Law graduate Tunde Okewale narrowly missed out on a National Diversity Award
Date: 2 September 2014
Law graduate Tunde Okewale attributes a great deal of his success to his education at London Metropolitan University.
Tunde recently missed out on the Positive Role Model Award at this year’s National Diversity Awards. Tunde was shortlisted for the category despite over 21,000 nominations to the awards.
“It is such an honour to be shortlisted,” he said. “I think the awards are very good because it shines the spotlight on people who would otherwise be overlooked. It gives ordinary people the opportunity to get recognition for the extraordinary work they do.”
Tunde was raised in a council estate in Hackney, East London, and still spends a huge amount of his free time working for community projects in the city. He was the first person in his family to go to university.
“I found the multicultural student body at London Met very enriching, as it allowed me to develop my interpersonal skills which I have gone on to use in my professional role as a barrister,” said Tunde.
Influential support
Even though Tunde didn’t take home the big prize, he has strong high-profile support behind him.
Former Mayor of Southwark Althea Smith said: “Tunde is an outstanding example of dedication, altruism and commitment to the community. He is an exemplary illustration of someone who has never forgotten his humble beginnings and always shared his education, skills, resources and accomplishments with the disadvantaged, apathetic and unpopular.”
Edward Fitzgerald QC OBE, joint head of Doughty Street Chambers, said: “Tunde Okewale is a committed, highly professional and very able advocate. He is a man of great integrity, with good communication skills and fine personal qualities. He is much respected by his colleagues here in chambers and by myself. He is an excellent public speaker as well as being a first rate court room advocate.”
Lord Michael Hastings of Scarrisbrick OBE said: “Tunde represents the best of public legal defence at a time when resources are being squeezed and the value questioned. His inbuilt integrity and perceptive intelligence are fundamental characteristics that distinguish him as a barrister and that underline his passionate advocacy for justice and the fair society we all crave. Tunde is a man of wholehearted trustworthiness and the vision to pursue significant goals with reliable determination.”
Impressive trophy cabinet
During his successful career Tunde has gone on to receive many awards and accolades.
He was chosen Junior Chamber of International London Ten Outstanding Young People Award 2013, shortlisted for Young Legal Aid Barrister of the Year 2012, awarded with O2 Think Big award for his work with Urban Lawyers 2012, and featured in the Lawyer monthly publication for the barrister awards as the young barrister of the year 2012.
Law at London Met
If you want to find out more about studying law at London Met, check out our law courses on our website.
More information is available from Ida-Sofia Aari on 0207 133 2464 or i.aari@londonmet.ac.uk
