Today’s IWD focus is Blessing Mukosha Park.
Blessing is currently a Probationary Tenant accepting instructions across chambers’ main practice areas. Prior to joining chambers she completed a civil law pupillage at a specialist Set with a focus on Property, Commercial and Company Law.
What made you decide to pursue a career in Law?
“I wanted to have a career that I could shape for myself and build a name for myself based on merit. I have always been inspired by entrepreneurial and independent career women. Although there were no Lawyers in my family before me, I was inspired by the ability to be the first one and be a good example for highly aspirational women.”
What area of law were you drawn to?
“Property and commercial work have always been a big interest to me. I studied History and Politics which introduced me to how struggles over land, power and money have shaped modern law and politics. Following those threads naturally led me to work where people seek to vindicate their rights over land, property and money!”
How did your career begin?
“I think my career really began after university when I started the GDL. That was when I started to interact with chambers properly, participate in moots as a Law Student and became a Director of the School Exclusion Project. I started to work on my own cases and get an idea of what a career as a barrister would look like.”
How has working in the legal services field changed?
“It has, thankfully, become much more diverse. As someone who has always been a creative person, I wasn’t always sure how a traditional career like the Bar would suit me. But with more diverse minds and points of view at the Bar than ever – someone like me can feel part of the future of the profession. I also feel that the ethnic diversity has been a great development: I am proud to be a role model for black girls who never saw themselves as a barrister.”
What advice would you give females who wish to embark on a legal career?
“Focus on yourself. Relationships can be great if they support you – but a supportive partner is a rare find. It’s okay to be single and focused on yourself in the early stages of your career. A secure partner will never feel threatened by your potential and success, but someone who is wrong for you will make it hard for you to thrive. Give yourself the space and freedom to follow your dreams. Be fearless, trust yourself and learn to be comfortable being alone sometimes.”
Who are some of your role models?
“My Mum firstly because she gave me the blueprint to be a successful self-employed businesswoman. As a musician I am inspired by artists and creatives like Onika Maraj who has pushed her way to the top of a tough male dominated industry and become the most successful Female Rapper of all time. Any woman who has made a name for herself independently is iconic to me.”
