Exchange Chambers continues to break down barriers with Anthony Walker Foundation partnership
September 17, 2025
Anthony Walker was 18 years old when he was killed in a horrific, racially-motivated attack in Merseyside in 2005.
One of six children, Anthony was studying for his A-levels and had his heart set on becoming a lawyer. He wanted to specialise in human rights.
Now, 20 years later, the charity set up in his name, the Anthony Walker Foundation, is strengthening its links with the legal profession by partnering with Exchange Chambers on a range of anti-racism initiatives to champion access to fair justice for all.
In recent months, barristers and staff from Exchange have attended a series of race awareness training sessions designed to provide a thorough understanding of anti-racism and its manifestation in the unique context of the Bar.
“It is essential for our barristers and staff to understand the complexities of racism, its forms and its impact,” explained Jonathan I’Anson, Chief Executive at Exchange Chambers.
“The training provided by the Anthony Walker Foundation is equipping our people with the skills and knowledge to address racism, microaggressions and systematic obstacles. We are absolutely committed to embedding a culture of inclusiveness and equality.”
Practising for over 25 years, Jacqueline Deans, a family law barrister at Exchange Chambers grew up hearing about and experiencing the difficulties the Black community had in the 1960s onwards with police, immigration and social housing.
“At school, my career teacher told me a career in law was not for people like me,” explained Jacqueline.
“While that made me all the more determined to successfully pursue a career in law, those barriers still exist today.
“Racism in the justice system – and society as a whole – has to be challenged by us all. That’s why our partnership with the Anthony Walker Foundation is so important. Education is key to dismantling racism and delivering access to fair justice for all.”
The Anthony Walker Foundation’s partnership with Exchange further strengthens its links with the legal sector.
The charity runs the hugely successful Anthony Walker Bursary Scheme, a collaboration between the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), The National Black Crown Prosecution Association (NBCPA), and the Anthony Walker Foundation, which provides financial sponsorship, guidance, and practical support to law students from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds to address under-representation in the legal profession.
Explained Alison Houghton-Corfield, Chief Commercial and Operations Officer at the Anthony Walker Foundation:
“Anthony’s legacy – and the work of the foundation in his name – has never been more relevant than it is today. Our work across the legal profession is aimed at championing race equality and combatting systemic racism in the criminal justice system. We are delighted to be working with Exchange Chambers. It is hugely encouraging to see one of the country’s largest barristers’ Chambers taking meaningful action to drive change and champion access to fair justice for all.”
