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Our trustees

Our Board of Trustees is made up of experienced solicitors, barristers, a High Court judge, and professionals from across the legal sector. Each trustee brings a unique perspective on pro bono work, united by a shared commitment to its value and the benefits it delivers.

The Board meets regularly to shape the organisation’s strategy and direction. Trustees take a hands-on approach to decision-making, contributing ideas, expertise, and guidance to help the NPBC maximise its impact.

Sir Robin Knowles (Chair)

Sir Robin Knowles CBE is a High Court Judge. He sits principally in the Commercial Court where he also has day to day responsibility for the global forum of the world’s commercial courts.

Julian Bass

Julian Bass is a former partner with City firm, Travers Smith, specialising in commercial property, and involved as part of the firm’s management committees for many years.

Guy Beringer

Guy Beringer is a former Senior Partner of Allen & Overy. He was instrumental in creating The Legal Education Foundation and was Chair from its creation to November 2021.

Isabel Carty

Isabel Carty is a senior associate in Baker McKenzie's Corporate Reorganizations group in London. She is active in the firm’s pro bono and inclusion and diversity programmes.

Stephen Crowne

Stephen Crowne was Chief Executive of the Bar Council from June 2013 to August 2017. Before that he spent two years with Cisco, the networking giant, and five years as Chief Executive of BECTA.

Robin Jackson (Treasurer)

Robin Jackson is the civil strategy director at Guildhall Chambers in Bristol, a consultant with FOURTEEN, the specialist family-law set, and also provides further legal-sector consultancy services and training in leadership and governance.

Sarah Oliver Scemla

Sarah is a Director and Assistant General Counsel at Bank of America, where she advises on sustainable finance. She is trustee of the Chancery Lane Project and on the Steering Committee of the In House Pro Bono Group.

Sir Robin Knowles (Chair)

Sir Robin Knowles CBE is a High Court Judge. He sits principally in the Commercial Court where he also has day to day responsibility for the global forum of the world’s commercial courts.

Julian Bass

Julian Bass is a former partner with City firm, Travers Smith, specialising in commercial property, and involved as part of the firm’s management committees for many years.

Guy Beringer

Guy Beringer is a former Senior Partner of Allen & Overy. He was instrumental in creating The Legal Education Foundation and was Chair from its creation to November 2021.

Isabel Carty

Isabel Carty is a senior associate in Baker McKenzie's Corporate Reorganizations group in London. She is active in the firm’s pro bono and inclusion and diversity programmes.

Stephen Crowne

Stephen Crowne was Chief Executive of the Bar Council from June 2013 to August 2017. Before that he spent two years with Cisco, the networking giant, and five years as Chief Executive of BECTA.

Robin Jackson (Treasurer)

Robin Jackson is the civil strategy director at Guildhall Chambers in Bristol, a consultant with FOURTEEN, the specialist family-law set, and also provides further legal-sector consultancy services and training in leadership and governance.

Sarah Oliver Scemla

Sarah is a Director and Assistant General Counsel at Bank of America, where she advises on sustainable finance. She is trustee of the Chancery Lane Project and on the Steering Committee of the In House Pro Bono Group.