Trini lawyer gets UK award

A TRINIDADIAN attorney has been awarded the Under-35 Lawyer of the Year award in the United Kingdom.

Rachel Welch-Phillips, who currently lives in the UK, was given the award for her contribution to gender equality, in particular in relation to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) progression within the legal profession.

The Inspirational Women in Law Awards function was held in London on November 29 and is an initiative of the First 100 Years organisation.

First 100 Years is a national organisation set up to celebrate 100 years since the introduction of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919, which allowed women to become lawyers in the UK for the first time.

Welch-Phillips is an associate at the UKbased Bird & Bird, specialising in international aviation practice.

With an MPhil in Environmental Policy from Cambridge University, she advises on regulatory and compliance issues in relation to airline greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental matters.

She is also founder and chair of the BAME Network at Bird & Bird, Embrace.

In a publication, the First 100 Years organisation praised Welch-Phillips' dedication to mentorship and volunteering.

'She is a mentor to a female law student through the firm's bursary scheme, a member of Lawyers in Schools, a programme that sees lawyers conduct workshops on what the law is at local schools, and a professional ambassador in the Aspiring Solicitors programme, available for questions around the BAME female experience in city law. In addition to mentorship, she is a regular volunteer at the South Westminster Legal Advice Clinic in Victoria, London, a free legal drop-in advice service helping those on low incomes with a wide range of legal matters,' the organisation said. In her submission to the awards, Welch-Phillips spoke of the need for positive reinforcement, saying: 'It is my belief that positive reinforcement from women to women is the key to achieving equality within the profession. Being uplifted, encouraged, advised and sponsored by those whose experiences you can relate to can break glass ceilings in unimaginable ways. When delving into a history in which gender discrimination has restricted access to the legal profession, it is clear that positive reinforcement of the female contribution has not been available in sufficient measure. However, the significant gains made by women within the industry in its recent history have identified a strong underlying message: positive reinforcement engenders a confident, determined and bold community of women who are redefining the profession and levelling the playing field.'

RECOGNISED: Rachel Welch-Phillips, right, receives her award from Alexandra Marks CBE, Deputy High Court Judge of England and Wales. Welch-Phillips, a Trinidadian who is currently living and practising law in the United Kingdom, had the honour and privilege of being recognised for a prestigious legal award in the UK.

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■ Camille Hunte

camille.hunte@trinidadexpress.com