Matrix barrister named legal director at equalities watchdog

Elizabeth Prochaska, a barrister at Matrix Chambers, has been appointed as the new Legal Director for the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Her appointment comes after the chair of the Commission, Pinsent Masons partner David Isaac, wrote last month that he was keen for the Commission to focus more on the use of its legal powers.

Isaac said that he felt “very strongly” that the EHRC should become “a more muscular regulator”.

He added: “In doing so, we can support organisations and individuals to meet their equality and human rights obligations and, where necessary, help people enforce their rights.”

Isaac suggested that much of the EHRC’s legal work took place under the radar and that more people should be made aware of it.

Prochaska’s recent advisory work at Matrix has included the application of election law to third-party campaigners, the lawfulness of academy school admission arrangements, the scope of the application of the Public Sector Equality Duty to hybrid public authorities, and the statutory responsibility of local authorities to provide direct facilities grants.

She undertook a wide range of advisory work for organisations including statutory bodies, companies, schools and universities, NGOs and local authorities. 

Prochaska was appointed to the Commission’s B Panel in 2015.

Matrix said it was “sad to announce Elizabeth’s departure but wishes her all the best for her exciting new role at the Commission.”