I initially wanted to be an athlete and had aspirations to be an Olympian. When I was 16 – with some prodding from my parents I focussed on academics. I was a good sprinter but there are a lot of transferable skills – one of them being self-motivated – something that is very important at the Bar. I feel sports assisted in terms of my understanding of respect, setting goals and discipline.
*
When I was doing my research in terms of entering the legal profession – it became clear that the Bar matched my personality as it is a profession that is continued personal development and requires an ability to be self-motivated and enthusiasm to continue to learn.
From a young age, I have always been the person that has been elected to speak on behalf of others. I had work experience at a law firm, which was boring. There was something about a profession as a whole – you have to be a particular type of person.
*
For me Doughty Street was a dream chambers for me – it was amazing finally having the opportunity to join chambers. I do some human rights cases, including serious crime, murders, fraud and I am a direct access barrister. I also have a sports law practice.
*
The biggest barrier for me was the knowledge gap and not having money. Not having the right networks and knowing what to do was a big hurdle. At Bar school, I was fortunate enough a charity assisted me to pay for it.
There is also imposter syndrome when you come from a different background. There are feelings of not belonging in the elite environment. I obtained my first opportunity by asking a colleague while working at Sainsbury’s to introduce me to a barrister.
I was alive to that fact that this was something others were experiencing so wanted to create an organisation to assist and help. This is how Urban Lawyers was born 10 years ago. I started it to help people from my community. I helped change the narrative about what was possible.
A lot of people wanted education about the law because they often felt their ignorance impacted them in a negative way. It was first community based, I had a member of So Solid Crew come along to one of my sessions to emphasise the importance of community engagement and raising aspirations.
*
There are three main areas in terms of issues Black people face in the legal sector: Access to the industry. A lot of work has been done and this is the greatest area of improvement, which is amazing. Attainment – lots of people that get in but unable to stay in and may not be getting the opportunities they require. Promotion and progression – we don’t have an adequate level of representation at the QC, judicial and senior partner level. Work needs to be done around retention and the progression of talent.
