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The UK’s history is populated with a number of hidden voices that have made great strides towards equality. It is important that we keep learning from their stories so that we can improve our own morals. It takes one strong voice to change the world. That is why we wish to end our article series on a more modern case study. This is Tunji Sowande, the first black judge.

Now, as discussed in our recent articles, BAME figures in the law faced a struggle against racism in British society. This made it difficult to be accepted in the 1800’s. It paved the way for others to follow in their footsteps into the following century. However, the 1900’s were also rife with racial tensions. Although people from Africa, the Caribbean and Asia were often encouraged to return to England after WWII. Those who came over often met with abuse and discrimination from those who they lived and worked with. Racial discrimination was not illegal until 1965 with the Race Relations Act, which shows how many obstacles Tunji Sowande had to face.

Imagine coming over to the UK in 1945, a time when the face of Britain was changing with the end of WWII and the birth of the post-war consensus. It was a time of turmoil, but the success of Tunji Sowande in the legal system was a triumph for equality. As the first Nigerian judge in the UK, Tunji Sowande stood as an icon of justice but also as a figurehead of BAME youths all over the country. This is his story.

Who is Tunji Sowande?

Tunji Sowande was born in 1912 in Lagos, Nigeria, to a very successful family. Not only was his father, Emmanuel Sowande, famous for his contributions to church music in Lagos, but his brother, Fela Sowande, became a MBE and practically the father of modern African classical music.  Having this stable background behind him, it is not surprising that Sowande went on to accomplish great things. But what is surprising is that law was not his first choice. In fact, not only did he obtain a Diploma in Pharmacy in 1940. He worked with Lagos’ Public Health Department as a dispensing pharmacist.

Sowande’s career goals then changed to law as a stable profession, aiming to go to the UK to start practicing and also pursue his musical skills. Clearly, what we can learn from this is that he was an extremely well-rounded man. He had many interested and had the passion and drive to pursue them. Britain became a land of opportunity for those in the BAME community and still is to this day. Therefore, a question comes to mind: how do we support people in similar situations, for example, today, perhaps in poorer socio-economic circumstances? Law is not an easy profession to get in to, especially with the amount of debt that students can get into. Have a think about how you, in a strong position as a member of the legal profession, can make an impact on the life of someone who needs that help.

A man of many talents

Now, it is clear that Sowande was someone who possessed an immense amount of talent. Not only were his scholarly pursuits at the CMS Anglican Grammar School and Yaba Higher College extremely successful, but he proved to be an excellent business man by setting up his private Pharmacy business alongside Adeyinka Oyekan, the Oba/King of Lagos.

Just to add to this growing list of talents, Sowande was also an extremely talented musician. Not only was he a fantastic baritone singer, but he could also play the organ and later the drums and saxophone. He wanted to hone in these skills by coming to the UK, however he understood that he could not live on music alone. That is why he decided to pursue a career in Law, as this would allow him a change of scene and allow him to follow up his primary passions.

The passion behind his ambitions is something that we can admire today. Isn’t it inspiring to see people chase after the things they want without being held back? Nowadays, we have progressed to the point where we can do that, and find our own ways of making sure people are not held back. So, imagine the struggle endured in order to pursue his dreams. During this period of racial tension, it was certainly not an easy job.

Britain & Racism in the 1900’s

To add some context behind Sowande’s story, it’s important that we also take a look at British history. That way you can empathise with Sowande’s experience and understand some of the struggles he went through. As more and more people immigrated to the UK, in 1919 more large racist attacks began to hit BAME communities in London, Liverpool, Hull, Manchester, South Shields and in Scotland and Wales. Although the influx of migrant workers provided a boost to Britain’s economy, racism still prevented certain people from gaining jobs in specific fields, such as the armed services. Some British laws were also extremely racist, including the Coloured Alien Seamen’s Order of 1925 and the 1981 British Nationality Act.

Due to the spread of racism in the UK, it was not surprising that resistance to these laws began to rise. These resistance groups began to organize political demonstrations, such as Grumwick Strike in 1976 and Black People’s Day of Action in 1981. There were also a number of demonstrations protesting police violence and racism in the 1970s/1980s. The 1900’s is an era of turmoil and rising tensions between different communities of people. That is why it was such a breakthrough when Sowande became the first black judge in the UK. It was a symbol of what justice in the UK should look like and that everyone was equal under the eyes of the law.

Tunji Sowandes’ Legal Successes

Sowande studied law at King’s college in London and managed to pass his Bar Finals at Lincoln’s Inn. He was then offered a full tenancy at the 3 Kings Bench Walk Chambers after he was called to the Bar in 1952. This left him in shock, as tenancies in these prestigious chambers had not previously been permitted to Black Barristers due to a racial restriction. Although he initially refused it on account of his music career, he was eventually persuaded by his Pupil Master who claimed that his exceptional intellect would serve him well in a career at the Bar.

Racial tensions aside, it is clear from this that we can see the conflict between Sowande’s passions and his career prospects. Although he could have been a successful musician in the UK, his Pupil Master’s faith in his abilities gave him the push he needed to move forward with his career.

Criminal Law & The Future Career of Tunji Sowande

Specializing in Criminal Law, Sowande handled complex criminal matters and rose to Head of Chambers in 1968. This made him the first Black Head of a major Barrister’s chambers set. Not only that but in 1978, his hard work earned him the title of the first Black Deputy Judge in Snaresbrook, and eventually in the crown courts of Corydon, Inner London and Knightsbridge. It was then that he was promoted further to a “Recorder of the Crown Court”, or in other terms, the first black judge.

Sowande held a lot of power in this position and used it well. Understanding that now he was at a place of authority and experience, he helped promote the careers of a number of successful lawyers from BAME backgrounds. This included Kim Hollis QC, a popular female Asian lawyer, who Sowande offered a tenancy and mentored at the very start of her career.

It is important that we learn from this example. We can all progress to dizzying heights in our careers, but does that really matter when there are still inspired youths at the start of their careers that need a little bit of guidance to push them forward? The youth are the future. If they come from BAME communities then they may not have all of the opportunities that other people have had. You could have more impact on someone’s life than you realise.

Sowande & Racial Discrimination

As we look through Sowande’s past, it is important to think of the struggles that he went through whilst pursuing his career. This was a period of turmoil between different spheres both culturally and professionally, therefore Sowande needed to become an amalgamation of the two.

An example of blatant discrimination that Sowande did experience in his career was during an interview in the barrister’s chambers. It is odd to think that in such a place of professionalism, the interviewer outright said to him that he should return to ”bongo-bongo land.” Take a moment to imagine that. You are an established barrister with a wide range of professional experience and talents that shows that you are an extremely well-rounded person. Yet it still is not enough in the eyes of a judgemental community.

We need to consider the wider contexts at play that affected Sowande’s career progressions. Sometimes there are simply factors that are out of our control that can impede people’s growth both personally and professionally. What is important is not to stoop to the same level, instead it is our job to change the minds of others through persuasion, kindness and empathy. You can change the world if you change your mind. This is the ultimate moral behind why it is so important to know Sowande’s life.

Creative Pursuits

Although Sowande’s main claim to fame are his achievements in the world of law. It’s important not to forget about his other passions. His main aim coming to the UK was to pursue a career in music, using a legal pathway to support himself financially. During his time at King’s College in London, he focused on Jazz, Classical and Choral music, also collaborating on live sets with contemporary musicians like Johnny Dankworth, Paul Robesons, Ambrose Campbell, Edumondo Ros and Ronnie Scott.

It is clear that his music was inspired by his family and cultural roots. Rita Cann, a famous Black Singer and Pianist, partnered with Sowande on several projects. Together, they joined a group of Black intellectuals and musicians. This was at the flat of John Payne, an African-American musician, in Regent’s park.

Charity & Music

A lot of the music he did make throughout his life was for charitable purposes, including entertaining elderly audiences with Rita Cann around the UK. Creativity and kindness were important values in his life. To provide happiness to those who were in a more vulnerable situation was an act of kindness that could inspire others to follow in his footsteps. This is what we need to think about when we think about BAME communities in the present. How can we be kind to each other and what can we do that can truly help each other? Most importantly, how can we truly listen to one-another so that we can develop and learn from the experiences of others. These are all important lessons to think about.

Sport & Social Communities

As you can see from Sowande’s life, he was not a man to simply sit around. This man had a wide range of passions that kept him busy. They helped him develop connections in a number of different communities- something that would be incredibly difficult during this time of racial tension. He was an extremely active member of the Hurlingham sports club, the Marylebone Cricket Club and the Crystal Palace Football Club. What is interesting about this is the fact that Sowande chose not to solely be a member of his own ex-pat community. Instead, he expanded himself to pursue every passion he could. In turn, this proved that he was any man’s equal. There was no divide. Instead, sport provided a facility for people to meet as equals on the playing field.

The Together in Football Foundation

We move away from the life of Tunji Sowande for just a moment. That way we can talk more about the impact of sport on community and growth. Here at Gowing Law, we think it is important that we support everyone. That is why we have set up “The Together in Football Foundation”. This is a charity where children of all backgrounds can enjoy a game of football together. We aim to unite all communities under a game where they can get to know each other. This is where everyone can grow bonds by having fun against other teams.

If you are interested in supporting this cause, please follow the link below to our foundation page:

The impact of Tunji’s Sowande’s life on the UK

It is a shame that the life of Tunji Sowande has not received more attention. He is an example of a multi-talented man who achieved so much in his lifetime. His life serves as a reminder of why everyone deserves respect. Everyone deserves the chance of obtain success for themselves and their families. We cannot just hide away from the fact that he was from a well-off background. He was eligible for more opportunities than others may have had. However, he used these opportunities to become a figure of justice in the UK. These opportunities were then passed along for the next generation.

We, as a nation, should celebrate the progression we have made for equal opportunities for people of all races. However we should also use it to reflect on the past and what we need to improve on. Everyone deserve justice and to feel safe and secure in a nation that treats everyone’s rights with respect.

Gowing Law hopes you have enjoyed our blog series!

Here at Gowing Law, we believe in equality. We will support everyone who comes to our trained solicitors for help. That way they can get the justice that they deserve.

We hope that our series has shed some light on a few of the many BAME law figures. These are the voices that paved the way for others in present-day Britain. It is important that we celebrate their achievements. However we also need to listen to the voices of minority figures. That way we can hear them express their own experiences and make important changes to our society.

If you have enjoyed our series, our blog page also has a number of detailed law blogs. They are perfect reading if you are interested in pursuing a legal issue. Make sure to read them before you leave our website!

When we think about BAME figures in the field of law, it is important that we look into the experiences of all genders. Although BAME men struggled to find their place in the UK’s judicial system, women had an even tougher job. Think about it this way. In the past, racial intolerance was prevalent through all walks of British culture. Racial tension was in the arts, science, politics and, especially, in the justice system.

However, for women there was the additional discrimination factor of gender. Nowadays, we know that this sort of treatment should not be allowed in any sort of career. For this we can look at the recent news about pregnant women being unfairly furloughed or simply not being paid at all! The government has stated that this sort of treatment is “completely unacceptable.” But back in the Victorian era, it was a constant fact of life.

This brings us to the latest focus of our series “celebrating BAME voices & their contribution to the field of law”. Today we are going to talk about the life and impact of Cornelia Sorabji. She was the first woman to get a degree in India and the UK. We will look at her life, the challenges that she has faced and why she is still an important BAME role model for any young woman interested in involving themselves in the world of law.

Who was Cornelia Sorabji?

Although Cornelia Sorabji was never officially called to the bar, she was known as England’s first female barrister. Not only that but she was the first female graduate of an Indian University (Bombay University). This meant that she was the first woman to practice law in both India and the UK. However, it was not until the sex disqualification (removal) act came into play that she was actually awarded her law degree. This was almost 30 years after she sat her exams in the first place!

Cornelia Sorabji’s personal background

Throughout her life, Cornelia Sorabji faced discrimination and adversity for nearly every single project she set herself on. She was an intelligent woman with parents that believed in her right to have an education. Her father was an extremely open-minded reverend (Reverend Sorbji Karsedji). Her mother (Francina Ford) was adopted by a wealthy British couple. She helped local women learn about their inheritance and property rights.

It is thanks to both these parents that Bombay University opened its doors to her. She graduated with extremely high marks, endeavouring to enrol in Deccan college with the help of a government scholarship to study in England. However, this was denied to her due to her gender.

In order to get over this hurdle, Cornelia Sorbji wrote to the National Indian Association in 1888. She received support from influential figures, like Mary Hobhouse, Florence Nightingale and Sir William Wedderburn. These figures all contributed to her funds and wrote petitions to Oxford University to accept her as a student. Due to this help she was able to study a postgraduate degree in law at Oxford in 1892. She even became a reader at Oxford’s Codrington Library.

Cornelia Sorabji was not awarded this degree. However she did return to India in 1894 to involve herself in social and advisory law. This was mostly on behalf of “purdahnashins”, women who were segregated from the male world, and orphans. Her clients often owned their own property but did not have the legal experience, or rights, to defend it. This is why Sorabji would often enter their pleas on their behalf in front of British legal agents.

Discrimination & Cornelia Sorabji’s legal position

One of the main problems that came with Sorabji’s qualifications in India is that she could not use them properly. She was still treated as “only a woman”. Therefore she had no legal agency or professional standing within the Indian legal system. That is why she decided to undertake a LLB (Latin Legum Baccalaure) examination in Bombay University. She also took a pleader’s examination in the Allahabad High Court. Although she was able to pass both examinations, she was not formally recognised as a barrister until 1923. Instead, she became a “lady assistant” to the court of wards in Began, Bihar, Orissa and Assam.

It is through this work that she was able to help around 600 women and orphans in the legal sphere. Sometimes she did this without charging them anything. Sorabji was a very powerful woman and always spoke her mind. She clearly had a strong sense of justice and knew how to speak for vulnerable people. Overcoming a wide range of obstacles clearly gave her the confidence to continue with her work. Her attitudes were shaped by her experiences with both British and Indian society .

Eventually, she did end up settling in England after she retired in 1929. Sorabji died in her home in Finsbury Park in 1954. By then she had finally received her degrees and was a fully legally qualified barrister.

The strength of a voice

As we think about the lives of BAME figures in law, we should consider what changed them to fit their “sphere” of work.

Sorabji was already at a huge disadvantage to her peers due to her gender. Throughout her life, she was strong and outspoken. However her talents were only truly taken seriously when a white social figure vouched for her abilities. This is what makes her life a little tragic. Despite her amount of strength, she found that she was not taken seriously by UK law officials. Higher authorities only listened when there was someone tey viewed as an “equal” to convince them. This experience may well have inspired her to provide justice to those who were victimized for their gender and status. They could not speak, so she decided to speak for them.

The duality of legalities in India and England.

The main question is, how much did British culture actually influence Cornelia Sorabji? Clearly at the start of her career, Sorabji stuck true to her own principles. According to Helen Rappaport, she had no desire to see

“the wholesale imposition of a British legal system on Indian society any more than she sought the transplantation of other Western values.“

Although she battled fiercely against these oppressive systems, she did try to promote culture reform. However, as she grew older she started to adopt anti-nationalist positions. This was mostly seen in the 1920s. She claimed that it was essential that Britain was in India. This was to prevent toxic values from old national beliefs from getting worse. This did hurt her campaign for justice, including her social reforms. These included her plans for the “league for Infant Welfare, Maternity, and District Nursing.”

If we think carefully about this change, clearly it was due to her experiences in both England and India. Perhaps the feeling of hitting a patriarchal barrier time and time again slowly began to wear on her? The UK did have its faults. However, compared to the adversity of the Indian legal system, perhaps Sorabji only felt like an equal in the UK. She adapted to fit her environment. Eventually, she used her experiences to push to change parts of the culture around her that she found toxic. That way the most vulnerable could eventually have a voice.

Cornelia Sorabji’s legacy

As a champion of woman’s suffrage in both England and India, Sorabji stands as a strong feminist icon. Despite gaining many qualifications, people did not see her as an experienced barrister even after years of work. This was discrimination in its purest form. But she still continued to provide justice to women in Indian.

In terms of her own achievements, in 1909, she received the Kaisar-i-Hind Medal. This was to thank her for her efforts to reform legalities against women.  It included her orthodox Hindu stances on child marriage and widows. This is why it is sad that UK history has hid her away. Her visibility is a clear sign that young BAME women have so much potential. They need to receive the right support. These opportunities opportunities can help them forward with their lives.

Most of all, Sorabji provides the precedent for female lawyers studying in the UK. No matter the colour of a woman’s skin, she can achieve great things if given the right opportunities.

What can we learn from Cornelia Sorabji?

Sorabji’s tale shows a moral lesson. Even the most intelligent of people are put down if legal structures fail to support them in their ambitions. White allies are imperative to help push forward unheard voices. These voices have the potential to do great thing if given the proper tools.

Our society has progressed forward with the rights of women and different ethnic groups. However we still have a long way to go before we are all considered to be ”truly equal”. No doubt, If Cornelia Sorabji was born into this time period, she would have gone even further in her career.

Either way, her impact played a crucial role in speaking for the oppressed.  We will never forget her voice.

We are all equal under the eyes of the law

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we think it is crucial to support the BAME community and their calls for equality. We support all of our employees! They would always be willing to help anyone who was truly in need of justice. That is why it is important to bring light to the stories of BAME figures in UK legal history. That way we can applaud their accomplishments.

Join us for our next celebration of BAME legal figures in our next blog. This will be about the life of Tunji Sowande, the first Black Judge in the UK. Don’t forget to look at our previous blog about Christian Frederick Cole, the first black UK barrister.

Welcome to the first in our series of articles about the lives of BAME law figures in the past and present. We are starting off with the life of Christian Frederick Cole. Right now, the UK is in a tumultuous period due to Covid-19 and the recent events in America. At Gowing Law Solicitors, we want to provide support to everyone that needs it. The level of help you receive should not depend on the colour of your skin. Instead, all lawyers should be focused on getting their clients the justice that they deserve.

That is why we want to discuss the lives of important BAME figures that have played a role in shaping Britain’s legal history. Without them, we would not have made such great strides in the fight for equality of people of all races, genders, sexualities and ages. We want to use this moment to commend these figures and use them as case studies of human achievement. Anyone has the potential to be “great” if they are given the right opportunities. If they dedicate themselves to a good cause there is a wealth of possibility.

Here at Gowing Law, we want to listen to the experiences of people in the BAME community and amplify their stories to inspire young people in the present day. Anyone can become a lawyer or have a career in law. Hard work and a truly level playing field can give anyone the tools they need to overcome adversity.

That is why we want to start off our article series by looking into the life of Christian Frederick Cole, the first black barrister, all the way back in the 1800’s. This is history and his experiences of the legal system back in the Victorian Era.

Who Was Christian Frederick Cole?

One of the most important things about Christian Frederick Cole (known as “Old King Cole” by his close friends) is that his greatest achievements derive from succeeding in the UK’s biggest scholarly establishments. Whilst this may not seem like a giant achievement nowadays, just imagine what it must have been like back in 1800’s where the majority of graduates would have been young white males. Diversity of opportunity was not exactly a well-known attribute of Britain back in the Victorian period, so to be of West African descent and then to graduate from Oxford University was a massive deal. Although he was not the first African-American to graduate from Oxford, the fact that he was in the first band of people (being encouraged by his role model Reverend Edward Jones) proved these courses should be more accessible to people of different races.

With that said, Christian Frederick Cole was born in Waterloo, in the British colony of Sierra Leone in 1852. His parents, Jacob and May Cole, managed to obtain their son a scholarship in Fourah Bay College. It was there that he was encouraged to apply for Oxford University. Although this may have been seen as an audacious move, Cole managed to pass his “responses”. These included exams in Greek, Latin, arithmetic and algebra. Through these he earned his place at the university.

Racism & Victorian Ideology

Let’s take a moment to consider what sort of obstacles Cole faced when he first came to England in 1873. A black man entering university would have immediately flipped the ideology of the time on its head. After all, when he made his appearance in the 1870s, Britain colonialism was still in full swing. There was also the prevailing ideology that black people were intellectually “inferior” to white people. So, to come to the UK and enroll at one of the most prestigious universities for one of the most difficult degrees (classical moderations), he showed how wrong this ideology actually was. Not only was he the first black African to study at the university, he demonstrated clearly the fallacy of the ideology then prevalent in British culture.

Christian Frederick Cole: A man of curiosity

Due to his appearance and gentleman-like attitude, Cole attracted a lot of attention to himself. He was an intelligent man, being part of the debating club and often speaking in parish churches and union workhouses about mission work in Sierra Leone. Not only did he achieve honours in his degree, but his essays were commended by Benjamin Jowett of Balliol, a famous translator and eventually the university’s vice-chancellor.

Although he did graduate, this put him into a lot of debt (£200). He eventually had to ask for help from the master of the University College, George Granville Bradley. Bradley asked for aid on his behalf claiming:

“the exceptional nature of Mr Cole deserves and calls for the sympathy of and assistance of those in Oxford in which he lived with so much credit to himself.”

Although Cole’s friends did fight for him to remain in London, Cole was forced to return home. He only came back to the UK in 1879 when his friends in Sierra Leona raised enough money for him. This helped him to pursue a career in law.

Cole’s Law Career

Cole became the first black African man to join the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple. This was one of four Inns of Court in London. After four years of work, he was finally called to the bar to be the first African barrister to practice in the British courts. Although he was called to the bar, he was not able to secure any chambers in Britain. Instead, he moved to be a barrister in the consular court of Sayyid Barghash bin Said Al-Busaid in Zanzibar.

It’s important to take a moment to reflect on these important parts of Cole’s history. Yes, he made a breakthrough being the first African man to be allowed to the bar, but the main question is, why was he not able to secure any chambers? Of course, we need to think of the fear of the “other” in Victorian Britain, but perhaps, despite his achievement, there was still that sense of judgement that came from the class system. A black man that had been in debt throughout his education still did not have the power that a white man had. Nowadays, this ideology would never stand in the court system.

It is important to use his story to reflect on how far we have come in terms of equality. One’s successes in law are based on the strength of one’s cases, rather than the colour of one’s skin. However, we still have far to go as an industry and as a society.

African Roots vs British Careers

Consider this: How far did Britain actually force Cole to change himself as a person? He had always been described as an intellectual who had the respect of his colleagues. A document from 1883 introduced Cole in London Bankruptcy Court as a

“gentleman of colour- of the darkest tint”. He was received by all the other members of the bar with the courtesy which might be expected from English gentlemen. His address to the learned recorder, Sir Thomas Chambers, for mercy towards a young offender against the law, showed an unusual command of ‘the tongue that Shakespeare spoke’, a felicity of expression, good taste and intellectual force.”

Now, this description of Cole seems to be shocked at the prospect that there could be, as they put it, a “gentleman of colour” that could receive such respect, and in turn, speak with intelligence that could battle a legal court case in the UK.  We can see the prevalent racism that ran through Victorian Britain. However there is a side where Cole was respected by others in the law community for his  powerful voice.

The Mould of British Society

Some would say that Cole was forced to change in order to fit the mould of British society. It would make sense as he was looking to have a career in law. Therefore he needed to adapt to embody the mannerisms of a respected lawyer. However, Cole was keen never to let go of his African roots. He was interested in pan-Africanism in Sierra Leon. This was a political movement that advocated for a political union between all inhabitants of the continent. He also battled furiously in Britain against criticism against Africans. This appeared through a poem named Reflections on the Zulu War and a political pamphlet.

It was clear that Cole was incredibly strong-willed and intended to make his voice heard in Victorian Britain. This was not to appear as a “spectacle” but to actually raise serious issues of race, politics and discrimination. Doing this, while carrying the heavy load of expectation and public judgement, he will have been aware of the weight of his actions. Even under this pressure he remained a strong role model for any aspiring lawyer. This is due to Cole always speaking his mind in the finest wit and speech possible.

Why is Cole so important in UK history?

Christian Frederick Cole smashed through the barriers of race as the first Black barrister in the UK. This is why he serves as an important reminder of how far we have come. Of course, UK society does not have the same racial barriers as we did back in the 1800s. Sadly, Cole died at age 33 due to Smallpox. This leaves us to wonder, with more opportunities in his life, would he have achieved even more than he did? We will never know.

Think about this statement in relation to the lives of young black lawyers and barristers today. Cole has paved the way for them to achieve their dreams at some of the biggest universities in the UK. But how many are being held back by socio-economic circumstances? If we all received the same opportunities, perhaps we would have more BAME figures in the legal system. We do not have this idyllic platform. It shows that it is more important than ever that we offer support for people in the legal system.

Being a lawyer is all about obtaining justice for those who are vulnerable. Those in the BAME community deserve the opportunity to pursue the same values and dreams as Cole had. That way we can take another step forward in the name of equality.

Let’s learn more about BAME figures in the realm of UK law

If you enjoyed reading this article about Christian Frederick Cole, read our other blogs in this series. We want to celebrate BAME achievements and show how they have shaped Britain into what it is today. Tomorrow we are going to talk about Cornelia Sorabji. She was the first BAME woman to qualify as a law graduate from Oxford University. Sorabji moved forward and became a legal professional in both Britain and India.

You may also be interested in learning more about the work we do to support BAME youth through football! Have a look at our “Together in Football” campaign for more information and to register your support.

Gowing Law is proud to have Michael Owen collaborating with our legal firm to promote our services UK-wide. All of our experienced solicitors work hard to ensure that justice is brought to those who need it most. Michael, out of everyone, knows what it is like to be injured during times of great pressure. However, he has always strove to come out on top during difficult moments. That is why he has become a legendary footballer, being awarded the “Balon D’or”, one of the most prestigious achievements a footballer can receive, and potentially being voted as the best footballer in the world.. Michael Owen is a winner and we want to make sure that we provide winning service to anyone who needs our help.

We have now been collaborating with Michael for over four years and have truly enjoyed the journey. Michael is an extremely charismatic individual that is brimming with confidence. We loved having him visit our offices and meeting him in person. That is why we have produced so many advertisements with him as the face of Gowing Law. We look forward to continuing our collaborations in the future.

Gowing Law: Changing the face of legal advertisements

We understand that legal advertising is not the most interesting thing to listen to. Most of the time it can be quite dull listening to facts about accidents at work or car accidents, that’s why we wanted to liven things up. Working with Michael Owen, we were able to use fun facts about his career, such as his injuries, to do some “tongue in cheek” humour. These were mixed with some of the most common claims that we deal with. This includes work accidents, public accidents and traffic accidents. Take a look at two of our viral examples below:

Now, we have sponsored different shows before, such as Botched, but we decided that the best way to go about displaying our services was in a more fun and light-hearted manner. That way our clients can feel confident that not only are we experienced solicitors, but we are sociable individuals that can have a laugh. That’s why our ads quickly became viral and were even displayed on ESPN in America!

With Michael Owen spearheading our projects, Gowing Law couldn’t be prouder of the content that we have created. Not only is it funny, but it shows solicitors in a brand new light. We can have a laugh and let you know the facts without making them sound dull. This is why we are one of the best law firms in the UK. Not only are we extremely approachable, but we can display all the facts of your case in an easy manner to understand.

What do you think of our video campaigns? Let us know in the comments of our YouTube channel! We take all feedback and would love to know what sort of videos you would like to see advertised.

Collaborating with Michael Owen

We would like to take a moment to thank Michael Owen for his support and ideas when it came to the advertisements and campaign. He is a fantastic footballer and completely deserves being known for his kind-hearted nature and open-minded personality. We have truly enjoyed working with a winner like him. Over the last few years, we have collaborated on a number of projects with Michael, however our favourite has been for the good of the younger generation.

Michael Owen is the figurehead and ambassador of our charity foundation. The “Together in Football Foundation” seeks to bring children of all backgrounds to enjoy a game of football in a stadium. Being on a football pitch is a place where every player is equal. Therefore, it is the perfect sport to bring people together and make everlasting friendships.

If you are interested in helping us with this foundation, or want to get involved or get tickets, please click the link above. This will take you to our foundation page where you can find out more information about our charity. Despite the UK being in lockdown, it is clear that football is a sport that simply won’t just go away. So feel free to get in contact about future events and how we are planning to support this charity in the future.

Radio Advertisements Collaboration: Michael Owen & Communicorps

Although Gowing Law Solicitors is currently working remotely, that does not mean we have stopped producing advertisements to spread the word about the services of our lawyers. That is why we have collaborated with Michael Owen and Communicorps to bring you radio adverts that can emphasize Michael’s triumphs in the football field, as well as give you a look into the world of a solicitor. Take a look at our advertising below!

As you can see, we have used the raw passion of football commentators to liven up our advertisements. That way you can feel the same way about collection compensation from an injury claim. Gowing Law Solicitors will always be here to support you in your time of need, just as Michael Owen has supported our advertising campaign. Our lawyers are experienced professionals who will be able to advise you on even the trickiest of cases. Just let us know what you need and we can set up a free consultation. You can also check out our blog page to see more information on different law topics in detail.

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors today for help!

We are a Manchester law firm that can provide help to anyone living in the UK that has suffered from an injury that is not their fault. We can offer you free guidance and consultation sessions. If you do choose to work with us, we work on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means there is no financial risk if you get in contact with us about your case. You will not need to pay any fees if your case is not successful. So, what do you have to lose? We can also offer remote communication if you are isolating or you do not want to go out in public due to Covid-19. We completely understand.

To contact us, feel free to call 0800 041 8350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our direct messaging system on our contact page. One of our specialists will then get in contact with you as quickly as possible. That way we can start getting you the justice you deserve without any delays getting in the way.

We look forward to hearing from you soon about your case.

Gowing Law Solicitors is one of the finest law firms in the UK. We are proud to be fighting legal cases for those who have been injured in accidents that are not their fault. Whether you have been hurt in a personal injury, an accident at work or perhaps a traffic accident, we will always fight to help you get the compensation that you deserve.

We are proud to be working with Michael Owen as the face of our brand. He is a man who overcame the odds and fought back against his injuries. Owen pushed through the pain to become a winner for his team. We want to become the winners for you in your time of need. Put your case in our hands and you will always get an outcome that makes you happy. Even if you do not get a successful outcome, our “no win-no fee” policy will make sure that you do not pay any fees for our services.

Our main aim is to get you the justice and compensation that you deserve. With Michael Owen spearheading our projects, we are confident that we can reach out to everyone who needs our help in the UK.

Four years of collaboration

For the last four years we have had the honour of working with Michael Owen on a wide range of projects. He is a man that brims with confidence and truly is an inspiration to everyone in the office. Check out this video of when he visited us!

Michael shares the same values, passion and drive as the solicitors that work for Gowing Law. As you can see from his twitter page, he is an extremely supportive person and is always ready to help people. He provides the voice and confidence to send our message around the country. That way we can help as many people as possible. UK law can be complicated, that’s why Gowing Law will always be on hand to make sure you understand it, and what sort of compensation you could claim if you have been injured or have become a victim of financial mis-selling.

Although the present day is tense due to the Covid-19 and violent protests, we are confident that we will be able to help you through this difficult time. The same way that football is now coming back to the stadiums, we are still working remotely to help you. Feel free to check out our blog page for more information about UK law and compensation.

Working with Winners: Michael Owen

BT Sport

Gowing Law has always strived for perfection when it comes to working together with our clients. That’s why we collaborate with the best of the best. Michael Owen is known as a the boy wonder of his time. This was because he won the Balon d’or, one of the most prestigious achievements for a footballer, and was voted “the best footballer in the world.” These are no easy feats and Michael Owen should be commended for his contribution to the world of sport as a whole.

Working with Michael has truly been an honour for everyone here at Gowing Law Solicitors. We are proud to have him on our team and to have him as the face of our brand. It is clear our collaboration is set to continue on for many years to come and we are looking forward to what the future holds for our partnership.

Here at Gowing Law, we always strive for excellence. It is only through our actions that we can make the world a better place. Not only do we want to get you justice in the legal system, we want to have an impact on the lives of other people, in particular on the well-being of children.

That is why we have worked hard with Michael Owen to set up the “Together in Football Foundation”. This football foundation brings together children of different backgrounds to enjoy a game of football together in professional stadiums. Everyone is equal on the playing field, making it the perfect place to create lasting friendships and a strong united team spirit. If you are interested in getting involved or have a connection to football venues, please click on the link above for more information. We would love to have as many people as possible involved!

Fun Radio Advertisements: Working together with Michael Owen & Communicorps

We have already collaborated with Michael Owen on a number of commercials in the past. We understand that the world of law is not exactly the most fun topic, however with Michael’s help we have been able to turn personal injury law and traffic accident law topic on their head. Take a look at them below!

Yes, we will admit that our advertisements were a little cheeky. Michael enjoyed our “tongue in cheek” moments and had a lot of fun working with our crew and team to produce these advertisements. That is why we have now taken things a step further and are working with both him and Communicorps to produce radio adverts that will go on a number of famous news stations, like Smooth FM, Heart FM and XS. Make sure to listen out for them! Here’s a sneak preview of them below:

We would like to take a moment to thank Communicorps and Michael Owen for their support and collaboration. We have truly enjoyed working together with them and are confident that we will see many additional successful collaborations in the future.

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors today!

If you have recently been injured, and it was not your fault, Gowing Law’s trained solicitors want to start working together with you. We help people from all over the country get the compensation that they need to recover from their injuries. Gowing Law can offer free consultations and help sessions remotely, just in case you are worried about going out in public as the lockdown eases. We want to help you get back on your feet. So, why not contact us now to see what we can do for you.

Call 0800 041 8350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our direct messaging system on our contact page. We look forward to hearing from you soon.