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In Black and White
'I glanced around the courtroom, quickly at first and then repeated it. Slower this time, taking in the details of everyone's faces. I began to play the game I'd played my whole life: spot the black person. Of course, I wish it didn't matter what I looked like or where I came from, but it was obvious that no one there looked like me.'
Alexandra is 25, mixed-race and from Essex. As a trainee criminal barrister, she finds herself navigating a world and a set of rules designed by a privileged few. This is her story.
We follow Alexandra through a criminal justice system still divided by race and class. We hear about the life-changing events that motivated her to practice criminal law, beginning with the murder of a close family friend and her own experiences of knife crime. She shows us how it feels to defend someone who hates the colour of your skin or someone you suspect is guilty, and the heart-breaking cases of youth justice she has worked on. We see what it's like for the teenagers coerced into county line drug deals and the damage that can be caused when we criminalise teenagers.
Her story is unique in a profession still dominated by a privileged section of society with little first-hand experience of the devastating impact of violent crime.
Alexandra is 25, mixed-race and from Essex. As a trainee criminal barrister, she finds herself navigating a world and a set of rules designed by a privileged few. This is her story.
We follow Alexandra through a criminal justice system still divided by race and class. We hear about the life-changing events that motivated her to practice criminal law, beginning with the murder of a close family friend and her own experiences of knife crime. She shows us how it feels to defend someone who hates the colour of your skin or someone you suspect is guilty, and the heart-breaking cases of youth justice she has worked on. We see what it's like for the teenagers coerced into county line drug deals and the damage that can be caused when we criminalise teenagers.
Her story is unique in a profession still dominated by a privileged section of society with little first-hand experience of the devastating impact of violent crime.
289 pages, Paperback
First published August 13, 2020
117 people are currently reading
2385 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
August 19, 2020
An very good book, an insightful look on the British Criminal System, and highlights why we need more people involved like Alexandra Wilson to be involved. I am going to pass this book on to my daughters to read.
April 20, 2023
Non-fiction legal memoirs can often (in my experience) feel like reading a textbook.
Yet ‘In Black and White’ is refreshingly different.
With digestible chapters of no more than 25 pages each and case overviews that are not unnecessarily detailed, it makes for easy reading.
Any potentially confusing legal terms are described and explained with examples.
*Potential little spoilers*
The story follows Alexandra Wilson, a black, working-class woman, and her take on her legal profession experiences through her own eyes.
She first wanted to join the legal sector since a close friend of hers was killed in a knife crime incident.
Pursuing a legal career is costly for everyone who pursues it; she found it very expensive. But, with determination, she did manage to get scholarships for university (Oxford) and bar school, taking her legal education 6 years to complete.
Issues of racism, sexism and classism (as well as many others) are expressed with great care and balance.
It’s fascinating to hear a legal professional’s progression all the way from A-Levels, university and work experience, into pupillage and then becoming a fully-fledged barrister.
It isn’t all strictly court stories and teaching you legal terms. It takes you back through time and explains how BAME members of society have had an incredibly difficult time with law enforcement and the court system. These chapters include her own personal stories, highly reported cases and shocking statistics.
As for me, a woman studying law at university and investing in a legal career, this has (so far) been my favourite book to read in terms of realism, yet also being inspirational.
Most legal memoirs dwell on negativity, pain and suffering. Yet Ms Wilson incorporates the necessary hard work which ends with incredible results. The end of each chapter is incredibly positive and influential. She is living proof that nothing is out of reach if you want something enough.
Yet ‘In Black and White’ is refreshingly different.
With digestible chapters of no more than 25 pages each and case overviews that are not unnecessarily detailed, it makes for easy reading.
Any potentially confusing legal terms are described and explained with examples.
*Potential little spoilers*
The story follows Alexandra Wilson, a black, working-class woman, and her take on her legal profession experiences through her own eyes.
She first wanted to join the legal sector since a close friend of hers was killed in a knife crime incident.
Pursuing a legal career is costly for everyone who pursues it; she found it very expensive. But, with determination, she did manage to get scholarships for university (Oxford) and bar school, taking her legal education 6 years to complete.
Issues of racism, sexism and classism (as well as many others) are expressed with great care and balance.
It’s fascinating to hear a legal professional’s progression all the way from A-Levels, university and work experience, into pupillage and then becoming a fully-fledged barrister.
It isn’t all strictly court stories and teaching you legal terms. It takes you back through time and explains how BAME members of society have had an incredibly difficult time with law enforcement and the court system. These chapters include her own personal stories, highly reported cases and shocking statistics.
As for me, a woman studying law at university and investing in a legal career, this has (so far) been my favourite book to read in terms of realism, yet also being inspirational.
Most legal memoirs dwell on negativity, pain and suffering. Yet Ms Wilson incorporates the necessary hard work which ends with incredible results. The end of each chapter is incredibly positive and influential. She is living proof that nothing is out of reach if you want something enough.
September 28, 2020
In the first pages of Alexandra Wilson's book she recounts a story of discrimination at court which occurs just after she finishes the Bar Professional Training Course, when it’s assumed she’s the defendant in the case. She comments that she was dressed exactly the same as every other barrister present and yet none of them had been mistaken for the defendant: ‘The only difference between me and them was the colour of my skin.’
While it would be easy for Wilson to be preachy or bitter about her experiences, instead she uses them to shine a spotlight on the imbalances that exist in court and out, referencing her cases (with names changed) to illustrate some truly heart-rending decisions and outcomes.
In Black and White is an important book. It not only spotlights the vast inequities in our legal system, but also raises greater issues relating to race and class. And for someone who grew up in south London and remembers vividly the impact of Stephen Lawrence’s murder on the community at the time, the fear, anger and frustrations felt, as someone who worried about her brother walking down the wrong street, standing at the wrong bus stop, being noticed by the wrong people because of the colour of his skin, this book resonates. It shouldn’t be, in the twenty-first century that how we are treated, the outcome of whether we get justice for crimes perpetrated against us or, alternatively, whether we receive a fair and balanced sentence for crimes we commit, is based merely on the fact of skin pigmentation; yet that is too often the case. And one has to ask, if a mixed-race barrister can’t be treated fairly or with decency at court, then what hope does anyone else have?
This is a very readable book, often dealing with unpalatable truths, but what comes across is how refreshing the author is in her authenticity and honesty in speaking about matters that are far from easy to tackle for so many of us. She questions throughout if the bar is for people ‘like her’, coming to the conclusion at end that of course it is, that it is essential, in fact, that it embraces ethnic diversity. ‘The Bar represents the whole of society. It should reflect that,’ she says. It’s a simple statement, somewhat obvious some might think, but it doesn’t make it any the less true. It’s certainly something to think about, to work towards. And wouldn’t it be grand to live in a world like that? Where justice is fair and true and the law isn’t so often an ass.
Recommended.
See: https://www.theliteraryshed.co.uk/rea...
The above text is based on a review originally published as part of the publisher book tour (see link). All opinions are our own. All rights reserved.
While it would be easy for Wilson to be preachy or bitter about her experiences, instead she uses them to shine a spotlight on the imbalances that exist in court and out, referencing her cases (with names changed) to illustrate some truly heart-rending decisions and outcomes.
In Black and White is an important book. It not only spotlights the vast inequities in our legal system, but also raises greater issues relating to race and class. And for someone who grew up in south London and remembers vividly the impact of Stephen Lawrence’s murder on the community at the time, the fear, anger and frustrations felt, as someone who worried about her brother walking down the wrong street, standing at the wrong bus stop, being noticed by the wrong people because of the colour of his skin, this book resonates. It shouldn’t be, in the twenty-first century that how we are treated, the outcome of whether we get justice for crimes perpetrated against us or, alternatively, whether we receive a fair and balanced sentence for crimes we commit, is based merely on the fact of skin pigmentation; yet that is too often the case. And one has to ask, if a mixed-race barrister can’t be treated fairly or with decency at court, then what hope does anyone else have?
This is a very readable book, often dealing with unpalatable truths, but what comes across is how refreshing the author is in her authenticity and honesty in speaking about matters that are far from easy to tackle for so many of us. She questions throughout if the bar is for people ‘like her’, coming to the conclusion at end that of course it is, that it is essential, in fact, that it embraces ethnic diversity. ‘The Bar represents the whole of society. It should reflect that,’ she says. It’s a simple statement, somewhat obvious some might think, but it doesn’t make it any the less true. It’s certainly something to think about, to work towards. And wouldn’t it be grand to live in a world like that? Where justice is fair and true and the law isn’t so often an ass.
Recommended.
See: https://www.theliteraryshed.co.uk/rea...
The above text is based on a review originally published as part of the publisher book tour (see link). All opinions are our own. All rights reserved.
January 11, 2021
In her own words Alexandra Wilson describes herself as the child of a white British mother and Black British father with grandparents from the Windrush generation. Although she does not describe herself as working class she does make clear that, even notwithstanding race, her background is not of the traditional middle class stock from which most wannabe barristers hail.
And yet, that is what she did, gaining a scholarship at Oxford and for her postgraduate training, securing a pupillage at the first attempt (which is pretty rare), and successfully being granted a tenancy at the conclusion of the pupillage (at which point the book ends).
In Black and White is first and foremost a memoir of her year as a pupil barrister and it is an engagingly written and interesting one. This is itself quite surprising because, as a pupil barrister, this only covers a one year period, or which six months consists of shadowing a more experience barrister. The book is, I suspect, intended as an effort to encourage others whom would not normally contemplate a career at the bar not to allow preconceptions to dissuade them from considering this, which is in part why a constant theme is the importance of improving diversity at the bar, but more on that below.
For anyone considering a career at the bar this is undoubtedly a book that someone would do well to read. But, more than that, it is I think a well written book that will also be of interest to those wanting to understand the day to day realities of our court system (it isn't always pretty).
However, in terms of the focus, another aspect of the book is specifically on race and the law. Surprisingly, here I could not help but think there was, perhaps intentionally, a great deal that was not said. On questions of race and the law I am struggling to see that Wilson has made any other suggestion for change other than the bar should be diverse and representative of society at large. There can of course be no reasonable objection to that and increased representation will, undoubtedly be a significant step forward, not only for the bar itself but to encourage effective representation and fair process for all. Still, it is hardly a panacaea but it can seem like this.
Two events in particular are referenced to describe her families experience of racial discrimination, both of which relate to being victims of crime. In the introduction Wilson introduces a close family member Ayo who was murdered. Ayo was 17 years old had had been attacked and stabbed fourteen times because he was believed to have been in a gang. In reality he was not and was just "a young black boy in the wrong place at the wrong time." (5). It was with Ayo that Wilson had discussed her desire to become a lawyer and it was Ayo who had questioned that aspiration because she could never fit in and be part of a system that had unfairness and prejudice ingrained within it.
Perhaps more pointedly insofar as the question of race and law is concerned Wilson discusses the assault upon of her uncle Pat in November 1982. Pat, a Jamaican who was wheelchair bound, was set upon by five police who also directed racist abuse at him. Ostensibly stopped because he was suspected of holding drugs the reality was he was stopped, assaulted, arrested and subsequently prosecuted (unsuccessfully) because of his race alone. A few years later, Pat sued the police and was successful winning damages. The familial memory of this experience, she tells us, was what set her on the path to the bar.
The text too, also details suggestion of systemic racial prejudice within the legal system. Wilson recounts the story of barristers being thankful that they would no longer need to face an racist judge given the judge's recent retirement. Wilson also discusses the fact that even accounting for the low percentage of applicants a BAME applicant for a QC position is much less likely to obtain a position than their white peers.
In the Secret Barrister's (he/her/them?) blurb for the book they describe the book as a "compelling and courageous memoir forcing the legal profession to confront uncomfortable truths about race and class in our justice system."
Respectfully, although it is compelling and in its own way courageous (especially given she is at the beginning of a career) I do think SB overstates it somewhat. On the difficulties of woman face the answer is that for "things to change, women need to remain in the profession and reach the top ranks." (100). Likewise, in her closing words the answer to the problems is for the bar to be made up of "people like me" (251). That solution would work if there were not structural inequality (or to appropriate the Lawrenson Inquiry, institutional discrimination) but with it an aspiration to equality of representation can surely only be part of a solution, not just for equal access for barristers but for equal treatment of defendants etc themselves.
When it comes to contemporary practice at the bar one could interpret Wilson's overview as a rose-tinted one, discrimination is more a thing of the past and, at base, the current system is fair and unprejudiced. And so, Wilson reflects that:
The implications seems to be that the process itself is fair and unprejudiced. As though there a black defendant, or even a defendant from a notorious low-income family is not more likely to be remanded into custody when the process is engaged by a Magistrate. Or, that a jury is not more likely to convict some defendants than others on the identical evidence.
I strongly doubt that Wilson would in reality subscribe to such a view; her own recent experience and public intervention after the publication of the book of her experience of systemic racism surely points in the another direction. However, I do not see a great deal of such challenge in the book itself.
There may be understandable reasons for this, Wilson is a relatively new barrister at the start of a career. Taking a more robust approach, especially so early on in a career, may well put senior figure's noses out of joint and impede what I hope will continue to be a successful career. I suspect if in a decade or so's time where were to revisit the subject her analysis may be more forthright.
And yet, that is what she did, gaining a scholarship at Oxford and for her postgraduate training, securing a pupillage at the first attempt (which is pretty rare), and successfully being granted a tenancy at the conclusion of the pupillage (at which point the book ends).
In Black and White is first and foremost a memoir of her year as a pupil barrister and it is an engagingly written and interesting one. This is itself quite surprising because, as a pupil barrister, this only covers a one year period, or which six months consists of shadowing a more experience barrister. The book is, I suspect, intended as an effort to encourage others whom would not normally contemplate a career at the bar not to allow preconceptions to dissuade them from considering this, which is in part why a constant theme is the importance of improving diversity at the bar, but more on that below.
For anyone considering a career at the bar this is undoubtedly a book that someone would do well to read. But, more than that, it is I think a well written book that will also be of interest to those wanting to understand the day to day realities of our court system (it isn't always pretty).
However, in terms of the focus, another aspect of the book is specifically on race and the law. Surprisingly, here I could not help but think there was, perhaps intentionally, a great deal that was not said. On questions of race and the law I am struggling to see that Wilson has made any other suggestion for change other than the bar should be diverse and representative of society at large. There can of course be no reasonable objection to that and increased representation will, undoubtedly be a significant step forward, not only for the bar itself but to encourage effective representation and fair process for all. Still, it is hardly a panacaea but it can seem like this.
Two events in particular are referenced to describe her families experience of racial discrimination, both of which relate to being victims of crime. In the introduction Wilson introduces a close family member Ayo who was murdered. Ayo was 17 years old had had been attacked and stabbed fourteen times because he was believed to have been in a gang. In reality he was not and was just "a young black boy in the wrong place at the wrong time." (5). It was with Ayo that Wilson had discussed her desire to become a lawyer and it was Ayo who had questioned that aspiration because she could never fit in and be part of a system that had unfairness and prejudice ingrained within it.
Perhaps more pointedly insofar as the question of race and law is concerned Wilson discusses the assault upon of her uncle Pat in November 1982. Pat, a Jamaican who was wheelchair bound, was set upon by five police who also directed racist abuse at him. Ostensibly stopped because he was suspected of holding drugs the reality was he was stopped, assaulted, arrested and subsequently prosecuted (unsuccessfully) because of his race alone. A few years later, Pat sued the police and was successful winning damages. The familial memory of this experience, she tells us, was what set her on the path to the bar.
The text too, also details suggestion of systemic racial prejudice within the legal system. Wilson recounts the story of barristers being thankful that they would no longer need to face an racist judge given the judge's recent retirement. Wilson also discusses the fact that even accounting for the low percentage of applicants a BAME applicant for a QC position is much less likely to obtain a position than their white peers.
In the Secret Barrister's (he/her/them?) blurb for the book they describe the book as a "compelling and courageous memoir forcing the legal profession to confront uncomfortable truths about race and class in our justice system."
Respectfully, although it is compelling and in its own way courageous (especially given she is at the beginning of a career) I do think SB overstates it somewhat. On the difficulties of woman face the answer is that for "things to change, women need to remain in the profession and reach the top ranks." (100). Likewise, in her closing words the answer to the problems is for the bar to be made up of "people like me" (251). That solution would work if there were not structural inequality (or to appropriate the Lawrenson Inquiry, institutional discrimination) but with it an aspiration to equality of representation can surely only be part of a solution, not just for equal access for barristers but for equal treatment of defendants etc themselves.
When it comes to contemporary practice at the bar one could interpret Wilson's overview as a rose-tinted one, discrimination is more a thing of the past and, at base, the current system is fair and unprejudiced. And so, Wilson reflects that:
I remembered why I started this journey. I had to contextualise the difficult moments: I had helped to protect clients from abusive ex-partners and I'd ensured other clients were acquitted of crimes they had been wrongfully charged with. I was proud to be ensuring that defendants were tried fairly in our legal system, no matter what their background (146).
The implications seems to be that the process itself is fair and unprejudiced. As though there a black defendant, or even a defendant from a notorious low-income family is not more likely to be remanded into custody when the process is engaged by a Magistrate. Or, that a jury is not more likely to convict some defendants than others on the identical evidence.
I strongly doubt that Wilson would in reality subscribe to such a view; her own recent experience and public intervention after the publication of the book of her experience of systemic racism surely points in the another direction. However, I do not see a great deal of such challenge in the book itself.
There may be understandable reasons for this, Wilson is a relatively new barrister at the start of a career. Taking a more robust approach, especially so early on in a career, may well put senior figure's noses out of joint and impede what I hope will continue to be a successful career. I suspect if in a decade or so's time where were to revisit the subject her analysis may be more forthright.
August 28, 2020
very informative and gives an insight into the justice system from the view of a young BAME barrister going through her pupillage and how broken the system it is and writes with clarify and explains any legal terms used
October 23, 2025
4.5 stars 🌟
September 26, 2020
I must confess I don't read a lot of non-fiction but occasionally a book comes along that captures my imagination. In Black and White certainly did that.
Alexandra Wilson is a young, mixed-race barrister from Essex. In a profession that is predominantly made up of middle-aged white males this is unusual and I knew I wanted to read this book about a woman pushing the boundaries of what people believe a barrister should look and sound like.
It's a fascinating read. The death of her friend, Ayo, who was stabbed for no other reason than that he was a black teenage boy in the wrong place, inspired her to look to the law for a career to try and make a difference from the other side of things. From there we follow Wilson through her pupillage into qualification as a junior barrister, with plenty of ups and downs along the way, including some rather inappropriate exchanges with people who ought to have known better.
If you're thinking this might be a dry look at the criminal justice system though, then think again. This book is a mixture of eye-opening facts about the law and the author relating details about cases she has worked on. I was most interested in the latter, not only the particulars of the cases and the people appearing in court, but also the way that Wilson approached them and the calm attitude she displayed. I had to smile at some of the defendants who clearly knew who to work the system, and how Wilson dealt with them in the most diplomatic ways possible.
It's clear that Alexandra Wilson has a fabulous career ahead of her if this book is anything to go by. Her achievements already, at such a young age, prove that. In Black and White is an excellent and thought-provoking read.
Alexandra Wilson is a young, mixed-race barrister from Essex. In a profession that is predominantly made up of middle-aged white males this is unusual and I knew I wanted to read this book about a woman pushing the boundaries of what people believe a barrister should look and sound like.
It's a fascinating read. The death of her friend, Ayo, who was stabbed for no other reason than that he was a black teenage boy in the wrong place, inspired her to look to the law for a career to try and make a difference from the other side of things. From there we follow Wilson through her pupillage into qualification as a junior barrister, with plenty of ups and downs along the way, including some rather inappropriate exchanges with people who ought to have known better.
If you're thinking this might be a dry look at the criminal justice system though, then think again. This book is a mixture of eye-opening facts about the law and the author relating details about cases she has worked on. I was most interested in the latter, not only the particulars of the cases and the people appearing in court, but also the way that Wilson approached them and the calm attitude she displayed. I had to smile at some of the defendants who clearly knew who to work the system, and how Wilson dealt with them in the most diplomatic ways possible.
It's clear that Alexandra Wilson has a fabulous career ahead of her if this book is anything to go by. Her achievements already, at such a young age, prove that. In Black and White is an excellent and thought-provoking read.
September 3, 2020
“The courtroom usher approached me and said “you must be the defendant, follow me”. The only difference between me and the other barristers was the colour of my skin.”
Short but powerful and emotive. A truly fascinating and courageous memoir that I will definitely re-read.
Short but powerful and emotive. A truly fascinating and courageous memoir that I will definitely re-read.
December 9, 2021
I really enjoyed this book…. there was a lot I already felt/knew about the UK criminal justice system and its treatment of ethnic minorities. However I also feel that that learnt so much more about the process of becoming a barrister and law, etc.
Definitely one to read…. Alexandra gives honest accounts of her journey.
Definitely one to read…. Alexandra gives honest accounts of her journey.
October 9, 2021
Recomendo a leitura, embora ás vezes possa ser um pouco fatigante porque acho que tem demasiada informação, quando eu preferia que houvesse mais história. Este livro retrata a vida de um mulher negra enquanto advogada e os problemas que ela passa com alguns clientes, desde assédio a racismo e, em cada capitulo ela conta um novo caso.
May 7, 2021
An important book, albeit one that I struggled to connect with. It details Ms Wilson’s year as a pupil barrister, describing in detail much that I already knew through my vicarious experience of the profession. The style is rather dry and academic in nature, which results in the book having the feel of a set text for clever sixth-formers. I’m glad that I have read it - and absolutely agree with the central tenet that the bar needs far greater levels of diversity - but feel that a looser, more personal style would have made for a more enjoyable read.
September 22, 2020
"It was watching moments like these that made me realise how important diversity is in the legal profession. I wanted to be able to give people a voice and be instrumental in changing the path of their lives."
In Black and White is a sensational debut that tells the author's own story; charting her journey to become a barrister.
Bold, intelligent, thorough-provoking, affecting and inspiring, Ms. Wilson draws the reader in quickly, beginning her story with her cousin's tragic murder when they were both just seventeen. This event was a major turning point in her life and is what set her on her path to a career as a barrister. We then follow each step, from her first interest in the law, her early days in pupillage, to finally qualifying as a fully-fledged barrister.
As both a woman and person of mixed heritage, she finds herself facing obstacles of multiple kinds of discrimination along the way and examines a range of issues faced not only by her, but by people in all facets of the criminal justice system. The writing is fantastic, the story as compelling as any courtroom drama. But it's all real. She holds the reader in her thrall, educating them without getting overly academic, using her own experiences and observations alongside the facts and figures.
Ms. Wilson is a remarkable woman who has overcome so much. Her warmth, compassion, strength and tenacity shine from every page. She often talks about not being sure if she's the right fit for the Bar, but it is clear that she is exactly what it needs. Our justice system needs understanding, empathy, diversity and people who believe in justice and equality for all. Ms. Wilson ticks all of those boxes and is someone who can not only make great changes herself, but inspire others to do the same.
This powerful story is essential reading for anyone who cares about equality and diversity. It is a reminder of the reality of sexism, classism, racism and misogyny facing those in our legal system every day. And a reminder that through our own actions we can affect change in the places it is needed, one step at a time.
In Black and White is a sensational debut that tells the author's own story; charting her journey to become a barrister.
Bold, intelligent, thorough-provoking, affecting and inspiring, Ms. Wilson draws the reader in quickly, beginning her story with her cousin's tragic murder when they were both just seventeen. This event was a major turning point in her life and is what set her on her path to a career as a barrister. We then follow each step, from her first interest in the law, her early days in pupillage, to finally qualifying as a fully-fledged barrister.
As both a woman and person of mixed heritage, she finds herself facing obstacles of multiple kinds of discrimination along the way and examines a range of issues faced not only by her, but by people in all facets of the criminal justice system. The writing is fantastic, the story as compelling as any courtroom drama. But it's all real. She holds the reader in her thrall, educating them without getting overly academic, using her own experiences and observations alongside the facts and figures.
Ms. Wilson is a remarkable woman who has overcome so much. Her warmth, compassion, strength and tenacity shine from every page. She often talks about not being sure if she's the right fit for the Bar, but it is clear that she is exactly what it needs. Our justice system needs understanding, empathy, diversity and people who believe in justice and equality for all. Ms. Wilson ticks all of those boxes and is someone who can not only make great changes herself, but inspire others to do the same.
This powerful story is essential reading for anyone who cares about equality and diversity. It is a reminder of the reality of sexism, classism, racism and misogyny facing those in our legal system every day. And a reminder that through our own actions we can affect change in the places it is needed, one step at a time.
November 21, 2020
"I'm a woman. I am mixed-race. I grew up in East London and Essex. I am not posh but I'm not going to let anyone tell me that the Bar isn't for 'people like me'. This is my story."
(Sorry I got carried away writing about all the valid points in the book 😅)
I loved this book. On a life support of coffee and riding through the "magic round about where you wake up, work, go to court, go to an event, work and sometimes sleep", Alexandra Wilson introduces us to her world of law. Her narrative tackles contemporary and long standing issues of court and law in both sexism and racism. Throughout, she repeats and encourages the need for change and the need for diversity in court to make the experience feel less hostile and build the comfort, trust and support of the court, the way it should be to keep society moving forward in the right direction. She highlights both the positive and negative impacts surrounding her as she grows into her career, how attitudes towards her fluctuate and how she observes things change. This book was just such a refreshing read for me!
Affected by the killing of her friend, Ayo, during sixth form, Alexandra begins the narrative of her journey to become a barrister. She explores the difficult, exhausting, competitive and yet fulfilling road to get into pupillage and become a trainee barrister which already highlights multiple barriers within this career path: class, race, gender and numerous others. It's a personal and very informative read which is easy to engage with. I love the social awareness she encompasses, both for herself as a mixed-race woman with an Essex accent, to the various people she interacts with and I appreciate how she always takes it with a pinch of salt, whether will it be a positive or a negative experience. I love her message early on that "Everyone deserves representation" in a case, whatever the crime or person.
From discussing how physically and financially demanding becoming a barrister is, Alexandra addresses how the system works. We get to learn about court and the place of the barrister and client, how people react to her, whether a cousin who dislikes her going into law, to clients and other trainees surprised because she 'doesn't look like a barrister' as a young, mixed-race woman with an Essex accent. Surprisingly this is a more positive experience as her appearance encourages clients to feel more comfortable and less removed from the daunting appearance of the court of 'well spoken', upper-class white men (and women). However, it also gives negative impacts, encouraging imposter syndrome with the awkward introductions to reassure and justify to clients of her role. "It can be reassuring to walk into a room and not stand out because of your skin colour, gender, accent or socio-economic background... Britain is growing in diversity and the Bar needs to grow with it", she highlights how much diversity lacks in the court room and therefore encouraging the need for a better and diverse representation in court.
Alexandra explores the inbalance of male and female barristers. We become aware women are gladly welcomed into the career but their roles are unsustainable due to rigid rules that are not family orientated. The majority of the women are placed within domestic laws, revealing the sway of gender roles in court. In these hearings, "where the courts try to help rebuild and support families, it seems incredibly ironic that many barristers have to choose between having a family or pursuing a career at the Bar". Again, Alexandra repeats the need for more representation and diversity in all areas of the court and to allow women to rise up/continue in their careers without being hindered as much as their male colleagues. (Note: though male colleagues also face the same challenge of choosing between work and family, it does not effect them as much as it does the women).
Racism is tackled head on with facts and figures revealing the inequality in the treatment of black people and white people in court, showing how white people are given more lenient sentences while black people are given the full sentence or more. Alexandra shares the harrowing stories of the actions of institutional racism towards her family as part of the Windrush generation, a personal insight into the effect of police harrassment causing hate and distrust within minority communities. She brings this awareness to her job which is predominantly white and male. Alexandra writes "I was determined to be the change I wanted to see", she wants to build trust between law and minorities allowing more BAME barristers to emerge and for the court experience to become a less hostile experience.
I really appreciate how rounded Alexandra's view is, talking about the challenges of making sure her emotions do not get in the way of her her work and proceedings as she works with a myriad of vulnerable people: exploited children, homeless people, those with disabilities, those suffering with mental health and terrified witnesses or defendants. "It never gets easier watching people in their lowest moments" she expresses as she details the overlooked cases that could have benefited defendants more if only the opportunity hadn't been declined due to areas being underfunded, such as going to hospital and getting help, rather than prison. She writes of her own struggles, while she is excited to become a pupil/junior barrister she is also becoming extremely aware of what her position means to the public, "It was strange that my wig and gown had alienated me so much from this young man. I was seen as an enemy". She highlights the need to break the barrier between 'us and them' in law, focusing on the need for change for the public to trust the law again.
The justice system is flawed, especially for young people and minority communities. It's a stressful environment for all members of the court, judges, barristers and solicitors alike, adding to the struggle of reaching agreeable results between parties. But inbetween this friction and often tense atmosphere, Alexandra portrays the opportunity for hope and change, "I now know more than ever the Bar needs people like me". Her book takes key elements into consideration and paves the way for the possibility of change by raising awareness of all the various challenges she has witnessed. Her voice is fun and relatable, but also serious. She normalises a career that appears hostile, distant and removed and opens it up to show the more humane side and the struggles faced by all. I love her repeated message for diversity and representation and the constant need for change. It's such a powerful message and I hope it inspires any young people who are thinking of pursuing such a career to help change the system for the better!
(Sorry I got carried away writing about all the valid points in the book 😅)
I loved this book. On a life support of coffee and riding through the "magic round about where you wake up, work, go to court, go to an event, work and sometimes sleep", Alexandra Wilson introduces us to her world of law. Her narrative tackles contemporary and long standing issues of court and law in both sexism and racism. Throughout, she repeats and encourages the need for change and the need for diversity in court to make the experience feel less hostile and build the comfort, trust and support of the court, the way it should be to keep society moving forward in the right direction. She highlights both the positive and negative impacts surrounding her as she grows into her career, how attitudes towards her fluctuate and how she observes things change. This book was just such a refreshing read for me!
Affected by the killing of her friend, Ayo, during sixth form, Alexandra begins the narrative of her journey to become a barrister. She explores the difficult, exhausting, competitive and yet fulfilling road to get into pupillage and become a trainee barrister which already highlights multiple barriers within this career path: class, race, gender and numerous others. It's a personal and very informative read which is easy to engage with. I love the social awareness she encompasses, both for herself as a mixed-race woman with an Essex accent, to the various people she interacts with and I appreciate how she always takes it with a pinch of salt, whether will it be a positive or a negative experience. I love her message early on that "Everyone deserves representation" in a case, whatever the crime or person.
From discussing how physically and financially demanding becoming a barrister is, Alexandra addresses how the system works. We get to learn about court and the place of the barrister and client, how people react to her, whether a cousin who dislikes her going into law, to clients and other trainees surprised because she 'doesn't look like a barrister' as a young, mixed-race woman with an Essex accent. Surprisingly this is a more positive experience as her appearance encourages clients to feel more comfortable and less removed from the daunting appearance of the court of 'well spoken', upper-class white men (and women). However, it also gives negative impacts, encouraging imposter syndrome with the awkward introductions to reassure and justify to clients of her role. "It can be reassuring to walk into a room and not stand out because of your skin colour, gender, accent or socio-economic background... Britain is growing in diversity and the Bar needs to grow with it", she highlights how much diversity lacks in the court room and therefore encouraging the need for a better and diverse representation in court.
Alexandra explores the inbalance of male and female barristers. We become aware women are gladly welcomed into the career but their roles are unsustainable due to rigid rules that are not family orientated. The majority of the women are placed within domestic laws, revealing the sway of gender roles in court. In these hearings, "where the courts try to help rebuild and support families, it seems incredibly ironic that many barristers have to choose between having a family or pursuing a career at the Bar". Again, Alexandra repeats the need for more representation and diversity in all areas of the court and to allow women to rise up/continue in their careers without being hindered as much as their male colleagues. (Note: though male colleagues also face the same challenge of choosing between work and family, it does not effect them as much as it does the women).
Racism is tackled head on with facts and figures revealing the inequality in the treatment of black people and white people in court, showing how white people are given more lenient sentences while black people are given the full sentence or more. Alexandra shares the harrowing stories of the actions of institutional racism towards her family as part of the Windrush generation, a personal insight into the effect of police harrassment causing hate and distrust within minority communities. She brings this awareness to her job which is predominantly white and male. Alexandra writes "I was determined to be the change I wanted to see", she wants to build trust between law and minorities allowing more BAME barristers to emerge and for the court experience to become a less hostile experience.
I really appreciate how rounded Alexandra's view is, talking about the challenges of making sure her emotions do not get in the way of her her work and proceedings as she works with a myriad of vulnerable people: exploited children, homeless people, those with disabilities, those suffering with mental health and terrified witnesses or defendants. "It never gets easier watching people in their lowest moments" she expresses as she details the overlooked cases that could have benefited defendants more if only the opportunity hadn't been declined due to areas being underfunded, such as going to hospital and getting help, rather than prison. She writes of her own struggles, while she is excited to become a pupil/junior barrister she is also becoming extremely aware of what her position means to the public, "It was strange that my wig and gown had alienated me so much from this young man. I was seen as an enemy". She highlights the need to break the barrier between 'us and them' in law, focusing on the need for change for the public to trust the law again.
The justice system is flawed, especially for young people and minority communities. It's a stressful environment for all members of the court, judges, barristers and solicitors alike, adding to the struggle of reaching agreeable results between parties. But inbetween this friction and often tense atmosphere, Alexandra portrays the opportunity for hope and change, "I now know more than ever the Bar needs people like me". Her book takes key elements into consideration and paves the way for the possibility of change by raising awareness of all the various challenges she has witnessed. Her voice is fun and relatable, but also serious. She normalises a career that appears hostile, distant and removed and opens it up to show the more humane side and the struggles faced by all. I love her repeated message for diversity and representation and the constant need for change. It's such a powerful message and I hope it inspires any young people who are thinking of pursuing such a career to help change the system for the better!
August 30, 2022
did not expect to finish this in one sitting but i’m very glad i did. chapters were short enough that my terrible attention span didn’t wander off (much) and i was engaged with her writing and story the whole way through. everything was brilliant.
i never found a use for my law degree and i don’t really regret that as since achieving it the more i read book by lawyers and barristers, the better i feel about not perusing a career in law.
saying that - i wish i had this book during my studying (i graduated the year before this book was published). both this and the secret barristers works have probably given me a clearer view of the day to day workings of the magistrates and crown court than two and a half years of law school ever did.
i never found a use for my law degree and i don’t really regret that as since achieving it the more i read book by lawyers and barristers, the better i feel about not perusing a career in law.
saying that - i wish i had this book during my studying (i graduated the year before this book was published). both this and the secret barristers works have probably given me a clearer view of the day to day workings of the magistrates and crown court than two and a half years of law school ever did.
March 22, 2022
Non fiction has normally been a drag to read in my experience, but this one was far from it. It had everything a good autobiography should have: a compelling tone, engaging anecdotes, the ability to provoke thoughts and the power to leave your mind lingering on its words. 'In Black and White' is a definite recommendation to anyone who wishes to further understand how our criminal justice system works, and how this system is often biased and broken.
P.S I don't mean to reduce this book to just something that I think all sociology students should read (because you shouldn't just read it for that purpose - it's a great book on it's own merit), but I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't recommend it to accompany the crime and deviance unit.
P.S I don't mean to reduce this book to just something that I think all sociology students should read (because you shouldn't just read it for that purpose - it's a great book on it's own merit), but I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't recommend it to accompany the crime and deviance unit.
June 8, 2021
Collection of stories from experience as a barrister that each illustrate an issue with the legal system. This was a nice mix of educational and easy reading (In the sense that it was clear to read, but some cases described are saddening and/or anger-inducing).
I was apprehensive about reading this due to scepticism of "changing the system from the inside", the emotional labour, empathy, and representation within the Bar are a positive change, and I did not expect anything more radical from someone who is still actively practising law.
I was apprehensive about reading this due to scepticism of "changing the system from the inside", the emotional labour, empathy, and representation within the Bar are a positive change, and I did not expect anything more radical from someone who is still actively practising law.
maybe
August 2, 2020[image error]
November 7, 2021
Eye-opening. Sad.
October 9, 2022
This book was an easy read, which meant I was able to get through it in a single day due to two long train journeys. Personally, I am not the biggest fan of memoir (or to be more specific, I am not a big fan of factual, blow-by-blow, this is my actual life memoirs). Memoirs I have enjoyed are often fictional in some way, or play around with ideas of fact and fiction.
There is nothing about this book that is fictional. Everything in it is true, and it says a lot about the bias that exists in our judiciary system. And my personal preference, or lack of, for memoir is not to undermine the importance of first hand accounts, and to remember that behind theories and statistics and studies are actual human beings. This book is very good at reminding you of that.
However, personally, I am not a fan of the carceral system. My own opinion lie somewhere near abolitionism. A lot of Wilson's book focuses on way to fix the system from the inside. This, of course, is an extremely valid way of approaching a system. There needs to be some kind of measure in place between now and an abolitionist future that helps move us in that direction. However, I cannot support the system, personally do not like the idea of working inside, and a lot of the cases Wilson describe make that even more obvious to me. Again, the carceral system exists, there are actual people in it, and something needs to be done to help them now while the system still exists. It will not disappear over night, and people like Wilson and the work she is doing are needed. But those are my personal feelings on it, and I think preferring a move to abolitionism and believing we need people like Wilson can exist at the same time.
Overall, a good book. It clashed with some of preferences and personal politics, and nothing in it is particularly shocking (if you are in any way familiar with the institutional racism that exists in the prison industrial complex and the judiciary system), but definitely should be read by everyone, and will be inspiring and comforting for many.
There is nothing about this book that is fictional. Everything in it is true, and it says a lot about the bias that exists in our judiciary system. And my personal preference, or lack of, for memoir is not to undermine the importance of first hand accounts, and to remember that behind theories and statistics and studies are actual human beings. This book is very good at reminding you of that.
However, personally, I am not a fan of the carceral system. My own opinion lie somewhere near abolitionism. A lot of Wilson's book focuses on way to fix the system from the inside. This, of course, is an extremely valid way of approaching a system. There needs to be some kind of measure in place between now and an abolitionist future that helps move us in that direction. However, I cannot support the system, personally do not like the idea of working inside, and a lot of the cases Wilson describe make that even more obvious to me. Again, the carceral system exists, there are actual people in it, and something needs to be done to help them now while the system still exists. It will not disappear over night, and people like Wilson and the work she is doing are needed. But those are my personal feelings on it, and I think preferring a move to abolitionism and believing we need people like Wilson can exist at the same time.
Overall, a good book. It clashed with some of preferences and personal politics, and nothing in it is particularly shocking (if you are in any way familiar with the institutional racism that exists in the prison industrial complex and the judiciary system), but definitely should be read by everyone, and will be inspiring and comforting for many.
October 6, 2020
So pleased I read this book as a part of my BLM UK reading initiative for 2020.
Alex Wilson is an inspiration and an admirable beacon of hope for us all in the UK.
In the book is highlighted how our system is flawed not just for the clients but also for those working in all aspects of the system.
Hugely interesting and at times heartbreaking read and I bet most of us think we have a pretty good idea about what the courts of law are like from TV dramas but I tell you now that TV gets it’s wrong!
Well done. A brave book to write from a very accomplished young barrister.
Alex Wilson is an inspiration and an admirable beacon of hope for us all in the UK.
In the book is highlighted how our system is flawed not just for the clients but also for those working in all aspects of the system.
Hugely interesting and at times heartbreaking read and I bet most of us think we have a pretty good idea about what the courts of law are like from TV dramas but I tell you now that TV gets it’s wrong!
Well done. A brave book to write from a very accomplished young barrister.
August 16, 2020
Alexandra’s book is eye-opening about the problems in the legal system, and also hopeful — her determination to make a difference is inspiring. I raced through this book - the stories of all the people she has represented were fascinating, sad and sometimes funny. This is a great book.
October 10, 2020
This was a really great memoir about what it’s like to be a pupil barrister, whilst also being a woman, not posh and mixed race.
June 7, 2021
Mixed-race barrister Alexandra Wilson came to my attention when she tweeted about being mistaken for a defendant numerous times over the course of just one day in court on what can only have been the basis of her skin colour. Whilst black people are disproportionally represented in their dealings with the criminal justice system, what is more shocking is that the legal profession is so lacking in diversity that she should have been faced with this reaction. ‘In Black and White’ is Alexandra’s own story from the personal tragedy that inspired her career choice to the realities of pupillage and what the day in, day out life of a barrister actually entails. It is not a book written with the sole agenda of griping about being held back due to her skin colour and in truth Alexandra mentions her race only when it is either brought up by fellow legal professionals, courtroom staff or those she is representing. Her Essex accent being mocked at university and her own personal experiences of imposter syndrome, despite her continued achievements, are given just as much of a focus in the book.
Whilst the book is about the experience of being a mixed-race woman from a non-traditional background in a profession lacking diversity, the title, ‘In Black and White’, is also a pointed reminder that each defendant and their circumstances are entirely unique. In reality things are far from clear-cut and given the impact the system has on livelihoods and liberty it is shameful that there is not greater common knowledge and some people can find themselves caught up in it unintentionally. As Alexandra readily concedes many of the cases shouldn’t have even reached the courts and this involvement with the criminal justice system has a detrimental affect on not only a person’s future but their chance of further involvement. Some of the anonymised cases, and in particular Alexandra’s dealings with her youth clients, gave me serious pause for reflection. In highlighting the issue of country lines she relays the story of representing a teenager who is the subject of a Home Office investigation into whether they are a victim of child exploitation that voluntarily asks to be electronically tagged and thus given a valid excuse to stay at home and away from those she is involved with.
This book is an excellent primer on the workings of the criminal justice system and not only is it recommended for students contemplating a career in the profession but for those who have little more than a cursory knowledge of what actually goes on within the inner sanctum of the courtroom. It demystifies how the criminal justice system operates, debunks plenty of commonly held misconceptions and explains things that might seem obvious to those on the inside such as the cab-rank rule used to allocate cases through to the right to representation and distinctions in the seniority of barristers. Alexandra also addresses the fact that often she doesn’t get to see a case through to resolution and the enormous amount of wasted hours spent at court either waiting for a client or a case to be called. What shines through is her extraordinary compassion and sincerity and on numerous occasions I found myself empathising with her clients once the incidents they were involved in were placed in context. Not only is the book accessible but it’s easily digestible and thanks to the real life implications of the case examples it resonated with me on a far deeper level than theoretical explanations would have. A very readable and thought-provoking book that has left me keen to learn more about the criminal justice system.
Whilst the book is about the experience of being a mixed-race woman from a non-traditional background in a profession lacking diversity, the title, ‘In Black and White’, is also a pointed reminder that each defendant and their circumstances are entirely unique. In reality things are far from clear-cut and given the impact the system has on livelihoods and liberty it is shameful that there is not greater common knowledge and some people can find themselves caught up in it unintentionally. As Alexandra readily concedes many of the cases shouldn’t have even reached the courts and this involvement with the criminal justice system has a detrimental affect on not only a person’s future but their chance of further involvement. Some of the anonymised cases, and in particular Alexandra’s dealings with her youth clients, gave me serious pause for reflection. In highlighting the issue of country lines she relays the story of representing a teenager who is the subject of a Home Office investigation into whether they are a victim of child exploitation that voluntarily asks to be electronically tagged and thus given a valid excuse to stay at home and away from those she is involved with.
This book is an excellent primer on the workings of the criminal justice system and not only is it recommended for students contemplating a career in the profession but for those who have little more than a cursory knowledge of what actually goes on within the inner sanctum of the courtroom. It demystifies how the criminal justice system operates, debunks plenty of commonly held misconceptions and explains things that might seem obvious to those on the inside such as the cab-rank rule used to allocate cases through to the right to representation and distinctions in the seniority of barristers. Alexandra also addresses the fact that often she doesn’t get to see a case through to resolution and the enormous amount of wasted hours spent at court either waiting for a client or a case to be called. What shines through is her extraordinary compassion and sincerity and on numerous occasions I found myself empathising with her clients once the incidents they were involved in were placed in context. Not only is the book accessible but it’s easily digestible and thanks to the real life implications of the case examples it resonated with me on a far deeper level than theoretical explanations would have. A very readable and thought-provoking book that has left me keen to learn more about the criminal justice system.
August 23, 2021
Originally posted on: https://www.instagram.com/p/CSzckAFLcjU/
One of the best books I’ve read this year. As a white person with no experience of the justice system, it’s been a hugely powerful and eye-opening experience. Huge thanks to Victoria Scales at @octopus_books_ for my gifted copy.
Author Alexandra Wilson is a mixed-race woman who tells her story, from the family tragedy which motivated her choice of career to how she became a qualified barrister. Most of the book is about her year of pupillage. Wilson recounts (anonymised) cases of various clients she represented. Thereby holding up a mirror to the justice system and reflecting an institution which has many significant flaws. Wilson’s writing style is engaging and immersive, she writes simply and is not didactic or hyperbolic. I found her writing compelling and highly recommend this new edition which contains an insightful afterword, book club questions and further reading.
There are many issues raised in Wilson’s book, concerning her as a young black woman from Essex working in the law, and her clients who are often vulnerable. She describes experiences highlighting many forms of racism she regularly encounters. It’s not unusual for Wilson to be mistaken for a defendant. One day in court, three different court staff all assumed she was a defendant and not a barrister. She behaved and looked like the other legal representatives in every way but one: her skin colour. If the people who run the courts, criminalise black people, what hope of a fair, unbiased trial does a black person have? Wilson points out that black people are over-represented at every stage of the criminal justice system compared to white people. They’re more likely to be stopped and searched, arrested, charged, sent to prison and receive longer sentences. Simultaneously, they are under-represented in the legal profession, especially as QCs and Judges. Yet most of her clients are gratified to be represented by someone who looks like them or sounds like them. Someone who can empathise with them. She is working to change the system through a variety of initiatives including: One Case at a Time (facilitating legal funding and representation in cases of injustice for Black people in the UK), Black Women in Law, and a pilot mentoring programme.
One of the best books I’ve read this year. As a white person with no experience of the justice system, it’s been a hugely powerful and eye-opening experience. Huge thanks to Victoria Scales at @octopus_books_ for my gifted copy.
Author Alexandra Wilson is a mixed-race woman who tells her story, from the family tragedy which motivated her choice of career to how she became a qualified barrister. Most of the book is about her year of pupillage. Wilson recounts (anonymised) cases of various clients she represented. Thereby holding up a mirror to the justice system and reflecting an institution which has many significant flaws. Wilson’s writing style is engaging and immersive, she writes simply and is not didactic or hyperbolic. I found her writing compelling and highly recommend this new edition which contains an insightful afterword, book club questions and further reading.
There are many issues raised in Wilson’s book, concerning her as a young black woman from Essex working in the law, and her clients who are often vulnerable. She describes experiences highlighting many forms of racism she regularly encounters. It’s not unusual for Wilson to be mistaken for a defendant. One day in court, three different court staff all assumed she was a defendant and not a barrister. She behaved and looked like the other legal representatives in every way but one: her skin colour. If the people who run the courts, criminalise black people, what hope of a fair, unbiased trial does a black person have? Wilson points out that black people are over-represented at every stage of the criminal justice system compared to white people. They’re more likely to be stopped and searched, arrested, charged, sent to prison and receive longer sentences. Simultaneously, they are under-represented in the legal profession, especially as QCs and Judges. Yet most of her clients are gratified to be represented by someone who looks like them or sounds like them. Someone who can empathise with them. She is working to change the system through a variety of initiatives including: One Case at a Time (facilitating legal funding and representation in cases of injustice for Black people in the UK), Black Women in Law, and a pilot mentoring programme.
May 2, 2023
It was that little-known chap Mahatma Ghandi who once said "Be the change you wish to see in the world".
Meet, then, Alexandra Wilson.
Mixed-race and from Essex, she hasn't let either stop her from qualifying as a barrister - and now writing about her experiences.
And while both are shown to have caused issues among the legal corridors and hallowed halls of Oxford, one has shaped her approach to her career far more than the other.
Writing passionately and personally, Wilson takes us through her training to be a barrister, turning what could be a dry subject into an emotional rollercoaster that makes the eyes damp on more than one occasion.
What In Black And White does particularly well is lay bare just how much hard work and cost - financial, emotional, and personal - goes in to training to wear a wig and gown.
It's something I suspect none of us think about, and was an issue I only became aware of when following the recent barristers' strikes.
We may watch Silks or Rumpole and think we know what goes on in chambers and courts, but - and this may come as a shock to some - we really don't.
But in following Alexandra on her journey, what we also become aware of is the racial disparity within the legal system.
In a country where people of colour are disproportionately charged with offences, the chances of those same people getting to be represented by someone like them is slimmer than their chance of making it across London without being stopped and searched.
And this is something the book covers particularly well.
Wilson is able to look at the legal system and ask questions - rather than just accept the status quo - and in doing so raise our awareness of injustice hiding in plain site.
Far from preachy, In Black And White takes a huge issue and makes reading about it a wonderful, fascinating, enjoyable, insightful experience.
Meet, then, Alexandra Wilson.
Mixed-race and from Essex, she hasn't let either stop her from qualifying as a barrister - and now writing about her experiences.
And while both are shown to have caused issues among the legal corridors and hallowed halls of Oxford, one has shaped her approach to her career far more than the other.
Writing passionately and personally, Wilson takes us through her training to be a barrister, turning what could be a dry subject into an emotional rollercoaster that makes the eyes damp on more than one occasion.
What In Black And White does particularly well is lay bare just how much hard work and cost - financial, emotional, and personal - goes in to training to wear a wig and gown.
It's something I suspect none of us think about, and was an issue I only became aware of when following the recent barristers' strikes.
We may watch Silks or Rumpole and think we know what goes on in chambers and courts, but - and this may come as a shock to some - we really don't.
But in following Alexandra on her journey, what we also become aware of is the racial disparity within the legal system.
In a country where people of colour are disproportionately charged with offences, the chances of those same people getting to be represented by someone like them is slimmer than their chance of making it across London without being stopped and searched.
And this is something the book covers particularly well.
Wilson is able to look at the legal system and ask questions - rather than just accept the status quo - and in doing so raise our awareness of injustice hiding in plain site.
Far from preachy, In Black And White takes a huge issue and makes reading about it a wonderful, fascinating, enjoyable, insightful experience.
October 13, 2021
I have read many similar books around the legal system; The Secret Barrister: Stories of the Law and How It's Broken, Fake Law: The Truth About Justice in an Age of Lies (also by the Secret Barrister) and for good measure to experience the other side of the bench, The Secret Magistrate.
I have rated all of these excellent 'real life' accounts 4 stars, however arguably (although we cannot be certain as the authors are 'secret') are all written by what could be described as 'typical' lawyers. I.E white, male, 40+ something.
But this book goes one step further - earning it an extra star!
Alexandra Wilson shot to 'fame' when her tweet went viral in 2020 after she was mistaken for a defendant for the umpteenth time that day.
Her clear account of growing up and being treated differently because of her race is exceptionally well written, goes into detail where necessary but doesn’t dwell on facts that needn't be.
The stories she recounts really put things into perspective. We clearly have a lot of work we still need to accomplish as a country, not just on unconscious bias, but open discrimination to prevent our justice system from slipping back into the past.
I have rated all of these excellent 'real life' accounts 4 stars, however arguably (although we cannot be certain as the authors are 'secret') are all written by what could be described as 'typical' lawyers. I.E white, male, 40+ something.
But this book goes one step further - earning it an extra star!
Alexandra Wilson shot to 'fame' when her tweet went viral in 2020 after she was mistaken for a defendant for the umpteenth time that day.
Her clear account of growing up and being treated differently because of her race is exceptionally well written, goes into detail where necessary but doesn’t dwell on facts that needn't be.
The stories she recounts really put things into perspective. We clearly have a lot of work we still need to accomplish as a country, not just on unconscious bias, but open discrimination to prevent our justice system from slipping back into the past.
December 31, 2022
3 stars
Wish I could have ended 2022 on a slightly more positive note, but unfortunately I couldn't be bothered to finish this and read something better earlier today so here we are. This is undoubtably an important book culturally - diversity within the law is undoubtably incredibly important. I'm just slightly sceptical as to how well executed this was. My dad, who is a very opinionated KC, loathes Alexandra Wilson because she's so inexperienced and writing books about the law and while I do think this hatred is perhaps a little unfounded, I do see where he's coming from in that I learnt very little that I hadn't already absorbed via osmosis, could be easily figured out from observation and/or was easily googleable. The book itself was also badly in need of another edit. The structure was non-existent and there were some very basic grammatical errors which could have been easily resolved if someone had cared enough to fix them. Overall, I'd recommend for people who don't know much about the law because marginalised perspectives are often some of the most enlightening, but otherwise this feels a lot more 'a day in life of' rather than a concentrated critique of the criminal justice system, which is what I was expecting from the marketing and probably would have preferred.
Wish I could have ended 2022 on a slightly more positive note, but unfortunately I couldn't be bothered to finish this and read something better earlier today so here we are. This is undoubtably an important book culturally - diversity within the law is undoubtably incredibly important. I'm just slightly sceptical as to how well executed this was. My dad, who is a very opinionated KC, loathes Alexandra Wilson because she's so inexperienced and writing books about the law and while I do think this hatred is perhaps a little unfounded, I do see where he's coming from in that I learnt very little that I hadn't already absorbed via osmosis, could be easily figured out from observation and/or was easily googleable. The book itself was also badly in need of another edit. The structure was non-existent and there were some very basic grammatical errors which could have been easily resolved if someone had cared enough to fix them. Overall, I'd recommend for people who don't know much about the law because marginalised perspectives are often some of the most enlightening, but otherwise this feels a lot more 'a day in life of' rather than a concentrated critique of the criminal justice system, which is what I was expecting from the marketing and probably would have preferred.
December 4, 2023
“I would like others to follow in my footsteps, just as I have followed in the footsteps of those who came before me.”
Powerful words to draw a captivating autobiography about a mixed raced woman’s journey to becoming a barrister to a conclusion. This book has been sitting on my shelf for far too long and I am very glad I finally decided to pick it up. An easy yet engaging read, especially for those interested in criminal and family law, as well as the workings of the criminal justice system. Reading this lit a spark of inspiration reminiscent of my optimistic 16-year old self, making me want to consider being part of the movement for change in the Bar. My interest for criminal law has only been confirmed, with my commitment to pursue it seriously in the future, whether at the Bar or elsewhere being seriously fuelled.
Powerful words to draw a captivating autobiography about a mixed raced woman’s journey to becoming a barrister to a conclusion. This book has been sitting on my shelf for far too long and I am very glad I finally decided to pick it up. An easy yet engaging read, especially for those interested in criminal and family law, as well as the workings of the criminal justice system. Reading this lit a spark of inspiration reminiscent of my optimistic 16-year old self, making me want to consider being part of the movement for change in the Bar. My interest for criminal law has only been confirmed, with my commitment to pursue it seriously in the future, whether at the Bar or elsewhere being seriously fuelled.
October 10, 2022
4.5⭐️
I think I preferred this to The Secret Barrister because it didn’t really feel like I was reading non-fiction but rather, it read like a novel. It was such an easy read and I recommend for those who want a thorough but clear introduction into the justice system of England and Wales.
Alexandra Wilson writes about her own experiences and the circumstances that led to her studying law and becoming a barrister. I really enjoys her perspective of what she faces at work, whether it’s because of her race, her gender or her socioeconomic background. It’s a refreshing and well-needed stance.
I think I preferred this to The Secret Barrister because it didn’t really feel like I was reading non-fiction but rather, it read like a novel. It was such an easy read and I recommend for those who want a thorough but clear introduction into the justice system of England and Wales.
Alexandra Wilson writes about her own experiences and the circumstances that led to her studying law and becoming a barrister. I really enjoys her perspective of what she faces at work, whether it’s because of her race, her gender or her socioeconomic background. It’s a refreshing and well-needed stance.
August 13, 2021
this was a fantastic, easy to digest memoir following alexandra wilson's experience of becoming a barrister in the uk justice system. i listened to the audiobook of this for my anti-racism book club at work (i work criminal justice system-adjacent) and it was incredibly informative and insightful. alexandra writes with clarity and has a lovely way of infusing the sometimes legal-heavy chapters with the very human stories. i would really recommend this for anyone wanting a better view of the uk legal system, particularly how it treats people of color and women.
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