My legal life: Sanjida Begum, Barton Legal

Coming to England in 2009 as a refugee from Bangladesh, I was unaware of the career opportunities available to me in the UK. However, when at the refugee camp, my dad was convinced that I had the qualities within me to take on the same role as the UN ambassadors in charge, which began to open my mind to the new possibilities that could be at my fingertips.

Arriving in England, aged 13, I could speak no English, but was instantly thrown into studying for my GCSEs at a school in Bradford. Despite this, I successfully managed to pass my exams and move on to A-levels with the help of my very supportive teacher who provided me with free extra tuition to catch up with the rest of my year. During my A-Levels, I remember really enjoying studying law as it was a subject that seemed to just click with me. This encouraged me to go on and choose law at university.

However, while studying full-time at the University of Bradford, and then during my LPC after graduating, I had to take on part-time jobs to support myself financially and my family, who were on benefits at the time. This was a great challenge and set me apart from many of my contemporaries, but it only motivated me further to succeed as a lawyer.

Although the legal community is not a diverse place, things are changing. At Barton Legal, I have never felt that my background makes me any different to the great lawyers around me

During my time at the University of Bradford, I undertook legal work experience in various law firms based in Bradford, Leeds and London. After completing my undergraduate degree in law at the University of Bradford, I began my LPC at University of Law Leeds and also started working at Gateley part-time. Following this, I joined Ward Hadaway as a paralegal. However, I was not ready to settle in this position and began applying for training contracts, securing three interviews from the four applications I made. I had to overcome some tricky hurdles, as I felt some had pigeonholed me, assuming my background would prevent me from ever becoming a solicitor. This only made me more determined to secure a training contract and qualify through the traditional route.

I then received an offer from Barton Legal, which appealed to my desire to work at a specialist firm where I would receive good training in a friendly environment. So far, I have experienced just this and grown immensely as a solicitor.

I have always been open and honest about my background. It is a personal strength and I think demonstrates my belief that I can achieve anything that I put my mind to. Although the legal community is not a diverse place, things are changing. At Barton Legal, I have never felt that my background makes me any different to the great lawyers around me. I really feel at home here.

My family and friends have always provided me with encouragement and have never stopped me from pursuing what I wanted to achieve. In a sense, I am lucky. Despite both my parents growing up and existing in a culture where education for girls was not considered acceptable, they have different mindsets and have only encouraged me in my journey to become a solicitor.

However, I have also received similar support from those in the law, namely from Bill Barton, the co-founder of Barton Legal. He has always pushed me and trusted me to take on responsibility.

Networking throughout my time studying has really helped me understand the key skills that the legal sector requires. I attended various events across the UK, meeting great people and mentors who have helped and motivated me to pursue a career in law. I also gained many soft skills through networking, which I am now able to employ in client meetings.

Along my journey, I have experienced criticism from traditional lawyers, who explained I would not make it as a solicitor due to my ‘unusual’ background. However, while my past may not be considered the ‘norm’, I have faced and overcome more financial adversity and emotional challenges than most people.