Can you tell us about your background and journey to the legal profession?
I come from a very typical working class family – my dad is a builder and my mom works part time in a school. It was often difficult to imagine a career in the corporate environment as something attainable for someone like me. I attended a state comprehensive school for years 7-11 and was able to then attend a state selective sixth form. This is where I realised the endless opportunities that many view as a normality. However, once I started university, imposter syndrome snuck back in. I was applying for vacation schemes but felt disheartened by the endless questions about commercial awareness – something so out of the ordinary for working class people! I did not give up, and I found a firm that truly celebrates different backgrounds. I felt like I belonged.
How has Aspiring Solicitors and our various programmes/initiatives helped you achieve your success?
Aspiring Solicitors offer so many diverse programmes for different people to support them with a career in law. I remember being in first year at university and not having a clue about commercial law or what these firms expected. AS First was one of the first steps I took to understand the industry. It truly set me up for success with applications, giving me the knowledge and skills I needed to give myself the same opportunity as others who grew up surrounded by people in the profession, or otherwise corporate world.
What advice would you give to AS Members?
Please do not ever feel like your background defines you. Ignore the statistics. A number can never value your hard work and capability. Dream big, have ambition and enjoy the challenge. When you get to where you want, there will be no better feelings than the self pride you will have, knowing you overcame those ingrained barriers.
