FOUNDER & CHAIR

Justin founded GROW in March 2020 and works as a senior manager and Global DE&I Ambassador at A&O Shearman. Justin is from a non-law background, studied at the University of Warwick and is an advocate for diversity, inclusion and social mobility. He was appointed as a Social Mobility Ambassador for The Law Society in October 2020 for a two year term and is part of A&O Shearman’s LGBTQ+ committee, A&Out.

COO & TRUSTEE

Lucy is a trainee solicitor at Clifford Chance, having achieved a First Class LLB Law degree from the University of Exeter. Lucy is passionate about diversity and inclusion, and has been featured in the Financial Times and the Times for her platform @ByLucyCole, reaching an Instagram audience of over 11,900 followers. Lucy was listed as one of the 21 ‘Women Who Will’ in the legal industry for 2021.

FINANCE DIRECTOR & TRUSTEE

Alex is a trainee solicitor at A&O Shearman. Alex studied Archaeology at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, and both the PGDL and LLM Commercial Legal Practice at BPP University. Alex is a GROW mentor with paralegal and business teams experience. He is passionate about increasing access to and awareness of legal careers, believing that the best individuals to drive the industry forward can come from anywhere - regardless of background.

ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR

Meg is a future trainee solicitor at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP and current SQE student. She studied International Law and Globalisation at the University of Birmingham. As a first-generation student with a hidden disability, Meg is passionate about amplifying diverse and underrepresented voices in the legal industry and using her experience to show others that anything is possible. In 2023, she was awarded the CEPLER Award for Outstanding Achievement in Extracurricular Endeavour for her dedication to community access to justice through her university's Free Legal Advice Group.

HEAD OF STRATEGIC PROJECTS & EVENTS

Faeqa is a future trainee solicitor at DLA Piper and has a background in technology. As an LLB Law graduate from the University of Warwick, she recently worked for Google's EMEA Legal Team. Faeqa has also worked in artificial intelligence; she configured machine learning AI on ThoughtRiver's legal contract acceleration platform. Her hobbies include creating digital illustrations for various web3 projects. As a marginalised, ethnic minority female, Faeqa is passionate to heighten diversity, inclusion and social mobility in the legal profession.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

Helen is a Legal PA at A&O Shearman. As GROW’s Administrative Officer, Helen manages the charity’s internal and external communications.

Finance Manager

David is a postgraduate student at University College London, specialising in International Banking and Finance Law. He is passionate about raising neurodiversity awareness in the legal sector. In his role as Finance Manager, he brings a keen eye for detail and a passion for strategic financial planning. Outside of his professional and academic pursuits, David enjoys running, hiking and going to the gym.

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Ailsa is a current SQE student and future trainee at Linklaters, having obtained Scots Law LLB from the University of Glasgow. She is a huge advocate for the value of mentorship, having previously been a GROW mentor worked with her university to support new law students. She is particularly passionate about helping socially mobile students break into law, having previously been awarded the Making Links Scholarship and volunteered with the Street Law initiative to help state educated students learn about the legal profession.

PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER

Trina is an LLB Law graduate from King’s College London. As an international student, she feels strongly about promoting accessibility to the legal profession among diverse groups. In her free time, she enjoys reading non-fiction books & watching documentaries based on financial scandals.

PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER

James is an LLB Law graduate from the University of Lincoln. As a first-generation student who attended a non-Russell group university, James is passionate about promoting diversity and social mobility within law, both as a Partnerships Manager and though his online platform @LawbyJames, reaching a following of over 20,000 followers.

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Maria is an LLB Law and European Legal Studies graduate from King's College London. She is interested in promoting accessibility and diversity and hopes that by the time she enters the legal profession these values will stay at the forefront of the industry. She's more excited than ever to be promoting GROW's initiatives and events as Social Media Manager!

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Elia is a future trainee at Stephenson Harwood. They have been studying the PGDL following their graduation with a degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge. They previously worked as the Disabled Students' Sabbatical Officer at their students' union. Elia is passionate about diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and is excited to be supporting a diverse array of aspiring lawyers to access the legal profession as a member of the Pairings team at GROW.

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Hope is a trainee solicitor at Hogan Lovells International LLP, having achieved a First Class French with English degree from King’s College London. Driven by her passion to increase accessibility to the legal industry, Hope was an active pro bono volunteer and mentor during her law conversion and currently sits on the committee of Hogan Lovells’ Social Mobility Network. As part of the Pairings team at GROW, Hope is committed to championing greater diversity within the legal profession by supporting aspiring lawyers broaden their professional network.

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Nicole is a trainee solicitor at Katten Muchin Rosenman UK LLP and is part of the Pairings team at GROW. She studied LLB Law at a non-Russell group university before working in administrative and compliance positions which landed her a role as a paralegal. As a member of several underrepresented groups, Nicole is passionate about supporting those from similar backgrounds and increasing diversity within the legal profession.

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Noor is an LLB Law graduate from the University of Birmingham. Coming from a mixed ethnic-minority background, she is passionate about bridging the gaps within the legal profession. Noor has previously volunteered with the Birmingham Law School Pro Bono Group, all with the aim of assisting communities in need of legal aid. Confident in the talent that exists within underrepresented communities, she is enthusiastic about advancing the mission of diversity and inclusivity in the legal profession through GROW.

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Ryan is a trainee solicitor at Trowers & Hamlins. He also has paralegal experience in private practice and at a Registed Provider for affordable housing, and was a GROW mentor before joining the team. He studied at the University of Brighton and is keen to use his experiences to prove that background, class, colour, orientation, or university are no barrier to success.

EVENTS COORDINATOR

Sikemi is currently working in Corporate Legal Services. She is been passionate about equity, diversity and inclusion. She studied at the University of Kent where she was awarded the Kent Law School Special Prize for the Highest Contribution to the Law School for her advocacy for international, black and brown, and LGBTQ+ students and women on campus, and particularly those who sat at the intersection of these identities.

Sikemi sat on the Inclusive Change Advisory Board for the Breast Cancer Charity CoppaFeel, ensuring their message was more inclusive and reached those who would otherwise not see themselves represented in breast cancer awareness messages. She has also been a Global Partnerships for Education Youth Leader where she encouraged government officials and world leaders to invest in education for those who were left behind. In her free time, she enjoys reading novels, especially African Literature, kick boxes, loves Formula 1, the theatre and food.

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Tom is a future trainee solicitor at Shoosmiths and LPC LLM student at BPP University, Holborn. Tom is from a non-law background and previously studied English Literature and Film Studies at the University of Exeter. Tom has paralegal experience in commercial real estate and data protection. As a first-generation student and LGBTQ+ advocate, Tom is passionate about increasing awareness, access and diversity within the legal profession for all underrepresented groups.

PARTNERSHIPS COORDINATOR

Abi is a third-year law student at the University of Bristol. She is passionate about promoting social mobility and diversity within the legal profession. In her free time, she enjoys reading and discovering new food spots.

Partnerships Coordinator

Aimee is a trainee solicitor at BDB Pitmans having graduated from the University of Roehampton in 2021.

Having seen first hand the impact of the mentoring programme at GROW she is passionate about driving progress in diversity and accessibility to the legal sector.

PARTNERSHIPS COORDINATOR

Anna is a future trainee solicitor at Greenberg Traurig. She studied Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Leeds, followed by the GDL and LPC at the University of Law. Anna served on committees for the Women in Leadership Society at the University of Leeds and the Women in Law Society at ULaw Moorgate. She aspires to promote diversity, improve accessibility, and reduce barriers within the legal profession.

PARTNERSHIPS COORDINATOR

Hannah is a member of the Partnerships team and joined GROW in spring of 2024. She is a current student at Durham University studying Biological Sciences and is also carrying out a placement at Pfizer as a clinical scientist. Her interests are in the intersection between STEM and law, as well as, improving social mobility within the legal profession. She has been involved several mentorship initiatives and is enjoying contributing to the incredible impact of GROW.

PARTNERSHIPS COORDINATOR

Marie is a future trainee solicitor at Linklaters LLP. She is currently studying for the SQE at BPP University in London, having previously completed the PGDL and graduated from the University of Leeds with a First Class History degree in July 2023. Marie is passionate about championing diversity and promoting social mobility in the legal profession and having had a GROW mentor herself, believes that mentorship is integral to making the industry more accessible to those of all backgrounds.

PARTNERSHIPS COORDINATOR

Nayiri is a trainee solicitor at CA Auto Bank. She has previous in-house legal experience, including at eBay with the UK Markets Legal team, and at UK Power Networks with the cable damage team. Nayiri was born in Canada and moved to the UK to study Law at the University of Nottingham. As a former GROW mentee and mentor, Nayiri deeply values the transformative impact of mentorship. With her international background, she is committed to fostering inclusivity and diversity within the legal profession. Nayiri's belief in the power of mentorship underscores her dedication to empowering others and driving positive change in the legal industry.

PARTNERSHIPS COORDINATOR

Victoria is a future trainee solicitor at Debevoise & Plimpton in London and recently completed a traineeship at the European Court of Human Rights after graduating from LLB Law at the University of Liverpool. As a first-generation student from a low-income household, Victoria looks forward to helping remove barriers in the legal profession and boosting the confidence of socially mobile candidates. In her spare time, Victoria enjoys reading, playing video games and telling everyone about her favourite sport, curling.

SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANT

Austin is currently studying towards the SQE at the University of Law, having achieved a First Class Geography degree at UCL and a Distinction in the PGDL. He is a future trainee solicitor at Baker McKenzie, and wants to integrate his passion for the energy sector into his legal career. He is excited by content creation, and wants to use this skill to help GROW's mission breaking down barriers in the legal sector.

MENTEE ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

Aryan is currently a first year law student in London. He previously completed an apprenticeship at a global reinsurance firm and wishes to use his work experience in the corporate world and his legal studies as a foundation for a successful career as a solicitor. He believes GROW is a great platform for students and professionals alike to gain insights into the legal industry whilst fostering a inclusive community!

MENTEE ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

Esenija is a third year Law student at the University of Bristol and is dedicated to promoting social mobility within the legal profession. Esenija is particularly interested in the rise of legal technologies and the future of the legal profession. In her spare time, Esenija serves as the Social Secretary of the Taylor Swift society and bartends. Esenija believes that anyone should be able to succeed in the legal profession, and hopes she can play a part in encouraging this.

VIDEO EDITOR

Sevara is a First Class LLB Law and Management graduate from the University of Kent, currently pursuing an LLM at the London School of Economics. As an aspiring solicitor and activist, she brings experience in social media marketing and brand promotion. As an ethnic minority, she is deeply committed to advocating for DE&I within the student community and beyond. In her free time, she enjoys exploring London, taking photographs and playing tennis.

Meta, Policy Head of Human Rights, Africa, Middle East & Turkey

Mazuba leads the work on human rights, public policy for Africa, Middle East & Turkey at Meta. She has long-standing experience as a feminist activist working across Africa with and for women’s & LGBTI movements. She believes firmly in the power of the collective imagination in forging paths of liberation.

TapIn, Founder and CEO

Milimo Banji is an award winning entrepreneur, leader and advisor. He’s the founder and CEO of the Gen Z talent agency TapIn, an agency that supports some of the biggest employers in the U.K. attract, engage and hire diverse youth talent. He serves as board member and advisor to FTSE 100 companies, is a prominent public speaker and has depth of knowledge/insight into the minds of Gen Z. Milimo brings with him a wealth of expertise on social media, engaging diverse audiences, leadership and building inclusive teams.

Latham & Watkins, Senior Manager, Global Professional Staff Diversity & Inclusion

Laura Yeates is Head of Graduate Talent at the global law firm, Clifford Chance. In her most recent role she oversees the graduate recruitment and development teams, both of which have won awards for ground-breaking initiatives focused on improving access to the legal profession, innovation in the sector, tackling the stigma of mental health and sexual harassment in the workplace. She is also Co-Chair of the London Inclusion Committee.

She joined Clifford Chance in 2006, having previously worked at J.P. Morgan in both the graduate recruitment team and also in a generalist HR role.

With over fifteen years graduate recruitment experience and five years HR experience, she is a Fellow of the CIPD, a Trustee of the Bridge Group, an Opinion Leader for People in Law and a member of the National Student Pride Advisory Board. In 2020 she founded the Sustainable Recruitment Alliance and is currently Chair of the Alliance steering group.

She is also a former Board Director of the Institute of Student Employers and member of the Advisory Board of The Apples & Pears Foundation, a London based charity enabling inner city families to take weekend school trips with their children and volunteers.

BP, Senior Vice President, Legal

Michael is currently the Senior Vice President of Legal for Gas & Low Carbon Energy, Production & Operations, and Regions, Cities & Solutions at bp. He leads a global team of over 100 lawyers responsible for executing the legal strategy across a number of bp’s core businesses including all of its global oil and gas operations and projects as well as leading the legal strategy for bp’s transition to net zero including all its low carbon businesses (e.g., Wind, Solar, Hydrogen, CCUS). He has significant experience managing transactional and operational legal risk, building and leading teams, and advising on regulatory/compliance matters. Mike joined the Houston office of BP in June 2011 from the Washington, DC office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom where he practiced in the firm’s Antitrust and Competition law group.

In 2013, he was a finalist for Global Competition Review’s Corporate Counsel of the Year award and in 2014 was honoured by being selected for Legal 500’s inaugural list of top 100 Corporate Counsel in the United States. The Financial Times, Yahoo Finance and INvolve have named him one of the top 100 LGBT Executives in the world. He is a frequent speaker on legal, ethics and compliance, and diversity and inclusion topics. Michael received a BS in Economics and a BA in Political Science from Arizona State University and his law degree with honours from Georgetown University Law Center.