A 32-year-old Indian-origin barrister, who was once a homeless teenager, has made history by becoming the first Sikh woman to win the prestigious Young Pro-Bono Barrister of the Year award in the UK.

At the age of 17, Tynesha Kaur moved from Leicester to Greenford, West London, relying on the support of the Sikh community to move from homelessness to education. Now at 32, she has achieved success in her legal career, the BBC reported.

Kaur faced many difficulties from a young age. Her father abandoned the family early on, and in 2009, at age 17, she became homeless and faced the dangers of living on the streets, including gangs. In 2010, when she finished school, her father was in prison.

In search of help, Kaur moved to Greenford, West London, where she found refuge in a supportive Sikh community. Her determination never wavered as she pursued a law degree in 2013.

After graduation, Kaur completed her bar studies and was called to the bar in 2019. In 2023, she completed pupillage (apprenticeship of a member of the bar, which qualifies a barrister to practice independently) at the age of 32.

Tinesa Kaur spends her free time providing legal aid to underprivileged communities. Kaur is also the co-founder of the Sikh Lawyers Association, a UK-based group that focuses on providing support and assistance to both Sikh lawyers and students.