Can you tell us a little about your journey into law and what inspired you to pursue it?

Growing up, I was captivated by The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, especially the character “Uncle Phil”, who was a lawyer. His journey showed that with determination, hard work, and integrity, it’s possible to break barriers – in a system where representation has historically been limited. This sparked my initial interest in the field. From a young age, I loved debating everything, from the best Power Ranger to the top quarterback in the NFL (Tom Brady then and Tom Brady now). Adults around me would often remark that I would make a great lawyer. Additionally, I was an avid reader of Michael Connelly’s Lincoln Lawyer series and John Grisham’s legal thrillers, particularly A Time to Kill, which further fuelled my passion for law.

In what area of law do you practise, and what drew you to it?

I am a banking and finance trainee solicitor at Harper Macleod. At a previous global firm, I worked on major banking projects, including the LIBOR transition, and undertook secondments at Lloyds Banking Group and NatWest Markets, gaining insight into complex regulatory and commercial matters. Harper Macleod’s one-seat traineeship allows me to specialise in an area I’m passionate about, develop technical expertise, and contribute meaningfully from the outset. The firm combines the capability of a large practice with a dedicated focus on the Scottish market, offering clients tailored, in-depth advice. Its commitment to remaining a Scotland-only firm sets it apart. Recognition such as being named Law Firm of the Year nine times and Chambers’ Scottish Firm of the Year 2025 underscores its standing in the legal sector. I also relish the opportunity to work with market leading experts such as Tony Cameron and Liana Di Ciacca.

What does Black History Month mean to you personally and professionally?

Black History Month is a time for celebration, reflection, education, and looking forward. Personally, it’s an opportunity to honour heritage and identity; professionally, it’s a chance to create inclusive spaces that promote understanding and visibility. I’ve led various Black History Month initiatives, including book club recommendations, keynote speakers, lunch-and-learn sessions, themed music playlists, Afro-Caribbean menus in workplace canteens, and a celebration event with DJs, dancers, and performers. We also raised funds for a local Glasgow charity. These events were well received and helped foster a vibrant, inclusive environment. What I’m most proud of is how they inspired colleagues to organise events for other cultural celebrations such as Ramadan, Holi, and Diwali – further enriching the workplace and encouraging continued dialogue and appreciation of diverse cultures.

What advice would you give to young Black people in Scotland considering a career in law?

The legal landscape in Scotland has changed significantly since I was growing up in Falkirk, with more opportunities now available. My key advice is to start early – seek out experience, build your network, and stay informed. I didn’t have much guidance at the start, so I encourage young Black students to connect with professionals via platforms like LinkedIn; most are willing to offer advice, me included. Engage with networks such as the Scottish Ethnic Minorities Lawyers Association (SEMLA) and Black Professionals UK (BPUK) led by Enoch Adeyemi, which have strong ties with law firms and have facilitated internships, vacation schemes, (some which have resulted in traineeships). Focus on areas of law that genuinely interest you and research firms aligned with your goals and values. Finally, make commercial awareness part of your daily routine – not just something you prepare for interviews. The earlier you start, the more confident and informed you’ll be as you enter the profession.

How do you think the Scottish legal profession can become more inclusive and diverse?

The Scottish legal profession must proactively engage diverse talent from an early stage – we should be going to find talent, not waiting for it to come to us. This includes building partnerships with organisations representing ethnic minorities and learning from their expertise. While recruitment is vital, retention is equally – if not more – important. This means developing diverse talent into senior leadership roles to create visible role models and mentors for the next generation. Initiatives such as the Amplify Programme by Sunita Harley and Carolyn Solomon-Pryce at Collective Insight are great examples of practical steps firms can take. Active Allyship also plays a key role – I’ve benefitted greatly from advocates and mentors like corporate lawyer Niall Skelton, Christopher Georgiou who is a partner & regional head of Ashurst Advance, EMEA/US and Rupa Mooker, a true champion of inclusion and belonging. Real progress will come from sustained effort across recruitment, development, and culture.

Looking ahead, what changes would you like to see in the Scottish legal sector in the next 10?

One key change I’d like to see is a reduction in diploma in professional legal practice fees, which can currently be as high as £12,000. This cost is a major barrier to entry, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds, and limits social mobility within the profession. Talent exists everywhere, but high fees risk excluding capable individuals who simply cannot afford the financial burden. Increasing access would help create a more diverse profession – something I believe is essential. Diversity brings fresh perspectives, fosters innovation, and strengthens decision-making. If the profession is to thrive over the next decade, it must become more accessible, inclusive, and representative of the society it serves. Addressing the diploma funding issue would be a meaningful step in that direction.

Outside of work, what inspires or motivates you?

Outside of work, I’m inspired by mentoring and connecting with others. I played American football for much of my life and now serve as the alumni representative for the University of Stirling team – a programme close to my heart, as I was team president and captain. During my time there, we reached four consecutive British National Championships, winning three. Many of my teammates remain close friends and a continued source of support. I’m also passionate about travel and have visited 42 countries. Experiencing different cultures, customs, and perspectives has broadened my worldview and strengthened my ability to relate to people from diverse backgrounds. Both sport and travel have shaped my outlook, teaching me resilience, teamwork, and empathy – qualities that continue to motivate and influence me both personally and professionally.