I grew up in Wolverhampton and was raised by my mother, alongside my siblings, in a working-class British-Ghanaian family. I entered the legal profession having attended my local state school and had never met a lawyer when deciding to become a barrister. The theme of this year’s Black History Month is “Reclaiming Narratives”. Upon reflection, many of the aspects regarding my background, be it ethnic or socioeconomic, that I had once perceived as potential obstacles have shaped the skills, work ethic and resilience that I required to get to where I am today. I am proud to be one of No5’s youngest tenants as a working-class woman of colour. I hope that those reading my story can reclaim their narrative and not dim what makes them different. It is by reclaiming and re-framing our narratives that barriers can be broken.
Journey to the Bar
I aspired to become a lawyer from around the age of eleven as I felt that my strengths in reading, analysing and writing would lend themselves well to a career in law. I had also found myself drawn to positions where I had to advocate for others. For example, being elected as a School Council Representative and mediating between staff and students to end a class boycott. I was once asked by my Year 9 careers advisor whether I wanted to be “a Barrister or Solicitor?”. At the time, I had not appreciated that there were different types of lawyers and had certainly never heard of a ‘Barrister’. After explaining that I envisaged myself being in court, crafting arguments and cross-examining witnesses, it became clear that I wanted to pursue the Bar. Although I had little idea of how to do so, or what the journey would entail, I was determined to get there.
I held the mistaken belief that I would need to attend an Oxbridge University to become a barrister and that doing so would make up for what I thought I lacked. I was one step closer to achieving my goal after being invited to interview at Downing College, Cambridge. However, I was informed that, whilst I had come close, my performance was not quite close enough to secure an offer. To my younger self, the route to the Bar then seemed somewhat impossible. I was determined to make it to the Bar irrespective of where I went to university; I exceeded Cambridge’s entry requirements by achieving A*A*A in my A-levels, becoming one of my sixth-form’s highest-performing students. I then attended Warwick University and graduated as a first-generation university student with First Class Honours.
Throughout my time at Warwick, I took advantage of all that it had to offer. Part of this included ‘Mooting’, which reinforced my passion for advocacy. A particular highlight was winning Warwick’s Internal Mooting Competition, the Grand Final was held in the Supreme Court before Lord Kitchin. The experience of mooting on the legal doctrine of Loss of Chance in the Supreme Court sparked my interest in clinical negligence.
After failing to secure a scholarship from the Inns of Court, my hopes of becoming a barrister seemed scuppered once more as I struggled to see how I would fund the Bar Training Course (BTC). I was invited to apply for BPP University’s full-fee scholarship, which included an essay on why I could one day make a successful Head of Chambers. I was successful in my application and was awarded the Future Leader Scholarship. I was then Called to the Bar following the completion of the BTC with Distinction.
Having completed pupillage at No5, I joined the Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Group. As a Tenant, I have had the opportunity to work on complex and high-profile cases. For example, my current role as part of a team of junior counsel in His Majesty’s Coroner’s investigation into Ian Paterson and acting as junior counsel in a high-value brain injury claim, led by Jonathan Jones KC and John Coughlan KC respectively.
The Importance of Representation at the Bar
It is inherently important that, as representation, we are representative of the society that we serve. While no two barristers, cases or clients are the same, our diversity in thought and approach is shaped by our background. A diverse legal community helps to ensure that a variety of voices, perspectives and experiences are heard.
Whilst the increasing diversity in the profession continues to enrich the Bar at present; such visibility will be important in shaping its future. Those from non-traditional backgrounds must see themselves reflected at the Bar for them to believe that they can, not only make it, but also belong.
Advice for Aspiring Barristers
I found that seeking mentorship and actively up-skilling were two essential elements in my journey. The guidance that I received from mentors and the practical skills that I gained from mooting was helpful during pupillage applications. Both, in tandem, also helped combat any imposter syndrome that I experienced along the way. I was able to remind myself that I could be an advocate and had the backing of mentors during moments when I may have doubted myself.
It is also important to know your narrative. Pupillage applications and interviews are a form of advocacy; be specific and purposeful with your story. For example, if there is a certain reason why you have chosen to become a barrister or a particular area of practice, let this shine through your applications with clear and specific examples. Part of knowing your narrative is embracing what makes you who you are outside of studies and law. For me, this included my background and heritage. I would encourage aspiring barristers not only to reclaim their narrative but to let it be seen as their strength.
