Profile:

I am Head of Legal at Not On The High Street, the UK’s largest online curated marketplace. I was born in the UK as a first generation ethnic minority and, growing up, my parents were learning English at a similar rate to me so were unfamiliar with the Western culture and the education system which put me at a disadvantage when sitting my grades at a state school. I failed every mock exam when undertaking my Scottish Highers (A-level equivalent) after being ill-advised by a friend that the year didn’t count. Against the odds (and with much hard work), I left school with excellent results and was accepted at Scotland’s top-ranked Law School in 2005.

I completed my training contract at Thorntons Law LLP, Scotland’s largest full service law firm. I moved to Exeter as a Newly Qualified Solicitor working for Michelmores LLP and then moved in-house and to London to work for Value Retail PLC (the operators of outlet shopping centres such as Bicester Village). After a couple of years there, I moved to Not On The High Street starting off as a Legal Counsel and within 3 years I progressed in my role to their Head of Legal.

Throughout my life and career, I’ve faced many challenges not least because of my race, religious values and being a first generation ethnic minority and lawyer. Whether it’s feeling I have to over-share at a networking event why I don’t drink alcohol or feeling like I’ve had to work harder and be more resilient because of unconscious bias, I understand the challenges that exist in the legal profession and I’m passionate about increasing diversity to make sure everyone knows and feels like they belong and are represented.

I’m more than happy to speak to anyone about their (or my) journey and help where possible.

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