Grades don’t define you: how overcoming setbacks made me a better solicitor
Most people wouldn’t expect a solicitor to have struggled with GCSE maths. Yet, my first experience of advocacy was fighting for my place in sixth form after failing my exam.
From that moment, I understood that my journey to becoming a solicitor would require more than just academic ability – it would demand persistence, self-belief, and an unwavering commitment to my goals.
Retaking my GCSE while also studying for my A-levels was a challenge. In hindsight, it instilled a resilience that proved invaluable throughout my legal training.
While grades are an important metric, they do not define a person’s potential. What truly matters is how you respond to obstacles and seek out opportunities to grow.
Finding my place in the legal world
I always knew I wanted a career that involved working closely with people and making a tangible difference in their lives.
My A-levels in English literature, sociology, and history deepened my understanding of human experiences, social structures, and the barriers individuals face.
Law, as the framework that underpins society, felt like the right avenue for me. I knew I had something meaningful to contribute.
There is a common perception that solicitors glide through their academic journeys with ease, securing top grades and passing every exam on the first attempt. This was not my reality.
When I failed some core modules of the Legal Practice Course (LPC), it was a deeply disheartening experience. Although I had the opportunity to re-sit, my marks were capped at a pass.
I feared this would hinder my employment prospects. At one point, I genuinely considered giving up.
Instead, I turned to problem-solving – one of the very skills that makes an effective lawyer. I sought guidance from my mentors and redirected my focus towards gaining hands-on experience.
If I couldn’t stand out with academic results alone, I would differentiate myself through practical knowledge and industry exposure.
Creating my own opportunities
For those who don’t have established connections in the legal profession – particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds – finding a way to stand out is even more critical.
“Failing those exams forced me to acknowledge that I was already at a disadvantage, but it also gave me the drive to carve out my own path. ”
I immersed myself in work experience, sought out networking opportunities, and engaged in pro bono work through university schemes.
Interestingly, my early passion for acting played an unexpected role in my career development. Drama classes helped me build confidence, an essential skill for networking, advocacy, and client interactions.
As someone naturally reserved, I knew I had to push myself beyond my comfort zone to engage with legal professionals and gain exposure to different client needs.
For anyone considering a career in law, I highly recommend exploring acting or confidence-building classes – they can significantly enhance communication skills.
Understanding the human impact of law
One of the most valuable lessons I learned through work experience was the profound effect legal services have on people’s lives. Being able to share concrete examples of problem-solving in real cases proved invaluable during interviews.
As a conveyancing solicitor, I work with a broad range of clients – first-time buyers, landlords, tenants, and investors – guiding them through significant milestones.
The process of buying, selling, or remortgaging property can be overwhelming, particularly for those navigating it for the first time. Helping clients through these pivotal moments, ensuring they feel supported and informed, is incredibly rewarding.
Beyond technical knowledge, developing strong interpersonal skills allows clients to place their trust in you.That is fundamental to being an effective solicitor.
When I applied for a paralegal role, I never expected it to lead to an immediate training contract offer. At the time, I fully anticipated spending years as a paralegal before qualifying.
Opportunities like this are rare, and it was only through my experience, dedication and resilience that I was able to seize it.
The legal profession is filled with moments of uncertainty, whether it’s grappling with a complex legal issue or encountering an unfamiliar situation. Early on, these moments made me anxious, but I've learned to embrace them as opportunities for growth.
When I come across a challenge, I take the time to step back, research and develop a solution. The sense of accomplishment I feel when I do is unmatched.
Redefining success
It wasn’t until I attended my admissions ceremony at the Law Society that I fully appreciated the significance of what I had achieved. Qualifying as a solicitor in March 2024 was a defining moment, not just professionally, but personally.
The confidence I’ve gained since then is something I never expected. But the true measure of success has been the impact I’ve had on my clients. Seeing their cases through from start to finish, knowing that I’ve helped them through important life events, remains my greatest accomplishment.
To those facing academic setbacks or questioning their ability to succeed in law: don’t let grades dictate your worth. Hard work, resilience, and a proactive mindset can open doors that might otherwise seem closed.
Keep pushing forward – you might just surprise yourself.
I want to know more
As a solicitor, you will have to develop a range of essential skills outside your knowledge and practice of the law to be successful in your career.