When I was a student applying for pupillage I was always worried about the double jeopardy involved with being mixed race, and LGBT. It impacted on my fear of being “out” on application forms and made me anxious about whether I would fit in at the Bar. I learnt early on that being my authentic self was an asset which helped make me a better barrister. My life experiences had helped me develop my capacity for empathy, and I understood what injustice felt like.

My Middle Temple Scholarship interview was dominated by discussions around my university article on the Civil Partnership Act. My practice has shown me that a full celebration of my whole identity makes me better able to represent my clients and their vulnerabilities. By embracing all that I am; I have been better able to understand and communicate with my clients’ own humanity.