Journey to the Bar and beyond
I never set out to be Barrister. I was raised in a single parent working class home from a heritage that had roots back in Caribbean, between Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad to be exact. As a young 2nd generation black man born in Luton and raised in London the pressures that come with those characteristics were clearly present, yet I tried to block them out. My focus was football and the fun that came with playing and being good. I enjoyed success in the game to the extent I had trials at Luton Town FC. Unfortunately, that was not my future and my mother, who successfully qualified as a Social Worker instilled within me the need to always have education behind and with you. I took my A-levels following my GCSE’s and I was at a conundrum as to which direction to choose. After a discussion with a business studies tutor, I told her that I wanted to study Business studies at university, but she was not impressed. I struggled to know why given that this was the exact subject she taught. I then went away spoke to a friend whose partner was studying law, and he recommended that I speak to her. I did just that and then went to open day. I was blown away and there it was I started my journey to the bar, successfully completing my 3-year LLB Law degree and subsequently the BVC. In many ways being at the bar was likely to be my destiny, given that I have changed so many lives for the good, to which I’m proud off. That includes, those of my heritage and those completely opposite.
Once at Bar, it can feel like the reset button is pressed and you must go again to prove your worth and that you’re good enough to be here. Whilst this can be demoralising it can also be used as a source of determination to elevate and achieve success.
Achievements
Every case is an achievement because my clients always get 100% no matter what their background or heritage is, including how small or complex their case may be.
Importance of diversity and representation at the Bar
This is crucially important, for lay clients and barristers from ethics minority backgrounds. It is important that we see people who look like us and have similar experiences at the cutting end of decision making. To not, only serves to undermine a legal system and reduce faith that the system is designed to be fair, non-discriminate and importantly designed to achieve justice for all.
Advice to aspiring barristers
Be you and stay true to the same principles that brought you to this point of success. Stay disciplined, determined and dedicated.