Championing Diversity and Justice: An Interview with Cole Khan’s Senior Associate, Melvyna Mumunie

At Cole Khan, a firm renowned for its commitment to justice and "equality, whatever it takes," Senior Associate Melvyna Mumunie stands as a leading advocate in employment law. Specialising in discrimination and whistleblowing, Melvyna has dedicated her career to addressing complex legal challenges and defending the rights of individuals, fully embodying the firm’s unwavering pursuit of fairness and justice.

In celebration of Black History Month, this article explores Melvyna’s journey, her alignment with Cole Khan, and her dedication to fostering equity in the workplace and beyond.

A Journey Sparked by Curiosity and Determination

Reflecting on her early motivations, Melvyna shared that her interest in law began during a one-week work experience at a Silver Circle law firm while in secondary school. At the time, she didn’t fully understand what lawyers did but was struck by the respect they commanded, the professionalism they exhibited, and their satisfaction in their roles. This experience ignited a curiosity in her, leading her to explore what it meant to be a lawyer and the intricacies of legal practice.

Melvyna’s time at an all-girls’ school in Tooting, London also shaped her perspective. She described there being an element of a "protective mechanism from the world," where she was never compared on the basis of gender, allowing her to grow without facing the gender biases she would later encounter in the wider world. The school’s diverse environment exposed her to a variety of cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. However, upon expressing her desire to become a lawyer to a careers adviser, she was told to “consider something else.” Far from discouraging her, this advice only fuelled her determination to achieve her goals.

From Law School to Employment Law

After completing Sixth Form college, Melvyna pursued a law degree. During her first year, she gained practical experience working for a criminal law firm, which later extended into a clerking position. While this experience allowed her to put theoretical knowledge into practice, she wasn’t certain if criminal law—or even law in general—was her true calling.

It was her time working in hospitality and restaurant concierge, where she learned about customer satisfaction and meeting people’s needs, that reignited her sense of purpose. Although she hadn’t yet secured a training contract (TC) after her degree, Melvyna knew her passion laid in supporting others, empowering them to use their voices, and pursuing justice that works for everyone. When a friend encouraged her to pursue the Legal Practice Course (LPC), she saw this as a second chance to follow her legal ambitions. She completed the LPC over 18 months, while working full-time.

Melvyna’s persistence paid off when she began working as a paralegal in  charity law, eventually being offered a TC. She embraced this opportunity, knowing she could make a significant impact, particularly in the areas of law that align with her values of purpose and advocacy.

Tackling Discrimination and Whistleblowing

Specialising in discrimination and whistleblowing, Melvyna is driven by a desire to address power dynamics that unfairly affect individuals. She views her role as facilitating justice, helping clients find their voices and confront the systemic issues they face. Her dedication to these causes has earned her recognition, including being named a “key lawyer” in Legal 500 for her work in employment law in 2023.

Though honoured by the accolade, Melvyna humbly credits the strong leadership and nurturing environments she encountered for this recognition. She emphasised that this accolade reflected the collective efforts of her team—their mix of knowledge, opportunities, and the strong leaders who brought in high-profile cases while mentoring junior lawyers to develop the skills needed to tackle these significant challenges. She values these early experiences for fostering diverse perspectives and promoting talent development. However, Melvyna believes more can be done within the legal profession to highlight diverse teams in legal directories, advocating for greater recognition of firms that are making a tangible difference in nurturing talent and championing diversity.

Balancing Empathy and Tenacity

Melvyna is known for her ability to balance empathy with tenacity when addressing complex client issues. She attributes this to her own life experiences, including being diagnosed with dyspraxia in her late 20s, which she credits for her ability to understand different perspectives and better understand clients’ challenges. Her goal is always to empower her clients, helping them navigate some of the most difficult periods in their lives.

In the interview, Melvyna also shared valuable advice to aspiring lawyers, particularly paralegals and newly qualified (NQ) solicitors. She encourages aspiring lawyers to remain open to opportunities across various areas of law and to cultivate interests outside of work. This, she believes, helps lawyers develop resilience and a well-rounded perspective, making them more empathetic and effective in their roles.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Melvyna is focused on continuing to advocate for equality in both the workplace and the legal profession. She is committed to using her platform to empower junior lawyers, sharing her experiences and insights to help them climb the legal ladder. Her vision is to create a safe, inclusive legal space for future generations, ensuring that diversity and justice remain at the forefront of the profession.

As she continues her journey at Cole Khan, Melvyna’s influence within the firm and the legal industry will undoubtedly grow. Her passion for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, combined with her legal expertise, ensures that she will remain a driving force for change.

This Blog post was written by legal Intern, Ruth-Simone Lee. With special thanks to Melvyna Mumunie for sharing her journey into the law so candidly.