Tinessa Kaur, has made a remarkable journey from homelessness to becoming a celebrated barrister. This is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to justice and community service.
She is the first Sikh woman to be named Young Pro-Bono Barrister of the Year, one of the most prestigious accolades in the legal profession, as reported by the BBC. At 32, Kaur's journey to this achievement is both inspiring and remarkable.
Kaur's early life was fraught with challenges. Her father left when she was young, and in 2009, at the age of 17, she found herself homeless and exposed to the dangers of the streets, including gang violence, while completing her A-Levels. By the time she finished school in 2010, her father was in prison.
Seeking refuge and support, Kaur moved to Greenford, West London, where she was embraced by the Sikh community. Despite these significant obstacles, her determination never faltered. She pursued a law degree and proudly graduated in 2013 before completing her Bar studies. In 2019, her hard work paid off when she was called to the Bar. Four years later, in 2023, she secured Pupillage at the age of 32.
Kaur's commitment to serving others has been evident throughout her journey. She dedicated her free time to offering legal assistance to underserved communities, driven by her passion for justice and human rights. As a Pupil Barrister and a Sikh and human rights activist, her dedication to making a difference is clear.
She co-founded the Sikh Lawyers Association, an organisation rooted in the Sikh principle of 'Sewa,' or selfless service, aiming to give back to the community and foster social responsibility. Kaur also serves as the Director of Kaurs Legal UK, where she leads a legal consultancy specialising in advising and drafting services across various legal domains, providing crucial support to clients in need.
Additionally, Kaur directs the 'Just Cut It Out Now' project, which aims to prevent gang culture and violence among young people through engagement, empowerment, and inspiration.