University: University of Oxford
Degree: BA in Jurisprudence
Year of call: 2017
Position: Barrister
Pronouns: He/him

How did your background shape your journey to the Bar?

I come from a background that’s not traditionally associated with the Bar. I was a state school student from the east end who spent part of his childhood on free school meals in an overcrowded council flat. However, I was fortunate to benefit from initiatives designed to support social mobility. I studied in the US as a Morehead-Cain scholar at the University of North Carolina before reading law at the University of Oxford. I also received funding from Gray’s Inn and the Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP Stephen Lawrence scholarship to support my journey. These experiences gave me a strong foundation but also a deep appreciation for the structural barriers that can make the profession feel inaccessible. That’s why I’ve tried to use my platform to encourage others from underrepresented backgrounds to consider the Bar.

What attracted you to a career in law?

I’ve always been drawn to disciplines that involve problem-solving, persuasion and impact. Law sits at the intersection of all three. It’s intellectually rigorous, it affects people’s lives in tangible ways and, as a barrister, you’re often helping people navigate moments of real importance or stress. The idea that your words and your reasoning can make a difference in the real world is what attracted me most.

How much work experience had you had? Why is it so important?

I had a varied range of experiences, both legal and non-legal. Before coming to the Bar, I worked in investment banking on Wall Street, was a judicial assistant to a court of appeal judge and interned within an in-house legal team at a large energy company. These experiences helped me build my communication, analytical and commercial skills. They also gave me a clearer idea of what life at the Bar would be like and why I wanted to pursue it. I should say that you don’t need to have a different professional career beforehand to succeed. However, I found my experience helped me make an informed decision.

What was the most difficult part of the recruitment process/application for you?

Rejection. Like many people, I didn’t get pupillage on my first round of applications. It’s easy to take that personally, but the reality is that pupillage is highly competitive and sometimes the process is opaque. The hardest part is staying resilient and continuing to improve each time. I worked on sharpening my applications, sought feedback and leaned on my support network (friends and mentors – shoutout to Riaz Hussain KC and fellow residential scholars) to keep going.

What sort of work did you get involved with during pupillage?

My pupillage at Landmark Chambers was incredibly varied. I was exposed to planning inquiries, judicial reviews, environmental law cases and commercial property disputes. I attended court and public inquiries, drafted pleadings and advices, and shadowed leaders in their fields. The quality of work and the range of issues meant that every week was a learning opportunity.

What’s the biggest lesson you learnt as a pupil?

Precision matters. Whether it’s how you construct an argument, interpret a statute or cross-reference a document, attention to detail is non-negotiable. But I also learnt that barristers are human too – people are willing to help if you show commitment and integrity.

Please discuss a recent specific case, outlining your role in the matter.

One recent highlight was acting for Tottenham Hotspur Football Club in a judicial review regarding the disposal of land – currently part of a public park – by the London Borough of Enfield for use as a women’s and girls’ football academy. I was led by the formidable James Maurici KC. It was a high-profile, sensitive matter with real public interest. My role included drafting key documents, supporting the strategic legal argument and providing advice to the client throughout the process. It was rewarding to see the case through, contribute meaningfully as part of the team and to achieve a successful outcome for the client. Tottenham continues to be one of my longest-standing clients and they do keep me happily busy!

What do you most/least enjoy about your career as a barrister and why?

I most enjoy the variety and intellectual challenge of the job. No two days are the same – one day you’re in court, the next you're advising on a planning inquiry or drafting submissions in a judicial review. What I least enjoy is the unpredictability of workflow at times – it’s hard to plan around your personal life when urgent matters arise.

What advice do you have for budding barristers who are contemplating a career in law?

Be yourself and back yourself. The Bar can feel intimidating, especially if you don’t come from a traditional background, but the profession is changing. Do your research, build your experiences and show that you understand what the role involves. Persistence and authenticity go a long way.

What diversity and inclusion initiatives is your chambers involved with?

We’ve signed the Women in Law Pledge and centered three targets around the recruitment, retention and career progression of women at Landmark. We collaborate with organisations such as Bridging the Bar, offering additional mini-pupillages to students from underrepresented backgrounds. We also work with the 10,000 Interns Foundation, providing paid internships to Black students and graduates.

In addition, we participate in mentoring schemes supported by the Planning and Environmental Bar Association to guide aspiring barristers from diverse backgrounds. Internally, our equality, diversity and wellbeing committee actively reviews recruitment, career progression and ensures fair work allocation, fostering an inclusive environment for all members and staff.

What’s the biggest opportunity you’ve been given since being called to the Bar?

I’ve been fortunate to be involved in high-value, high-profile cases, often being led by some of the best silks in the business. These opportunities have come with a lot of responsibility early in practice, but also huge scope for learning and growth. Working on the Just Stop Oil litigation, instructed by the large energy company where I was previously a legal intern, is one such example.

What’s the biggest/most important lesson you’ve learnt since being called to the Bar?

Sustainability matters. The Bar can be all-consuming, especially in the early years. I’ve learnt the importance of managing energy and expectations, both in terms of how you pace your work and how you protect your wellbeing. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

What’s your favourite TV show?

It has to be The West Wing. It's fast-paced, smart and idealistic – everything you'd want politics (and advocacy) to be. Let Bartlet be Bartlet!