Ayesha Casely-Hayford

Experience

Ayesha began her professional legal career specialising in employment and healthcare law, including carrying out her own advocacy in the Employment Tribunal. Between 2016 and 2023, Ayesha developed her practice as a solo practitioner at a high street law firm representing both employees and employers across a wide spectrum of industries including individuals in the public and charity sectors, as well as major banks and freelancers in the creative industries.

Ayesha regularly writes on topical legal subjects across the legal and creative industries as well as chairing and speaking at events. She is former chair and trustee of registered UK charities (the Act For Change Project and Inc Arts UK), and a former Governor at Lambeth College.

Expertise

Ayesha specialises in discrimination, unfair dismissal and contractual claims with a particular interest in disability discrimination law. She has extensive experience drafting complex contracts and managing negotiations for senior and junior members of staff. In the High Court, Ayesha has experience in injunctive relief and contractual claims. In regulatory law, Ayesha has particular experience working for individuals before their professional bodies.  

CSR activity

When not dedicated to her law practice, Ayesha works as an actress, voice artist, public speaker, and creative professional. She is also the founder of the Afro Archives programme, which raises awareness of the experience of women with afro textured hair in the UK. Ayesha is currently a trustee of Cardboard Citizens (charity #1042457) an organisation ‘unlocking the possibilities of theatre and art with people who experience homelessness, inequality, or poverty”.

Admitted as a solicitor

March 2008

Qualifications

• LLB (Hons), Hull University
• International Legal Studies Programme, Antwerp University (Belgium)
• LPC, Inns of Court School of Law, City University

Memberships

• Law Society of England and Wales
• Equity TU (British trade union for creative practitioners)
• Spotlight (for professional performers)
• Grand Order of Lady Ratlings