Akil Hunte is a leading lawyer, socially conscious entrepreneur and spoken word poet who is on a mission to challenge the status quo and inspire audiences with his value-based leadership principles that motivate the next generation of leaders. After securing the Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholarship, has worked with some of the World’s largest law firms and investment banks. Today, Akil is the Chair of NRG Lawyers and a dynamic keynote speaker, whose advocacy extends beyond the law to encompass succeeding against adversity, social mobility, resilience, champion mindsets and achieving ambitious goals.
During his legal studies, Akil was a considerably high achiever, renowned for being the Co-Founder of The New Black Society – which earned the award of the Best New Society. He was also the recipient of two consecutive Dean’s Award for Outstanding Contribution, along with representing his school in national competitions and serving as a Trustee of the Student Union Board – responsible for the management of a £5 million budget. Since his education, Akil has become the Founder of Solicitors in the Making and LinkedIn Skills for Lawyers, two initiatives dedicated to mentoring the next generation of legal professionals. Some of Akil’s responsibilities as a legal professional have already included being a Legal & Business Affairs Executive for PPL, an Anti-Piracy EMEA Paralegal for The Walt Disney Company and a Trainee Solicitor for CMS.
Outside of his legal commitments, Akil is a passionate advocate for African Caribbean heritage, vulnerable communities and low-income households. Some of the ways in which he has advocated for such communities is through being a volunteer for Grenfell Kids Camp, the Manhood Academy and the Big Warm Up. He has also shared his time with being a Consultant at the University of Chester, Managing Director of The New Black UK and an external Consultant to Maxilla City CIC. Akil is also a spoken word poet, having previously participated as a delegate at the Bandung Conference in Kenya and joined initiatives such as Foundervine’s Diverse Founders Programme and Future Boss. Akil is also committed to amplifying creative voices in the Black community, having previously organised the “Destined for Greatness” community event. He is also the host of the Leading Your Legacy Podcast.
Akil’s profound advocacy and expertise have seen him become a sought-after keynote speaker, challenging the status quo and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Addressing diverse audiences in settings such as colleges, law firms, universities and community organisations, Akil has delivered speeches for the likes of the Commercial Law Academy and Nottingham Trent University. Akil is also renowned for his work in creating systematic changes in education, workplace culture and race equality, improving operations, strategy and governance throughout establishments. When hired as a keynote speaker, Akil can be expected to cover topics such as social mobility, building confidence in workplace identity, champion mindsets, how to network effectively and bridging the gap between Gen Z and leadership. If you are looking for an insightful keynote speaker, Akil Hunte is a fantastic choice.
How to hire Akil Hunte
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Akil Hunte for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
Akil Hunte's official speaking topics are listed below:
- Succeeding Against Adversity
- Building Confidence in Your Identity in the Workplace
- Creating a Champion Mindset to Achieve Ambitious Goals
- Resilience
- Owning Your Story
- Bridging the Gap Between Gen Z & Leadership
- Journey into Law
- Social Mobility
- Value-Based Leadership
- How to Network Effectively
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
Feedback from In-Person Events:
"I have worked with Akil for many years now, I first followed his impressive career online and instantly knew he would be the right fit for our forward-thinking, dynamic business. Akil has been a huge influence for positive change within our law firm in terms of culture, resilience, diversity, engagement, inspiration, soundboarding, mental health and climate assessment. Akil has been an external ambassador for our law firm and I would highly recommend other businesses to engage with Akil and his very multi-talented skill set." - Jessica, CEO & Founder, CEL Solicitors
"Akil and I have collaborated on a number of events and webinars, covering professional skills and attributes such as networking, imposter syndrome, resilience and rejection. He is genuinely one of the most earnest and passionate speakers I have had the privilege to work with, always drawing on his broad range of personal and professional experiences to provide open, honest insights and advice, with no sense of ego. I'm looking forward to working with him many more times in the future." - Jake, CEO & Founder, City Career Series
"Would definitely recommend that people attend Akil’s workshop on networking and resilience. I attended this workshop at the Law in 60 Seconds conference in Manchester and learnt some really useful tips on how to network and build effective relationships with others. Akil managed to make the workshop both informative and engaging!" - Tanya Elahi, Pupil Barrister
"Akil gave a fantastic talk as part of our 'BME Month' initiative. We appreciated him taking the time out to come and share his experiences as a young black entrepreneur in the Law industry. It was a very honest, insightful and inspiring talk which left us reflecting on our own unique journeys. Thank you again for working with us, especially around your busy schedule and travelling a total of 18 hours for this!" - Asha Abdi, Future Trainee Solicitor, Clifford Chance
"I first met Akil as a student leader at NTU some years ago when, as co-founder of the New Black Society, he was a catalyst for change. He is now supporting the University of Chester with its ambitious Race Equality Challenge Group - as keynote speaker and a mentor as it starts to look at the University through a BAME lens." - Eunice, Vice Chancellor, University of Chester
"Akil delivered an inspirational speech to our 500 students who are on a Level 3 programme. His delivery style was authentic, clear and concise and students took on board his key messages to success. We would definitely like Akil to continue to be involved with our college in future events and talks to inspire our students. I highly recommend Akil to deliver a motivational talk, especially in inner-city schools around London." - Tim, Careers Leader, Coordinator & Adviser
"Akil gave a wonderful talk at the Young Professionals Easter Work Experience - He was highly engaging and inspiring, cementing even further my interest in Law. He truly showed me, and the rest of the audience, that anything is possible - Thank you so much for the talk, you have made me hugely excited for my career journey into Law ahead of me!" - Nika, Intern, Young Professionals
"Akil is a brilliant speaker who is able to articulate his thoughts with absolute clarity. He is able to bring the audience along with him to listen to his message, whilst adding humour and insights. It has been a pleasure to work with him and hear him speak." - Ritika Wadhwa
- 2024 - Panelist for the Black Equity Organisation
- 2023 - Legal & Business Affairs Executive for PPL
- 2023 - Host of the Leading Your Legacy Podcast
- 2022 - Consultant for Maxilla City CIC
- 2021 - Chair of NRG Lawyers
- 2020 - Founder of LinkedIn Skills for Lawyers
- 2020 - External Consultant for the University of Chester
- 2019 - Managing Director of The New Black UK
- 2019 - Listed on the 30 Under 30 list by GUAP
- 2018 - Anti-Piracy EMEA Paralegal for The Walt Disney Company
- 2017 - Co-Founder of The New Black Society at Nottingham Trent Students Union
- 2017 - Intern for Goldman Sachs
- 2016 - Freshfields Stephen Lawrence Scholar
