The Barrister Group—Emily Foges

The Barrister Group (TBG) has appointed Emily Foges (pictured left) as its first chief operating officer. Emily, former CEO of Luminance and lead partner for legal managed services at Deloitte, joins the group in the newly created role of chief operating officer.

TBG is a tech-enabled legal services business and the umbrella group for brands including The Barrister Group chambers and the Barrister Connect direct access platform. TBG chambers has around 250 barristers on its books.

Emily said: ‘What I find fascinating is that The Barrister Group is not only using legal tech successfully but has been doing so for more than 20 years.

‘The word “disruptor” can be over-used, but TBG has really earned the title. The potential to build something really special on that strong foundation is huge.

‘It’s early days but an exciting time. We have ambitious plans to scale up both in terms of the number of barristers and the instructions they are able to take, while at the same time making sure that we maximise tech to make sure we’re as efficient as we can possibly be.’

The TBG model uses AI to match barristers to the cases most suited to them. There are eight areas of expertise, including family, employment and personal injury, and to qualify as a specialist, that work must account for at least 70% of the barrister’s caseload.

Until recently, Emily was chair of Clu, a tech-powered recruitment platform that connects major employers with candidates from minority or vulnerable groups who may otherwise be overlooked.

She is also a trustee of the Support SEND Kids charity, which provides support and resources to families of children with additional needs to help them access the education they deserve.

Harry Hodgkin (pictured right), chief executive and co-founder of TBG, added: ‘Attracting someone of Emily’s calibre is a significant coup. She has the experience and expertise to help implement the exciting plans we have in the pipeline.

‘Hiring a COO is very forward thinking at the Bar, but that’s what TBG is all about—doing things differently and challenging what has been the status quo for too long in order to build a Bar that’s fit for the future.’