Interview with Future Trainee Venandah Madanhi: Resilience, Identity and Finding Your Path in Law

How did you know you wanted to become a lawyer?

To be honest, I did not. When I lived in Zimbabwe, I was outspoken and adventurous, and because everyone told me I would become a lawyer one day, I resisted the idea.

When I explored other university courses, nothing resonated with me, so I eventually chose to study law like my father. I always knew that a law degree has currency and can be used in any future career because it governs everything we do.

Aston Law School is very business‑focused, and at first I was open to consultancy.

That changed when I began attending law firm open days. I realised quickly that commercial law was the right fit because I loved the work regardless of the firm. I attended open days at Shoosmiths, Burges Salmon, Allen & Overy and Clifford Chance. Coming from a small town called Bilston, this was a completely new experience.

Enjoying the work confirmed that it was not about the prestige of a particular firm. I knew I would be happy doing commercial work anywhere, and from there I knew law was the career for me.

Have you ever felt imposter syndrome? How did you overcome it?

Yes, all the time, especially as a student at a non‑Russell Group university with a relatively new law programme.

Law tests your commitment, and you have to really want it. I applied for training contracts for three years straight. The process felt increasingly difficult, but I realised it became easier when I saw myself as an individual rather than part of a group of failed applications.

At my first vacation scheme interview, everyone assumed the room was full of Oxbridge students. People asked, “What college do you go to?” and the last time I had been in a college was sixth form. It is easy to feel disheartened.

My imposter syndrome was strongest after graduating and during my third application cycle. I became so upset by rejections that I stopped applying for a while for my mental health.

When I started again, I chose a firm I assumed would reject me instantly just to get back into the rhythm of applications. I was shocked when they offered me a place on their vacation scheme. Applying with the mentality that I had nothing to lose helped me try without fear.

Resilience helped me overcome imposter syndrome. I left an organisation where internal pressure was intense and where people questioned my ability because I had not secured a training contract. I knew I needed to step outside that bubble and leave an environment that made me doubt myself.

Did you ever feel at a disadvantage when applying? How did you overcome these barriers?

I used to feel disadvantaged when I found myself in unfamiliar spaces where I did not see people like me, particularly as a Black woman.

Despite any reservations, I remind myself that growing up in a different place and experiencing different things is also an advantage. These experiences bring a wealth of perspective to any team or project.

People should not be afraid to ask questions or assume they must fit a particular mould. What you perceive as a disadvantage can become a strength. For example, although I did not attend a Russell Group university, I studied at one of the best business schools in the world. I now embrace my love for both business and law, which allows me to be myself without pretending to be someone else.

What is your advice for students struggling to balance mental health with academic studies?

Take a break. There are many things students can get involved in that are not related to law. Pushing through when you are at breaking point because everyone else seems to be coping can be dangerous and damaging to your mental health.

During my final year, I struggled to balance my mental health with academic work and applications. I kept going through rejections, deadlines, extracurriculars and running a national initiative without realising how much I needed rest. To others I looked fine, but behind closed doors I was stressed and unable to sleep.

Students should remind themselves not to let external pressure cloud their judgement. Everyone struggles at some point. It is okay to take a break and focus on yourself. Know the pace at which you work best, the pressure you can handle and when things are too much.

What kind of work are you involved in outside of law?

I love business, so in my spare time I am an Advisory Board Member for Vybl, a creative agency for Millennials and Gen Z, and for the One Africa Network, which brings together professionals from the African diaspora in the West Midlands. It has been a great way to learn from community and business leaders while offering my advice as an engagement consultant.

I also enjoy public speaking. Growing up, I suffered from stage fright, but I began public speaking in 2011 when I was elected a Youth Councillor within the British Youth Council at fourteen.

Getting involved in local politics and school‑level democratic processes gave me a passion for amplifying young people’s voices. I have covered major political events and interviewed public figures, including former Prime Ministers, for Sky News. I have also discussed Brexit and other topics on BBC Sunday Politics and ITV, and visited Downing Street twice.

Most of my spare time is dedicated to running Talk About, a multi‑platform organisation connecting young people and professionals, breaking down current affairs and increasing career aspirations.

We do this through our national network of Contributors, our public events and our support for businesses and organisations. I founded Talk About to create a space for young people and industry leaders to have conversations that matter.

What are your plans after your training contract?

Securing a training contract with a firm I like has made me excited for the future.

Within my training contract, I would love to do a project finance seat, which I enjoyed during my vacation scheme. I would also like to work on African projects. I enjoyed working in the Technology Transactions Group because the variety of work was so wide. I hope to do a secondment to the United States, as it would be a great learning experience and an opportunity to meet more colleagues.

Since joining Latham & Watkins, my desire to become a partner one day has grown. I am focused on improving how I approach work, learning more and bringing ideas to the table. In the future, I hope to use what I have learned to make a difference at a strategic level.

I also want to continue working with Talk About. Balancing exciting legal work with supporting young people will be fulfilling.

What advice would you give someone who has just started applying?

Work out what kind of work‑life balance you want. Ask yourself what you enjoy and which practice areas interest you. Apply to firms that specialise in those areas and can offer the balance you want. If you are unsure, attend open days before applying for vacation schemes or training contracts.

Understand what different firms do differently. Do not rush applications. Someone securing a training contract before you does not mean you will not be successful.

After my degree, I worked in a youth charity, then in business strategy and engagement.

I developed skills I would have needed during my training contract and strengthened my networking abilities. Embracing different opportunities before starting my training contract has been invaluable. Try new things and see what you can learn.