Legal Life: Community Spotlight on Natasha Francis-Thompson, CILEx, Burges Salmon

 

Can you tell us about your journey into law and where you are now?

I was an extremely shy child growing up so my parents enrolled me into stage school and a dance academy. I first performed on stage when I was three. Despite my shyness being on stage felt natural because it was not me, it was the other Natasha!!! Fast forward to 18, my Dad said I needed to get a proper job despite paying for all my dance and acting lessons. Being a traditional old school Jamaican, of the windrush era, education was always pushed. He said it was law or medicine. I chose law because of my love of words, how words can be interpreted and because I loved to read.

I decided to get a summer job as a trainee legal secretary to try it before committing to university. Daddy agreed, but was soon disappointed when I said I was not going! I still wanted to study law but had become used to a regular income and independence and colleagues introduced me to what was then ILEX. For me, it was a no brainer, earning and learning! The attractiveness of reduced fees finally swayed my Dad and permission to do it my way was granted!

I promise you it was not the easy option. At 19 I met my husband and we had a son. Emmanuel was born February 2002, I returned to work in July 2002 and started studying in September 2002.

Failure was not in my vocabulary and nothing was going to halt my plans to qualify.

I worked fulltime, was expected to study 30 hours per week and was a new mum. Trust me I know about hard work!

Seven years of hardcore study, I almost lost my mind and would do it all over again. I am now 18 years PQE, still married to my biggest cheerleader, Mr A-B, our son went on to study sports business and law and our daughter wants to become a Barrister. I have made the right choices.

I am now proudly employed by one of the oldest law firms in Bristol and every day this thought energises me. I cry when I realise how far I have come. I am humbled when I recall those who I started with and how many of them dropped out.

I am also grateful for every bit of adversity I faced because it made me stronger and more determined. The negativity and hateful words were harnessed and used as fuel to propel me along.

What inspired you to become a lawyer, and who or what supported you along the way?

My love of words inspired me to choose law. My parents have been amazing supporting us with childcare until our son could go to nursery.

When he got to nursery I remember thinking what do I do, either I pay the nursery fees or pay the mortgage. The fees were more than the mortgage and neither were negotiable. I had the most amazing nursery manager who helped us to get that budget in order and deal with our business. She knew what I was working towards and did all she could to enable me to stay on track. I managed to locate her last year. It was very important that I thanked her for her support, updated her on our son and let her just how much I owed to her for her care and understanding in those early years.

What’s one challenge you’ve faced in your legal journey and how did you navigate it?

Young black female mother in a predominately white middle class environment meant that I was not taken seriously. Faced with microagressions and labelled incompetent on a daily basis.

Laughed at and ridiculed in way that was loud enough for me to hear but never taken serious enough to be deemed as offensive. I cried every day for at least a year, but i was not going to give up. It has shaped me as a manager and leader. I know how NOT to treat people! Being treated like trash made it clear to me how I would treat others. I did not want anyone to experience what I experienced. This is a key driver of my passion for social mobility. This is how I can pay my blessings forward. Saying yes to those who have historically always heard no. Encouraging.

What do you think is least talked about when it comes to entering or progressing in the legal profession?

The importance of empathy and soft skills

A moment you are particularly proud of so far?

Attending my graduation with my son and having him give credit to my journey as being a major influence on his own studies and work ethics. He has done incredibly well already in his life. The future of our kids excites me.

What advice would you give to someone who may feel that a career in law is not ‘for people like them’?  

I didn't think it was for me because of my looks and now look!

A skill that matters more than people realise.

Manners and a smile is a whole currency. Please and thank you are still very much appreciated especially at a time where there seems to be a lot of egos and the air of entitlement.

Your best advice for balancing law with other commitments.

Find something as far removed as possible from law to create that balance. For me indulging in my creative outlet makes me appreciate my career even more. I am a trained classical dancer and my Dad said I needed to get a proper job!!!

I told myself when my foundation was set I could go back and I have done that. Embracing dance as part of my culture proves that the two sides of me can live in harmony. I am glad I listened to my Dad as now I truly feel like I have the best of both worlds. Being able to travel to the Caribbean was funded by my career and fed my heart, and soul. I have returned to the UK with a renewed outlook after having the opportunity to perform with a small traditional Mas Band in St Lucia.