Honorary graduates 2025 – Manjinder Nagra
Manjinder Nagra, lawyer and former president of the Sussex Law Society, gave an inspiring speech describing how she overcame barriers when she was awarded an Honorary Master of Law degree by the University of Chichester today.
Manjinder has 25 years’ experience as a lawyer and served as President of the Sussex Law Society in 2023/24; being the first person of colour to do so since the society’s inception in 1860. In 2024 her legal excellence was recognised when she was named the Commercial and Corporate Lawyer of the Year by the Society of Asian Lawyers.
When not practising law, Manjinder has a keen interest in rugby. She played at international level as a student, coached and mentored players, and then founded Hove Girls Rugby. More recently she has established the British Asian Women in Rugby group, which applauds the achievements of Asian women and girls in the sport and supports representation at all levels.
Manjinder said: “30 years on from my own graduation, it’s an honour and a privilege to receive this new award. My journey interlinks law and sport, and during that journey I faced barriers but ultimately rugby opened the door for me and gave me resilience, community etc that I could take into the working world. Rugby was a connection – but it could be sport, music, anything that sets you apart.
“I would advise graduates to seize opportunities whenever they arrive because you never know what’s going to happen. Going out of your comfort zone is the way forward, with perseverance and resilience.
“Also, remember that communities are your superpower – they celebrate us when we rise and they will lift you high. So build your own community and keep them strong, find your people.
“Lastly, be the door for others – when you go through doors leave them open for people to come through behind you. Knock those barriers down!”
Dr Amy Elkington, Programme Coordinator for the University’s law department, said: “We are delighted to award Manjinder a Master of Law. This is in recognition of her outstanding achievements within sport and the law, and her tireless commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion within these sectors. We are greatly appreciative of the inspiration that Manjinder has provided to law students at the University of Chichester, and the time she has given to motivate and aspire them to attain their ambitions.”
