Introducing Gbemi Akanbi, she is the founder of Black Women Aspiring Lawyers, our non-profit organisation created to support Black women aged 16+ pursuing careers in law. The initiative fosters a community where aspiring Black female lawyers can access resources, guidance, and support throughout their journey.

This year, Gbemi is excited to empower voices and creating impactful conversations in the legal community.

Feel free to reach out to Gbemi for support, advice, or to connect!

Introducing Lorraine Thomas, one of our new Community Executives! Lorraine is a Law graduate from Keele University, with an International Year in Lille, France, and currently working in Insurance. She is passionate about advocating for diversity and inclusion within the legal field, particularly for Black women.

Lorraine is an aspiring Solicitor Advocate. She is also a proud member of Black Owned Run Club - ComeOutsideCo, and an active participant in The Advocacy Club.

This year, Lorraine is excited to foster open and informative conversations that encourage diverse perspectives in law, helping to create an inclusive space where everyone can thrive.

Feel free to reach out to Lorraine for support, advice, or to connect!

Introducing Adesola K, one of our new community executives.

Adesola is a LLB Law graduate, currently pursuing an LLM/SQE 1. As an aspiring solicitor, she is eager to build her future network and engage with like-minded professionals. In her spare time, she enjoys content creation and founded “Gavels and Glasses” !

Adesola joined the team to volunteer and gain hands-on experience in a different capacity, while continuing to grow as a "baby lawyer." She is excited to contribute and expand her skillset as she embarks on her legal journey.

Feel free to reach out to Adesola for guidance or to connect!

Introducing Tia Taylor-Brown, one of our new community executives and our Lead for the upcoming BWAL Caribbean Initiative! Tia is an LLB Law graduate from the University of Leicester, currently working as a legal assistant and future trainee solicitor at Browne Jacobson. She is also the Events Manager for WCAN.

She emphasised that she joined BWAL because her journey is proof that “you don’t need a vacation scheme or a Russell Group university background to secure a training contract”.

Alongside her legal career, Tia has a keen interest in fashion and runs her own virtual styling page across various social media platforms, where she shares her style tips and insights.

Her goal is to create a supportive platform where Black women can excel in their corporate careers and show up as their best selves at work.

Feel free to reach out to Tia for guidance, support, or to connect!

Introducing Tumi Akintemi, one of our community executives. Tumi is a final year student studying Law with Spanish Law at the University of Sheffield, and an aspiring solicitor.

Having been a pivotal part of BWAL for the past 18 months working alongside Gbemi, Tumi's work is impactful. Her contributions ensure that the BWAL community continues to grow and thrive. Her passion for community building drives her to encourage meaningful connections and conversations within the group.

Outside of her legal studies, Tumi enjoys spoken word poetry, painting, and reading, adding a creative touch to her multifaceted personality.

Feel free to reach out to Tumi to connect or learn more about community-building efforts!

Introducing Aristide Wemgne, one of our community executives. Aristide is a Law graduate and an aspiring solicitor.

Aristide joined this role to ensure others have the support they need and to provide people with resources to access valuable opportunities. She is dedicated to ensuring that aspiring solicitors and barristers have access to the essential tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market.

Outside of her legal work, Aristide stays active by hitting the gym five times a week and loves playing badminton!

Feel free to reach out to Aristide for any resources or guidance as you navigate your legal career!

Introducing Kathrine K, one of our dedicated community executives. Kathrine is an LLB Law with Business graduate and an aspiring Solicitor Advocate.

Kathrine has a passion for sourcing opportunities, particularly in the northern regions, while also promoting healthy mental health conversations within the legal community. Her journey with BWAL started during her undergraduate years, where she found strength in connecting with women who shared similar experiences. As the only Black woman in her classes or at networking events, Kathrine often faced imposter syndrome, but joining BWAL provided the supportive community she longed for.

Kathrine is committed to supporting the next generation of lawyers and wants to be a reminder that women, especially from underrepresented backgrounds, truly belong in this space. She believes that by lifting each other up, we can achieve great things together, despite the challenges ahead.

Outside of her legal work, Kathrine stays active with Pilates, running and hitting the gym.

Feel free to reach out to Kathrine for guidance, opportunities, or to chat about your legal journey!