My Journey to the Bar: A Reflection for Black History Month
I was fortunate to grow up seeing my mum practise as a criminal barrister in the Northwest of England. Her unwavering commitment to justice profoundly influenced me and shaped my understanding of the legal profession. She served as a role model, instilling in me a strong sense of purpose and helping me realise that I, too, could carve out my place at the Bar.
My personal journey began with a passion for access to justice that was nurtured during my time at UCL, where I studied law and worked for the university’s legal clinic. From there, I benefitted from various opportunities through Middle Temple, which broadened my experiences of the profession and provided a support network as a Bar course student.
Today, I am a junior tenant at No5 Barristers’ Chambers, where I specialise in Personal Injury, Clinical Negligence, and Employment Law. However, my journey to the Bar hasn’t been without its challenges, particularly as a Black woman in a profession where representation remains limited. According to the most recent statistics, only around 3.2% of barristers, and only 1% judges in England and Wales are Black. Even more telling is the underrepresentation of Black women at senior levels within the Bar. This disparity highlights the importance of diversity initiatives that ensure Black professionals can enter, remain, and thrive within the legal profession.
How the Profession Can Encourage Diversity
Encouraging diversity at the Bar requires intentional efforts at various stages. This includes:
- Early outreach: Engaging Black students from secondary school through outreach programmes, showing them the possibilities within the legal profession.
- Scholarships and funding: Removing financial barriers through targeted scholarships, ensuring that promising students from underrepresented backgrounds have access to quality legal education.
- Mentorship programmes: Connecting aspiring barristers with mentors who can guide them through the complexities of the legal career.
- Inclusive recruitment practices: Chambers should adopt practices that minimise bias and prioritise diverse hiring.
- Promoting retention: Ensuring that once Black professionals enter the profession, they have access to fair career progression and leadership opportunities.
My Commitment to Diversity
Beyond my role as a barrister, I am deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all sectors. This is why I co-founded She Leads for Legacy, a community dedicated to accelerating the careers of Black female professionals. We organise workshops, networking events, and coaching programmes that equip Black women with the tools they need to thrive professionally. By creating spaces where Black women can connect, support each other, and access opportunities, we are actively working to address the gaps in representation that exist in so many industries, including the legal profession.
Tips for Aspiring Barristers
For anyone aspiring to join the Bar, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, here are my five key tips:
- Seek mentorship early: Connect with barristers, judges, or academics who can offer guidance and insight into the legal world.
- Be resilient: The path to the Bar is challenging, but perseverance is key. Every setback and perceived failure are an opportunity to learn and grow.
- Build your network: Attend networking events, engage with professionals, and create a strong circle of support within the legal community.
- Stay informed: Keep up to date with changes in the law, whether through podcasts, journals, seminars, or articles.
- Be authentically you: Embrace your unique perspective and lived experiences, they are your strengths in this profession.
As we observe Black History Month, I reflect on the rich legacy of Black trailblazers who have opened doors within the legal profession. Yet, I also recognise that the work continues, and I remain dedicated to ensuring that the Bar becomes a space where Black excellence is not just recognised but celebrated.
