Trainee Solicitor | Hogan Lovells
Profile Highlights:
- Ethnic minority
- First generation lawyer
- Non Russell Group university
Profile:
I was born in Brazil, where I pursued a law degree at University and passed the Brazilian Bar. I have many ethnicities and nationalities in my family: Italian, Portuguese, native Brazilian and black African (just to name a few!). I am incredibly proud of my multi-cultural background.
I came to London for my Master’s Degree at UCL, and after working as a paralegal for a while (and many applications), I was able to secure a training contract. I was offered my training contract at the end of my summer vacation scheme at Hogan Lovells, which I attended during my GDL.
Even though I appreciate both routes, it was important to me to undertake the full qualification route (GDL, LPC, TC) as opposed to a transfer via the QLTS.
When considering my options in the profession here in the UK, I did not have access to many immigrants pursuing a career in law and I believe we are incredibly under-represented. Coming from a different background can be a powerful asset as our varied experiences provide us with different perspectives and the ability to think outside the box. However, this can also be a hindrance, especially within the law profession, where so many law firms still have a long way to go in terms of inclusiveness and diversity.
I believe diversity is not only about respecting our differences, it goes beyond that, beyond any pre-conceived notion, it’s about actually embracing each other’s uniqueness. I didn’t know about AS at the time I was applying and I wish I had – this is an incredible platform and I am proud to be a part of it now.
Please feel free to get in touch, I would be more than happy to answer any questions.