Today we are highlighting Chelsea Sparks as part of our IWD campaign.
Chelsea is a qualified New York Attorney and practising barrister. Over the years, she has been exposed to a mixture of civil law; however, the main focus of her practice is now property and commercial law. She undertakes both oral and written advocacy, providing advice and drafting, and she is regularly instructed in the County Court.
What made you decide to pursue a career in Law?
“I’ve always had a strong sense of right and wrong and enjoyed an interesting debate. When I was 8, my uncle, who was a police officer at the time, asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up. My uncle said he thought I would make a good barrister because I always had an answer for everything. After he told me what a barrister did, I thought it sounded brilliant. The more I learned about the role, the traditions and the training, the more I knew it would be a career that would challenge and interest me long term. I’m yet to be disappointed!”
What area of law were you drawn to?
“Initially I was drawn to criminal law because of how interesting the cases and circumstances can be, but after getting some experience in that area, whilst I enjoyed it, I realised it was not for me.
Property law soon became the front runner for me, which is unsurprising as I was the only person who enjoyed the Land Law module at university. That interest grew and stuck with me all the way through until now.”
How did your career begin?
“I had an ‘untraditional’ route to the Bar. The same week I graduated from my law degree was the same week I began working as a clerk in Temple. I then began studying part-time for the New York Bar and I eventually qualified as a New York attorney. Once qualified as an attorney, I transferred to the Bar of England and Wales.”
How has working in the legal services field changed?
“In the almost ten years since I began working in the legal sector, there has certainly been a shift in attitude towards women. It is no longer a surprise when a female barrister attends court or is dealing with a case; whereas, when I first worked as a paralegal I didn’t meet a single female barrister outside of a family law setting.”
What advice would you give females who wish to embark on a legal career?
“Perseverance and confidence are key. Whilst the legal sector has come on leaps and bounds in terms of equality, diversity and inclusion, it would be naive of me to say that inequality has been completely eradicated at the Bar.
Be confident to walk into a room, often dominated by men, and own your voice and your space. You deserve to be there just as much as anyone else.”
Who are some of your role models?
“I’ve never really had any role models as I think everyone’s path is completely unique, but there are several women with fascinating legal careers who I find particularly inspirational, including Lady Hale and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.”
