How I entered the legal profession
Law wasn’t a calling for me. In fact, if I’m brutally honest, I probably would have chosen art school. I was good at law and enjoyed parts of it, but I fell into it — or more accurately, I was pushed into it. Looking back now, I’m glad I did. My career today is far from traditional fee‑earning work. I manage people, work on social media, bring in business and even develop legal apps.
What I want students to understand is this: even if your heart isn’t fully in law, a law degree opens countless doors. You don’t have to become a lawyer. You can take your skills into so many different avenues.
The biggest hurdle I faced as a law student
My biggest challenge was independence. I moved from Liverpool to the University of Surrey, hours away from home. Suddenly no one was telling me when to do homework, and I realised you didn’t have to turn up to lectures. I struggled with self‑discipline and the work‑life balance. I enjoyed university too much and ended up with a 2:2.
I want to be honest about that because students rarely hear it. You don’t have to be serious all the time. You can enjoy yourself and still work hard. It’s about balance — a life skill no one teaches you. I had three fabulous years, and although I had to work harder afterwards to make up for my grades, I still achieved my dreams. Time management matters just as much as the course content.
My experience of studying law
I found the degree academically valuable but not very practical, especially compared to my civil litigation work. You won’t quote case law to clients, but analysing it builds essential skills. The LPC resonated far more with the realities of practice.
As an employer, when I see someone with a law degree, I immediately know they can read, analyse and problem‑solve. The degree gives you a strong foundation, even if the practical skills come later.
Standing out in a competitive sector
Law is competitive, but students often underestimate their non‑legal experience. If I see someone has worked at McDonald’s, I know they can handle difficult customers at 3 am and deal with vulnerable people — those are transferable skills.
I once ran a swimwear business that wasn’t successful, but employers loved it because it showed initiative and business awareness. Don’t hide your non‑legal experience. Shout about it. It might be the thing that sets you apart.
The most challenging part of the legal industry
Two things stand out.
Firstly, the pace. Law changes constantly. You must be adaptable, keep up with developments and predict market trends. Being an all‑round lawyer is essential.
Secondly, assertiveness. As a director, my entire day is decision‑making. Many aspiring lawyers — especially women — struggle with assertiveness. It’s not taught in law school, but it’s vital. You must learn to trust your judgement and make decisions confidently.
Why I set up my own firm
Starting CEL Solicitors was an easy decision. I wanted a people‑before‑profit firm — something rare in law. In previous firms, I saw hierarchies where paralegals weren’t heard, and women at senior levels often felt forced to choose between career and family.
I believed there had to be a better way. In my first year running CEL, I became pregnant. Today our board has three men and three women, all with families. COVID-19 has shown the value of flexible working and proved that home working does work.
I drew inspiration from industries like tech; Google, Elon Musk, John Lewis, and brought soft skills into the firm. Traditional skills matter, but soft skills matter too. No trait should be silenced. A firm should listen to both the good and the bad.
The biggest challenge we faced
The national lockdown. Despite that, we hired fifteen new staff, had two record months and didn’t furlough anyone. We trusted our team to work from home and didn’t micromanage. The pandemic has held up a mirror to the legal sector, showing that flexible working is viable and that corporate responsibility matters.
My advice on dealing with rejection
I love rejection. I embrace failure. It’s all about mindset, shifting from victim to victor. Rejection is character‑building and one step closer to success.
Apply to firms you genuinely care about. Research them. Make your applications personal. You can’t be upset if you didn’t put the work in. If a firm rejects you and it truly is the right place for you, learn from it and reapply.
I’m grateful I didn’t qualify straight away. My ten years of rejection taught me the skills I needed to be where I am today.
Covid‑19 and the future of the legal sector
According to the SRA, one‑third of law firms may shut due to the pandemic. This should be a wake‑up call. We are an archaic industry that needs to modernise. Lawyers should be at the forefront of change, not lagging.
Firms must embrace technology, flexible working and holistic thinking. We need to consider staff, clients and corporate responsibility. We must become champions of change.
Final advice for aspiring lawyers
Never give up on your dreams. Back yourself. Have conviction. Stop worrying about what others think. I’ve been told many times that I wasn’t good enough to become a solicitor. It didn’t matter.
It doesn’t matter if you’re female, the first in your family to go to university or if you got a 2:2. If you are committed, nothing will stand in your way. You don’t have to change who you are. Embrace your strengths and your individuality.
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