My diversity networks

Low Income Family
First Generation to go to University
State School Educated

Profile:

After A levels at our local 6th form college I attended the University of Sheffield and gained a BA (Hons) in Modern Languages (French, Russian and German). I then did the law conversion course (then known as the CPE, now the GDL) and the LPC living at home in Rugeley.

I started off my legal career as a trainee solicitor at Enoch Evans in Walsall, again living with my parents and then moved back to Sheffield, working at Taylor & Emmet and then Irwin Mitchell. I moved to the North East in 2000 to work in-house at Arriva plc and joined Muckle LLP as a partner in the commercial real estate team in 2005. I became an equity partner in 2010 and the Managing Partner in 2015.

My upbringing was one of relatively low aspiration and I was mocked by many for my ambition and interest in the outside world. My decision to do A levels, go to University and then to qualify as a lawyer were mostly met with derision and incredulity with many telling me it wasn’t for “people like us”. I am passionate about improving diversity in the legal profession as so much talent is lost otherwise. I also have a real passion for improving social mobility but also in assisting people with their confidence and resilience throughout their career which are really important for people moving into the legal and other professions.

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