From the Big Top to the Law Firm
My unconventional journey to becoming a Solicitor
When people ask how I became a solicitor, their surprise is understandable. My path wasn’t traditional—far from it.
Before legal textbooks, mock trials, and passing the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQEs), I was juggling (quite literally) a career as a circus artist.
My story is one of hard work, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new challenges.
Here’s how I went from the circus ring to the qualifying as a solicitor via the solicitor apprenticeship route.
The Leap from the Circus to the Law
Growing up, I loved the magic of performance and the adrenaline of the circus. I performed feats that required precision, discipline, and creativity. These years instilled in me core values that I didn’t realise would later apply to my legal career: persistence, resilience, and teamwork.
After several years in performance, I found myself drawn to a new challenge. I took a role as a receptionist at a law firm, an entry-level position as far removed from the bright lights and theatrics of my previous life as you could imagine. Yet, something clicked. I became fascinated by the legal world’s complexity and the pivotal role solicitors play in shaping people’s lives.
The Solicitor Apprenticeship: A Road Less Travelled
When I learned about the solicitor apprenticeship route, I knew it was the perfect path for me. Traditional university education wasn’t the right fit, but the idea of earning while learning and gaining practical experience aligned perfectly with my ambitions and, more importantly, fitted around being a wife, mother and my job. Over the next five years I trained in commercial property, gradually building expertise while working under experienced solicitors.
The apprenticeship wasn’t easy. Balancing work, study, and personal life required dedication. I sat the SQE1 and SQE2 exams, the new pathway for solicitor qualification in England and Wales. These exams tested both my legal knowledge and practical skills. They were demanding, yes, but incredibly rewarding.
Lessons from the Circus Ring
I believe my background in performance helped me throughout my legal training. Here are a few parallels:
Resilience in the Face of Failure: In circus performance, mistakes are part of learning. Similarly, in my apprenticeship, I faced setbacks, missed deadlines, challenging cases, and the steep learning curve of new legal concepts. I learned to get up, try again, and seek advice.
Precision and Attention to Detail: Just as a slight misstep can disrupt an act, even small errors in law can have significant consequences. My attention to detail grew sharper with each experience.
Public Speaking and Advocacy: Circus life requires confidence before an audience. This skill became invaluable when presenting arguments or speaking in client meetings.
From Receptionist to Solicitor
One of the proudest moments of my journey was qualifying as a solicitor. Reflecting on my early days as a paralegal, I’m grateful for the mentors who believed in my potential and the apprenticeship model that allowed me to progress without a traditional law degree.
Why Apprenticeships Matter
Solicitor apprenticeships provide an incredible opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds to access a legal career. They break down barriers, offering a hands-on, affordable route to qualification and I am passionate about sharing my experience to inspire others to explore non-traditional pathways into law.
Final Thoughts
My journey from circus artist to solicitor has been anything but conventional, but it’s proof that adaptability, hard work, and determination can lead to success in unexpected ways.
For anyone considering a solicitor apprenticeship – or any unconventional career path – my advice is simple: trust your instincts, embrace lifelong learning, and never underestimate where your unique experiences might take you.