Elaine Banton – Chair of Trustees

Elaine is a highly motivated employment, equalities and human rights barrister, speaker and writer. Called to the Bar and practising since 1996, with a number of reported cases, Elaine represent both Claimants and Respondents in long running multi-strand discrimination matters and advises public bodies on high level strategic/policy matters such as the TUPE consequences of various contracting arrangements and on equality issues such as equal pay/harmonisation. Elaine regularly appears in high value and complex trials by private companies, public sector bodies, charities and individuals. Appearing at all levels of tribunals and courts, Elaine’s practice also includes disciplinary, regulatory, sports law, harassment and stress at work claims.

Elaine speaks and writes regularly on her specialist areas of the law for various practice publications and press and is co-author of the chapter on Human Rights and Employment Law for Tolley's Employment Law.

In 2009 Elaine was named a ‘Pro Bono Hero for 2009' by the Attorney General's Office.

Barrister of the Year Finalist of the First 100 Years, Inspirational Women of the Year Awards 2019

Elaine has been involved in the promotion of equalities both within her field of practice and in her committee and trustee work. Elaine was a School Governor at Lauriston Primary School for 12 years and Treasurer of the Discrimination Law Association for 6 years. From 2011 to 2014 Elaine was a Barrister member of the Bar Standards Board's Complaints Committee. Elaine is a long standing member of the Bar Council's Equality Diversity and Social Mobility Committee and Co-Chairs the Bar Council's EDSM Committee. Elaine is also Head of 7BR’s Employment Team and EDSM Committee. Elaine is a member of the Temple Women's Forum Committee. Elaine was elected a Bencher at Middle Temple in March 2019.