Daniela P

Profile:

I am currently an Associate at Shoosmiths LLP having previously been a case handler in Commercial Debt Recovery, a paralegal in Commercial Real Estate and I recently completed a 6 month secondment with the Renault-Nissan alliance.

I attended the University of Portsmouth, achieved a 2:1 in LLB Law, went to a state school and was the first in my family to attend university.

I understand the difficulties candidates face in an area as competitive as law. In particular, from a social mobility perspective, I can appreciate how personal struggles can really get in the way of confidence and keeping positive when applying for training contracts.

I appreciate the journey to becoming a solicitor is tedious and why applicants may be put off or give up because they think they cannot get there. I come from a background where education was not a priority, nor was it of much interest to my family. Being exposed to that attitude towards education meant that I was never interested in school and did not appreciate the importance of good GCSE’s. At the point of almost failing my GCSE’s, I felt very negative and having my school and family not believing in me felt extremely disheartening.

I support Aspiring Solicitors because I truly believe no aspiring solicitor should feel discouraged from a career in law simply because you believe you are not ‘good enough’ or that compared to others, you do not stand a chance. As long as you have charisma, a desire and passion to succeed and learn there is no reason why you cannot be part of the law profession. You are just as deserving as anybody else.

My top tips would be: 1. Do not be put off by your background, embrace and own it. 2. Honesty is the best policy, show off your personality to law firms – they want to see the real you. 3. Remember grades are not the ultimate benchmark, they may be a contributing indicator of competency but not the only indicator.

Please do not hesitate to contact me and remember, no question is a stupid question.

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