FOUNDER & CHAIR

Justin founded GROW in March 2020 and works as a Senior Manager for Engagement, Client Comms and Strategy 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

Alex is a Derivatives and Structured Finance Associate at A&O Shearman who has also been seconded to both Goldman Sachs and Bank of America. 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 who, beyond his role at A&O Shearman, has 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.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR & TRUSTEE

Meg is a trainee solicitor at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP. 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.

ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR

Ailsa is a trainee solicitor at Linklaters, having obtained a Scots Law LLB degree 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.

ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

Esenija studied Law 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.

ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

Lucy is a paralegal and LLB Law and Commerce (Management) graduate from the University of Wollongong, Australia. As an international student, she is passionate about diversity and inclusion and committed to advancing access to the legal profession. Lucy has a particular interest in the rise in emerging technologies and their impact on the legal industry. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, food blogging and photography.

ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

Oliver is a second year Philosophy, Politics and Economics student at the University of Oxford. With a strong interest in climate change and sustainability, he hopes to pursue a career in corporate law, advising the world’s largest companies on aligning their activities with a just and rapid net zero transition. He is drawn to GROW Mentoring’s vision due to his research on graduate recruitment processes in the elite legal sector and the inequities they perpetuate.

EVENTS DIRECTOR

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.

EVENTS COORDINATOR

Charlie is a current PGDL student and future trainee at Cleary Gottlieb. Having studied Economics, Psychology, and Philosophy (EPP) at the University of Warwick, Charlie is passionate about supporting those with diverse experiences from a range of backgrounds.

As a previous GROW mentee, he advocates for the value of mentorship and the importance of Social Capital and is keen to use his experiences to reduce the barriers and share the opportunities within the legal industry.

Events Coordinator

Olivia is a Legal Technologist at A&O Shearman. She holds a Law degree from Durham University and has previous experience as a legal professional. Last year, Olivia transitioned into legal technology, focusing on integrating tech solutions to improve legal services. As a former GROW mentor, she is passionate about fostering inclusivity and diversity within the legal profession, and is specifically interested in raising awareness of non-traditional roles in the legal field.

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 MANAGER

Tom is a trainee solicitor at Shoosmiths and studied the LPC LLM 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.

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Anna is a 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.

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 Corporate M&A Associate 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

Kaysha is a future trainee solicitor at Baker McKenzie. She is an LSE LLB graduate and has been called to the Bar of England and Wales. As an ethnic minority with an international background, Kaysha is passionate about diversity and accessibility and is committed to fostering a more inclusive legal community.

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Marco is an LLB Law with International Legal Studies undergraduate at the University of Reading. Coming from a diverse background, he understands the value of mentorship, having benefited from it as a GROW mentee. As part of the GROW Pairings team, Marco is committed to making a positive impact by increasing access to the legal profession.

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Nicole is a Banking and Finance Associate 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

Roma joined GROW in January 2025. She is a current student at the University of York pursuing a Law (LLB) degree. As an ethnic minority and international student, she is passionate about uplifting other underrepresented minorities aspiring to join the legal profession. As the International Officer of her university’s Law Society, she enjoys contributing to initiatives which foster inclusivity and is excited to support GROW’s incredible mission.

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Ryan is an Associate in the Energy & Sustainability department at Trowers & Hamlins. He plays an active role in his firm’s social impact and sustainability committees and has also previously been a GROW Mentor. Ryan studied at the University of Brighton and is keen to use his experiences to improve social mobility, accessibility and increase representation within the profession.

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.

CHARITY DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Pratham is a final-year law student at the University of Bristol. As the Co-Leader of the Race Inclusion Advocates, he leads projects with the University's academic and pastoral services to make them more inclusive for Global Majority students. He has served as the Vice President of the Unity & Diversity in Law Society, which aims to facilitate entry points into the legal industry for students from marginalised backgrounds. He also provides pro bono legal advice at the University of Bristol Law Clinic. He finds the GROW team’s authenticity both refreshing and essential to supporting aspiring lawyers in entering the profession.

FINANCE ASSISTANT

Noah is a second year Law student at the University of Bristol where she holds positions as Course Representative and Careers Secretary for the University of Bristol Law Club, as well as working in an NGO called Sisterhood.

Noah consistently advocates on presenting equal opportunities and greater support for international students and those from underrepresented backgrounds, utilising her expertise in event planning and managing teams to achieve these goals. Noah received the 2024 Outstanding Commitment to the Law School for her initiatives to support students. 

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.

PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER

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 MANAGER

Trina is a future trainee solicitor at Freshfields and 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 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

Apolline is a first-year multicultural student at the University of Cambridge, studying the disciplines of Human, Social and Political Sciences at Homerton College.

Devoted to social progression and intersectionality since age 14, Apolline consistently works with organisations such as “Sisters Without Borders” to promote mentorship opportunities for women in conflict-ridden nations and served as a United Nations Women delegate for both CSW 67 and CSW 68 (2024). These initiatives illustrate Apolline’s foundational beliefs in equity, collectivity and humanism, which she is strongly passionate about integrating within the legal profession and beyond. 

PARTNERSHIPS COORDINATOR

Bea is a third-year Comparative Literature student at University College London and originally from Lisbon, Portugal. She previously explored a career in journalism through work placements at Vogue and GQ, reflecting her passion for storytelling and connecting with people.

She is dedicated to ensuring that vital legal information is accessible to international students from diverse backgrounds, believing that empowering students with knowledge can break down barriers and create opportunities. In her free time, Bea volunteers with Afghan women, supporting their access to college-level education, and enjoys travelling to explore new cultures and perspectives.

PARTNERSHIPS COORDINATOR

Hannah is a future trainee solicitor at Linklaters 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. 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

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.

MARKETING DIRECTOR

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 Marketing Director!

SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANT

Jessie is a PGDL student at the University of Law and an aspiring commercial solicitor with a background in digital marketing.

Jessie is passionate about creating inclusive spaces. During her time studying for a BA in English at UCL, she was a spokesperson for students accessibility issues as President of the English Society, a Student Representative on her department's Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion committee, and a Lead Departmental Representative in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.

While she studies law by day, Jessie is an underground singer by night. She also loves to curl up with a good page-turner at Waterstones.

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.