*APOLOGIES FOR THE NOT-IDEAL SOUND ON THIS EPISODE. It will be good for the next. *
In this episode of 'I Do What I Do',
Zara Bartels chats with Samara Lawrence and Keya Advani, Co-Founders of Sistren Legal Collective. They share their journeys into law and their diverse backgrounds, the importance of creating a supportive space for marginalised communities, the concept of community lawyering, challenges within traditional law firms, and their efforts to make legal support more accessible with the values they aim to instil through their legal practice.
Ultimately, reflecting on the legacies they wish to leave behind and the values that guide their work. And of course, our 'Lipton Tea Time', where they answer some of life's important questions. 😁
MEET MY GUESTS ...
KEYA ADVANI
Community Lawyer-activist-writer-parent and Co-Founder of Sistren Legal Collective. Born and raised in India, Keya’s journey into law began at the intersection of feminism and human rights. Early in her career, she worked with inspiring lawyers in India, Jamaica and the US who showed me different ways to use the law as a powerful tool for justice. Keya became a lawyer because she felt passionate about using the law to help people access their rights and stand up against injustice.
Keya co-founded Sistren as a way to create a community of lawyers committed to working in partnership with minoritised communities and grassroots organisations to fight for equity and systemic change. Outside of Sistren, Keya is the Director of Programmes and Policy at the Global Alliance of Impact Lawyers, a community of legal leaders who are using their careers to have a positive impact on people and the planet.
Connect with Keya on Instagram (@keyadvani) and Sistren Legal Collective (@sistrenlc) or LinkedIn.
SAMARA LAWRENCE
A Community Lawyer & Tag Rugby Enthusiast is a Co-Founder of Sistren Legal Collective. As a non-profit lawyer with a passion for supporting organisations that advocate for social and racial justice, she also works as the Deputy General Counsel at Oxfam, supporting the organisation globally on its legal, campaigning, and regulatory matters.
Her focus through Sistren is to create a community of lawyers who work in solidarity with the organisations and causes that they feel most passionately about. They are also trying to improve access to lawyers and develop a model of community lawyering that better suits the needs of community organisations.
Connect with Samara on Instagram (@samara.lawrence) and Sistren Legal Collective (@sistrenlc) or LinkedIn.
TAKEAWAYS
Creating a supportive space for marginalised lawyers is essential.
Community lawyering focuses on proactive engagement with clients.
Empathy is a crucial skill for effective legal practice.
Building relationships with communities enhances legal work.
Success in legal work can come from collaboration and support.
Maintaining balance is important for mental well-being.
Values alignment is key to fulfilling work.
Leaving a meaningful legacy is a personal journey.
Connection to community enriches professional experiences.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to 'I Do What I Do'
00:32 Meet Samara and Keya
01:27 Samara's Journey to Law
02:30 Keya's Journey to Law
04:48 Challenges in Traditional Law Firms
07:23 The Concept of Community Lawyering
09:38 Building Community Connections
11:35 Creating the Community Legal Toolkit
16:06 Personal Backgrounds and Influences
21:14 Nerding Out on Law
25:26 How We Lawyer at Sistren
31:36 Recent Successes and Wins
35:30 Understanding Contextual Challenges
36:09 The Importance of Reading and Solidarity
37:08 Balancing Work and Personal Life
39:14 Maintaining Sanity and Personal Interests
42:22 Legacy and Values
45:29 Legal Legacy and Future Plans
48:42 Lipton Tea Time
57:23 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude