As part of our series of articles about race and the legal industry, one Black lawyer at a U.K. top 20 firm recalls his experiences across his career, and has stark messages for those hoping to enter the industry, as well as its gate-keepers.

"It pains me to say that I cannot, in good faith, advise a promising Black student to pursue a career at a City law firm."

So says one U.K. Black lawyer, who describes himself as "worn down" by his experience in the legal industry so far.