Fatima Ismail was called to the Bar in 2023 by Gray’s Inn. She has invested her time to support various aspects of the Inn’s Education programme including as Griffin Director (the Inn’s pro bono programme advancing social mobility at the Bar) and supporting Outreach (with University Open Days and tours at the Inn).
She was awarded the Prince of Wales Scholarship and Residential Scholarship (Bar Course scholarships) and an Ann Goddard Scholarship (a pupillage scholarship) from Gray’s to support her career to the Bar.
Fatima is a Pupil Barrister at 1 Kings Bench Walk and is developing a practice in family law.
“My first interaction with Gray’s Inn was at a University Advocacy Day during the final year of my undergraduate degree. I found Gray’s to be a welcoming, supportive and developmental environment.
I applied for a Bar course scholarship the following year and have been fortunate enough to have received support from the Inn throughout both the Bar course and pupillage. Without this support, I would not have been able to pursue a career at the Bar.
I hope to continue working with the Inn in the years to come, to support others and in particular, those who come from a non-traditional background in gaining access to the Bar.”
- Extended Bio
Fatima Ismail joined 1KBW as a Pupil in October 2023.
Prior to commencing pupillage, Fatima worked with a specialist family law team dealing mainly with high-net worth clients. Whilst at that firm, she also assisted the commercial litigation team with a case involving a large public entity operating in the Middle East.
Fatima also previously worked as a Judicial Assistant to Sir Nicholas Mostyn in the Family Division of the High Court of England and Wales.
She is heavily involved with Bridging the Bar, a charity aimed at enhancing social mobility at the Bar. This involvement began when Fatima was awarded a place on the first internship programme at the UK Supreme Court, where Fatima spent time with Lord Lloyd Jones. Fatima continues to be involved in the capacity of a Pod Leader and Mentor to other students.