Trainee solicitor, Chester

I went to university in Liverpool and studied biology as I thought a STEM subject was the best thing for me. After finishing the course, though, I found myself not knowing what to do. But I knew I didn’t want to enter the field of science. 

I also didn’t want to stay in education. So when I came across an impressive graduate scheme advertised by a car dealership group, I took it. The job worked well for me at first, but after moving into sales I didn’t see myself progressing and struggled to find motivation to continue in the role. That was the moment I started to think about changing career.

I’d been at the car dealership group for just under six months when the country went into lockdown and I was furloughed. Like many others, I switched from working almost non-stop to not working at all. Although it was an awful time for everyone, it was also a rare opportunity to stop, evaluate my options and make life-changing decisions. 

The time off allowed me to write university applications and sign up for a graduate diploma in law, bringing the idea of becoming a lawyer to life. Afterwards I enrolled in a legal practice course. This kick-started my legal career.

As strange as it sounds, I was interested in law from childhood. My first thoughts about joining the legal industry came when I was about 18. However, the real motivation for a change began towards the start of the pandemic, which was 10 years later.

Law always made sense to me. I always liked the logic involved in finding solutions for clients. I saw law as a field where I could learn and progress for the next 30 or 40 years and reach career goals in a sector that constantly grows. That progress was something missing in my previous job.  

'I cannot believe I spent so many years in the motor industry. However, I have no regrets as I gained many transferrable skills while being a salesman'

I also felt like law might be really rewarding, a profession where I could apply my skills and knowledge from university. This proved right. I’m proud to say that law is something that brings me day-to-day joy and also long-term fulfilment.  

I was close to 30 when I started my training contract at Aaron & Partners. Despite being older than other people joining at that time, I still felt like I did on the first day at school. Not knowing anyone and anything was tricky, but I quickly got over that. Being older has pushed me to put higher expectations on myself.

I thought I’d be surrounded by fresh law graduates who started their careers straight after university, so I’d have to play catch-up to stay ahead of the curve. But in fact, I work with lots of other people who’ve done similar things and gone through a career transition, which has been a pleasant surprise.  

Looking back, I cannot believe I spent so many years in the motor industry. However, I have no regrets as I gained many transferrable skills while being a salesman. On many occasions my experience has been directly applicable to my legal career.

The career change also helped me become more mature and brought a completely new perspective. I will now always appreciate and support people who have the courage to make a similar move. Overall, changing career is a bold move and can be challenging, but in the end it is absolutely worth it.

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