Solicitor, Manchester

The name Monica means ‘to advise’, so a career in the law – or something similar – was perhaps inevitable. However, it was my parents who first steered me down this path. They were not academics themselves but moved to the UK in the 1980s to ensure I had the best possible education and a respectable career. 

Monica Rafie

I was shy growing up but took an interest in the law during my teens. By helping family members with any legal issues, such as reading leases, or drafting letters, I grew in confidence.

I struggled academically but could never understand why. I always worked hard at school but the grades were not showing and I failed many subjects. In hindsight, I do not think I ever fully grasped how to study correctly until my last year at university. Also, because I solely spoke my mother tongue at home, my use of English was limited. My skills were best used practically, so I started working on weekends when I was studying for my GCSEs and ensuring I could secure work experience in high street law firms every half-term. I am working at the same firm that offered me my first work experience at the age of 15.

Although I always had a keen interest in the law, my confidence took a further knock when teachers told me I would not get into university, let alone qualify as a solicitor. Fortunately, a college careers adviser suggested I apply for a foundation year in law as an entry to the profession. I passed the course with flying colours, progressing straight to an LLB degree at Manchester Metropolitan University, followed by the Legal Practice Course.

I worked full-time as a paralegal to self-fund the LPC. I was offered a training contract shortly after graduation. I then qualified as a solicitor in 2014. I have always worked in high street firms, which has allowed me to work closely with the partners learning how to run a legal practice.

I have been practising property law since my qualification and have enjoyed this area very much. It has been satisfying to assist couples buying their first home, or parents helping their children on to the property ladder. I feel proud to have been involved in such an important step in someone’s life.

Although I have enjoyed my time in property law, my ambition has been to specialise as a family solicitor. But I felt I needed some life experience first to understand what clients are going through. Since becoming a parent and experiencing various challenges in my adulthood, I believe the time is right to make this change and I am grateful to my firm for supporting me through this transition.

'I aim to give confidence to anyone who has been told they cannot achieve their goals, or to parents struggling with work/life balance'

I love being a solicitor and consider myself a workaholic. I only took a short period of maternity leave when having my children as I did not want to lose that work ethic purely because I became a parent.

In 2021, I gave birth to premature twins at 28 weeks and found their stay in neonatal intensive care unit to be challenging. I started my TikTok page @legalpractitioner to share my experiences of being a working parent. It is vital for firms to create the right culture, flexibility and understanding of the mental health aspect of becoming a parent.

Through my TikTok page, I guide students wishing to pursue a legal career and offer insight into the average day of balancing being a solicitor and a mother. I encounter many students who are worried their grades will preclude them from a career in the law, and I can relate my own experiences to motivate and reassure them. I aim to give confidence to anyone who has been told they cannot achieve their goals, or to parents struggling with their work/life balance. I mentor students and I am proud of this as I did not have this opportunity when I was studying. Although law is a very competitive career to work in, it is valuable I share my knowledge and personal journey.

I chair a charity called Stockport Loaves & Fishes. I began volunteering as a cook but over time my skills as a solicitor allowed me to help in the background. I was then offered the opportunity to set up a registered charity and take the position of chair.

The charity helps the homeless and vulnerable by providing basic services that will enhance their quality of life, such as hot meals, clothes, bedding, and emergency food parcels. The cost-of-living crisis is having a huge impact and the charity is in demand more than ever. We are so grateful for our sponsors and would encourage anyone to contact their local foodbank if they feel able to.

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