In this article we’re talking with Charlotte Bradbury, Employment lawyer at British Airways. She shares her experiences of getting into the profession, her roles so far, and her specific experiences of working in a law as a trans person and member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Charlotte’s route into law
‘My route to law combines more traditional elements with some random roles! I first started doing work experience via my university, Queen Mary, and volunteered in the legal advice centre while there doing my LLB. I also completed some work experience at The Guardian which I managed to get via meeting the Head of Legal at an Interlaw Diversity Forum. Before qualifying, my first legal job was in BLM in the motor recoveries and insurance department - not my area of interest at all, but great to build up experience! I then started my training contract at JMW in Manchester, a regional firm, and now work as an employment lawyer here at BA in-house. I always imagined myself working in defamation or media law - but found that employment law is far more me. I’m also really interested in aviation, so BA is a perfect fit.’
On Charlotte’s career journey
‘While I’d say my route was fairly traditional, you do often find yourself working in quite random areas in order to get your foot on the ladder. My first role in law was in insurance and motor recoveries, and as someone who still doesn’t drive, it was not a natural fit! But I built up that experience and was able to utilise it to move into other fields more quickly, and it’s all great experience.
Working at BA really beautifully fits my interests in aviation and employment law, but it wasn’t a case of getting straight into this role. Sometimes I had to reject work experience opportunities along the way as they were unpaid, or in London so I couldn’t afford the travel. In all of my career it’s been about maximising opportunities and developing transferable skills. I had a stint in cabin crew along the way, and I used that as an example of my ability to work in high pressure situations, remaining calm for customers - which went down really well in my application for BA!
I found what really helped me at every stage was remembering my values and objectives. When I was at university I naturally assumed I had to follow this path of working for big firms as that’s where they led you, but I found that just didn’t really suit me. Now I’d advise looking really closely at potential firm websites to get a gauge of their culture - for me that’s how they recognise and support LGBTQ+ people - do they have proper DEI initiatives or is it just flying a flag at pride month? All that is really important.’
Her experiences as a trans person and member of the LGBTQ+ community
‘From the beginning I actually found a lot of LGBTQ+ networks to help me progress my career. Even before I started training, I was able to attend events ran by LGBTQ+ Lawyers, the Interlaw Diversity Forum and more - that’s where I met the Head of Legal at The Guardian. You never know what opportunities are out there. I also know that many mentoring programmes offer specific opportunities for LGBTQ+ people, so that’s good to look out for.
I’ve found it’s very important to have role models for LGTBQ+ people, or anyone from a non conventional background. That’s why I do things like speak at webinars and show up online - there weren’t many people out there like me when I was a junior, so I’d love to be that for other trans people and those in the LGBTQ+ community. We need to be visible.
As I said, one thing I always looked for when applying for work experience and training contracts back when I was newer to the profession was firm websites. I’d look and think, how openly are they showing their DEI initiatives? Do I think I’d feel comfortable working there, and feel accepted and supported? That helped me narrow down where I wanted to be.
Allyship is also really important to me - and that’s something particularly relevant for people who don’t necessarily belong to an underrepresented group. If you’re not from a diverse background you still need to be aware of the issues other people face. Your client might be from a diverse background, or your boss might be. For me, the first thing I’m considering when I join a new meeting is will I be comfortable here? One way to work that out is if other attendees show an awareness holistically of DEI issues. If you can show, as an ally, that you have an understanding of the challenges others face generally, that will make a big difference. Ultimately, people want to work with people they feel comfortable with - so be that person.’
Looking for more insight and information?
Charlotte’s experiences came from a webinar we ran in June 2024, where three legal professionals shared their experiences of getting into and progressing in the legal profession. If you would like to hear more from Charlotte, you can watch the full webinar here.
Keen to learn more about diversity in the legal profession? Head to our Access to Law pages for more careers insights and aspiring solicitor experiences.