Black History Month 2026 celebrates the achievements, contributions and history of Black people in Britain. This year’s theme is “Honouring Our Communities”. To mark the event, Oluwapelumi Amanda Adeola of Trinity Chambers asked colleagues from across the law what BHM means to them. Here she speaks to Shanice Edwards-Smith
Shanice Edwards-Smith, Edwards Duthie Shamash
As the first point of contact for many clients, how do you build trust with individuals who may already feel apprehensive about the legal system?
Clients who feel apprehensive about the legal system may have had negative experiences, either directly or through people close to them. As a result, they may feel unheard, anxious, suspicious, or worried that the system will let them down.
In addition, navigating the legal system as a lay person can feel overwhelming and unfamiliar.
Building trust, which is essential, takes time and consistency. I focus on the following steps when engaging with clients:
- Listen actively so clients feel heard and understood.
- Explain matters clearly, including the available options, so clients can make informed decisions.
- Manage expectations by giving clear, practical advice about likely outcomes and next steps.
- Be reliable and consistent, following through on commitments and keeping clients updated.
What advice would you give aspiring advocates who want to serve their communities through family law?
My advice to such advocates would be to pursue this valuable area if you feel genuinely passionate about helping and supporting families during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.
Although it may sound clichéd, family law is “emotionally demanding”. To support clients effectively, practitioners need empathy, genuine commitment and resilience, particularly because every client’s circumstances, needs and experiences are different.
Do you consider your work as a family lawyer contributes to strengthening and protecting communities?
Yes, I firmly believe that my work and that of all family lawyers plays a huge role in strengthening and protecting our communities. Family law involves supporting individuals and families at some of the most difficult points in their lives, and clear, compassionate legal advice can help them make informed decisions and access the protection they need.
Representation within the legal profession also plays an important role in creating a fair, effective and empathetic legal system. Through my work, I aim to help build public trust in both the profession and the wider legal system by ensuring clients feel heard, respected and fully supported.
Oluwapelumi Amanda Adeola is a barriter at Trinity Chambers and a member of Resolution’s EDI committee
Read the full article in The Review
