More years ago, than I would like to admit to, I was interviewed at the TV Edwards office, on the Mile End Road, for an interview for a paralegal role. I was offered the job and began my career in criminal law. The opportunities I would be given at the firm excited me and I could hardly wait to being working there.

It was the start of a wonderful learning curve, and I say with modesty, that I have grown into a very able and talented solicitor.

Around the same time, I also began what was a very personal journey. The fact of the matter is, I am a gay man. I had long suspected that I might be gay, and never quite felt like I had fully fitted in anywhere, meaning that I had not been able to come to terms with my own sexuality.

TV Edwards was an easy place to make friends and many of those I became friends with, will remain so for life. I had the good fortune to work with others from LGBTQ+ community and developed close ties to them too.

The firm has always had a caring Human Resources team, who I have always felt close to. The firm has a sense of community. The staff are warm and kind, which goes a long way towards creating a safe place to work.

I have never felt judged at TV Edwards and have always felt like I can be myself.

As my career progressed my personal life also changed. I came to terms with my sexuality. The first two people I came out to were two of my colleagues. They were supportive. I recall feeling a huge sense of relief. At TV Edwards, I have always felt comfortable talking about myself openly and free of judgment. It turned out that after all nobody at work cared whether I was gay or not. I will be eternally grateful to TV Edwards as in its own ways, gave me the opportunity to grow in confidence and become the very happy I am.

One of my greatest passions is representing members of the LGBTQ+ community. It is fair to say that anybody requiring my representation is on the wrong end of the law and in need of legal advice and representation. Often members of the community can feel marginalised in society, possibly have little or no family support, have a history of mental health problems, physical health issues or issues with addiction. LGBTQ+ client’s, in my experience, can find it more difficult to have trust in a society in comparison with other types of clients. I enjoy earning and building their trust. As a gay man myself, I can relate to LGBTQ+ client’s and that is important. It has been a privilege to represent clients from all walks of life. I have always felt a sense of accomplishment when I have achieved a good result for a client from the LGBTQ+ community. The case which stands out the most clearly in my mind is where a transexual client was terrified that they would be sent to prison. With careful mitigation they were not sent to prison and now live a good and happy life.

I have had my own journey, and in many ways, TV Edwards has been a part of that. I hope that I can help others on their own journeys.