Neely M

My Law Firm

Profile:

I first considered the idea of becoming a lawyer when I was 15. I didn’t personally know any lawyers or have any idea of how to become one, yet somehow, I qualified as lawyer in 2023 and am currently working within Bird & Bird’s Commercial Tech Transactions team. I studied law at the University of Nottingham and accepted my training contract with Bird & Bird in the same year that I graduated, after completing a Vacation Scheme with the firm.

I was the first generation in both my immediate and wider family to go to university, and went to a state-school that had little to no support when it came to career advice or opportunities. At university, I often found myself feeling on the back-foot in comparison to others who had insights into the legal sphere and even during my training contract noticed the differing experiences of those who had legal contacts and those who didn’t.

I think it’s unbelievably important that organisations like Aspiring Solicitors are available to give those who do not fit the typical ‘City Lawyer’ stereotype opportunities to succeed and reach their goals. The legal profession benefits greatly from having more diversity and I hope to be part of the change which encourages a more diverse future for the profession. When turning up to work every day, the most important thing is for you to be happy and capable of doing your job well, which only happens when employees feel comfortable and can be themselves.

I hope to inspire future solicitors and ensure they know that no matter what their background, there are people available to help overcome obstacles and support them in their legal journey.

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