Q&A: Awa Traore on Black History Month

As we celebrate another Black History Month, and with this year’s theme being reclaiming narratives, solicitor apprentice Awa Traore reflects on her own journey (so far) in becoming a solicitor.

How did you become interested in law?

I decided I wanted to be a lawyer at 10 years old after some local Magistrates came to my school, and we did a mock trial.

I would say that was the first time the concept of being a lawyer was actually explained to me and I loved it.

The school I went to was in a low socioeconomic area and opportunities like this did not happen very often. Looking back, I did not understand what it meant but I know that I would not be who I am today without having had that experience.

This is one of my favourite stories to tell people when they ask why I decided to become a solicitor apprentice, because it shows the importance of social mobility and exposure to careers that some (ignorant) people may say are “unattainable” for people who look like me.

What made you choose the apprenticeship route?

In secondary school, I always loved essay subjects, so the studying side of law came quite naturally to me. However, when it came to starting applications for university, I wanted to see if there was a route into law which was more practical.

When I found out about the solicitor apprenticeship, I jumped at the opportunity and applied straight away.

What is your first-hand experience of diversity (or lack of) in the legal sector?

When I did the North East Solicitor Apprenticeship (NESA) application process, I was the only black applicant that got to the group assessment stage and beyond. Of all the firms I visited, I only met one black solicitor.

I always knew going into this profession it would be hard to find role models who looked like me. I worried (and sometimes still do) about being perceived as a ‘diversity hire’ which completely erases away all of my achievements.

The statistics show that only 3% of lawyers in the UK are of black heritage (1). It has been difficult and daunting at times being the only black person or even the only BAME person in the room.

However, I feel the theme of reclaiming narratives is a great way to start a discourse on the lack of diversity in the legal sector, and what we can do to change this.

What does the theme ‘reclaiming narratives’ mean to you?

For me, reclaiming narratives means we recognise the stories that define our culture, contributions and identities.

It is a way for us to be the storytellers of our own history and shine a light on the history that goes beyond the civil rights movement, Windrush and slavery.

The biggest sub-theme of reclaiming narratives for me was ‘empowering the next generation’.  

Ensuring the next generation has role models to engage with and strive to be like in the legal sector is hugely important. Improving social mobility comes hand in hand with empowering the next generation – everyone should have an equitable chance at success and access to opportunities.

Having someone who looks like you, working in a sector you have some interest in, can be the difference between making a job application or not. Representation is so important in affecting career opportunity.

Another part of reclaiming narratives that is important to me this month is speaking about and sharing black history; the English school system’s lack of teaching black history is dispiriting.

The underrepresentation of black history in education not only perpetuates harsh stereotypes and perceptions of black people, but also continues to contribute to systemic barriers in so many professions, including legal.

Overall, there is a staggering racial disparity in the legal sector. The sector needs to take action to make a systemic change to address the inequalities identified by the SRA. This month is not the end of what we need to do, and speaking about the issues identified is just the start.

How has Muckle supported you in your journey so far?

I have always felt supported by Muckle and have been given many opportunities to grow and develop my career.

Being part of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) group has been particularly empowering. It has provided me with a platform to share my lived experiences and insights, and to be directly involved in shaping the firm’s EDI strategy and see first-hand the initiatives we’re implementing.

This inclusive environment has not only fostered my professional growth but also made me feel valued and heard. During my time here, I have gone to school fairs to talk about my apprenticeship (and a career in law) as well as speaking to students who come to me directly and even hosted a Global Bridge event in 2023.

Even though I am in the early stages of my career, I hope I am seen as a role model and an example that, no matter how you look or what your background is, you can have a career in law. I do believe that the saying ‘you need to see it to be it’ rings true, and Muckle helps me to facilitate that.

Fostering an inclusive environment

At Muckle, we’re committed to eliminating discrimination and promoting diversity and inclusion. Read more about our ESG initiatives.

References:

1) SRA