Katie G

Profile:

Coming from a low income family, I understand the importance of having role models from similar backgrounds. The legal sector needs to attract a wide range of talent to help improve the sector, acknowledging that potential clients want to be advised by someone with an understanding of their situation and their struggles.

In the lead up to my GCSEs and throughout my A levels, my family experienced financial struggles. I felt that I needed to support the family and I picked up additional shifts at work wherever possible to try and help. I had to balance my education alongside these other priorities.

That said, education was always a focus for my parents and they instilled a desire in me to go to university and achieve what I wanted to. I obtained a training contract at Penningtons in my penultimate year at university and was offered a permanent job in my preferred practice area, employment, from September 2012. I was promoted to Managing Associate in April 2022 and enjoy the variety of work employment law offers; contentious and non-contentious and covering a huge range of sectors. The firm has also supported my increasing involvement in the Education sector, allowing me time to develop and gain knowledge as I go, in this growth area for the firm.

Even now, I feel uncomfortable revealing my story in case it changes people’s view of me. I would like the legal sector to become a place where diversity of background is considered a strength.

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