Cardiff alumna sworn in as Queen's Counsel

A School of Law and Politics alumna has been sworn in as a new Queen's Counsel (QC) for 2022.

Nneka Akudolu was sworn in as a QC this March, joining a select group of law practitioners, appointed by the monarch. A QC is a senior barrister or solicitor who is considered to be an expert in their field, leading on complex cases which demand great experience and expertise.

Nneka graduated from our Law and Politics programme (LLB) in 2001, followed by the Bar Vocational Course (BVC) in 2002 but her legal journey began with an Access to Legal Studies course at Tower Hamlets College, London. Designed for students who had been away from education for a period of time, the course was perfect for Nneka who had left school without any A-levels.

Following the Access course, Nneka chose Cardiff University due to the friendliness of the people she met there and the cost of living being considerably less than in her hometown. Whilst halfway through her degree, Nneka gave birth to her daughter but continued with her studies, realising that pursuing a career at the Bar was a realistic option for her. Following completion of the BVC, Nneka secured pupillage at 5 King’s Bench Walk and has been a practicing criminal Barrister ever since.

Explaining the process of becoming a QC, Nneka said, “The application process takes about a year. The competition opens in March and candidates have roughly five weeks to complete a very labour-intensive application form. In the form, you name 12 important cases that you have been involved in within the last three years and you must name up to 36 referees, that include Judges, fellow Barristers, and solicitors who have instructed you.”

Nneka opted to begin her application early, taking time to draft information that would eventually be included in the form, from December of the previous year.

“If you are fortunate enough to be invited for an interview, those take place in September/October, and successful candidates are notified by email in December - so it’s an email that can really make or break your Christmas!”

As a QC specialising in criminal law, Nneka will typically be prosecuting and defending in the most serious cases that are dealt with in the Crown and Appellate courts. Nneka is one of only seven Black female QCs in the UK.

She said, “Becoming a QC is an enormous achievement in itself. I fully appreciated that my appointment would be very important in terms of visibility because there is a woeful lack of diversity especially in respect of black females in leadership roles at the Bar. I would hope that others from diverse backgrounds or who have faced particular obstacles will see my achievements and recognise that the Bar is not only an inclusive profession, but one where they can excel.”

“I would like to enjoy a few years as a QC and may consider applying to become a Judge in due course. I have already spoken of the lack of diversity in senior and leadership roles, and feel I have a responsibility to do something about that when the time is right. It will only be when those of us who are suitably qualified and apply for Judicial positions, that others from non-traditional backgrounds will have the confidence to do the same.”

Nneka is based at 2 Hare Court, London and works regularly with vulnerable defendants and witnesses and those charged with historic allegations of a sexual nature. She also defends and prosecutes individuals charged with murder, large scale drug trafficking and firearms offences. Away from the Crown Court, Nneka has a wealth of experience in Military Law and has represented members of the armed forces and their dependents in Court Martial proceedings.  Her military work covers a wide range of offences including serious violence and rape.