Jonathan R

Profile:

I grew up in a working-class household, in a two-bedroom council house with my parents and three siblings. I attended a state school and didn’t know anyone in a professional career, and going on to attend university was never even a consideration for me. My family held strict religious beliefs, and I was actively discouraged from spending time studying in favour of spending time on my religious education. My education was severely disrupted, and when I decided to leave my family’s religion, the tension this created led to me becoming homeless.

Several years later, I took an Access course at the University of Glasgow, that gained me entry onto their Scots Law LLB, as the first member of my family to attend university. To support myself while studying, I worked 20 hours per week during term-time and over 40 hours per week during holidays.

Aspiring Solicitors helped me to view the challenges I faced as strengths rather than weaknesses, and their support made me confident that I could succeed in achieving a career in commercial law. AS gave me access to several events with leading commercial firms, and the mentorship I received on their AS First and Aspire programs was invaluable. Reaching the semi-final of the AS Commercial Awareness Competition in 19/20 and 20/21 greatly helped prepare me for assessment centres and the interview process.

Diversity in the legal profession is important to me as it accurately reflects society, and I believe diversity of perspective makes for a stronger team. Diversity and inclusion means people can succeed due to their ability and drive, rather than relying on a privileged background. I am passionate about increasing diversity in the legal profession, and as an AS Professional Ambassador, I hope to help others overcome their barriers to achieving a career in law.

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