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Plan B: how a black woman became one of the most sought after legal brains in England and Wales after facing rejection at the Bar in 1979 - book review by Desiree Artesi
‘You can get it if you really want, but you must try, try and try, try and try, you’ll succeed at last.’ These words from the song by Jimmy Cliff sums up Dr Edila’s journey in the legal profession.
Gifty, as Dr Edila is fondly known, writes movingly and with a level of honesty and openness rarely found amongst those in this conservative profession, who are not generally keen on baring their souls. The reader follows Gifty’s journey from being laughed at by her housemistress at a careers meeting for aspiring to be a barrister, to being positively head hunted for the top job at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Gifty was born in the then Gold Coast (Ghana), and came to the United Kingdom aged 11 where she attended Hampstead School until the age of 15. The daughter of a World War II veteran and a social worker, she embarked on a path of academic excellence and self-determination which saw her obtain a law degree from the University of London, and a Master of Laws Degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Amidst all of these achievements is a thread that runs throughout Gifty’s life – of seizing opportunities as they come along, and learning from each opportunity so that it somehow catapults her to next big stage in the play of her life.
'Her journey is peppered with examples where, time and again, she is underestimated because of her gender and race'
Gifty is successful at obtaining pupillage at the then 4 Brick Court Chambers (now Coram Chambers), Barbara Calvert QC’s set. But although encouraged to look for a tenancy, this was not easily achievable because she was a woman and black. In her own words, she ‘began to feel [the Bar] wasn’t a place [she] wished to stay in.’
Her journey is peppered with examples where, time and again, she is underestimated because of her gender and race. But when given the opportunity, Gifty shows how she left doubters dumbfounded and in some cases apologetic.
Her advice and anecdotes are candid and hands on, for example how she overcame the challenges of juggling motherhood, a career and a family. She recounts joining her husband, a mechanical engineer, when he was posted to Nigeria on a government job and gave birth to her first son whilst studying for the Nigerian Bar examinations.
The book follows Gifty’s career and also her challenges, from local government at the highest levels, to retirement when she takes on non-executive roles and charitable work.
The concluding chapters are packed with tips such as ‘dream big and don’t put a ceiling on your ambition’, ‘get yourself a mentor it helps’, and guidance on preparing for and enjoying retirement (including getting into that healthy lifestyle zone!).
Gifty’s experience is written in positive language and provides a road map for any lawyer aspiring to high office in government. It is a must-read for students, pupils and established practitioners alike. (And the large typeface is a joy to read.)
One of the most enduring lessons I’ve learned from reading this book is this: when something goes wrong, simply say, ‘I’m sorry. I’ve learnt from this mistake and will do better next time.’
www.lulu.com/spotlight/giftyedila ISBN: 9780244220846
Desirée Artesi of Thomas More Chambers specialises in Privy Council appeals and constitutional and administrative law. She sits on a number of regulatory Tribunals in the professions and industry. She also sits on a number of Boards including the School of Law, Brighton University, and the Editorial Board of Counsel magazine. Desirée is civic minded and is a past candidate for Common Councillor in the Ward of Farringdon Without and a Freeman of the City of London. Desirée is an equity champion on issues affecting Black barristers; and a mentor to young people from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds irrespective of race.
Plan B: how a black woman became one of the most sought after legal brains in England and Wales after facing rejection at the Bar in 1979 - book review by Desiree Artesi
‘You can get it if you really want, but you must try, try and try, try and try, you’ll succeed at last.’ These words from the song by Jimmy Cliff sums up Dr Edila’s journey in the legal profession.
Gifty, as Dr Edila is fondly known, writes movingly and with a level of honesty and openness rarely found amongst those in this conservative profession, who are not generally keen on baring their souls. The reader follows Gifty’s journey from being laughed at by her housemistress at a careers meeting for aspiring to be a barrister, to being positively head hunted for the top job at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Gifty was born in the then Gold Coast (Ghana), and came to the United Kingdom aged 11 where she attended Hampstead School until the age of 15. The daughter of a World War II veteran and a social worker, she embarked on a path of academic excellence and self-determination which saw her obtain a law degree from the University of London, and a Master of Laws Degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Amidst all of these achievements is a thread that runs throughout Gifty’s life – of seizing opportunities as they come along, and learning from each opportunity so that it somehow catapults her to next big stage in the play of her life.
'Her journey is peppered with examples where, time and again, she is underestimated because of her gender and race'
Gifty is successful at obtaining pupillage at the then 4 Brick Court Chambers (now Coram Chambers), Barbara Calvert QC’s set. But although encouraged to look for a tenancy, this was not easily achievable because she was a woman and black. In her own words, she ‘began to feel [the Bar] wasn’t a place [she] wished to stay in.’
Her journey is peppered with examples where, time and again, she is underestimated because of her gender and race. But when given the opportunity, Gifty shows how she left doubters dumbfounded and in some cases apologetic.
Her advice and anecdotes are candid and hands on, for example how she overcame the challenges of juggling motherhood, a career and a family. She recounts joining her husband, a mechanical engineer, when he was posted to Nigeria on a government job and gave birth to her first son whilst studying for the Nigerian Bar examinations.
The book follows Gifty’s career and also her challenges, from local government at the highest levels, to retirement when she takes on non-executive roles and charitable work.
The concluding chapters are packed with tips such as ‘dream big and don’t put a ceiling on your ambition’, ‘get yourself a mentor it helps’, and guidance on preparing for and enjoying retirement (including getting into that healthy lifestyle zone!).
Gifty’s experience is written in positive language and provides a road map for any lawyer aspiring to high office in government. It is a must-read for students, pupils and established practitioners alike. (And the large typeface is a joy to read.)
One of the most enduring lessons I’ve learned from reading this book is this: when something goes wrong, simply say, ‘I’m sorry. I’ve learnt from this mistake and will do better next time.’
www.lulu.com/spotlight/giftyedila ISBN: 9780244220846
Update from the Chair of the Bar
Save the Children UK is the latest charity to benefit from a £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
AlphaBiolabs has been awarded the contract to provide drug, alcohol, and DNA testing services for Hull City Council, following a rigorous competitive tender process
By Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group
Modernising communication and collaboration at a leading Chancery set. A Zexi case study
How to build profile without compromising professional duties. By Naumaan Farooq, Co-Founder of Inked PR
A decade of reviews and research has disrupted accepted thinking in the search for causality. Suicides following abuse have overtaken domestic homicides. Is the law keeping up? Professor Susan Edwards KC (Hon) examines recent cases and the obstacles to successful prosecution
At least not that way, says Richard Paige
Heritage as an anchor and a compass, finding our common humanity and embracing the power of the outsider – Melina Antoniadis’s lessons learnt
Seeing the full picture – Baljit Ubhey OBE outlines the CPS action plan to tackle violence against women and girls, offering insights directly relevant to courtroom practice
Lauren Fullerton examines the how, what and why of setting up a second chambers base
