Meet Trevor Sterling
Breaking Barriers and Building Ladders: Trevor Sterling on Leadership, Resilience, and Creating Lasting Change
When The Exchange welcomes Trevor Sterling on 9 September 2025, our community will gain insights from a trailblazing legal leader who has transformed personal challenges into a career dedicated to making the legal profession more inclusive and impactful.
As Senior Partner and Head of Major Trauma at Moore Barlow—and the first Black Senior Partner appointed at a UK top 100 law firm—Trevor brings a unique perspective on overcoming barriers, driving innovation in legal service delivery, and creating pathways for others to succeed.
From Building Sites to Breaking Ceilings
Trevor's journey to senior partnership began in the most unlikely way. The son of Windrush generation parents from Jamaica, he initially planned to follow his father into the building trade. After struggling academically during his school years, a careers adviser offered him three options: Tennis Racket Stringer, Warehouseman, or Outdoor Clerk for a local firm of solicitors.
That choice to work at a law firm sparked a passion that would reshape his life. Inspired by the legal profession, Trevor began studying whilst working, qualified as a Legal Executive, then as a Solicitor at age 25, and achieved Partnership by 28. His rise continued to his current role as Senior Partner—a position that makes him a historic first in the UK legal landscape.
Why Trevor's Expertise Matters for Legal Ops
Trevor's experience offers invaluable insights for legal operations professionals navigating transformation and inclusion:
Innovative Service Delivery: As Head of Major Trauma, Trevor pioneered Moore Barlow's award-winning Major Trauma Service in 2016—the first of its type working with the Major Trauma Signposting Partnership. This service revolutionised personal injury practice by focusing on rehabilitation and improved health outcomes rather than solely compensation recovery.
Values-Driven Leadership: In his Senior Partner role, Trevor ensures the firm lives its values of "human first, lead the way, stronger together, and make it happen"—particularly championing diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Pastoral Leadership Philosophy: Trevor's approach to leadership emphasises supporting others to achieve their best, embodying his personal motto of "aspire to be the ladder" rather than simply climbing it.
Landmark Legal Achievements: His success in the House of Lords with Corr v IBC Vehicles Ltd—the first successful employer's liability suicide case since 1957—demonstrates his ability to navigate complex legal challenges and create precedent-setting outcomes.
Trevor's perspective on authentic leadership, systemic change, and building inclusive teams offers practical insights for legal operations professionals working to transform their organisations whilst staying true to their values.
Join the Conversation on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 12:30-1:30pm GMT
Trevor will be selecting a podcast for discussion.
The Exchange podclub is designed for legal operations professionals who want to improve the delivery of legal services through innovation, connection, and idea-sharing. Each monthly session features thought-provoking content selected by our guest speaker, followed by facilitated discussion and networking.
