Jacqueline McKenzie (lawyer) facts for kids

Jacqueline "Jacqui" McKenzie is a British lawyer who focuses on human rights. She is well-known for helping people with migration, asylum, and refugee issues. She has worked to protect civil liberties and has helped many people.

Jacqui McKenzie is especially famous for her work on the Windrush scandal. This was a big problem where many people from the Caribbean, who had lived in the UK for a long time, were wrongly told they were not allowed to stay. She fought for justice for these victims. In 2022, she was named one of the top 10 most influential black Britons on the Powerlist.

Early Life and Education

Jacqui McKenzie was born in England. Her parents came from Grenada and Jamaica. From 1975 to 1981, she lived in Grenada. There, she went to St Joseph's Convent and the Institute for Further Education.

She later studied journalism and media at the University of the Arts London. She also studied law at West London University. She earned more degrees in International Relations, Human Rights, and Documentary Research. These were from the University of Kent and the University of the Arts London. In 2008, she became a solicitor in England and Wales. A solicitor is a type of lawyer who advises clients and prepares legal documents. In 2011, she also became a barrister in Grenada. A barrister is a lawyer who argues cases in court.

Her Career Helping People

In 1981, Jacqui McKenzie worked as a clerk in Grenada's Ministry of Finance. From 1983 to 1985, she worked for the British government. Then, from 1986 to 2005, she held different jobs helping communities. This included working as a race equality officer for the Hackney Council. During this time, she studied law at night.

From 2005 to 2010, she worked as a solicitor at Birnberg Peirce and Partners. This firm was known for defending people's rights. She became an expert in civil liberties, immigration, and asylum law. Civil liberties are basic rights and freedoms. Immigration law deals with people moving between countries. Asylum law helps people seeking safety in another country.

In 2010, she started her own law firm called McKenzie Beute and Pope (MBP). It is located in Streatham, south London.

Between 2012 and 2014, Jacqui McKenzie took a break from her firm. She became the chief executive of Hibiscus Initiatives. This group helps people who have been in prison. She led a team that supported these individuals.

She has also taught about equality, law, and international relations. She has lectured at Queen Mary University of London and Schiller International University. She is also part of many groups that work to protect human rights. These groups help people who are often left out or treated unfairly. She also trains diplomats from Caribbean countries in the UK about immigration law.

In 2015, she started the Organisation for Migration Advice and Research. This group helps people who cannot afford legal help. It also does research and suggests new policies.

In 2021, Jacqui McKenzie became a partner at Leigh Day. This is a well-known human rights law firm.

Awards and Recognition

In 2020, Jacqui McKenzie's firm, McKenzie Beute and Pope, won "Small Law Firm of the Year." This award was given by the Black Solicitors Network (BSN).

She has received much praise for her work on the Windrush Scandal. In 2020, she was given the #Powerlist2021 Humanitarian Award. This award recognized her efforts to get justice for those affected by the scandal.

She was also ranked number seven on the Powerlist 2021. This list names the most influential people of African, African American, and African Caribbean heritage in the UK. In 2022, she was named number 10 on the Powerlist of most influential black Britons.