite of passage postponed, sometimes indefinitely.

3. 🏠📉 Once a stable characteristic of society, the house price-to-earnings ratio doubled in a decade, shattering the norm. It now takes 13 years to save for the average UK property

30 years in London (up from 4)

To state the obvious, nobody spends 30 years saving for a house.

4. 💼💬 In contrast to battling recent inflation, the response to the housing crisis has been muted. A 100% real-terms increase in unaffordability is treated lightly.

It's not just a young person's problem; it's a societal challenge demanding urgent solutions.

5. The breakdown of the housing conveyor belt has ripple effects—postponed family planning, skewed regional wealth, and altered life paths.

As the general election looms, politicians must address this crisis head-on.

END

Unraveling the Myth: The Looming Housing Affordability Crisis

With our new pupils starting today, thought I'd pen down my thoughts on how to s̶u̶r̶v̶i̶v̶e̶ thrive in a post-pandemic civil pupillage 🧵

1. Lock down a comfortable working space both at home and in Chambers.

Those that don't ask, don't get: ask the pupillage committee if you need something (e.g. to borrow a second screen) so that you can work more effectively.

Pupillage is hard enough. This part should not be.

2. Don't treat every piece of work like a positive PCR test result.

Parts of this year are going to be uncomfortable.

Reflect on negative feedback but not for 10 days.

Get excited about the chance that each new piece of work gives you to learn (and shine).

3. Don't self-isolate.

Pupillage can be lonely.

That anxiety, stress and uncertainty you're feeling. Others have felt it too.

Use the baby juniors and other pupils (both in and out of your Chambers) as part of your bubble.

Communicate if something is wrong (people care).

4. Embrace the hybrid life.

Attend as many of Chambers' (remote and in-person) events as you can. Yes - teas, webinars, conferences, drinks.

Build connections with members and fellow pupils.

These relationships will be vital throughout pupillage and tenancy.

5. Protein bars.

Have some in your bag or some other snack of choice

You never know when you will find yourself hungry, zooming (I tried here) around the place with no idea when you're next going to get a chance to eat.

6. Track and trace your work.

Just not with Dido Harding's app.

At end of the process, you must provide evidence of the competencies required for a practising barrister.

Keep a log of what you did/saw, with whom, remote/in-person and what you learned and books you used.



7. Save some money.

First few months of self-employment can be tough on the bank balance.

Neither Rishi nor Kwasi is likely to help.

If you are lucky enough to be able to save some money - do.

Future you will thank you.

8. You can still go to parties.

You do not have to work every weekend to succeed.

Maintain your outside interests.

I kept doing comedy.

In fact, I have a show on October 21 in London Bridge if you're interested.

Good luck!

We all want you to succeed.

END

Anybody else got anything to add?

You can read the unrolled version of this thread here: https://typefully.com/JKSemakula/u7KRLmV

My Top Tips for Thriving in a Post-Pandemic Civil Pupillage

Prince Andrew and his (former) friends are unfortunately trending again today for the wrong reasons

Did I ever tell you about the time 17-year-old me met the Duke of York? 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-61970358

🧵

The year is 2007

I am part of the young people's advisory group for the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)

The Full Stop campaign is a resounding success raising £250m 

I'm invited (along with my boy Naeem) to a celebratory event with
/


then PM Tony Blair and HRH (as he then was and I think still kind of is) the Duke of York

The first part of the event was held at a central London venue 

The Prince made a speech, we exchanged pleasantries and took some photos

https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/video/tony-blair-and-prince-andrew-visit-nspcc-full-stop-news-footage/693450156

More exciting, however, was meeting Tony Blair (as you can see below). 

2 things come to mind:
 
1) Why did @SerenaDecordova not tell me to give the hair a quick brush forward before the paparazzi moment (teenage me would definitely have had a brush in his pocket)
/



2. Why am I smiling like I'm on a first date? I guess the PM was funny but I digress. 

The second part of the event was held at Tottenham Hotspurs FC with just the PM. 

Now for the exciting part 

/ 

One of Blair's aides walked up to me and asked if I was interested in travelling in the motorcade

17-year-old me (and today me) found the thought of that very exciting so we agreed

I still remember the sirens, wizzing through London with police escorts and the fun of it all

At TFC we had a meeting about the biggest issues affecting young people

Sadly we were having very similar conversations about the problem of knife crime still faced by inner-city youth today 
/

That said, life felt better in the early 2000s than it does today for those of us from poorer backgrounds

A future of not being poor seemed within reach

Anyway, meeting ends and its time for the final photo opp with the PM

As we're all rustling around, I end up right next to him

The cameras are flashing, there is moving around and I decide it's now or never

So I ask - "I know your wife is a successful barrister. That is my dream. Is there any chance you could get me some work exp with her?"

He smiles

An aide takes my details

The event ends and we all go home

I think nothing of it 

2 weeks later, I'm in my sixth form common room and I get a phone call on my Nokia leaf phone (I think that was it but not central to the story)

I answer and hear the voice of a woman on the other end 

"Hello Joel, this is Cherie Blair, I understand you met my husband recently"

As you've probably figured out, this story is not about Andrew at all

But more something I often say to young people - if you don't ask, you don't get!

I'm proud to say, all those years later, little old me from Stratford did achieve that dream

https://www.landmarkchambers.co.uk/people/joel-semakula/

I promise to pay it forward 

P.S. Support the criminal barristers striking. These guys often work for the most vulnerable in our society

I hope you never need one but the truth is, the CJS could affect any of us at any time 

They should be properly paid #Action4Justice 

END

Meeting the Duke of York

It is relatively harder to make it at the Specialist and Commercial Bar as a Black candidate 

Black candidates have relatively low success rates for pupillage 

There is a paucity of Black silks

There are no full-time Black High Court Judges 🧵

Last Wednesday, the Black Inclusion Group, set up by 3 specialist bar associations (COMBAR, ChBA and TECBAR) released its inaugural report titled "The Specialist Commercial Bar &Black Inclusion – First Steps."

Here are my top 10 takeaways from the Report:

1. BPTC graduates from Asian, Black or another minority ethnic background who were enrolled during the 2015-19 academic year were less likely to have commenced pupillage than BPTC graduates from a White background- even controlling for rank of 1st degree and institution attended.

2. Data suggests that there is a relatively high degree of awareness and desire to secure the opportunities that exist at Specialist and Commercial Bar amongst Black students, but only modest number of prospective pupils from this ethnic background are chosen when they apply.

3. As at 2021:

- 3.3% of the Bar is of Black/Black British background 

- 3.5% of junior barristers are of Black/Black British background 

- 3.1% of all pupils are of Black/Black British background (down from 5.3% the previous year)

4. % of Black barristers higher at Crim & Family Bar

Black barristers may decide to practice here, in part, because their research into other Specialist and Commercial chambers shows them that significant number of established sets of chambers have very few or no Black members 


5. Still a disparity between overall % of barristers from minority ethnic backgrounds across profession (14.1%) and % of QCs (8.8%) from this group. May reflect historically lower % entering profession but may also suggest barriers to progression for practitioners from this group

6. As at January 2021, there were:

- 33 judges of Black heritage

- 3 Black Deputy High Court Judges

- 0 Black High Court Judges

- 0 Court of Appeal Judges 

- 0 Black Supreme Court Judges 

- 0 Black Heads of Division

7. BSB expects all chambers to audit and analyse their data regarding practices and outcomes, inc recruitment. If outcomes upon analysis do not demonstrate effective promotion of D&I in chambers, expectation is they will design and implement positive action measures

8. Black does not mean poor and/or working class 

There are hurdles at the Bar for Black practitioners, irrespective of socio-economic background and it is a mistake to elide issues of Black inclusion with issues associated with poor socio-economic backgrounds

9. Black barristers reported feelings of isolation and exclusion. The neg impact of this and pressure that comes with hypervisibility and/or being judged as an exception when you excel & an example for your whole group when you make a mistake, have been extensively documented

10. To succeed, everybody needs a Board, which should consist of:

- A mentor

- A sponsor “in the room” you aspire to and will be your advocate in that room

- A connector 

- A points expert 

- A friend

Can you be that person for a Black person at the Bar?

Committee has made 17 recommendations that should be considered by all Chambers, esp. by those involved in recruitment 

It brings me great joy that they recommend much more than just another mentoring programme 

The full report can be found here: https://tecbar.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Black-Inclusion-Group-First-Report-27-April-2022.pdf

END

You can read the unrolled version of this thread here: https://typefully.com/JKSemakula/4IbUWXQ