The law and the arts: Christopher Belfield’s balancing act
Before Christopher Belfield was admitted to the bar on October 27th, 2023, he juggled a consuming lifestyle, striving to balance his academic pursuits with numerous extra-curricular activities, including sports and theatre. He remains involved in the arts today.
Belfield’s bustling school life would later prove advantageous in his adulthood. He articulated that he chose to pursue law at the University of London due to its flexibility, enabling him to gain invaluable work experience while studying. He started his career at Ibis Chamber as a legal clerk, later transitioning to a role as a paralegal. Alongside his legal work, he continued to pursue additional income streams, including stints at a call centre and occasional event assistance. Belfield’s dedication to his studies paid off, leading him to qualify for admission to Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad.
While balancing multiple jobs alongside self-study may appear daunting, Belfield affirmed that he successfully navigated this challenge by prioritising his key responsibilities. Acknowledging occasional procrastination, he emphasised that he never allowed it to overshadow his commitments, ensuring he stayed on track with his goals.
Attending Queen’s College significantly fueled his drive to succeed. Reflecting on the disparity between his background and that of many affluent peers, who could solely concentrate on academics with their needs provided for, Belfield said he felt compelled to distinguish himself in an environment where intelligence alone was not sufficient. This realisation motivated him to immerse himself in a range of extra-curricular activities. Today, he continues to contribute to the school community as the Public Relations Officer of the old students’ association.
In adulthood, Belfield navigated obstacles, with finances posing a significant hurdle. Nevertheless, he regarded himself as rich in personal talents and abilities with the potential for success. While he acknowledged his own capabilities, he also recognized the necessity of seeking assistance to achieve his goals, understanding the importance of positioning himself in a way that would allow others to recognise the qualities he possessed.
He also saw it beneficial to place himself in positions of leadership and show his value to the community. He said he also tried to always show up as his authentic self and to be open, honest, and trustworthy so that people would be willing to invest in him. As a result of this, he managed to secure some finances and was in the process
of taking out a mortgage when he received a government scholarship to go to Trinidad.
He found it strategic to assume leadership roles, showcasing his capability to lead effectively. Belfield emphasised the importance of maintaining his positive qualities, aiming to demonstrate to others that he was a worthwhile investment. Describing himself as authentic, he said he values genuine interactions with individuals, regardless of their societal status. He said that as a result of this he has been able to cultivate a large network. Others had taken note of his skill to cultivate a network and he had even won an award for civic engagement at law school.
While he takes pride in his academic achievements, Belfield also values the importance of enjoying life. He finds joy in travelling, as it provides him with opportunities
to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and experience various cultures firsthand.
At this stage of his life, Belfield expresses satisfaction with his achievements, having accomplished the goals he set for himself. His aspirations include establishing his own legal practice, a goal he is actively working towards by gaining experience. He is determined to align himself with a brand or firm that shares his values. Additionally, he envisions a future in which he may serve as a magistrate and engage in policy-making through political involvement. He views this phase of his life as foundational to realising these ambitions. Furthermore, he harbours a desire to engage in philanthropy as a means of giving back to his community.