20 Years as a Solicitor – A Dream That Started at 10 Years Old

This month marks a very special milestone for me, 20 years since I was admitted as a solicitor.

When I stop and think about it, it feels both like yesterday and a lifetime ago. What makes this anniversary even more meaningful is that becoming a solicitor wasn’t something I stumbled into, I was that strange child who knew exactly what I wanted to do when I grew up and I dreamt of being a lawyer from the age of 10.

I can still remember telling people that I wanted to be a lawyer when I grew up, many of whom thought it was something I would grow out of. No-one in my family were lawyers and we didn’t even know any lawyers. Being a very working class family non-one had even been to University. But whilst many childhood ambitions change over time, this one never did. From that young age, I was fascinated by the law, by justice, and by the idea of helping people solve problems and stand up for their rights.

Of course, as anyone who has qualified as a solicitor knows, the journey is rarely straightforward. There were exams, university, training contracts, long hours, challenges, setbacks and moments of self-doubt along the way, but my goal remained the same.

When I was admitted as a solicitor 20 years ago, I felt an enormous sense of pride and achievement, and still do! What I didn’t fully appreciate at the time was how much I would continue to learn over the following two decades.

The law has changed significantly during that time, technology has transformed the way we work and Employment law has evolved (and continues to!). The workplace itself has changed dramatically and yet one thing has remained constant people need clear, practical advice when they are facing difficult situations.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of helping thousands of employees and employers navigate some of the most challenging periods of their working lives. Whether that has involved redundancy, disciplinary proceedings, grievances, discrimination claims, settlement agreements, Employment Tribunal cases or workplace disputes, I have never lost sight of the fact that behind every legal issue is a person looking for guidance and support.

One of the things I am most proud of is building a business and fabulous team, that makes employment law more accessible. Too often people feel intimidated by legal processes or believe that obtaining advice is out of reach and a large part of my mission has been to demystify employment law and providing practical, straightforward advice that helps people make informed decisions.

Looking back over the last 20 years, there have been many highlights, lessons learned and challenges overcome. There have also been many incredible clients, colleagues, business partners and supporters who have played a part in my journey, and I am grateful to every one of them.

If there is one thing this milestone has taught me, it is that success is rarely about one defining moment, instead it is built through consistency, resilience, continuous learning and a genuine commitment to helping others.

To anyone currently studying law, training to become a solicitor, or pursuing a career goal that feels a long way off, my message is simply, don’t give up. The dream I had at 10 years old became a reality because I kept moving forward, one step at a time.

Twenty years on, I still feel privileged to do the job I dreamed of as a child.

Here’s to the next chapter.