Folakemi D-A

Profile:

Diversity in the legal industry is important because it instils hope into aspiring solicitors who share similar diverse traits. It communicates to all students that having a diverse background does not inhibit your success, but instead, makes you an asset as you will be able to offer a different perspective to any work environment. As law is often described as a “people business”, it is important for lawyers to represent all people to adequately support clients and appeal to all high calibre applicants. While experiencing the intersectionality of being a black woman during the application processes, I relied on diversity organisations like Aspiring Solicitors to connect me with lawyers who looked like me and were in the positions I wanted to be in. By having insightful conversation with my expanding network, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the different practice areas I was interested in which significantly increased my commercial awareness and subsequently improved my applications. I also attended diversity open days hosted by many different law firms as this demonstrated that diversity and inclusion during the recruitment process was a priority to the firm. Through constant networking, virtual coffees, and many rejections, I was able to be successful. I owe this to AS and many other organisations who work to ensure diverse representation in the legal progression continues to increase.