Connecting Africa’s Skilled Professionals
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Garry Green
I was educated at....
....South Bank University where I studied an LLB Honours degree, having left full time education nearly 10 year earlier; school did not inspire me, I'm afraid! I went on to train to be a barrister at the Inns of Court School of Law which, at the time, was the sole institution offering barrister training.
My first job was....
....as a trainee plumber, a job I started the week after I left school. I really enjoyed the training but my employer, who was a sole trader, mistakenly took my lack of communication but to be a lack of enthusiasm, and we parted company a few short months after I joined.
What I do now is....
....work as a Criminal Barrister at Tooks Chambers, the Chambers of Michael Mansfield QC. I have been practising law for almost 12 years. I thoroughly enjoy my role and take great pride in defending people accused of crimes, irrespective of the seriousness of the offence charged.
Garry Green has been a member of Tooks Chambers since 2002. He specialises in criminal defence and is a committed advocate who is not afraid of advancing his client's case and ensuring proper protection of their interests.
Garry has a strong and varied practice representing clients across a wide spectrum of offences from homicide, firearms and drugs to evasion of customs duty and court martials. His mitigation has won high praise from the bench and has resulted in sentences being substantially reduced where the outcome had been seen as inevitable. He is particularly proud of his appellate court practice which is testament to his tenacious desire to pursue and achieve just outcomes to the end.
Garry is a personable barrister and his approachable manner puts lay clients at ease which fosters a greater relationship of trust and confidence.
Garry has a strong sense of social justice and community and continues to work with grass root agencies and organisations. He has a particular concern for the welfare of young people and voluntarily works for organisations which focus on improving the circumstances and opportunities of young people.
What I learned along the way is....
....that with self-belief and confidence, challenges are made far smaller.
My greatest influence has been....
....understanding the great legacies of African-Caribbean people, which have encouraged me to strive to achieve my own greatness. Knowing that people of African descent had a history which stretched from the first great civilisations on Earth to great inventors in modern times, inspired me to achieve beyond what was, sometimes, expected of me.
The best advice I ever received is....
....'There is no such thing as failure; only stepping stones to success'.
My top tips for succeeding in my career area are....
....be yourself, believe in yourself and be prepared. People of African descent should never be intimidated by the professional career paths we can pursue. I firmly believe that my presence and that of others like me in the legal profession, enriches it and helps to inform it beyond the dominant culture experiences already present.
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