Partnership with the Old Bailey

Much like the Haberdashers’ Company, the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales (often referred to as the Old Bailey) is a historic institution embedded in the City of London. 

Two of the fourteen sitting judges at the Old Bailey are Haberdashers: HH Rebecca Trowler KC and HH Anuja Dhir KC. Through this Haberdasher connection we have developed a partnership with the Old Bailey, forming part of the Haberdashers’ Advantage: Futures programme. Thanks to the generous support of Judge Trowler, Judge Dhir and their colleagues, Haberdasher students have a unique opportunity to not only visit court cases at the Old Bailey but meet with the judges overseeing the case they observe, ask them legal questions and learn about their journey to becoming a judge.  

We know this experience is invaluable for students considering a career in law, it exposes them to the realities of the justice system in England and Wales whilst inspiring them to be aspirational, imagining themselves as a future Barrister, Judge or Clerk. The warm welcome always given by staff at the Old Bailey demystifies a grand and historic building whilst reminding students of the significance of the contemporary and historic cases held at the Central Criminal Court.  

As well as introducing them to roles within the courtroom, students have opportunity to hear from a variety of staff based at the Old Bailey. From mental health nurses to witness support, meeting those working behind the scenes exposes students to the level of input involved in one case, and the varied career options within the justice ecosystem.