Lucy Wakeley’s career journey
What is your current role at BBK?
I am a Senior Policy and Public Affairs Executive in the Public Affairs team at BBK.
What was your first role at BBK?
I joined BBK in October 2023 as a Public Affairs Executive.
What experience did you have that led you to this role?
Before joining BBK, I spent five years working for MPs in the House of Commons. My journey into politics began straight after school, when I worked as a Secretary in the Parliamentary office of the Secretary of State for Justice. After a year, I left to attend university.
When the Covid-19 pandemic meant we were sent home from university, I began working remotely for another MP as a caseworker. I supported both the MP and his constituents through the challenges of the pandemic and continued in this role part-time when I returned to university. Throughout my degree, I worked flexibly for MPs, gaining a wide range of experience in parliamentary work. After graduating, I became Senior Caseworker for Dr Ben Spencer MP.
Alongside my work in Parliament, I have been deeply involved in local politics and local government. I chaired a local party association through election campaigns and stood for election myself. In 2022, I was elected as a Councillor in Barnet, representing my home ward of Edgware. I continue to serve as a Councillor and am now also Deputy Leader of the Opposition on Barnet Council.
This experience has given me a strong understanding of both national and local politics. I’ve been able to apply this knowledge directly in my role at BBK, particularly through our BBK Manifesto and our campaign against the proposed cuts to Level 7 apprenticeship funding.
What attracted you to your role at BBK?
Alongside my work and my councillor role, I’ve been studying for my Law Conversion Masters part-time. My passion for both politics and the law made this role at BBK a perfect fit.
I am also a carer for my dad, who acquired a traumatic brain injury when I was just nine. This role allows me to bring together my political and legal interests, while also continuing to advocate for people with disabilities.
Being a carer gives me a unique perspective on the challenges our clients and their families face. It also fuels my commitment to the issues we campaign on.
What did you study at university?
I studied Politics and Social Policy at the University of Bristol.
What is the most satisfying part of your role?
The people I work with. We have a fantastic Public Affairs team at BBK, each bringing their own expertise and insight. I also work closely with lawyers and support staff from across the firm who are incredibly passionate about what they do.
Our clients, campaigners and the charities we work alongside are also truly inspiring. Their lived experience and dedication bring real strength to everything we do.
It’s so rewarding to be in a role where I’m constantly inspired by the people around me and where I care deeply about the work we’re doing.
What advice would you give to someone considering the same career route as you?
Take every opportunity to gain experience. It can be difficult to break into politics or law if you don’t already have connections, but there are ways to build experience and networks.
I joined my local political party at 17 and immediately got involved. I knocked on doors, helped with the 2018 local elections and volunteered every spare moment. It was a lot of hard work and completely unpaid, but if I hadn’t taken that step in 2017, I wouldn’t have had the amazing experiences and opportunities that followed.
