In Black and White: A Young Barrister's Story of Race and Class in a Broken Justice System Alexandra Wilson Book

In Black and White: A Young Barrister's Story of Race and Class in a Broken Justice System by Alexandra Wilson is a powerful, first-person account for readers who care about law, social justice, and modern Britain. Perfect for parents, teachers, legal students, and book lovers, this paperback edition offers an accessible, emotionally resonant look at how race and class shape outcomes in the criminal and family courts. It's a compelling read from a rising legal voice and an ideal addition to any contemporary nonfiction collection or bookshelf.

Alexandra Wilson’s memoir begins with a personal tragedy: as a teenager she lost a close family friend, Ayo, to a violent stabbing. That moment set her on the path to the Bar and into courtrooms where she quickly learned the rules were often written by a privileged few. In clear, candid prose she recounts life as a junior criminal and family law barrister, sharing the everyday realities of discrimination—from the offhand comments of colleagues to the bleak inevitability many Black defendants face when confronted with an unsympathetic bench.

Product details
Title in this Set: In Black and White: A Young Barrister's Story of Race and Class in a Broken Justice System by Alexandra Wilson
Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback edition
ISBN: 9781913068318

About the author
Alexandra Wilson is a junior barrister who grew up in Essex as the eldest of four children. Her mixed heritage—White British mother and Black British father, with paternal grandparents who arrived on the Windrush—gives her a unique perspective on identity and belonging. A graduate of the University of Oxford, she earned two scholarships to research the impact of police shootings in the US on youth perceptions of policing, then completed a GDL and LLM at BPP University. She was awarded the first Queen’s scholarship by the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple, recognizing exceptional promise at the Bar. Alongside her paid practice, Alexandra provides pro-bono legal representation to marginalized clients, demonstrating a commitment to access to justice.

Why readers love this paperback edition

• Firsthand courtroom insight from a rising barrister—ideal for anyone studying law or criminal justice.
• Thoughtful exploration of race, class, and institutional bias—important context for educators and activists.
• Engaging memoir style that blends personal narrative with professional reflection.
• Paperback edition is portable and affordable—great for classroom sets, book clubs, or gifting.
• Backed by the author’s academic credentials and real-world legal experience, adding credibility and authority.

This book is more than a memoir—it's a timely conversation starter. Whether you're buying for a student preparing for a legal career, a teacher assembling classroom resources on inequality, or a friend who values thoughtful nonfiction, In Black and White is a meaningful, accessible read. Add this paperback edition (ISBN 9781913068318) to your cart for a gift that informs, challenges, and stays with the reader long after the final page.