Oscar Davies Barrister (they/them) is widely recognised as the first publicly acknowledged non-binary barrister in the UK, and their early education laid much of the groundwork for their legal and advocacy career. They studied French and History at King’s College London, achieving strong academic results, and during this period developed a passion for justice, diversity, and representation. At King’s, Oscar’s experience extended beyond just lectures: modules in gender theory and exposure to diverse viewpoints influenced them significantly, helping shape a worldview which would soon intersect deeply with legal rights and equality. The LGBT Speakers Agency+2King’s College London+2
After their undergraduate degree, Oscar completed the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), followed by the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC). These formal qualifications are essential for practice at the Bar, and Oscar’s competence in them earned recognition from peers and senior legal bodies. Their academic achievements include scholarships and awards—such as the Sir Joseph Priestley Award from Inner Temple and others—that acknowledged both legal promise and commitment to public values. Garden Court Chambers+2The LGBT Speakers Agency+2
Their education was not simply academic. Oscar also benefited from international exposure, including time in Paris (via exchange programmes) and working at the European Court of Justice (Luxembourg) as a trainee. These experiences honed their legal reasoning in human rights, international law, and comparative jurisdictions, adding depth to their understanding of how legal systems can both limit and protect human dignity. Garden Court Chambers
Legal Career and Professional Development
Oscar was called to the Bar in 2018, and from then has built a broad civil and public law practice at Garden Court Chambers. Their work spans employment law, education law, human rights, commercial law, and property/housing law. What stands out is how Oscar combines legal technical skill with a strong sense of social justice, especially representing clients from minority or vulnerable groups. Their practice includes both tribunal and court work—High Court, County Court, Court of Appeal—and also urgent/challenging pleadings. The LGBT Speakers Agency+3Garden Court Chambers+3Garden Court Chambers+3
A hallmark of their career has been advocacy for trans and non-binary clients. Oscar has represented students, people with special educational needs, clients facing discrimination or unfair treatment, and those impacted by belief or identity in public or private institutions. They frequently appear in employment tribunals, Education tribunals, administrative courts and under the public law remit. Oscar also works under the Bar Council’s public access scheme, meaning they accept instructions directly from lay clients where appropriate. Garden Court Chambers+2Garden Court Chambers+2
Oscar’s legal style is grounded in empathy, clarity, and a commitment to rights. They are also creative in litigation strategy – sometimes using public law remedies, human rights arguments, belief discrimination, etc. Their fluency in French supports cross-jurisdiction work, including the Paris-London Bar Scholarship and participation in ECJ-related matters. All these contribute to their rising profile in the legal world. Garden Court Chambers+1
Advocacy for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equality
One of the most significant aspects of Oscar Davies Barrister career is their visibility and leadership in diversity, inclusion, and equality (DE&I) work. Being non-binary themselves, Oscar does more than represent clients—they challenge norms and push for systemic change in the Bar and broader legal profession. For example, Oscar is known for using the title “Mx” in their chambers listing—this was seen as a legal first in the UK. announce.today+2Garden Court Chambers+2
They have won multiple awards for this work: in 2024, Oscar won the LGBTQ+ Champion of the Year at the Legal 500 ESG Awards, was nominated for DE&I Rising Star of the Year, and was a finalist for Young Pro Bono Barrister of the Year. In 2025, they received the Change Maker award from King’s College London. Garden Court Chambers+3Garden Court Chambers+3Garden Court Chambers+3
Oscar also participates in mentoring and organizations aimed at increasing access and support for underrepresented groups. They are a mentor at Bridging the Bar, and a committee member of FreeBar, both of which work on improving social mobility and inclusion in legal careers. They also contribute to legal literature and public panels on topics such as belief discrimination, gender identity law, non-binary rights, etc. innlegal.co.uk+1
Areas of Legal Practice & Notable Cases
Oscar’s legal practice is multifaceted. Key areas include employment & discrimination law (including unfair dismissal, victimization, belief/identity discrimination), education law (students facing disciplinary issues or exclusion), human rights, commercial law, and property/housing law. Their case load involves both defense and claimant work, with a focus on protecting the legal rights of those often marginalized. Garden Court Chambers+2Garden Court Chambers+2
One notable recent case: Oscar secured a £56,000 settlement for a senior queer employee who had been subjected to discrimination and marginalisation at a drinks retailer, including being placed on performance improvement plans after returning from health-related leave. Oscar’s work in this case involved both legal strategy and negotiating with the opposing side to avoid a tribunal. Garden Court Chambers
Another is successfully representing a non-binary secondary school student with special educational needs whose permanent exclusion was overturned—in time for them to take their GCSEs. Such cases show Oscar’s commitment to education rights and ensuring vulnerable students are not unfairly excluded or penalized. Garden Court Chambers+1
Additionally, Oscar has contributed to recent legal debates, for instance writing on “belief discrimination” or participation in rulings and opinions around Convention rights under human rights law. Their involvement in articles and legal commentaries underscores their role not just as litigator but as thought leader. Garden Court Chambers+2The LGBT Speakers Agency+2
Personal Philosophy and Approach
Oscar Davies Barrister philosophy of law is rooted in the idea that legal systems should protect all identities, especially those that are under-represented or marginalized. They view law not just as a technical practice but as a tool for social justice. Empathy, representation, and visibility are central to their approach—ensuring that clients are heard, their identities respected, and their legal claims treated with dignity. Garden Court Chambers+2Garden Court Chambers+2
Their ethical commitment extends to pro bono work: Oscar has provided free legal representation via Advocate, pledged hours, and taken on cases that may not be high profile but matter deeply to individuals. They also mentor, speak publicly, and create resources, making legal discourse about non-binary and trans rights more accessible. This blend of legal excellence and principled advocacy defines their professional identity. Garden Court Chambers+1
Oscar’s use of language and identity (such as preferring “Mx”, being openly non-binary) also reflects their belief that small shifts in tradition, labels, and recognition can have profound impact. In a profession steeped in custom, these changes help pave the way for others and challenge norms that might exclude. announce.today+1
Legacy and Future Outlook
Oscar Davies Barrister contributions already mark a shift in the UK legal profession. By being a visible non-binary barrister, they have expanded what is possible for those coming after them: signaling that gender identity need not be a barrier at the Bar, and that diversity can and should be reflected in legal institutions. Their presence helps to promise greater inclusivity in how law is practiced and who is seen practicing it. The LGBT Speakers Agency+2Garden Court Chambers+2
Looking ahead, Oscar is writing a book about non-binary recognition and how the law can evolve to better address gender and sex binaries. Such scholarly work combined with litigation and advocacy suggests their impact will continue both in courtrooms and public policy/debate. Garden Court Chambers+1
They are likely to remain a sought-after speaker, consultant, and mentor. Their work also signals to the Bar, regulatory bodies, law schools, and courts that issues of identity, belief, and inclusion are not niche—they’re integral to justice. Oscar’s career thus far suggests a legacy not just in specific cases won, but in the culture shifted, policies changed, and people empowered.
Conclusion
Oscar Davies Barrister is more than a barrister—they are a pioneer. Their career combines legal expertise with fearless advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, non-binary recognition, education equity, and public law reform. From academia, through their broad practice, to accolades and public visibility, Oscar has shown how law and justice are intertwined with identity and dignity.
Oscar’s work reflects a modern integration: courtroom battles, academic writing, public speaking, and activism all reinforcing each other. Their achievements remind the legal profession that inclusion is not optional—it’s essential. The values they uphold, the barriers they’re breaking, and the people they represent mean that Oscar Davies Barrister impact extends far beyond individual cases—it influences the shape of law, policy, and what it means to belong in legal spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Oscar Davies Barrister and what distinguishes them in the UK legal world?
Oscar Davies Barrister is the UK’s first publicly recognised non-binary barrister, practicing at Garden Court Chambers. Their work spans employment law, human rights, education law, commercial and property law; they combine legal skill with advocacy for equality, especially for trans and non-binary persons. Garden Court Chambers+1
What are Oscar Davies Barrister main areas of practice?
They practise civil and public law, including but not limited to employment and discrimination law, education law (student disciplinary or exclusion matters), human rights, commercial law, housing/property law, and work involving trans/non-binary clients. Garden Court Chambers+1
What awards and recognitions hasOscar Davies Barrister received?
Some include: LGBTQ+ Champion of the Year at Legal 500 ESG Awards 2024; shortlisted for DE&I Rising Star of the Year; Young Pro Bono Barrister of the Year finalist; King’s College Change Maker Award (2025); recognition in British LGBT Awards, etc. Garden Court Chambers+3Garden Court Chambers+3Garden Court Chambers+3
How has Oscar Davies Barrister contributed to diversity, inclusion, and non-binary recognition in law?
They have made legal history by being publicly non-binary, using “Mx” as an honorific, speaking out in legal literature and public forums, representing trans/non-binary clients, mentoring under-represented individuals, and working with organisations aimed at improving access to legal careers. announce.today+2Garden Court Chambers+2
Can Oscar Davies Barrister accept instructions directly from clients?
Yes—they are authorised under the Bar Council’s public access scheme, allowing them to take instructions directly from lay clients in appropriate cases. Garden Court Chambers
What are some recent cases that show Oscar’s impact?
Two examples: successfully overturning the permanent exclusion of a non-binary student with special educational needs in time for their GCSEs; and securing a £56,000 settlement for a queer senior employee in a discrimination claim with a major retailer. Garden Court Chambers+1
What is the future direction for Oscar Davies Barrister’ work?
They are authoring a book on non-binary recognition, continuing to litigate in public law, employment, education and human rights, and using their profile to influence law reform, public policy, and social attitudes. Their influence is likely to grow in mentoring, speaking, and setting precedent in identity and equality law. Garden Court Chambers+1
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