Interview with Emily, Founder and Former President of the 93% Club Sheffield, and Future Trainee Solicitor.

Please briefly explain your background and journey into law.

I first considered law in sixth form. I joined an access programme with Sheffield University, which included monthly campus visits and a trip to London to see the Royal Courts of Justice and a leading commercial law firm. As a sixth former, this was an exciting experience and ultimately led me to apply for my LLB.

At university, commercial law was heavily advertised, so I initially explored those opportunities. I completed a first-year scheme with a Magic Circle firm and spent time at a large firm’s regional office in Glasgow. When first year ended, very few commercial internships were available, so I interned at a corporate immigration firm. This gave me exposure to a different type of work compared to a full-service firm.

In second year, I reached several assessment centres but did not secure a vacation scheme. At the time, it felt like a major setback. However, an in-house internship in financial services clarified that commercial law was the right path for me. That experience was pivotal and gave me the confidence to secure both a vacation scheme and a training contract in my final year.

I always highlight that even if an opportunity doesn't work out, you will find your path. You end up where you are meant to be.

Why is social mobility in the legal industry important to you?

It matters to me because it affects me directly. At some open days, I felt that others were further ahead simply because they came from more privileged backgrounds. There is still more work to be done.

Social mobility is fundamentally about fairness. The legal industry should reflect the UK population, which benefits clients who also reflect that population.

I also believe that northern universities are underrepresented at top law firms. The university you attend can shape your experience, and many students don't realise how much it can influence career opportunities. Discovering this motivated me to work even harder. Although it can be more challenging for some, it is absolutely achievable.

How did you become involved with the 93 Percent Club? As Founder and President of the 93 Percent Club Sheffield, what have been your ambitions for the club, and how have you supported state-educated students?

I first heard about the 93 Percent Club in first year through LinkedIn. I attended their Social Mobility Factory event and spoke with professionals with similar experiences, as well as students equally determined to break into competitive careers.

In second year, I looked for like-minded people who wanted to improve social mobility. Together, we formally established the 93 Percent Club Sheffield and became affiliated with the Students’ Union. The Club’s values aligned with my own experiences of law, which can feel unequal when you come from a socially mobile background. I was motivated to ensure other students didn't feel as isolated as I sometimes did.

Our work focused on two areas: social support and career support.

Social support is often overlooked, but it is essential. If students cannot afford to socialise or even make a hot drink, how can they succeed? We ran regular free tea and coffee events so students could have a warm drink and a chat without worrying about cost.

For career support, we hosted leading professionals across finance, consulting, public sector roles, law and marketing. Creating a friendly environment helped students build networks similar to those of more privileged peers.

We were proud to win Best New Society at the Students’ Union Activities Awards. Feedback showed that the Club changed students’ perspectives, improved their university experience and helped them navigate career paths. It was incredibly rewarding.

What advice would you give to students seeking to break into the legal profession, especially those without industry connections or who are the first in their family to attend university?

First, reassure yourself that you can do it. If you work hard, you will get there.

The 93 Percent Club often talks about using social mobility as a superpower. When applying for top jobs, it may not be common to come from your background or have your accent. Use that to your advantage. Make the most of the experiences you do have.

For example, at every assessment centre, I spoke about working at Starbucks and the transferable skills it gave me, such as teamwork and leadership.

Are there any resources that were particularly helpful to you in securing a training contract?

Absolutely. Programmes such as Aspiring Solicitors and UpReach were invaluable. UpReach has a social mobility network where you can speak with professionals from many law firms. They also assign you a coordinator to support you throughout your journey.

A partner firm offers a scholarship scheme through UpReach. I had calls with partners, which is rare for most students. These platforms provide tailored support, and because they are specifically for students from socially mobile backgrounds, it is important to make full use of them.