Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to apply for the Sutton Trust programme?

“I grew up in London, where I attended my local state school. It was here that I first realised my ambition, although I lacked guidance. A pivotal moment came when I switched schools for A-levels. After successfully completing my A-levels, I started at the University of Leicester (and later at the University of Oxford) to study law. It was during my first year that I discovered the Sutton Trust’s Pathways Plus programme through an email advertisement. Joining the programme was a watershed moment for me, opening my eyes to a myriad of career possibilities I had never considered.”

Did you know what you wanted to do for a career before your Pathways programme?

“Not in the slightest! As my A-levels were coming to an end, my career aspirations ranged from studying business management to working in a fine dining restaurant! Eventually, law won me over after a conversation with a friend about university life and, later, my experience on the Pathways programme—it seems serendipity does indeed have a place in career planning!”

Why do you think it’s important that young people have access to programmes like the Sutton Trust’s?

“Access to programmes like the Sutton Trust’s is crucial because they democratise exposure to diverse professional fields. These programmes provide young people with a unique opportunity to explore and understand careers they might not see in their everyday environments. It’s this kind of access that can transform a young person’s aspirations into achievable goals.”

What are your memories of the programme and what you got out of it?

“My most vivid memory is walking into those city law firms and being dazzled by the extravagance of their interiors. Living in the accommodation, sharing meals and stories with other participants, I felt a part of something larger than myself. It was an exciting glimpse into a new world.”

What do you think the role of the alumni network has played in your career / and/or what role has mentorship played in helping you on your journey?

“The role has been enormous. At a Sutton Trust alumni event in 2016, I met another alumnus who has since become a guiding force in my life, both personally and professionally. We’ve become friends and still catch up at Sutton Trust events—it’s like our own little tradition.”

Can you tell us how your career has developed since the programme?

“After the programme, I graduated from the University of Leicester as a May Fund Scholar and moved on to the University of Oxford where I was a Spalding Scholar, Francis Courtney Scholar, and Susan Kidd Scholar. My career trajectory has since evolved through various opportunities, leading me to my current position at Latham & Watkins. Here, I work as an associate in the Litigation and Trial Department, focusing on international arbitration, commercial litigation, and Sanctions / Export Controls. It’s been a journey marked by learning, growth, and adapting to new challenges.”

Do you have a favourite quote that inspires/inspired you?

“Yes, a quote that has always resonated with me comes from Thomas Babington Macaulay’s poem “Horatius,” part of Lays of Ancient Rome:

‘To every man upon this earth
Death cometh soon or late.
And how can man die better
Than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers,
And the temples of his gods’”

What does the future look like for you?

“I’m really optimistic about the future. I look forward to developing my practice and remaining actively involved with Sutton Trust.”

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