EDUCATION

Akil Hunte’s journey into law started at Nottingham Trent University, where he graduated with a high 2:1 degree in Law. Whilst here, he was regarded as “exceptionally talented after receiving the Freshfields’ Stephen Lawrence Scholarship”. He went on to make history in the school by receiving the Dean’s Award for two consecutive years. Outside of his study, he represented thousands of other students as their law school representative and student trustee.

LEGAL CAREER

Akil gained his law degree in 2018, followed by a post-graduate degree in law in 2021, officially qualifying as a lawyer in 2023. Since then he has worked in many roles, including as an Anti-Piracy Paralegal for The Walt Disney Company, Leadership and Culture Consultant at CEL Solicitors, and a Legal and Business Affairs Executive for PPL. He carried out work placements at Stephenson Harwood LLP, Brecher LLP, Aardvark Planning Law, and the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, as well as for financial brands Nationwide, and Goldman Sachs. He is currently a consultant for Maxilla City CIC.

Whilst at University, he co-founded The New Black Society, a society that aims to bring together like-minded students with a progressive mentality to succeed in the face of adversity. In 2020, he founded the LinkedIn Skills For Lawyers programme designed to help people use LinkedIn better.

His work in the legal industry has seen him been awarded a number of accolades, including the ‘rising star’ at the Legal 500 ESG Awards 2024, and being shortlisted for the same award at the Foundervine Changemaker Awards 2023.

COMMUNITY WORK

On top of his legal work, Akil is deeply committed to supporting African Caribbean communities, vulnerable groups, underrepresented groups, and low-income households. He has held leadership and consulting roles for Aspire Education Group, CEL Solicitors, and the University of Chester on race, culture, diversity, and ethnicity.

He is a proficient volunteer, working for ICS, Crisis, and the Manhood Academy, as well as involving himself in entrepreneurial programs such as Foundervine’s Diverse Founders Programme.

Akil is also a spoken word poet, and has been involved in projects aimed at amplifying creative voices, and championing black communities. He has also set up “Destined For Greatness” a community initiative in his local area regarding the Grenfell Tower Fire.

MEDIA

Akil’s work in the law world, community groups, and not-for-profits have been featured in national and local platforms such as Portobello Radio and BBC Radio London, as well as the Legally Speaking Podcast, and Everyday Leadership Podcast. Since 2023, he has hosted the Leading Your Legacy Podcast, which amplifies authentic and inspiring stories from value-driven leaders.

In 2020, Akil released his first e-book, Unlocking Yourself After Lockdown: A Practical Guide Designed to Help You Thrive, which helped to support hundreds of young professionals to unlock their potential after the COVID pandemic.

As a spoken word poet, Akil has been involved in many creative community projects, including for a UK Collective Music and Visual Project looking to amplify creative voices in the black community. His work in this field has seen him secure community support from brands such as City Career Series, Gapwiz, GLL, Kurt Geiger, Laderach, Nandos, and Pizza Express.

CORPORATE WORK

Akil’s expertise in the legal and diversity industries has seen him become a very popular keynote speaker, and he has since spoken at schools, colleges, universities, conferences, and law firms across the UK and internationally.

KEYNOTE TALKS

Value-Based Leadership: In this talk, Akil explains the fundamental principles that can help to create value-based leaders in your organisation, and how to develop these traits.

Creating a Champion Mindset to Achieve Ambitious Goals: Amongst everything Akil has gone through, he appreciates the importance of having a fortified mind in navigating personal and professional obstacles. He helps to put perspective on how organisations can discover how they can unleash the full potential of their workforce.

Networking Effectively and Organically: There were no other law professionals in his family, and so Akil had to find out the answers for himself. He developed a practical set of skills and tools that allowed him to develop his network effectively, while still being true to his authentic self.

Bridging the Gap Between Gen Z and Leadership: Akil has experienced firsthand the challenges of leadership engaging with Gen Z employees. He grew up at the cusp of being a Gen Z and a millennial, and he has had to advocate for the perspectives of Gen Z students. He helps senior leadership teams to understand the mindset of Gen Z to improve chances of retention.

Building Confidence In Identity at Work: Building confidence in his identity in the workplace was challenging for Akil. In this talk he explains how the challenges he navigated in his childhood, and early adult life helped to shape his identity now.

How Social Mobility, Diversity, and Inclusion Creates a Better Workforce: As a working class, black law student and entrepreneur, Akil is far from a typical lawyer. He has a plethora of experience navigating discussions on ethnicity, race, and social mobility in a professional space.

Akil has provided keynote speeches for a range of organisations and events, such as:

– NTU Law Society Networking Dinner

– Workshop on the importance of networking and resilience in law for the University of Manchester’s Public Legal Educational Conference

– University of Chester discussing his journey as a black man

– Stephen Lawrence Day event

– Events at the University of Roehampton Law School, Commercial Law Society Edinburgh, and the BPP Commercial Awareness Society on his journey into law as a black man

– St Charles Catholic Six Form College

– Alumni Fellowship Welcome Event at Nottingham Trent University

Akil has also sat on a range of panels, including:

– Black Equity Origination: on shaping the future of black Britain

– Prabhaav Global: generational challenges to cultural intelligence

– Enterprise GC: supporting Gen Z in the workplace

– Young Professionals: 1,500 students in a law work experience workshop

– Protect Accent: Black History Month event about ‘young black voices’

– #IssaMovement: discussed whether black Brits should return to the motherland – alongside fellow Great British Speaker Shaun Flores

– Flyover Network at Vodafone HQ

– Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scheme Insight Day

Companies, brands, and educational establishments Akil has worked with include BPP University Law School, BT, Clyde & Co, Commercial Law Academy, Crisis, Foundervine,LinkedIn, Manhood Academy, Nationwide, NRG Lawyers, NTSU, SOAS Law, St Charles Catholic Sixth Form College, the University of Chester, the University of Roehampton, and Vodafone.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book diversity speaker and lawyer Akil Hunte for your next live event.

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