Black History Month Panel Event - Black Silk

Details

Date:: 2 October 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm

The celebration of Black Advocates at the Bar.

The panel consists of: Laurie-Anne Power KC and Jason Pitter KC (co-hosts) and Icah Peart KC, Garry Green KC, Allison Munroe KC, Martin Forde KC and Anesta Weekes KC, with a closing address from Barbara Mills KC, Chair of The Bar Council of England and Wales.

Black Silk – Celebrating excellence & building legacy

In 2025, no Black barristers were appointed as King’s Counsel. Currently, there are only 26 Black silks, only eight of whom are women. Black Silk co-hosts Laurie-Anne Power KC and Jason Pitter KC, will explore what is going wrong, what we can do about it, and how we can take forward the legacy and achievements of late friends and colleagues.

This event is held in partnership with Garden Court Chambers.

In Memory

Our Black Silk event will feature a short film in honour of the late Dr Courtenay Griffiths KC (1955-2025), as well as remembering the late Michael Hall (1957-2025).

Dr Courtenay Griffiths KC

Courtenay was one of the earlier Black lawyers who achieved queen’s counsel, taking silk in 1998. He was involved in some of the most high-profile criminal cases of his time, including the PC Keith Blakelock and Damilola Taylor murder trials. He spent much of his career at Garden Court and was joint Head of Chambers from 1999 to 2012, later moving on to 25 Bedford Row. Revered for his formidable advocacy and devastating cross examination, he was a highly respected international advocate, instructed all over the world. A true legend, titan, and icon, Courtenay inspired so many of us to come to the Bar.

Michael Hall, Garden Court Chambers

Michael Hall (Call 1983) was a criminal defence barrister at Garden Court Chambers. Michael specialised in defending in serious cases of murder, armed robberies, public order disturbances, and complex fraud, making powerful speeches before juries. He was a man of principle, fearless in court and highly respected. He helped to pave the way for many others to follow.

Hosts

Hosts

Jason Pitter KC, New Park Court (Call, 1994, Silk: 2014)

Laurie-Anne Power KC, 25 Bedford Row (Call: 2000, Silk: 2022)

Speaker Panel

	Icah Peart KC, Garden Court Chambers (Call: 1978, Silk: 2002) Icah Peart KC is a heavyweight criminal defence barrister who is particularly keen to defend in cases which have political, civil libertarian, or racial dimensions. Icah leads in high-profile cases where allegations include murder, armed robbery, fraud, and public order offences. Additionally, he has experience of both inquests and courts martial, and sits regularly as a Recorder in the Crown Court at a variety of locations in London and the southeast.
	Anesta Weekes KC, Exchange Chambers (Call: 1981, Silk: 1999) Anesta Weekes KC is considered a top tier criminal advocate, known for her decisive cutting-edge cross examination and memorable passionate closing speeches. Anesta has significant expertise in dealing with sensitive issues of national importance and has worked on major national Public Inquiries, including The Stephen Lawrence Inquiry.
	Martin Forde KC, 1 Crown Office Row (Call: 1984, Silk: 2006) Martin Forde KC has a practice which covers all aspects of Health Law. He appears regularly in Regulatory and Disciplinary tribunals predominantly for medical practitioners and has extensive experience in inquests. Martin was Independent Advisor to the Windrush Compensation Scheme (2018-2021) and was appointed in The Forde Inquiry (2020).
	Allison Munroe KC, Garden Court Chambers (Call: 1992, Silk: 2020) Allison specialises in Family Public Law, Inquests/Inquiries, Crime and Mental Health. She has focused on acting for vulnerable clients with an emphasis on protection of civil liberties. She has represented bereaved families, including Hillsborough Inquests, Grenfell Tower Fire Public Inquiry, and UK Covid-19 Inquiry. Allison is shortlisted for the Family Law KC of the Year at the Family Law Awards 2025
	Garry Green KC, Doughty Street Chambers (Call: 1999, Silk 2023) Garry Green KC fearlessly defends his clients’ right to a fair trial, with a criminal defence practice complemented by public & international law. His commitments to social justice include contributing to Howard Leagues’ guide for anti-racist lawyers, being a member of JUSTICES’ working party on tackling disparity in Youth Justice and mentoring & advocating for young people.