February 16, 2023
We are delighted to announce that Sharif A. Shivji KC has been appointed as the new Chair of Advocate.
We thank Sir Robin Knowles CBE for his steadfast leadership, dedication, and enthusiasm as the former Chair. His compassionate stewardship has led Advocate to new heights and we are thankful for his many years of service.
Sharif has been a longstanding supporter of Advocate, as Advocate’s Treasurer and trustee, during which time he has been pivotal in advancing the charity’s reach and capacity.
His experience at the Bar, coupled with his passion for and longstanding commitment to pro bono, will be an important asset in his new role.
In his own words, Sharif stated:
“I’m hugely excited and honoured to be taking over as Chair of Advocate. I’ve been involved in Advocate since the beginning of my time at the Bar and am passionate about what we do. Advocate is ultimately about people – those that we assist and our dedicated staff, trustees and volunteer barristers who provide the assistance.”
Sharif is a highly regarded Silk and a leader in his field of banking and financial law. He has acted in many of the largest international commercial disputes in recent years, both in England and offshore.
Sharif is also the Attorney General to HRH The Prince of Wales and was formerly on the Attorney General’s B Panel. He is also a director of the Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund, chairing the Reserves Committee, and a Deputy High Court Judge.
Chair of the Bar, Nick Vineall KC, offers his congratulations:
“On behalf of the Bar Council, I am delighted to welcome Sharif into his new role as Chair of Advocate and wish him every success in taking Advocate from strength to strength. Sharif takes the helm at an incredibly important time for the charity. Pro bono has always been a central aspect of the Bar’s commitment to access to justice. But in the current cost of living crisis, it is more important than ever.
We are enormously grateful to Sir Robin for his leadership and, in particular, his tremendous support and encouragement for all barristers who offer their time and expertise to Advocate and other charitable causes.”
We look forward to welcoming Sharif as our new Chair to lead Advocate through one of the most exciting times in our history, as we expand across England & Wales.
Despite the increasing demand on our services and the mounting challenges within the legal sector, we are confident we will continue to deliver inspiring projects helping people in desperate need.
“Our work has the power to change the direction of someone’s life for the better. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”
– Sharif A. Shivji KC, Chair of Advocate
