Through the Themis Sheroes of the month blog series, we want to highlight the experiences and realities of being a self-identifying woman at the UK Bar and spotlight all the amazing work these sheroes have done.
As our August 2021 Shero, we have interviewed Ruth Reid.
Criminal barrister based in London, undertaking mainly defence work but also some prosecution & private reviews or assignments. Active in outreach and pro bono work aside from professional engagements including founding Cake & Counsel and volunteering at various other charities and organisations passionate about equality and social justice. Currently an Equality and Diversity Officer for chambers and on the Race Working Group for the Bar Council and mentors over 10 mentees.
Ruth appreciates the difficulties in studying law and qualifying into your dream career so established ‘Cake and Counsel’ (www.cakeandcounsel.co.uk) and various social media platforms) to host events and provide a platform for networking and to support the well-being of aspiring lawyers. Ruth wants to ensure that the challenges that she faced in reaching the legal profession do not continue for future generations.
2019 - Finalist for the ‘Rising Star: Chambers’ award at the Diversity Legal Awards
2020 – Shortlisted for Mentor of the Year for the Women in Law Awards
2020 – Shortlisted as Future Leader for Diversity and Inclusion in the Chambers UK Bar Awards 2020 by Chambers & Partners
Ruth’s recommends:
Song - “Q.U.E.E.N” by by Janelle Monáe and Erykah Badu - https://youtu.be/tEddixS-UoU -
Book - Slay in Your Lane by Yomi Adegoke and Elizabeth Uviebinené
Book (not yet released) - Grown the Black Girl’s Guide to Glowing Up by Melissa Cummings-Quarry and Natalie A Carter - https://www.amazon.co.uk/GROWN-Black-Girls-Growing-Showing/dp/1526623714
Watch our interview here:
Or listen to it here:
Follow Ruth on Twitter: @legallyruthie