USHA SOOD | Breaking Barriers: A Life in Law and Advocacy for Women
Usha Sood, Nottinghamshire’s first female barrister, shares her 50-year journey in human rights law, domestic abuse reform, and justice advocacy on the Innovative People Podcast by Skilled Hands Organisation CIC.
A Conversation with a Legal Pioneer
At Innovative People Podcast, we believe powerful stories inspire meaningful change. In this latest episode, host Tina Jesson sits down with trailblazing barrister Usha Sood, a woman whose career has shaped legal protections for women, children, and vulnerable communities across the United Kingdom.
With more than five decades of legal experience, Usha Sood has dedicated her life to advancing human rights, family law, children’s welfare, and migration justice. As Nottinghamshire’s first female barrister and Head of Trent Chambers, her journey represents courage, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to fairness.
From Breaking Barriers to Building Change
Entering the legal profession at a time when few women practised law, Usha faced sexism and institutional resistance. Rather than stepping back, she used these challenges as motivation to create space for future generations of women in the legal field.
In this deeply reflective conversation, she shares what it meant to navigate male-dominated courtrooms, establish credibility, and ultimately become a respected voice influencing national legal reform.
Her story reminds us that progress often begins with individuals willing to challenge long-standing systems.
Influencing Law That Protects Children
One of the most significant highlights of Usha’s career is her contribution to Section 55 of the UK Borders Act, a provision ensuring that children’s welfare is prioritised in immigration decisions.
During the episode, she explains how legal advocacy can directly shape policy and why safeguarding children must remain central to immigration and family law decisions. Her insights reveal the human stories behind legislation — stories that often go unheard.
Advancing Domestic Abuse Legislation
Usha also discusses her work advising the government on domestic abuse laws, including the recognition of coercive and controlling behaviour as a form of abuse.
She explores how cultural expectations, societal pressures, and legal gaps can affect women differently across communities, emphasising the need for legal systems that understand lived realities as well as legal definitions.
The conversation highlights both the achievements and ongoing challenges in protecting survivors and ensuring justice remains accessible.
Choosing Advocacy Over the Judiciary
In a candid moment, Usha reflects on her decision to leave the judiciary to advocate more directly for vulnerable women and children. While the judiciary offered influence, advocacy allowed her to work closer to the people most affected by injustice.
Her reflections offer a rare insight into the emotional and ethical decisions behind a lifelong legal career.
Advice for the Next Generation
A particularly inspiring part of the episode is Usha’s message to young people. She encourages those as young as 17 to engage with NGOs, volunteer organisations, legal internships, and community initiatives.
According to Usha, meaningful change begins long before professional titles — it starts with empathy, curiosity, and a willingness to serve others.
Watch the Full Episode
You can watch the full conversation below and hear directly from Usha Sood as she shares her journey, challenges, and hopes for the future of justice.
▶ Watch the full episode here:
https://youtu.be/5uSoPBIrRB8?si=_vpZSsh2d8nfnbJa
About Innovative People Podcast
Innovative People Podcast is the media arm of Skilled Hands Organisation CIC, a community organisation committed to empowering people — especially women and children — through creative learning, arts, crafts, and practical skills workshops.
Through conversations with leaders, innovators, and changemakers, the podcast amplifies voices that inspire resilience, leadership, and social impact.
Learn more about our work:
www.skilledhandsorganisation.org
Why Stories Like This Matter
At Skilled Hands, empowerment goes beyond practical skills; it includes storytelling, visibility, and representation. By sharing journeys like Usha Sood’s, we aim to inspire communities to recognise their potential, challenge barriers, and contribute positively to society.
This episode is more than an interview — it is a reminder that justice evolves through courage, persistence, and people who refuse to remain silent.
