International Men’s Day – In Conversation with Scott Baldwin

This week, ABC Chambers Solutions is marking International Men’s Day by highlighting positive male role models across the legal sector. At a time when outdated expectations of toughness and silence still linger, it’s vital to celebrate men who lead with resilience, humanity, and a commitment to wellbeing.

Today, we are proud to feature Scott Baldwin, Senior Clerk at St John’s Buildings Barristers’​ Chambers, Liverpool. Scott joined SJB in May 2024 and has almost 35 years of clerking experience, including 17 years as Chief Executive and Senior Clerk at St Mary’s Chambers in Nottingham. He also sits on the Bar Council Remuneration Committee, supports the FLBA on complex fee matters, and works with the Legal Aid Agency on High Cost fee processes.

In his powerful article, Scott reflects on how traditional ideas of masculinity – “boys don’t cry,” “just carry on” – continue to stop men from asking for help. He speaks bravely about his own mental health episode, emphasising that mental health must be treated just as seriously as physical injury.

Scott shares the tools that helped him rebuild – counselling, mindfulness, meditation and photography – and how he now recognises early signs of strain in the same way he manages an old achilles injury: with consistency, care and honesty.

He also explores how masculinity is evolving. To Scott, healthy masculinity means reframing strength and power through empathy, emotional awareness and the willingness to support others while looking after yourself. His advice on allyship is simple but powerful: be honest, be present, listen without trying to “fix”, and set an example by tending to your own wellbeing too.

Our sincere thanks go to Scott for sharing his personal experiences with such honesty and courage. His openness helps break stigma and encourages healthier conversations across the profession.

The theme for International Men’s Day 2025 is “celebrating men and boys”. We have been sharing a new piece each day this week, spotlighting men driving positive cultural change within the Chambers community.