Netty Y

Profile:

I am a trainee solicitor at CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang, due to qualify in February 2025.

I am also a mature career changer and carer. I originally planned to take the GDL soon after graduating from my undergraduate degree over 20 years ago, but my life went in a completely unexpected direction when my child was diagnosed with autism and complex needs. I abandoned my career aspirations and spent the next decade as her full-time carer, therapist, home educator and advocate. I went on to work as a Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Advisor for several years before finally deciding to pursue my original ambition.

I was in my forties when I started a 3-year, part-time, Master’s law degree at Birkbeck College and was constantly worried that I had left it too late to secure a training contract at my age. I am a state- school educated, ‘BAME’ woman, who grew up on a council estate in East London. I am also the first generation of my family to complete ‘A’-levels, let alone attend university. Having attended countless law fairs, open days and law firm insight events, I am yet to meet anyone who shares all my diverse characteristics!

Diversity is important to me because it is vital to the development of an equitable and inclusive legal sector, that can better meet the needs of the society it serves. Aspiring Solicitors have demonstrated that greater diversity in the profession benefits everyone. I will be eternally grateful for the support I received, which enabled me to secure a training contract with a firm whose values align with mine. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to pay it forward by helping other diverse candidates interested in a career in law.

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