My legal life: Seema Gill, Howell Jones

Several people suggested law might be a good career for me but I initially enrolled to study Spanish at university. When I was 19, I became pregnant with my daughter which changed my plans. University no longer seemed like an option.

However, becoming a mother also stirred my ambition. I wanted to do well for myself and my daughter, to show her that it was possible to achieve your goals, no matter your situation.

I applied for legal secretary positions and joined Surrey firm Howell Jones when my daughter was nine months old. Fortunately, the partners recognised my potential and were hugely supportive. A solicitor encouraged me to pursue my career aspirations and gave me the confidence to take my first step by signing up for a part-time law degree. My daughter was only two at the time, but she inspired me to keep going even when balancing working full-time with part-time study and parenting was not easy.

I was due to complete my law degree in 2019 and had heard about the new SQE. The more I researched it, I realised it could be perfect for me. It was less expensive than the LPC and it was also flexible. As a working parent I didn’t need to be in a classroom at a certain day or time to study. I could prepare with an online provider, with access to study materials and tutors at times that suited me.

Also, by the time I sat my SQE1 exam as part of the first cohort in November 2021 I’d been working at my firm for seven years. I was in the commercial property team, and was keen to qualify into it. The flexibility of the qualifying work experience (QWE) element of the SQE meant I did not have to move seats, which was also a key selling point for my firm. The biggest benefit of the SQE is the fact it allows people like me who didn’t follow the traditional A-levels/full-time university/training contract route to become solicitors.

'I want to actively encourage and demonstrate to others that they can succeed, and that the industry is changing to accommodate people of all backgrounds and circumstances'

I am lucky that my firm has always been so supportive and made sure the QWE element of my training was thorough. Based on my experience, l believe candidates need to ensure that their firm or legal organisation is fully committed so they can get a robust experience.

I studied for my SQE with BARBRI and, after the first set of SQE1 and SQE2 exams, they contacted students explaining that they were looking for a student to become part of their advisory board. I decided to apply thinking it sounded like a great opportunity and, after an interview, I was delighted to be offered the one-year tenure.

At first, I was in awe at being sat round the table with industry leaders. I was pleasantly surprised at their genuine interest in my story, experience, and perspectives. I’ve faced prejudice over the years but that’s why this role is so important to me. I want to actively encourage and demonstrate to others that they can succeed, and that the industry is changing to accommodate people of all backgrounds and circumstances.

I’ve been at my firm for a while, but it still feels surreal when I am asked questions by trainees and paralegals as the qualified solicitor. I really enjoy that element of the role though. I was so supported by my colleagues when I first started out and I would like to do the same as I progress, giving people that confidence and belief in themselves.

I am the treasurer and SQE rep at Surrey Junior Lawyers Division. As one of the first to qualify via this route, I am often asked about the SQE by members considering a legal career. I always share how the flexibility and cost worked well for me but that it’s not an ‘easy option’. You still have to put in the work to pass the exams and ensure that you have good quality training to feel ready to practise as a qualified solicitor.

People who have the option of the LPC or SQE therefore need to think carefully about which route would work best for them and make sure they’re committed. That said, the SQE is a great route into the industry that people from all backgrounds and at any stage of their life should consider if they’re interested in a legal career.