Meet Emma Steyn: A Passionate Paralegal Assistant with a Global Perspective
At John Black Solicitors, we’re proud to welcome passionate and empathetic legal professionals to our growing team.
One such talent is Emma Steyn, who joins us as a Paralegal Assistant with a strong background in criminal justice, client care, and advocacy for vulnerable individuals. Her journey from Zimbabwe to the UK, combined with hands-on legal experience, adds a unique perspective to our work in the magistrates’ courts.
A Global Legal Journey: From Zimbabwe to Plymouth
Emma’s path into law was shaped early in life. Growing up in Zimbabwe, she witnessed firsthand the influence and limitations of the criminal justice system, sparking a lifelong passion for fairness and human rights.
“The more I understand the process, the better I can support the client. My aim is always to be a calming and reliable presence.”
This passion led her to pursue a Law with Criminology and Criminal Justice degree at the University of Plymouth, where she sharpened her legal knowledge through both study and direct client work. Her standout experience came during her time at the Immigration and Refugee Law Clinic, where she supported vulnerable individuals on tight legal deadlines.
Her Role at John Black Solicitors
“Supporting clients through sensitive and high-pressure cases gave me valuable experience in legal drafting, research, and client care,”
Emma supports the firm’s magistrates’ court cases, ensuring clients feel informed, respected, and heard throughout what can often be an intimidating process. Her focus lies in:
Assisting with case preparation and management
Communicating clearly and empathetically with clients
Supporting an efficient, collaborative workflow across the team
Why Emma Chose John Black Solicitors
“I believe greater public awareness could help build trust and engagement in the justice system,”
Emma was drawn to John Black Solicitors for its strong criminal defence reputation and its client-first philosophy. The fast-paced, varied nature of magistrates’ court work suits her well, and she’s particularly motivated by the firm’s commitment to fairness, compassion, and access to justice.
What Sets Emma Apart?
Emma brings a unique combination of cultural sensitivity, legal insight, and technical competence. Her past work on immigration and family reunion cases honed her ability to build trust quickly, stay calm under pressure, and communicate with clarity and care.
“The belief that everyone deserves representation resonates deeply with my own values,”
She is also:
Proficient in case management software
Highly organised and detail-oriented
A strong advocate for public education around legal processes, especially those of the magistrates’ court
Looking Ahead: Building Skills, Advocating for Change
Emma’s development goals for the year include:
Enhancing client advocacy and court preparation skills
Contributing to internal workflow improvements
Supporting greater fairness and accessibility across the justice system
Personal Passions: Nature, Travel, and Creativity
Emma’s enthusiasm doesn’t stop at the courtroom. She’s an avid explorer, having embarked on road trips through Australia’s southern coast and across Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia. Her love of the outdoors keeps her grounded, whether camping in the African bush or walking through the English countryside.
When she’s not outdoors, you’ll find her playing tennis, crocheting, dabbling in photography, or trying her hand at arts and crafts.
A Warm Welcome to Emma
Emma’s compassion, diligence, and global perspective make her a standout member of the John Black Solicitors team. Her focus on client experience, process improvement, and fair legal representation is a perfect fit for our firm’s values and direction.