My diversity networks

State School Educated
Low Income Family
First Generation to go to University
Non-Russell Group

Profile:

I am a first-generation trainee solicitor who grew up on a council estate. I did not attend a Russell Group university, and I am state educated, so I appreciate and have experienced just how difficult it is to break into the profession with no connections to the legal sector.

Throughout my undergraduate degree, I was unable to gain much legal work experience as I often worked full time hours in hospitality, whilst studying a full-time degree. Whilst I now know that any work experience is valuable, at the time I felt at a disadvantage as my peers were able to gain experience in the legal advice clinic, or completing work experience that they secured via their connections in the legal sector, connections that I did not have access to. I always felt as though others had a key to a lock that I was never able to get my hands on.

I believe that it wasn’t until I embraced the unique qualities that my background has given me that I was able to secure a role.

Following university and after several rejections, I was offered a role to work in house for local  government as a Legal Assistant. I was later offered a training contract, and I have been with this organisation ever since. Whilst I appreciate how many students wish to secure roles at Magic Circle firms, I would like to represent local government solicitors and give an insight into the benefits of working for a public body.

Being from a low-socioeconomic background means you often have more hurdles to jump to break into the profession. However, I truly believe in jumping those extra hurdles, you become unstoppable.

The main thing that almost held me back in my journey was the fact I struggled to visualise someone with my background being able to qualify as a solicitor. I now know there are many successful solicitors from low socio-economic and diverse backgrounds. This is the reason I am so passionate about diversity and representation in the profession, to inspire those who want to break the mould and go onto achieve great things.

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