Lefty Lawyer

Lefty Lawyer is a book to counter attacks by Boris Johnson (when Prime Minister) and others on ‘lefty lawyers’ just for doing their jobs. Dubbed ‘not A-Level material’ at school, the author worked extra hard to join the legal profession and progressed via posts in the Court Service and local government. She eventually became a key adviser to organizations helping those looking to establish their right to stay in the UK.

Speaking truth to power she rose to found, support and advise campaign bodies and individuals, refusing to be deflected by official rhetoric, colourism and sexism. The book maps her struggle, ‘taking on’ Prime Ministers and authority figures, exemplified by the occasion her invitation to address the Civil Service was withdrawn after failing its ‘due diligence test’ — leaving her to wonder why.

Mixing nostalgia, resilience and the encouragement of friends, black and white, Pauline Campbell highlights the durability of racism in the UK and tells how despite pressures on ‘lefty lawyers’ she has continued to help individuals caught up in UK ‘hostile environment’ strategies.

By an award-winning black woman lawyer. Contains personal examples of modern-day racism. Of special interest to UK Windrush families. A ‘lived’ account of success against the odds.