BLACK INCLUSION WEEK 2026: IN CONVERSATION WITH ADANNA AKINFENWA

What shaped your journey into law, and how has your sense of purpose influenced the way you navigate your career?

My journey into law was not simply shaped by academic interest, but by a deeply personal experience that awakened my sense of purpose. Someone very close to me was being severely bullied at school, and the institution responsible for safeguarding them failed repeatedly. Emails were ignored, escalating violence was not taken seriously, and there was a clear lack of accountability. I found myself stepping in and advocating where others had remained silent. That moment was a turning point. It showed me that law is not only about intellectual rigour. It is a tool that can actively change lives. That experience has never left me. It informs every client meeting, every court hearing, and every decision I make. My purpose is rooted in ensuring people feel heard, protected, and empowered. That same drive led me to found Access Law Legal Services, an award-winning, national organisation dedicated to making justice accessible to those who need it most. For me, law is not just a profession. It is a calling to stand in the gap where systems fall short.

In your current role, what impact are you most proud of having made so far?

There are many moments that stand out, but one in particular remains with me. At Access Law Legal Services, we onboarded a client who openly shared that if we had not been there to support him, he was planning to take his own life. He had already made two suicide attempts the day before. This is the reality of family law. Behind every case file is a human being, often in crisis and often unheard. What I am most proud of is not only the legal outcomes we achieve, but the restoration of hope. Being able to step into someone’s darkest moment and provide clarity, support, and a pathway forward is a profound responsibility. Access to justice is not a luxury. It is a lifeline. Through my work, I see firsthand how transformative it can be for ordinary people navigating extraordinary challenges.

What actions, big or small, do you believe are most effective in driving real inclusion and change within the legal profession?

Driving real inclusion and change within the legal profession requires both early intervention and systemic reform. Firstly, we must prioritise early integration within education. I attended a state school and achieved highly academically, yet the legal profession remained vague and inaccessible. I did not fully understand the difference between a solicitor and a barrister, nor the pathways required to get there. This lack of exposure is a significant barrier. Many black students do not pursue law not because they lack capability, but because they lack visibility and access to information. Early education, mentorship, and exposure are essential to changing this narrative. Secondly, at a structural level, we must address the lack of diversity among decision-makers. I once had a conversation with a senior barrister of over 40 years who acknowledged that the bar remains outdated in its hiring practices. Panels often, even subconsciously, select candidates who reflect their own image and interests. This is why diverse interview panels and leadership representation are critical. Without this, the system continues to replicate itself.

In your experience, where do organisations often fall short when it comes to delivering real outcomes on inclusion for black women in law?

In my experience, organisations often fall short because they focus on output rather than process. There is a strong emphasis on metrics, representation statistics, and visible diversity, but not enough investment in mentorship and development. Mentorship is the bridge between potential and performance. Without it, individuals may enter the profession but struggle to thrive within it. If we are truly committed to delivering outcomes, we must prioritise intentional guidance, sponsorship, and support structures that build confidence and capability in black women within the legal field.

What practical steps would you encourage black women in law, and the organisations that support them, to take to create a meaningful and lasting impact in the profession?

For black women in law, and the organisations that support them, I would offer three key principles:

• Acquire knowledge relentlessly. Knowledge builds competence, and competence builds confidence. Never stop learning

• Pair knowledge with confidence. You are not your limitations. What makes you different is not a weakness. It is your advantage. Own it unapologetically

• Network intentionally. The legal profession thrives on relationships. Do not be afraid to step into rooms, ask questions, and build meaningful connections

Lasting impact is created when we are both prepared and positioned. This requires courage, consistency, and clarity of purpose.