“Writing a book altered the course of my career entirely”

What is your most vivid memory from being a pupil?

Certainly the Covid-19 pandemic. It was a profound sad time for so many. On reflection, however, it perhaps did have some unexpected career advantages as a pupil.

Firstly, Covid-19 had a levelling effect on the legal profession. The pandemic humanised senior barristers, breaking down barriers of hierarchy. We all faced challenges adapting to remote advocacy and navigating the uncertainties of the legal landscape post-pandemic. This shared experience fostered a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among colleagues. As a pupil barrister, it helped me to see my opponents, regardless of seniority, as equals, leading to more constructive interactions and professional growth.

Secondly, it forced me to work on crafting my own advocacy style. With courts ‘closed’ for some of the lockdown, the usual avenues for learning from seniors vanished. Instead, I turned to remote moots and mirror practice to refine my skills. This allowed me to develop my own abilities and unique attributes, rather than merely imitate the advocacy styles of others. As the situation returned to normalcy, I could integrate valuable elements from my colleagues while shedding shortcomings in my approach.

Lastly, the pandemic prompted me to engage with broader political and philosophical questions about the justice system. The court closures and widely-reported backlog laid bare the inherent flaws and limitations of relying solely on formal court processes for justice. This reflection led me to recognise the importance of empowering people with legal knowledge to assert their rights proactively. Often, an individual simply confidently asserting the accurate legal position to someone seeking to violate their rights can deter the individuals seeking to infringe their rights from doing so. By equipping individuals and communities with the tools to navigate legal complexities, we in turn reduce the reliance on courts and, in the process, hopefully create a more just and equitable society. Interestingly, despite the courts now being ‘open’, they remain effectively ‘closed to many due to the dire state of legal aid. This reinforces the importance of empowering every day members of society of their legal rights so that they are capable of nipping infringements on their rights in the bud.

Tell us about a sliding doors moment, when you career could have gone in an entirely different direction?

One pivotal “sliding doors” moment in my career occurred when I made the decision to write my book, “The Law in 60 Seconds: A Pocket Guide to Your Rights.”

I found myself at a crossroads. On one hand, I had been offered a book deal following the success of my “The Law in 60 Seconds” video series on YouTube. On the other hand, I had secured pupillage at a Chambers I highly respected and didn’t want to neglect. However, I felt that writing the book would allow me to reach and help far more people than my videos ever could.

Thankfully, I received unwavering support from my pupil supervisor, Clare Ashcroft, and the late Mark George KC, our head of Chambers. Their understanding and encouragement were instrumental in navigating this critical decision-making period.

The success of the book exceeded my expectations. It resonated with readers and remains stocked in most Waterstones stores nationwide even now, three years later. Witnessing its impact reinforced the core principles I hold dear in my legal career: empowerment and accessibility.

Choosing to write the book altered the course of my career trajectory. It emphasised the importance of authenticity in my professional journey, prompting me to stay true to myself rather than conforming excessively. This mindset now guides me in every case I take on, and I believe it has significantly influenced the outcomes of many of the cases I’ve handled.

The journey of writing “The Law in 60 Seconds” not only granted me a platform to educate and empower others but also sparked profound personal and professional growth. Through this process, I discovered the immense value of self-development that accompanies book writing — from mastering discipline hacks to uncovering profound insights about myself during the quiet hours when the world sleeps, and it’s just me, my pen, and the looming deadline for my book.

What advice would you give someone who wants to get to where you are/do the job you do?

If you’re looking to follow a similar path or step in to the role I’m in here, here’s my advice.

First and foremost, my aim is simple: to contribute positively to society, especially for those with less power. For me, at present being both a barrister and an author serves as my means to achieve this goal, but it’s essential to think beyond job titles and consider what work aligns best with your values and skills.

While achieving complete authenticity in every situation may not always be feasible, striving to be as genuine as possible has proven invaluable to me.

As for the elusive notion of work-life balance, I’ve come to realise that it’s not a static equilibrium. At certain stages, particularly in the past, fixating on attaining a perfect balance could have hindered the opportunities I now enjoy.  Instead, I’ve learned to navigate the ebb and flow, prioritising what matters most in the moment.

Ultimately, staying true to your values and remaining adaptable are key to the journey. So, to anyone starting on a similar path, I’d advise: Stay authentic, be flexible, and focus on making a meaningful impact in whatever capacity you find yourself.

Tell us about one former colleague who you miss and why? (It doesn’t have to be a lawyer)

Reflecting on former colleagues, one name immediately springs to mind: Mark George KC, our esteemed former head of Chambers at Garden Court North.

Mark’s impact on the junior barristers in Chambers was profound. He not only provided unwavering support but also embodied genuine kindness and integrity. Despite his seniority, Mark made it a priority to offer guidance and encouragement to all.

What truly set Mark apart, in my view, was his genuine care for the clients he represented. This innate compassion not only made him a great barrister but also, from what I observed myself, left a lasting impression on those who worked alongside him.