Black lawyer was told ‘people like you don’t become barristers’
Figures show around 3.2% of members of the Bar are from black and ethnic backgrounds. …
A 24-year-old man who was once told by a teacher “people like you don’t become barristers” has qualified as a legal professional and been called to the bar.
Dévante Gravesande-Smith grew up in Brixton’s Myatt’s Field Estate, an area which became notorious for crime in south London.
Around 3.2% of members of the Bar are from black backgrounds.
Mr Gravesande-Smith, who saved £19,000 to study law, said it “wasn’t easy” but he felt he “had to persevere”.
Video by Jamie Moreland.