In Black and White by Alexandra Wilson
Book author: Alexandra Wilson
Edition: Endeavour / Hachette · Paperback, 2021 · ISBN 9781913068318
Alexandra Wilson's account of entering the criminal Bar brings race, class, professional identity and the treatment of young people into focus.
Book overview
What does justice look like from the perspective of a young barrister who is repeatedly required to prove she belongs? Alexandra Wilson's memoir places race and class alongside the practical and emotional demands of representing people in court. The publisher describes encounters with teenage clients, the pressures of criminal and family practice, and the difficult responsibilities of defence work. This is a personal route into questions that can otherwise feel abstract.
Wilson's path into the profession was shaped by the killing of a close family friend. University College Oxford's account also connects her legal career with work to improve access to education and representation. That background gives the book an additional reason to matter for aspiring lawyers: professional identity and belonging are part of the story, alongside the cases themselves. The paperback includes an afterword and reading-group questions, making it a useful option for shared discussion.
Its particular value for a criminal justice reading list is the opportunity to reflect on how assumptions affect both colleagues and the people they represent. It invites questions about whose experience is treated as normal, how young defendants are understood, and what meaningful access to justice requires. As a memoir, it offers an individual's viewpoint rather than a comprehensive account of every court or legal role. Read it for that perspective, then use it to start thoughtful conversations about everyday practice, representation and fairness.
At a glance
Who it’s for: Aspiring lawyers, justice professionals and readers interested in representation, fairness and the experience of young people in court.
Key themes: Courts and law · Race and class · Youth justice
A valuable personal perspective for readers who want to connect questions of fairness with the people experiencing the courts.
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Sources and further reading
Editorial overview based on publisher information, author accounts and the sources linked below.
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