Black lawyer says people mistook her for a defendant three times in one day at court

Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has apologised to a Black barrister after she tweeted about court staff mistaking her for a defendant three times in the course of one day.

Alexandra Wilson, a Black defence barrister who specialises in criminal and family law, shared her story of being seemingly racially profiled while at work.

In a series of tweets, Wilson outlined her version of events, saying she arrived at court and was instantly presumed to be a defendant by the security guard.

After informing him that she was actually a barrister, he waved her through and she went to speak to her client.

But later, upon going to chat with the prosecutor, a member of the public mistook her for a journalist and couldn’t enter.

After Wilson corrected them, she was mistaken again for a defendant by a fellow lawyer who patronizingly told her to wait outside until she was called for her case.

To top it all off, as Wilson finally was about to speak to the prosecutor, the legal clerk at the court once more mistook her for a defendant.

“I walked towards the prosecutor, ready to have our conversation,” Wilson recounted.

“Before I got there the clerk, VERY loudly, told me to leave the courtroom and said the usher would be out shortly. Before I could respond she then asked if I was represented."

“I, again, explained that I am a defence barrister trying to speak to the prosecutor. She looked at me, said “oh right, ok” and continued with what she was doing”.

Although Wilson was able to proceed with her work eventually, the multiple incidents of profiling had a serious impact.

“This really isn’t ok though,” she finished.

“I don’t expect to have to constantly justify my existence at work”.

And quickly, other Black members of the legal profession began sharing stories of racism they’d run into during the course of their work.

“Stop looking for burning crosses and the n-word as indicators,” wrote Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, about the issue.

“This is why #BlackLivesMatter. We can’t keep having to justify we belong”.

Wilson was also issued an apology by the head of HMCTS for the way she was treated, with an investigation launched into the incidents after the barrister launched a formal complaint.

While Wilson thanked people for their support, she also said the experience highlighted how prevalent biased attitudes are in the legal system – and how every person attending court needs respect, no matter what capacity they’re there in.

Looks like there’s a long way to go to solve this issue…