Senior lawyer, Leeds
I am a commercial and procurement specialist. I lead two mini-teams advising the Ministry of Justice, both focusing on different areas of rehabilitation. Each is working on separate projects for rehabilitating offenders with budgets in excess of £1bn. The focus is to assist offenders to find stable housing, employment and remove drug and alcohol addiction – all crucial elements in reducing the likelihood that they reoffend.
I find my work very rewarding. My client is the justice secretary, but the beneficiary is ultimately everyone in the country. That might sound a little cliched, but it is true. It is what powers me through when I need it.
It is a slightly surreal experience when something you work on is discussed on the news. However, most often you work on matters that are really important to the function of the government but don’t get much attention. A few years ago, I worked on a contract for the supply of uniforms for prison officers. Not the most glamorous, but without the right kit, the prison officers can’t do their jobs.
Working at the heart of government is a real honour, especially as someone from a working-class family in Leeds – it isn’t necessarily where you are expected to end up. You don’t see many people from places like Armley, where I grew up, leading governments or big companies. There can be a lack of opportunities and also a self-limitation – the perception that things such as higher education and the professions ‘aren’t for the likes of us’. Luckily, my parents always taught me otherwise and gave me the belief that I could achieve things.
One of the first matters I worked on in the Government Legal Department was negotiating a repayment of over £1m from a PFI supplier to the Ministry of Justice. Straight away, I saw the impact of my work. Another highlight was the Secure School, which opened in 2024. That was such a new approach in the youth justice space. It was a learning curve for everyone, but hopefully one that bears fruit in the long run. I am really proud of the projects I am leading at the moment in rehabilitation. They are such crucial contracts for justice. To be trusted to be the lead on them makes me proud.
'I started competing in powerlifting as a teenager… Lifting weights is my way to process everything else I have going on. The adrenaline rush of going for an all-time best and achieving it is hard to beat'
When the Leeds office of GLD was opened, we wanted to make our presence known in the city. I got in touch with Leeds Law Society and things snowballed from there. I had only been qualified for about a year and was eager to get involved in anything that I could. I thought it was an interesting opportunity to learn from solicitors far more experienced than me, and to get involved in taking the society forward, particularly in boosting our focus on D&I and on legal tech. After a few years as a director, I was encouraged to run for vice president, leading to becoming president.
I really enjoy working with my fellow solicitors to try and ensure that Leeds is a great place to do our work. I have met so many incredible people through Leeds Law Society and learned so much. I would always recommend people get involved in their local law society; it is greatly rewarding.
My big priority has been social mobility, both in terms of getting into the profession and then advancing. Last year, I hosted our first-ever social mobility conference and it was a great success. I think, in a few years’ time, we will look back on it as a real starting point of something bigger, helping people from all socio-economic backgrounds get into our profession and then thrive.
I started competing in powerlifting as a teenager and, 18 years on, I still have the ‘iron bug’. Lifting weights and trying to get stronger is my favourite way to unwind. I love watching football, but as a Leeds United fan, it is never relaxing! Lifting weights is my way to process everything else I have going on. The adrenaline rush of going for an all-time best and achieving it is hard to beat. Now, it is extra to me because as a dad, I want to be fit and healthy so I can keep up with my son. I have been lucky enough to compete at national and international competitions.
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