Christian Weaver

I’m Christian, and this is my story.

I didn’t grow up imagining myself in a courtroom, and I wasn’t someone who always knew exactly what I wanted to do. What I did have was a strong sense of right and wrong – a feeling that some things just weren’t fair, and that accepting them wasn’t really an option.

A lot of that came from my grandfather. He was an activist here in Nottingham who stood up for social justice after experiencing prejudice in the 1970s. Hearing about what he went through, and the way he chose to stand up for others, stayed with me.

Before I fully understood what being a barrister meant, I knew I wanted to do something like him: something that made a difference.

I realised I wanted to challenge injustice, not just observe it.

There wasn’t a single moment where everything suddenly fell into place. But the more I learned about the legal system, the more I understood how powerful it could be in people’s lives.

What really drew me in was advocacy: the idea of standing up and speaking for someone who might not otherwise have the opportunity, confidence or platform.

By the time I chose to study law, it didn’t feel like a gamble. It felt like a decision I was ready to stand behind.

NTU gave me the confidence to belong in the legal profession.

My time at NTU had a huge influence on where I’ve ended up. Yes, I learned the law, but I also learned how to question it.

I was encouraged to think critically, challenge assumptions and work out what I believed. That’s something I still rely on today.

Just as importantly, NTU gave me confidence. When you’re starting out, it can be hard to picture yourself in a profession like the Bar. I didn’t walk in believing it was a given. Being somewhere that supported and challenged me in equal measure made that ambition feel possible.

I’ve seen how law can create real change.

One case that will always stay with me was representing the family of Awaab Ishak, the young boy who tragically lost his life due to poor housing conditions.

It wasn’t just about the legal arguments. It was about listening properly and understanding the full human story behind the case.

Seeing the wider impact of that work meant a great deal. It helped bring national attention to the issue and played a part in inspiring public support for changes in the law, strengthening tenants’ rights.

Since then, I’ve worked on a number of significant legal matters, including the Southport Inquiry and the UK Covid-19 Inquiry. Some of that work has been undertaken pro bono, which is particularly important to me. But ultimately, these matters are about people and the impact that institutions and public decisions can have on their lives. Being able to represent those affected, help their voices to be heard and, where possible, contribute to meaningful change is what makes the work worthwhile.

I want to make the law more accessible.

Alongside my work as a barrister, I’ve written books including The Law in 60 Seconds and Your Right to Protest, as well as working with communities to help people understand their rights and feel more confident when asserting them.

That contribution has also been recognised.

In 2025, I was named Barrister of the Year by the Greater Manchester Pro Bono Committee and included in the Big Issue’s Top 100 Changemakers. Those things mean a lot to me, particularly because they recognise the wider impact I’m trying to have.

I’ve learned that doing this kind of work means looking after yourself.

I try to protect my mornings, go to the gym and spend some time in my own space before the day gets going. I journal most nights too. Those things help me process the pressure and keep some perspective.

I didn’t get here on my own.

So much of my journey has been shaped by the people around me and the opportunities I’ve had, including my time at NTU. It hasn’t always been straightforward, but it’s always felt worthwhile. At its heart, the law is about listening, understanding what’s at stake and stepping forward when it counts.

That’s what I hold on to, and I hope it encourages other people to find their own path.