Despite studying law during sixth form and at a Russell Group university, I never considered pursuing a career in law during my studies. This was because most of my family and friends work in blue collar jobs and I didn’t know anyone who worked in the City.
I ultimately thought people like me didn’t talk like lawyers and therefore couldn’t be one. I didn’t even know what a vacation scheme was until mid-way through second year, as I never considered learning about the routes to becoming a lawyer.
In 2021-22 despite undertaking a sports law vacation scheme, I was rejected from every commercial law firm vacation scheme that I applied to. I had my dad (who works in drainage) proofreading my applications and my 15 year old sister conducting mock interviews. This year, as a STRIVE member, I have been invited to 5 vacation schemes from commercial law firms, which I am buzzing about.
Through speaking to Tilly (the co-founder of STRIVE), I know the initiative was set up with the aim of helping state school students, with little connections in the City, access a commercial law career. This aim has definitely been achieved in my case! The STRIVE initiative is truly transformative and amazing. I must also note that my mentor is unbelievable. She has reviewed all of my applications, continuously offered advice, joined teams calls to help me prepare for interviews & introduced me to her connections at different firms.
