Trainee solicitor, Leeds and London

It was not until I studied law at A-level that I seriously considered a career in the law. I started at Leeds Metropolitan University (now Leeds Beckett University) in September 2013. During my third year, at the age of 20, I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. I commenced chemotherapy on the same day due to the severity and aggressiveness of the cancer. I paused my studies.

Faris Amin

I returned to university in September 2016 and continued my degree part-time, despite receiving intensive chemotherapy – some weeks up to six days at a time. My treatment was on a Teenage Cancer Trust unit and I was supported by them as well as the charity CLIC Sargent (now Young Lives vs Cancer). Through the support of the university and the two charities, I finished my degree in July 2017 and achieved a first-class law degree.

My original plan was to study the legal practice course while working as a paralegal to gain experience and be able to fund the LPC. Due to ongoing treatment, I was unable to work – it was at this point that I came across the Law Society Diversity Access Scheme. DAS provides support to those with barriers to entering the profession. It offers 10 scholarships per year which cover the cost of the LPC, helps obtain work experience and matches recipients with mentors (who are previous DAS alumni). I met the DAS criteria and the process involved preparing an application form and essay. I was successful. I was invited to the Law Society and interviewed by a panel, completing a written test on the day.

I was successful and began the LPC at the University of Law in September 2017. I studied the part-time course and balanced this with continuing chemotherapy and numerous surgeries. I was continually supported by the above-mentioned charities and the disability service at the university, who were exceptional, and DAS through the mentor, who would regularly check in with me and offered guidance on work applications and interviews. Through DAS, I successfully applied for a vacation scheme at an international law firm, as well as in-house placements with a bank and regulator.

I finished the LPC LLM in July 2019 and achieved a distinction. This coincided with finishing chemotherapy after three and a half years.

'Adjustments were put in place which ensured I was able to work effectively while also prioritising my health'

I searched paralegal roles and came across a position at Capsticks within their regulatory division. I successfully applied and was interviewed before being offered the role. I joined in October 2019 and instantly felt like a highly valued member. I progressed very quickly to senior paralegal in 2020 and was offered a training contract to begin in 2021.

During the Covid-19 lockdown I began to feel unwell again. I was extremely fatigued, often breathless and began experiencing night sweats. I relapsed in August 2020 and was told that the leukaemia had returned after a period of 14 months’ remission. I restarted treatment, which was a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, monoclonal antibodies and a stem cell transplant.

I took a period of sick leave and Capsticks was amazing during this time. My team, line manager and HR regularly took the time to check in. There was no discussion of work or returning to work but a focus on my health and how I was feeling.

I knew the treatment would be lengthy and so I returned to work on a phased return. I gradually increased my working pattern and would have a bi-weekly check-in with my manager. They were also available in between if I needed the support.  

I began my training contract in September 2021 and had built myself back to working full-time. Adjustments were put in place which ensured I was able to work effectively while also prioritising my health.

I am part of the firm’s EDI (equity, diversity and inclusion) Council which meets several times a year to ensure continual support for all employees to thrive. As part of the firm’s EDI strategy, Capsticks has ‘employee network groups’. I regularly attend employee network group meetings, including ‘Shine’ our wellbeing and disability group. I share my experience and what strategies are in place to support me. I am learning from those around me.

I am due to qualify this year and continue working in the regulatory team. I am still having treatment for leukaemia but this is less frequent and I am able to manage this well.

 

Applications for the Law Society’s Diversity Access Scheme opened this week. For more details click here

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