Empowering Voices, Building Futures: YLAL Celebrates Black History Month

As part of Black History Month, we are sharing conversations with solicitors, barristers and members of the legal profession about their journeys, challenges, and reflections. These stories highlight the importance of representation and inclusion within the Legal Aid Sector.

This week, committee member Priya Pandya has a conversation with Michael Ackah.

Michael Ackah is a Senior Associate at Hodge Jones & Allen, specialising in Criminal Defence. He is a duty solicitor and regularly attends courts and police stations across London. He is involved in representing individuals at all stages of criminal proceedings, and  was heavily involved in the representation of clients in the Post Office Horizon Inquiry.

Born in Ghana and raised in the UK, Michael studied Law at the University of Leicester. He explored other career options before a chance encounter on the football pitch changed his direction. A solicitor he met through the sport offered him work experience at Isleworth Crown Court.

Michael began his legal career as a paralegal at the Crown Prosecution Service which was a catalyst for criminal law. Later, at a lecture, he met Sean Caulfield, Partner at HJA, who later invited him to join HJA. Since then, Michael has risenthrough the ranks from paralegal to trainee, to qualified solicitor, and now Senior Associate.

During the discussion, Priya asked Michael the following questions about his experiences and reflections as a solicitor.

What was your experience of the Criminal Justice System when you first began as a Black Solicitor?

Growing up as a Black person, I didn’t know anyone in the legal field. No one around me had a professional job, and I rarely saw people who looked like me in the legal profession.

From a school age, I was conscious that I had to work twice as hard because nothing would be handed to me. I recall it always being instilled in me, to be frank, that being black was something to overcome. Stephen Lawrence was killed on my bus route to school and there were people and/or places it was scary to be around. I grew up quite a distance from school in an area where I was the only black person and being treated differently or stereotyped was normal.

Early on in my career, people often didn’t expect me to be their solicitor, and that added pressure to prove myself in every interaction. I remember being mistaken for a defendant once while carrying my client’s bag to court. Moments like that were frustrating but also motivating, as they reminded me to focus on what truly mattered: my client and my professional duty. I didn’t want those experiences to distract me; my goal was always to do the job to the best of my ability. Over time, I’ve seen more representation from court staff to judges, which shows how far we’ve come, though there’s still more to do.

Media representation of Black people has not always been positive, and that shapes how society perceives us. I was aware of how those stereotypes affected the way people were treated and understood. It often meant having to fit in or adapt to be accepted, which can take a toll. When you experience racism, you learn to overcome it by focusing on what you can control: your work, your integrity, and how you treat others. Changing these perceptions starts with visibility and success stories that challenge outdated narratives and show the range of talent within the Black community.

Has the profession changed since then? If so, how?

There has been some positive change over the years. It’s now far more common for clients to be represented by a Black solicitor, and for colleagues and court staff to see people of colour across the criminal justice system. That visibility has helped to normalise diversity within the profession.

However, representation remains uneven; while there is a noticeable increase at the junior level, there are still too few Black professionals in senior positions. Some individuals from African backgrounds also face barriers linked to their accent or how they are perceived, which can discourage them from pursuing or progressing in law.

There is also the continuing need for broader cultural awareness and training, as well as more meaningful representation at every level of the profession.

What would you say to an aspiring or junior solicitor who’s a member of the Black community to support them in their journey?

To aspiring or junior solicitors from the Black community, I would say this: you may face challenges, but remember that Black professionals continue to make a powerful and positive impact within the criminal justice system. Diversity is not a weakness; it is a strength that brings perspective, empathy, and understanding to the profession.

Seek out mentors and be open to advice, as having the right guidance can make all the difference. Put yourself out there, stay consistent, and never lose sight of why you started.

For me, it has always been about fighting for my clients, providing the best possible care, and truly understanding their position. Each of us has a role to play in making the profession more representative, and by showing up and doing the work well, we all become part of that movement for change.

Michael’s story is one of dedication and impact, showing that every step forward creates space for others to follow. His experience reflects the power of representation and the importance of using success to uplift those coming after you.

Want to have a conversation with us? Contact us on: ylalinfo@gmail.com; we can’t wait to hear from you!