I never thought I would be a barrister, because I never thought I could become a barrister. I am now a barrister, and I feel privileged to be one. I grew up in a small area in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire. I went to a state school where I was just one of a handful of ethnic minority students and was the only Sikh in primary and secondary school. I come from a working-class background, experienced homelessness as a child, was on free school meals and my parents could barely speak English. I was the first member of my immediate and distant family to attend university. I never thought I could.

At secondary school, for reasons which I still do not fully understand, I was in the bottom classes for every subject. I was not naughty and I never messed about. I was the opposite, I felt I tried to work hard and do my best. I personally felt different (I still query whether I was made to feel this way) due to my race and my perceived intelligence (or lack off), as I was never given a chance to study at a higher level. My school introduced a programme for 14-16 year olds to enter into certain vocations at college instead of pursuing A-levels. I was put into this ‘programme’, not necessarily with consent, but I made it clear I wanted to pursue A-levels. Nonetheless, due to me being placed in this group, my GCSEs were capped, meaning that I could only do a certain number, and could only achieve a certain grade. I achieved the maximum I could in all my subjects. This was just enough for me to be allowed to take A-levels at my school. This felt like justice, because out of the students on this ‘programme’ I was the only one who went on to pursue A-levels. What were A-levels? I did not know, but I knew it was necessary for me to do them to embark upon university.

Growing up, I had no real role models except my parents. They arrived in England from India in the 1960s at a very young age. They worked tirelessly and hard, not for themselves, but for their family. As outlined above, I was not academic, I do not even think I was given a platform to be academic. When I was not limited in my maximum grades or subject choices I did very well. I was one of my school’s higher performers at A-level and went on to university. I only ever applied to one university, though, the closest one, as I needed to be home every day. I was a carer, looking after two disabled parents one of whom had cancer. I did well at university and achieved a First, followed by a Joint First for my LLM and then I did well at Bar school.

There are countless examples I could give on my journey all the way to the Bar where I felt I was pursuing a profession in which I did not belong. I was often hesitant to ask for help. I never really believed I could become a barrister until I commenced the Bar course, but even then I doubted myself significantly.

Eventually I got pupillage, but the process was stressful. I remember being asked questions such as ‘what is your favourite childhood book?’ or ‘what type of books do you enjoy reading?’ – I found such questions difficult. Why? Because during my education at school years, reading books was not provided to me as an opportunity, and my parents could not read English. I have now published three books of my own. People ask me, why three books? When I was 16, I would be mocked for even attempting to read a book, so you can imagine how badly I want to make up for lost time.

Fast forward, and I am the current holder of the LexisNexis Legal Personality of the Year 2024, LALY Legal Aid Barrister of the Year 2024 and Family Law Awards Junior Barrister of the Year 2023, and won Family Law Awards Legal Commentator of the Year 2022. Some of these awards were subject to a public vote, and I feel lucky to have won them. I suppose one of the reasons I have been recognised in this way is because ever since becoming a barrister, it has been important to me to use my platform to assist the next generation as well as the profession generally. I feel it is my duty to do so. I mentee many aspiring lawyers, volunteer with school outreach programmes and was part of the team that created initiatives for the young Bar during my role with the Family Law Bar Association.

There are, however, three key pieces of advice I would encourage others currently on their journey to becoming a barrister, or once they have made it, to consider in order to achieve what they seek to do:

Do not be afraid to ask for assistance. The difference between now and when I grew up is that there are many platforms and opportunities to ask for help and advice. If you ever require any careers advice, consider being mentored. I am a mentor myself and my past journey and struggles motive me to actively help others. I am sure that many other mentors have the same mentality.

But be careful what advice you take. This slightly contradicts the above, but I have often been given bad advice or not encouraged. Many times I felt that I was counted out, whether by teachers or, later on my journey by fellow barristers. So be very careful when listening to those that try to deter you from achieving something that you truly dream about and aspire to achieve. Sometimes people can give advice which they perceive as hard love, or to encourage you to face the reality. Had I listened to such advice – and even now, if I listen to all the advice that people often give me – I would not be where I am today.

And give something back. I am a true believer in what goes around comes around. During my time at university, where I could not afford to attend mini-pupillages out of Nottingham or travel far for work experience, I felt I was at a disadvantage to my other peers. However, I utilised my spare time to give back to charitable causes. I volunteered for a number of years with various charities such as Citizens Advice Bureau, Victim Support and a local asylum seeker and refugee centre. While doing good, I also felt I was developing a number of key skills and becoming a better version of myself. Now as a barrister, I try to give back whether it is through volunteering with my Inn or Sikhs in Law or mentoring for various organisations that aim promote diversity and equal opportunities.

As I say, I feel lucky to have made it as a barrister. I feel even luckier to have won certain awards. People in my position have a real onus and a real responsibility to assist the next generation, or our fellow peers, whenever and however we can.