Hashi Mohamed

Hashi Mohamed is a prominent barrister at No5 Chambers, an acclaimed author, and a respected BBC Radio 4 presenter. His work spans public and administrative law, general commercial litigation, and planning, but what truly distinguishes him is his powerful voice on racial equality and social mobility. Having arrived in Britain as an unaccompanied child refugee from Somalia, Hashi’s lived experience of navigating a system stacked against him fuels his commitment to advocating for a fairer and more inclusive society. His speaking topics often include race and identity in modern Britain, social mobility, class inequality, and the intersection of housing and opportunity. Through compelling storytelling and thoughtful analysis, he brings a deeply personal yet universally resonant perspective to issues of race and equality.

Hashi’s journey to the legal profession is remarkable. After studying Law and French at the University of Hertfordshire, he began his career as a Broadcast Journalist at the BBC. He later pursued an MSc in Politics at the University of Oxford, followed by a Bar Vocational Course at City University, a vital step towards becoming a barrister. His initial pupillage was at 39 Essex Street before moving to No5 Chambers, where he now leads a successful practice. Throughout this trajectory, Hashi has remained committed to public engagement, contributing to national conversations through journalism and radio documentaries, amplifying the voices of those often left out of mainstream narratives.

Over the years, Hashi has garnered numerous accolades for both his legal and advocacy work. He was named an Up and Coming Junior by Chambers and Partners in 2019 and consistently features among the top-rated planning barristers in England by Planning Magazine. He received the International Criminal Court Award in 2011, was part of the US Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Programme in 2013, and was awarded a Pegasus Scholarship in 2014. His first book, People Like Us: What it Takes to Make it in Modern Britain, received critical acclaim and was selected as BBC Radio 4’s Book of the Week. His latest work, A Home of One’s Own: Why the Housing Crisis Matters & What Needs to Change, tackles the pressing issue of Britain’s housing crisis.

Hashi’s talks explore how race, class, and privilege intersect to shape life chances in Britain today. He speaks candidly about institutional bias, housing inequality, and the hidden barriers to professional advancement. Whether discussing social mobility or planning law, his insights are rooted in both rigorous expertise and lived experience. This unique combination makes Hashi not only a credible voice on racial equality, but also an inspiring and thought-provoking speaker. Organisations looking to educate, challenge, and empower their audiences on matters of race and equity consistently turn to him for his clarity, honesty, and unmatched authenticity.