Following a personal experience of entering the legal profession from a non-traditional background, I am a passionate advocate for levelling the playing field and supporting diversity, equity and innovation so that the industry can attract, retain and empower professionals to thrive.
Supporting candidates at different stages in their journey, I am committed to showing that where you start doesn’t need to determine where you end up. I have a particular focus on neurodiversity, promoting this as an asset rather than hindrance to business.
I entered the legal profession as an awardee of the Law Society’s Diversity Access Scheme (DAS), which provides LPC/SQE sponsorship, work experience and mentoring to applicants from lower-socio economic backgrounds and underprivileged communities. By sharing my story of having an unintended gap in traditional studies, embarking on an apprenticeship and neurodiverse diagnoses at university, I hope to raise the aspirations of others looking to enter the profession. As a mentor, I help students to navigate non-traditional routes and to look for the strengths and skills they have gained from non-legal related work experience including voluntary work, project management and employment. From drawing on my own experiences of feeling like an imposter and challenges with mental health, I aim to demonstrate that talented aspiring solicitors can achieve the seemingly impossible, with the mindset and support to hand.
I have been an active Social Mobility Ambassador for the Law Society since 2020, promoting visibility of role models in the legal industry from less diverse backgrounds including those with disabilities. I have supported the DAS scheme in a number of roles including interview judge, mentor and application screener since 2021. I am also a member of the Equality and Diversity Committee for Nottingham Law Society and co-founded the Disability and Conditions Community at Browne Jacobson, a successful employee network that has continued to thrive since I stepped down as a community lead last year. As disability lead, I project managed several campaigns for neurodiversity, awareness of auto-immune conditions, mental health and developed annual plans to link with the firm’s wider DE&I strategy.
I have contributed to media and discussions to break the stigma around neurodiversity and promote social mobility with organisations including Neurodiversity in Law, Law Careers.net, the Lawyer Portal, Universities, BBC Radio Cornwall, The Sutton Trust, The Judicial Office, Legally Disabled? and the Law Society. I am particularly passionate about promoting innovation in law to make the legal environment more flexible for those with protected characteristics, who can provide invaluable contributions that environments more accessible for all e.g. Dis-abled?: language as a great leveller | Opinion | Law Gazette and The true cost of billable hours to the profession | Opinion | Law Gazette. It was an honour to be a key speaker at the Law Society’s landmark celebration of 20 years of the Law Society Diversity Access Scheme this Summer. I outlined that bringing your background and full self to interviews can open doors to a legal career, is an asset to law firms and has the power to effect meaningful change.
I was recognised at:
- WeAreTheCity Rising Star Awards 2022 – The Lynne Freeman Award
- Celebrating Neurodiversity Awards 2022 – Community Choice Award
- Inspirational Women in Law Awards 2021 – Champion of the Year
I am excited that candidates with more diverse talent are entering the profession from initiatives such as the Law Society Diversity Access Scheme. This helps to challenge law firms to think innovatively, broadens their awareness of the population they serve and ensures that law as a business continues to thrive in the face of developments such as AI.
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