Ayesha Smart
Believe in your resilience
Q: Can you tell us about your journey from Sri Lanka to the UK – and how it shaped your career in law?
A: My mixed heritage and parents’ journeys have profoundly shaped who I am.
From a young age I’ve been immersed in different cultures and taught to treat all people with compassion.
In the UK, I encountered people from all walks of life, which helped me develop a broader worldview; it made me empathetic to the challenges people face.
My Sri Lankan upbringing instilled in me a strong sense of identity and values. The diverse and challenging environment in Sri Lanka also taught me resilience. Growing up in a country that has been through political and social struggles inspired me to advocate for social justice, and pursue a path that would enable me to contribute to those around me.
Additionally, Sri Lankan culture places a strong emphasis on education, which shaped my pursuit of knowledge. Lastly, my connection to Sri Lanka has made me aware of the importance of maintaining one’s roots while embracing new experiences and opportunities.
Q: What motivated you to pursue a career in law? And what challenges did you face along the way?
A: My motivation to pursue law stemmed from a desire to make an impact on people’s lives by advocating for justice and fairness.
The journey wasn’t without its challenges.
One hurdle was not having connections in the legal profession or a first-class or Oxbridge degree, which were almost a prerequisite back then. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to become a barrister or solicitor, and my applications for vacation schemes and training contracts were fruitless.
I then applied to Gray’s Inn for a scholarship – and to my surprise, I was successful. I saw this as a sign that the bar was in fact the correct path for me. I worked hard, balancing law school with other responsibilities, working as a paralegal, undertaking pro bono work, legal advice clinics, mooting, mini pupillages and marshalling.
Overcoming these obstacles ultimately solidified my commitment to this career and I’m now excited to use my legal education to contribute meaningfully in my profession.
Q: How does it feel to be recognised as the youngest Crown Court judge of colour in British history?
A: I view my appointment as a step forward in increasing diversity within the judiciary while also acknowledging that it’s one part of a much larger process. Diversity is crucial in ensuring that the justice system reflects the society it serves.
By having a diverse range of judges, the judiciary becomes better equipped to deliver fair and inclusive outcomes. I hope my new role will show
others that a career in law is not only achievable but also a powerful way to make a difference in society.
And I hope my journey highlights the importance of perseverance: the road to becoming a judge can be challenging but through facing those challenges, we can make lasting change.
Representation matters; and if I can inspire even one person to believe in their potential, then my work in this role will have had a lasting impact.
Q: What reforms would you like to see in the judiciary in the context of diversity and representation?
A: I believe there needs to be an intentional effort for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to enter the legal profession through scholarships, mentorship programmes, and outreach initiatives in schools and universities.
Additionally, I’d advocate for the continued diversification of the selection panels that appoint judges.
Another key area for reform would be addressing the barriers to career advancement in the legal profession.
I would also love to see ongoing education within the judiciary on issues like unconscious bias and cultural competence. Judges, lawyers and others in the legal field should continuously engage in training to understand how diversity impacts decision making.
Coming from one of the most renowned and developed legal systems, assisting in training judges abroad is something that I’d like to be involved in.
Q: What advice would you offer young people who aspire to enter the legal profession?
A: My advice would be to stay true to your passion and persevere, no matter the obstacles. The legal profession can feel intimidating but it’s important to remember that your unique perspective is an asset.
Don’t be afraid to seek mentorship and build a support network. There are many in the legal profession who are eager to help, and finding mentors can provide you with invaluable guidance and encouragement.
Lastly, believe in your own resilience. The journey may not always be smooth but every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Keep pushing forward; and trust that with determination and hard work, you can break barriers and succeed in this field.
