In this inspiring conversation, Lucy Barnes shares her personal journey from growing up in the care system to her current role as a pupil barrister and founder of Lawyers who Care—the UK’s first organisation creating mentoring and paid work experience for care experienced aspiring lawyers.

Lucy talks candidly about overcoming adversity, the importance of high expectations for care experienced young people, and how her background has cultivated skills essential for a career in law: resilience, resourcefulness, and self-advocacy. She reflects on moving beyond survival mode to making systemic change, championing the idea that care leavers not only belong in law—they have unique strengths to enrich the profession.

[00:01:32] Lucy’s Background and Journey

• Lucy shares her story of entering care at 13, her experiences, and how her academic potential was first recognized by her foster family.

[00:06:15] Expectations and the Importance of Belief

• Discussion about how having someone with high expectations made a difference, especially her foster dad and supportive teachers.

[00:09:19] Nurturing Self-Belief

• Lucy explains creative ways she maintained hope, such as recording videos to her future self.

[00:13:00] From Barrister to Advocate & Founder

• What motivated Lucy to step into advocacy, found Lawyers Who Care, and publicly discuss her experience.

[00:17:40] Belonging in the Legal Profession

• Exploration of what “belonging” means in law and the need for structural change for care-experienced people.

[00:22:10] Trauma Awareness in Law

• The importance of trauma awareness, understanding behaviors, and the impact on clients and colleagues.

[00:24:26] Resilience in the Legal Profession

• How Lucy’s resilience developed, and what it means for her in daily legal practice.

[00:26:33] Most Affirming Moment

• Lucy talks about the affirming experience of launching Lawyers Who Care.

[00:30:30] Advice for Young People in Care Considering Law

• Lucy gives advice, emphasizing that law is for everyone and to embrace uniqueness.

[00:33:20] Advice for Leaders: Concrete Steps for Inclusion

• Lucy shares steps leaders can take to make workplaces more accessible for care-experienced people.

[00:36:13] Wrap-Up and Reflections

Thanks for listening—and keep nurturing your own ambitions with authenticity and hope.

Connect with Ruth:

Instagram

LinkedIn 

Website