I was the first generation to go to university in my family. My parents were expelled from Uganda by Idi Amin and emigrated to the UK in 1972. They left everything behind and had to start their lives over. I realise now that I can thank my parents for my tenacious attitude. They always taught me to persevere, never stop trying and to work hard to accomplish my goals. My determination and drive also extends to my clients and achieving favourable settlements for them.
I studied law at Queen Mary University of London and received an upper second class honours. At the time of my graduation, the legal profession lacked a diverse workforce, particularly with lawyers from an Asian / ethnic minority background. Imposter syndrome developed soon after I started university. I avoided applying for vacation schemes in top-tier corporate firms in fear of immediate rejection. The absent representation made me believe I was aiming too high. I remember spending my summer handing in covering letters with my CV to local law firms. I managed to secure a legal secretary role at Pictons Solicitors in Hertfordshire. I subsequently worked my way up, becoming a paralegal in the Family Law Department and then successfully applying for a Training Contract with seats in medical negligence, employment law and commercial / corporate. I paid for my LPC with my salary and did it part-time on the weekends whilst working as a paralegal. My experience at Pictons was invaluable, I managed my own caseload during my medical negligence seat and developed a passion for the work. Over the last 12 years I have worked on significant, high value complex brain injury and spinal injury claims.
In 2022 I was given a double promotion to join Slater and Gordon Solicitors as a Senior Associate. I feel extremely proud of my achievements to date, despite facing barriers along the way. My demonstrated hard work has opened doors to the best law firms in the country for medical negligence. I hope that anyone wishing to pursue a career in law will read my journey and feel empowered to aspire for success. Whether you are ethnically diverse, or from a non-traditional background, I believe these attributes make you a better personal injury lawyer to understand and meet the diverse needs of our clients.