Get to know the Exec Team - Dorcas Wuraola Falode

Dorcas Wuraola Falode, a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales and Vice Chair & Head of Health & Wellbeing, who contributes to the world’s betterment. Born in Lagos Nigeria, she had her primary and secondary education in Lagos before leaving for the UK to further her education. A graduate of London Guildhall University, she became qualifi ed as a solicitor in 2000. She worked with various law fi rms and rose to be head of immigration department at Tower Hamlets Law. Being a specialist in immigration law, she set up DF Solicitors in 2008 in the UK and Lagos to allow her to serve the Nigerian community. She has off ered pro bono and reduced fee service to Nigerian immigrants who are unable to aff ord legal service. She off ers free legal updates to local churches regularly with particular interests in cases involving children and the vulnerable.

Dorcas is happily married with kids and maintains a good home and work-life-balance in partnership with her supportive husband who is also interested in issues on child development, protection and motivation.

WHY LAW? The importance of safeguarding people’s lives and liberty has always been within me and I needed to develop an understanding of the Law and vigorous processes in preparing cases which made Law a natural choice for me. I have a strong desire to give people the opportunity for representation and needed to be in a profession where I can support people and be part of the solution.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT YOUR CAREER? Doing what I enjoy and getting paid for it. For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be a Lawyer, as I achieved my goal, I get a great deal of satisfaction from interacting with people and helping them to solve their problems. I talk a lot, some would say too much and my career has given the avenue to express myself and represent the people that need my help.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? The look on my clients faces when their issues are resolved. The ability to make someone feel better and to eff ect change in their life positively. When I feel low and I remember the circumstances of my clients, the zeal to make things better for them keeps me going. With my areas of Law, Liberty and security of life is the key and the desire to be part of the solution keeps me going.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD? A Lawyer, my fi rst and only choice. I was already sorting out people’s problems and I couldn’t wait to get the training and do it offi cially. I had a gift with the ability and confi dence to speak to anyone young or old and I needed an avenue where my voice could make a diff erence. Law is my calling!

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? Volunteer receptionist at Greenwich Law centre. Great exposure whilst I was studying at University as I was able to interact with clients, speak to them and write down the problems for the caseworkers. I stayed with the law centre throughout my degree so I was able to follow cases from beginning to end. HOW DO YOU RELAX AFTER A HARD DAY AT WORK? I work long hours and hardly have time to relax. With days fi lled with client contact, calls and emails. I used to spend the evening trying to answer my emails. Recently, I changed my lifestyle and just taking a few minutes at the end of the day now to sit quietly and refl ect has been very therapeutic. Relaxation is planned away from my normal environment and I take frequent trips.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU THINK EVERYONE SHOULD DO AT LEAST ONCE IN THEIR LIVES? Live your life the best way you know how, do not be a slave to money, if you have it, spend it and enjoy. Everyone should enjoy themselves without feeling guilty.

WHO INSPIRES YOU TO BE BETTER? I am inspired by myself. I love who I am and I always strive to be a better version of myself. Kind, loving and understanding of people around me. I set my priorities starting with my needs and the needs of my family. How I feel is more important than the money in my pocket and it makes me happy.

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH YOUR FREE TIME? Travel, travel and travel. I have been to over 33 countries and 60 cities and I still want to travel. I love soaking in other cultures and the sense of adventure, eating diff erent foods and love sightseeing. Health and wellbeing is very important so I take long walks where possible and I try as much as possible to eat healthy foods.

IF YOU COULD LIVE ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD IT BE? Dominican Republic! The life is chilled and the food is organic. Beautiful blue sea and no sign of stress on the inhabitants.