Would this be gauche? (barristers' Chambers related)

[Waytooearly]

I got an invitation from a barristers' chambers to a posh all-day do. I clicked on 'yes' thinking surely there was a charge but no--it's their treat. So wow, nice.

I instruct barristers there all the time through my work, and have friendly working relationships with lots of their barristers, so I am sure it's like a 'thank you and please keep sending us work' gesture.

So that's the not-even-stealth boast: here's my dilemma. I'm not posh. I've never been to an event like this. I sort of know the attendees professionally but not personally. It's an alllllll day thing.

Can I come back to them and ask to bring a plus-one? Like a junior person at my firm maybe? I just don't know whether that would come off as incredibly gauche.

not my business but more surprised it's an all day thing

is the expectation that you stay all day?

As long as you've a colleague who would like to go, and who can put work their way, just have a word with the clerks and I'm sure they'll be delighted.

Clerks are always asking me who else from my firm might like an invitation.

I'm a barrister. I would say it is fine to ask to ask if you can bring someone along if they might give additional instructions. Just drop the organiser a line and say "if there is a spare place could you let me know as it would be a good opportunity for me to introduce X from my organisation to your personal injury team" or whatever. Not everyone there will be posh. You'll be fine.

Just ring the clerks and ask! Honestly, no-one will hold it against you.

Great advice from eurochick.

I would ask if you can bring a colleague - I do the same for conferences and so on, but they can just as easily say no

I wouldn't be so nervous and feel inferior - yes, some of these people will be posh and maybe some might be stuffy but most of the barristers I have met (in a line of work related to but not directly in the law) are friendly enough, willing to chat etc. If anything, most love chatting

Barrister too. Obviously you can't ask to take a romantic +1 but it would be absolutely fine to ask to bring a junior to meet with their juniors. We always expect that, forging links at the bottom end is more valuable than at the top end!

Oh and don't feel inferior! We hate to admit it but we need you a lot more than you need us

I’m a solicitor and get invitations like this

If your firm gives the chambers a decent amount of work, and especially if there is a chance of others in the firm doing the same, I think it ok to ask if a colleague can come

I don’t think I’d want to go to something like that all day in my own

OR you could ask who is on the guest list and see if you have friends at other firms whom you might know there?

Who am I supposed to feel inferior to? I think I missed something there.

Thanks for the feedback. I will ask whether someone else from my firm can go. But I take your point that there'll be other people from other firms in the same position as me so we'll bond over free sandwiches and talk shop!

Your OP stated that you "aren't posh" so I think people thought you were feeling "outclassed" or something. Which, of course, is not someone anyone should feel.

Bear in mind that depending on the particular event and the particular set of chambers, your place may be being personally sponsored (paid for) by a particular member who put you on the guest list.

E.g. in my chambers we take a group of invited clients to a major sporting event with a hospitality package each year - each barrister has the opportunity to nominate X (small) number of client guests on the basis that, if they accept, their tickets (over £150 each) are recharged to that barrister.

Other chambers will have different arrangements, but it may be something to think about.

So what if they ARE posh? Posh isn't the default. People of all other "classes" are equally valid and important.

Have you checked if anyone else from your firm has already been invited?

People of all classes are equally valid and important

Yes, people in chambers are very down to earth in my opinion. They are respectful of homeless people, allowing ‘door tenants’ to kip down in their premises. Even the people who make their coffee - baristas - can earn over a £1m a year I read somewhere.