Emilene Davis 

I am a criminal barrister at Albion Chambers, Bristol. I am a biracial (black and white) female, with a regional accent, who grew up in a working-class family. I went to state schools, and I did not attend a Russell Group University. I am, however, very fortunate to have hardworking parents (my mum works in a care home and my dad is a self-employed carpenter) who never put any limitations on my ambitions.

My first passion was theatre. I loved, and still do, to sing, dance and act. When I was in primary school, I played every role in the nativity play until I was finally cast as Mary. In secondary school, I would often be given permission to go for auditions; I was in the Jungle Book and Alice in Wonderland at the Bristol Hippodrome as well as productions at the Bristol Old Vic and Tobacco Factory.

I maintained reasonable grades (12 Bs and 4 Cs) whilst at school. When I started studying Law at A-Level something clicked and I began achieving straight As; I enjoyed using my analytical skills to apply the Law to solve problems. I continued my legal studies at the University of the West of England, where I obtained a First Class LLB and an Outstanding in both my BPTC and my LLM. Marrying my passion for story-telling and my interest in the Law, it seemed logical to me that I should pursue a career at the criminal bar.

Whilst I was doing well academically, I distinctly remember that I was always behind the curve in terms of applying for mini-pupillages, scholarships and taking part in competitions. Although I had committed to a career at the criminal bar, I had no real understanding of how to make that dream a reality; it was only when others in my cohort were discuss their applications that I knew to begin my own.

It is why I am passionate about bringing transparency to the bar and blogging my journey, both with GenHER Power and through my own Instagram Account ‘Bristolian Barrister’.

Although I may have been slow off the mark, I did obtain a scholarship (Lord Denning) and seized every opportunity I could, including an internship in the USA working on death penalty cases. At the time, I was trying to just tick the boxes, however I now appreciate that these opportunities helped me realise my likes and dislikes. I truly believe that had I not realised early on what works well for me, I would not be as happy as I am now with my current practice. I appreciate it is hard to study and gain experience, especially when working (I had to work alongside my studies to support myself), but it is well worth doing.

My advice to all those aspiring to the bar is to go for it! The best thing we can do to diversify the legal profession and ensure inclusivity is to show up as our authentic self and do a good job.

Written by Emilene Davis