Aspiring Solicitors

Empowering diverse lawyers to achieve their potential. Aspiring Solicitors aims to increase diversity throughout the legal profession.

I am a qualified solicitor of England and Wales and the Founder of Aspiring Solicitors. I worked at Norton Rose Fulbright LLP in London for over 3 years having trained at US law firm Dechert LLP. I established Aspiring Solicitors in September 2013 to increase diversity in the profession by providing free access, opportunity and assistance to aspiring lawyers by informing and educating aspiring law

yers about diversity or via initiatives aimed at underrepresented groups in the profession. Aspiring Solicitors is based on Principles implemented through five related headlights (i) academics, (ii) pro bono (iii) sector awareness (iv) employability and (v) equality diversity and social responsibility. Student Ambassadors and Representatives will promote the Principles and Headlights in undergraduate and postgraduate academic institutions throughout the UK. Aspiring Solicitors “Founder" and "Affiliate" members have committed to improving diversity in the profession by providing access, opportunity and assistance to aspiring solicitors within the Aspiring Solicitors network. Aspiring Solicitors "Professional Ambassadors" (individuals) will promote Aspiring Solicitors and offer students ad hoc advice and mentoring into the legal profession. Since I secured my training contract with Dechert in 2006, I have been passionate about assisting others to secure access to law. As a first generation law student and having come from a working class family (my father was a bricklayer and my mother works in Marks and Spencers), I discovered how difficult it was to get experience in the legal profession. I had no family contacts or friends in law and had to find my way on my own steam. All I had control over was my academic grades and my own motivation and determination to succeed. Having secured straight A’s at GCSE and A-Level, I was in a fortunate position when I came to apply to law firms for work experience/training contracts. However, I quickly discovered the whole process required specific skills and awareness- which I was severely lacking, not least because I didn’t know what to prepare for. At the time, attending a “non-red-brick” university didn’t help, as the opportunities available with employers were limited e.g. few large law firms attended law fairs and there were no specialist workshops to assist aspiring solicitors with applications/interviews. I managed to secure 3 vacation schemes at various firms (a US firm, a City firm and a large regional firm). Following these vacation schemes I secured a training contract with Dechert and moved to Norton Rose on qualification, where I have remained until January 2014. Since 2006 I have provided free assistance to aspiring solicitors with help on their CVs, applications to law firms, mock interviews and general mentoring. I have assisted thousands of students to secure vacation schemes and training contracts at a variety of firms from global powerhouses to small high street practices. All of this assistance has been voluntary and has been completed in my spare time. The motivation for this is that I am passionate about helping others and also about increasing diversity in the profession. I appreciate that there are aspiring solicitors who either are not appropriately informed or educated about diversity in our professions or who do not get access, opportunity or assistance as a member of an underrepresented groups. That is why I decided to set up Aspiring Solicitors.

01/11/2024

We are pleased to announce an incredible opportunity for autistic, or otherwise neurodivergent, Aspiring Solicitors members!

This initiative is the only one of its kind, offering twenty AS Members an opportunity explore the legal world through both private practice and in-house perspectives, thanks to Barclays and our eight partner law firms: Addleshaw Goddard, CMS, Eversheds, Freshfields, HSF, Simmons & Simmons, TLT, and Walkers Global.

📆 When: 10-14 March 2024
📍 Where: Barclays & partner law firm offices (mainly in London and limited spaces in Dublin, with other UK locations possible upon request)
🚨 Applications are closing soon on 9 November!

Click here to apply now: https://loom.ly/GUMGztU

30/10/2024

🌟 Aspiring Solicitors is incredibly proud to have supported Keenan in several ways, so he could go on to gain a training contract offer at BCLP!

From attending AS Ability and Race for Change, to becoming a semi-finalist in our Commercial Awareness Competition, Keenan really made the most of the wealth of opportunities we have.

Could this be you? Visit our website today to register and become an AS Member (for free!)

Are you an AS Alumni with a story you would like to share? Drop us a DM 📩

28/10/2024

Have you secured a vacation scheme, and are looking to convert it into a training contract offer?

Join our expert-led workshops designed to help you make a lasting impression - learn best practice, networking, and much more!

📆 22 and 25 November 2024
⏰ 12 - 2pm
📍 Virtual

Click here to sign up: https://loom.ly/B4uRnQ0

24/10/2024

Do you have an interview or assessment centre coming up? 🤔

Well, if it is with one of our partner law firms, as an AS Member you are entitled to a FREE 1-2-1 coaching session with one of our amazing coaches, formed of former lawyers and early careers specialists! 🚀

At Aspiring Solicitors, we will never charge our members for the range of offerings we provide.🤝

To unlock your full potential, book your coaching session with our experts today❗️

Click on the link in our bio to find out more 💻

21/10/2024

✨ AS Excel offers bespoke coaching to boost your application to A&O Shearman’s First Year Programme, including:

🚀 Application reviews by AS expert coaches (13 January – 1 February 2025)
🚀 Mock interview preparation (24 – 28 February 2025)

Applications are considered on a rolling basis - apply now: https://loom.ly/gfl5cug

15/10/2024

🚨 Calling all Non-Russell group first-year students! 🚨

Unlock your future in law with AS Excel—our exclusive legal coaching programme in partnership with A&O Shearman 🚀

Fast-track your way to a vacation scheme or training contract at A&O Shearman! 💼

Applications are considered on a rolling basis - apply now via the link in our bio / https://loom.ly/gfl5cug

14/10/2024

Congratulations to all quarter-finalists of the 2024 Commercial Awareness Competition!

Good luck in the next round! 🍀

11/10/2024

✨ Congratulations to Mayer Brown International LLP for winning the “All Star Best Retention of Diverse Talent Award”; an award they also won last year.

📈 Following many years of outstanding results in consistently recruiting exceptional diverse talent, with 53% of their trainee solicitor cohort being AS Alumni.

Hosted by and sponsored by
Hosted by and sponsored by

11/10/2024

Congratulations to Herbert Smith Freehills, recognised at the AS Awards for “All Star Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion 2024”.

This accolade has been awarded based on Herbert Smith Freehills’ consistent commitment to hiring diverse talent.

Furthermore, the entire spectrum of talent development programmes organised by Herbert Smith Freehills, in particular their Disability Mentoring Scheme, makes the firm a deserved winner of this award.

Hosted by and sponsored by
Hosted by and sponsored by

10/10/2024

🤝 Congratulations to PwC for winning the “Best Improvement in Recruiting Diverse Talent 2024 Award” at our All Star Awards.

This Award celebrates the sustained improvement in hiring diverse talent, with 67% of PwC’s trainee solicitor cohort being AS Members.

Hosted by and sponsored by
Hosted by and sponsored by

10/10/2024

✨ Congratulations to Jonny Hurst of BPP for winning the “All Star Diversity Inspiration 2024 Award”.

Jonny has campaigned for socially mobile candidates following the wake of the SQE and the disproportionate adverse impact the exam has had on individuals from socially mobile backgrounds.

🤝 Furthermore, Jonny has mentored countless individuals from all diversity groups to help them realise their dream of becoming a lawyer.

Hosted by and sponsored by
Hosted by and sponsored by

09/10/2024

✨ Congratulations to Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP for winning the “All Star Performance in Recruiting Diverse Talent”.

An incredible 71% of BCLP’s trainee solicitor cohort were AS Alumni this year!

Hosted by and sponsored by
Hosted by and sponsored by

09/10/2024

✨ Congratulations to Aman Khaira of Vinson & Elkins for winning the “All Star Individual 2024 Award” at our All Star Awards!

This year, we are recognising Aman as she consistently goes above and beyond in their role, is a pleasure to work with, and totally aligns with our vision of creating a meritocratic diverse legal profession.

Hosted by Barclays and sponsored by Freshfields.

09/10/2024

✨ Congratulations to RPC for winning the “Best Vacation Scheme Performance 2024 Award”.

Overall, 68% of vacation scheme offers at RPC have been made to AS Members, which evidences the firm’s commitment to hiring diverse talent. Very well-deserved!

08/10/2024

✨ Congratulations to Kirkland & Ellis LLP for winning the “Best Firm Specific Event 2024 Award”, an award they also won last year.

This was awarded based on AS member feedback, which averaged around 9/10 across all scores including usefulness, content, how it increases attendee’s understanding of the firm and its culture.

🤝 AS Members have continually been impressed with Kirkland & Ellis for the quality of their events!

Hosted by Barclays and sponsored by Freshfields.

08/10/2024

Congratulations to all participants of the 2024 Commercial Awareness Competition!

Good luck to everyone! 🍀

08/10/2024

🏎️ Congratulations to Formula 1 for winning the “Best Work Placement 2024 Award”.

This work placement award captures the superb efforts of Formula 1 to provide our members with an excellent in-house learning opportunity.

🏁 Formula 1’s vacation scheme has enabled previous AS Members to secure training contracts at their dream firms!

Hosted by Barclays and sponsored by Freshfields

07/10/2024

✨ Congratulations to Bristows for winning the “Best Mentoring Scheme 2024 Award”, in recognition of their STEM mentoring scheme.

Not only did mentees thoroughly enjoy this scheme, 20% of the intake were offered training contracts.

🤝 Two mentors in particular have received a 100% record of training contract offers for their mentees!

Hosted by Barclays and sponsored by Freshfields

07/10/2024

✨ Congratulations to Stephenson Harwood LLP for winning the “Best Diversity Initiative 2024 Award”.

This was awarded based on their unique Black Talent programme 💼

The attainment of Black heritage applicants has improved considerably in recent years, and Aspiring Solicitors has worked with various partners on Black heritage schemes. However, the aforementioned programme is a clear standout in results.

Launched in 2021, Stephenson Harwood LLP’s Black Talent programme has resulted in 9 training contract offers!

Hosted by Barclays and sponsored by Freshfields

06/10/2024

🧠 October is ADHD Awareness Month, and at Aspiring Solicitors, we're committed to promoting inclusivity and understanding in the legal industry.

ADHD, like other neurodiverse conditions, is often misunderstood, but with the right accommodations and support, individuals with ADHD can excel in the legal industry.

By fostering a culture of awareness and inclusion, we can break down barriers and ensure that neurodiverse talent is embraced and valued in law firms and beyond.

04/10/2024

✨ Congratulations to Norton Rose Fulbright and Centrica for winning the “Best Mentor Preparation 2024 Award”.

This award is in recognition of both organisations reaching a score of 96% in relation to how well prepared mentees felt their mentors were on these programmes.

📈 The average score here is 85% so both Norton Rose Fulbright and Centrica mentors have performed incredibly well.

Hosted by Barclays and sponsored by Freshfields

29/09/2024

Only 1 day left to apply for the Commercial Awareness Competition! ⏰

✅designed to enhance your political, economic and commercial awareness.
✅boosts your CV.
✅is CV-blind, so you are only assessed on your performance in the competition rather than your academic background or work experience.
✅an opportunity to win legal work experience!

Find out more and apply via our website! [The link is in our bio] [LINK] https://loom.ly/kD4Venc

25/09/2024

💫 Meet Gulsum, Future Trainee Solicitor at Clyde & Co and AS Alumna! 💼

With the support of AS, she gained valuable insights through our Virtual Diversity Law Fairs and AS Social Mobility with Clyde & Co, which helped her find the right firm for her goals.

"AS gave me the chance to interact with diverse lawyers, deepen my understanding of different firms, and enhance my interview skills through mock interviews," says Gulsum. Her hard work and implementing the guidance from the Headstart scheme truly paid off 🚀

Her advice? Take advantage of AS opportunities, learn from every experience, and keep pushing forward. 🌟

Join us in congratulating Gulsum on her success! 👏🙌

24/09/2024

Vyoma, a CAC semi-finalist, consequently secured a Vacation Scheme and Training Contract at Jones Day!

Vyoma’s key skills she enhanced during the competition were:
✅public speaking;
✅commercial awareness; and
✅thriving under the pressure.

If you are looking to maximise your chances of securing a vacation scheme and/or training contract, enter the CAC today!

Find out more and apply via our website! https://loom.ly/kD4Venc

23/09/2024

At Aspiring Solicitors, we believe .

We strive to create a more inclusive legal profession by offering opportunities to aspiring solicitors from diverse backgrounds that lead to training contracts and newly qualified solicitor roles.

For us, inclusion requires action and meaningful participation within law firms, which is why we work with partner firms that are committed to this 💼⚖️

Happy National Inclusion Week!

Claim ownership or report listing