REPRESENTATION MATTERS
We are the leading provider of race and retention trainings within the legal sector in the UK and Germany.
Our programmes address the key retention and inclusion challenges and maximise awareness through relevant and
industry-specific content.
We work with:
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We have 5 STAR Reviews on TrustPilot!
Here's what they're saying
Vanessa raised some interestingpoints about what diversity and inclusion are, what it really means and how we can all help promote this in our firm. I would thoroughly enjoy more sessions hosted by Vanessa as I believe these are important conversations that we need to bring about the change we need in the profession and the firm.
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- Trainee, Shoosmiths
Vanessa has been my coach for about three months, and she has helped me re-evaluate my way of thinking. As a woman of mixed ethnicity on a journey to becoming a lawyer myself, I know the challenges awaiting me and often fear them. But, Vanessa has been a source of insight in overcoming those fears.
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- Lawyer, Mishcon De Reya
Vanessa is incredibly engaging and has time for all of her clients. She really listens and
takes time to understand their unique needs. Her presentational skills are fantastic. A very inspiring individual!
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- Litigation Associate, Stewarts
Vanessa was a confident, friendly and very informed speaker who was very approachable and created an open environment for discussion/questions.
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- Trainee, Shoosmiths
It was interesting to hear about D&I from someone within the industry and with similar experiences, i.e. trainee/associate.
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- Trainee, Shoosmiths
Vanessa was engaging and made it personal and interesting.
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- Trainee, Shoosmiths
Vanessa does an excellent job in stating in simple terms the true meaning of diversity. As a mixed-race individual myself it makes me so pleased to have someone like Vanessa at the forefront of creating more diversity within the legal profession as she is someone you want to listen to. I have attended her webinars which are engaging, fun and brilliantly presented.
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- In-House Barrister, CWJ
As a woman working in the commercial legal field, Vanessa has been an exceptional coach for me throughout the years. Her knowledge about diversity and inclusion is incredibly extensive and has been so valuable to me in my career. Not only that, but she is also a super friendly, engaging, enthusiastic and confident individual and I thoroughly enjoy our conversations!
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- Associate, Walkers
Vanessa was so honest and open with her experiences and this allowed the group to feel more comfortable sharing theirs. She was non-judgemental and made everyone feel at ease during the session allowing it to be very collaborative and positive. Vanessa changed my perspective on life coaching as I now understand how useful it is to have.
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- Trainee, Shoosmiths
I appreciated the caveats around language to stress that "diverse" does not always mean ethnically different and can encompass other traits e.g. not having attended an Oxbridge or Russell group university. Really enjoyed the session.
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- Trainee, Shoosmiths
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I enjoyed most the discussion about appreciating different points of view and trying to understand why someone
holds such beliefs.
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- Trainee, Shoosmiths
Hearing the experiences of others. Without a dedicated forum, some of the views, ideas and experiences would never be heard by some individuals particularly due to being based in different office locations. In some locations, there is a distinct lack of "diversity".
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- Trainee, Shoosmiths
Really good coaching tips and open and honest conversation
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- Trainee, Shoosmiths
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"Yes, billable hours matter, but so does your network" - I enjoyed the section on 3 ways to strengthen your network.
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- Trainee, Shoosmiths
I enjoyed learning from Vanessa's own experiences.
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- Trainee, Shoosmiths
Really good coaching tips and open and honest conversation
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- Trainee, Shoosmiths
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I enjoyed learning from Vanessa's own experiences.
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- Trainee, Shoosmiths
"Yes, billable hours matter, but so does your network" - I enjoyed the section on 3 ways to strengthen your network.
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- Trainee, Shoosmiths
Vanessa was so honest and open with her experiences and this allowed the group to feel more comfortable sharing theirs. She was non-judgemental and made everyone feel at ease during the session allowing it to be very collaborative and positive. Vanessa changed my perspective on life coaching as I now understand how useful it is to have.
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- Hiba El-Berjawi
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Vanessa is a fantastic coach - engaging, knowledgeable and practical. Her legal background ensures her sessions are insightful and tailored to the challenges individuals face in the legal sector. Her passion for her subject matter is clear to see and her sessions are motivational and inspiring.
- Claire Williamson
Co-founder and Director
Leading Minds
Great presenter and
very knowledgeable
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Vanessa is very engaging and is well versed on diversity and ethnic topics. She brings a new way of thinking which is challenging but also allows you to learn a lot. I would highly recommend attending her sessions!
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- Supply Chain Program Manager, Amazon
A fantastic business coach with a wealth of relevant skills
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From my firsthand experiences with Vanessa, she is extremely passionate and committed to the work she does as a coach, and her plans and practical steps to drive forward the diversity agenda in her field. Vanessa has always been personally invested in addressing the race related challenges in the legal sector and trying to improve the plight of ethnic minority individuals in her industry. Her communication and presentation style is excellent, engaging and eloquent. She brings with her both the legal expertise and a warm personality, instantly approachable and with a natural ability to interact with people from all backgrounds. Vanessa carries herself with an admirable confidence and this transfers into her business coaching. She is a pleasure to work with.
- Folarera Soyoye
Investment Manager at Lloyd’s of London
Vanessa is a hugely talented individual with a real passion for what she does. Vanessa brings her full self to her practice and fully lives her individual philosophy everyday. I have worked with Vanessa in a corporate environment and even during challenging moments, she remains cool, calm and collected whilst always delivering a great result for her and her team. In particular, Vanessa is an eloquent and engaging speaker who can effectively communicate a message in a clear and concise manner. She is also incredibly knowledgeable in relation to race, diversity, and women's rights, particularly in relation to the corporate legal environment.
As a friend, I highly value Vanessa's counsel and guidance, which has been incredibly valuable to me.
- Associate, Fried Frank
Great session - informative and open
Vanessa was very open and honest in the session. I felt like I learnt a lot, particularly with regard to the language she used around diversity and inclusion. I have left the session feeling more confident to speak up and celebrate the differences of colleagues in my organisation.
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- Jessica
Trainee, Shoosmiths
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Vanessa is passionate, engaging, smart, professional and a genuinely nice person who, on top of everything, is brave enough to dive into this venture. I can only recommend Vanessa. She can teach the world how to be and act better. Keep it up, Vanessa! And all of us who have had the pleasure to meet you will watch in awe.
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- Managing Associate
City Law Firm
Vanessa was a really engaging and honest host and made the group feel comfortable to share their thoughts and questions. I wouldn't hesitate to book onto any future session she was hosting.
- Trainee, Shoosmiths
I enjoyed getting a better perspective on the different challenges that others from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds may experience in the legal profession.
- Trainee, Shoosmiths
Practical advice on how to be a better ally and go beyond awareness.
- Trainee, Shoosmiths
Important session - direct
and friendly
Vanessa is a confident speaker who tackles difficult topics, which need to be spoken about, in a direct, open and friendly manner. She opens the floor to have these conversations in a comfortable and safe environment. Would highly recommend!
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Bhavisha Odedra,
-Trainee, Shoosmiths
How informative it was with the statistics, this made it really interesting. Also, Vanessa is really engaging in the way she presents.
- Trainee, Shoosmiths
I think the statistics are particularly captivating and provide a true example of how much change needs to be driven across law firms.
- Trainee, Shoosmiths
Testimonials from individuals
who have worked with Vanessa 1:1
Attendee of Career Management Workshop
