“As an AS Aspire member, I can attest to the incredible impact that Aspiring Solicitors has had on my legal career. Their commitment to diversity and inclusion is not just a slogan but a tangible reality that has helped countless aspiring solicitors, including myself.
Being a first-generation university student with a working-class background, I found it difficult to break through what I felt was an exceptionally exclusive and opaque industry. Without any connections to the industry, it was challenging to gain a true understanding of what it meant and what it took to build a career in commercial law. I felt that AS recognised the unique challenges faced by someone in my position and sought to help me negate those barriers in a practical manner.
One programme that I especially benefited from was the HSF BASS mentoring scheme, which I was fortunate enough to participate in. This programme was a game-changer for me, as it provided me with an opportunity to connect with a mentor at the firm who I now consider a good friend. Through the BASS programme, I was able to gain invaluable insight into the firm’s culture, the kind of work they do, and their wider commitment to diversity and inclusion. The team at Aspiring Solicitors was always supportive, and the experience was instrumental in helping me secure a vacation scheme and, ultimately, a training contract with Herbert Smith Freehills.
The coaching and mentoring I received from Aspiring Solicitors, along with the support and guidance from my mentor, were crucial in helping me navigate the legal profession and build my skills and confidence.”
