Jasmine Olomolaiye, partner at national law firm Foot Anstey, discusses the power of reading and the dizzying heights of her dream career
What was your route into the profession?
As a child I read everything, from the back of the breakfast cereal box to a study guide on the modern combustion engine left lying around the house. I liked to deploy the obscure facts I’d gleaned in a good debate, so was often told I should be lawyer—possibly not as a compliment. But I was invited as a teenager to take part in a discussion between local government and the Commission for Racial Equality, and that sparked an interest in the law, both as a product of political will and a safeguard against it.
I studied law at LSE in London, where I had the privilege of being taught by leading academics and of having several international firms on my doorstep. The promise of a huge variety of work and the possibility of an international training seat led me to a magic circle firm, where I ended up spending over a decade working on some of the most fascinating cases with brilliant people and clients.
What has been your biggest career challenge so far?
Much of what I enjoy about my work is the challenge. But coming back from my first maternity leave into COVID lockdowns with nursery closures, and from my second into a rapidly changing sanctions environment as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, taught me a lot about prioritising and learning fast.
Which person within the legal profession inspires you most?
Dame Alison Saunders. I had the enormous privilege of leading several cases with her after she left the Crown Prosecution Service. Alison was the second female to hold the role of Director of Public Prosecutions and is a huge personal inspiration of mine. Not just because of her trailblazing career or her sharp intellect, but because of her unfailingly personable approach and ability to cut through to what really matters to her clients.
She also keeps an enviable collection of shoes.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you choose as an alternate career?
I think I'd like to clean the windows of skyscrapers. Or be a pilot. For a while I was convinced I could join the military and get my pilot's licence. I am hopeless at ironing though, so don’t think my uniform would have been up to standard.
Who is your favourite fictional lawyer?
I don't mind admitting to enjoying the occasional John Grisham novel. Michael Brock or ‘The Street Lawyer’ probably inspired much of my pro bono work.
What change would you make to the profession?
I am a huge supporter of the solicitor apprentice route. We have a scheme here at Foot Anstey, and it’s something I helped to develop at my previous firm. I would like to see a similar route made widely available for young people pursuing a career as a barrister.
How do you relax?
I still read for pleasure. I cycle and enjoy being outdoors chasing a ball (of any shape, but preferably without the need for a racquet). My ideal afternoon would be a game of tag rugby on the beach followed by a BBQ.
Jasmine Olomolaiye is a partner in the investigations and corporate crime team at Foot Anstey.
