Head of Prosecutions and mentor Stephanie Ezechukwu shares her journey to shaping national legal policy — blending leadership, representation, and faith. A must-listen episode of The Lawyer Files.
🎙️ In this episode of The Lawyer Files, I sit down with Stephanie Ezechukwu — Head of Prosecutions at the DVSA, former Home Office Senior Policy Advisor, SQE student, and advocate for representation and public service in the legal sector. From leading prosecutions to co-authoring the statutory guidance for the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, Stephanie’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and being “in the room” where change happens.
We talk about:
✅ Her rapid career progression to Head of Prosecutions
✅ Drafting the statutory guidance for the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 — and the impact it continues to have
✅ Navigating leadership roles and representation within the Civil Service
✅ How her Christian faith, motherhood, and community work shape her legal career
✅ Studying for the SQE while leading a team, and the time-management tools that help her stay grounded
✅ The power of mentorship, investing in yourself, and knowing when to pause and ask for help
Whether you’re entering the legal field, working in public service, or trying to balance ambition with authenticity — Stephanie’s journey is a lesson in leading with conviction, grace, and intention.
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💬 If You or Someone You Know Is Experiencing Domestic Abuse
Stephanie Ezechukwu contributed to the statutory guidance accompanying the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which played a critical role in shaping how domestic abuse is understood and responded to across the UK. The guidance helped expand the statutory definition to include emotional, economic, spiritual, and tech-based abuse—ensuring that the law reflects the complex realities survivors face.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, please know that help is available and confidential. Here are trusted UK services you can contact:
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Run by Refuge)
📞 0808 2000 247 – Free, 24/7 confidential support for women and children
🌐 www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk - Respect Men’s Advice Line – Support for male victims of domestic abuse
📞 0808 801 0327
🌐 www.mensadviceline.org.uk - Women’s Aid Live Chat – Secure online chat with trained domestic abuse support workers
🌐 chat.womensaid.org.uk - The Mix – Support for under-25s dealing with abuse, mental health, or family issues
📞 0808 808 4994
🌐 www.themix.org.uk
If you’re unsure where to start, any of these organisations can offer guidance, resources, and a safe space to talk. You are not alone.
