My Career in Law

My Career in Law

Career management is a concept I always believed I had a solid understanding of from a young age, and yet almost 10 years later is still something I am actively familiarizing myself with.

I chose a career as a lawyer, and I think anyone reading this who works within the legal profession can agree that it is not the easiest industry to enter. There are a lot of twists and turns, various hurdles and a mounting degree of “What If?”. This truly is a profession where positive career management is a key skill to develop. Hence, my reason for writing this article is to go into my journey to becoming a solicitor and my tips on developing your career management skills.

Starting on the ladder

I come from a working-class family and throughout the years I witnessed my parents’ exemplary work ethic which has stuck with me to this day. The way they worked to ensure they could provide me and my siblings with a comfortable upbringing very much underpins the reasons for and the ways in which I pursue my career goals.

My career started in 2014 as a retail sales assistant. This was quite away from my goal of becoming a lawyer (which is very much thanks to watching Judge Judy with my Grandad when I was younger), but I felt it was a good first step and went a long way in providing some independence.

I took a very traditional route into law. I studied my GCSES, followed by A-Levels and then continued to University. My choices throughout high school, college and university were all very much aligned to this dream that one day I would become a lawyer.

Although I had my eyes firmly set on becoming a lawyer, much of my work experience had nothing to do with law. I had worked in retail, as a bartender, a karate instructor, a lifeguard, a camp counsellor, a manager and most recently a maths teacher at my old high school. I am thankful for these opportunities as each one helped me to develop new skills, boosted my confidence, they gave me some great stories and it ensured law was the right career path for me.

Overcoming hurdles

I had heard from colleagues at work and peers at college how difficult it could be to secure a role as a lawyer, and I must admit the hurdles did sound daunting at first. However, this didn’t deter me, I knew that if I wanted to make my dream a reality, I needed to at least attempt to overcome them.

Throughout University I started to realise the competition was increasing by the year, as more and more peers started applying for the illustrious Training Contract and challenging each other for the highest grades. I understood that I needed to start pushing myself a little bit harder and that included paying extra attention in classes and pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

Unfortunately, my biggest hurdle came in the form of my complex PTSD diagnosis at the age of 19. This was a very turbulent time and for the first time ever made me question what I wanted to do with my life. Uncertainty and fear certainly did not make for good bed fellows. However, it may have been a gruelling 5 years of

recovery but I started to realise this diagnosis did not define me and ultimately it opened my eyes to the fact that if I wanted this career then I would do everything I could to make sure I got it. Becoming a Lawyer Ambition is the key to achieving any goal. With ambition comes charisma, work ethic, confidence, and resilience. It is this overarching sense of “I can do this”.

Becoming a Lawyer

Ambition is the key to achieving any goal. With ambition comes charisma, work ethic, confidence, and resilience. It is this overarching sense of “I can do this”.

During my final year of University, on a whim I applied for, and was elected as the President of my Student Law Society. I must make clear that I was not a confident public speaker, yet I knew I needed to try something new. I mustered up the courage to present in front of a lecture theatre filled with my peers and explained mine and the Society’s goals for the year. I had never done anything like this, it was a real leap out of my comfort zone, and yet that year was one of the most successful years the Society had ever seen. I suddenly started presenting to larger groups regularly, and I felt more confident speaking with others in general. I had found my confidence again. 

In 2020 I secured a First-Class Law degree, followed by a Distinction on the LPC, and that same year I secured a Training Contract with Irwin Mitchell, my dream firm. I knew I had put the hard work in, but after numerous knockbacks I still secretly never expected the call. I took the time between being offered the role and starting to go travelling around Europe, Asia and America and I am so glad I took that time to see more of the world and meet so many amazing people.

I started my Training Contract in the Summer of 2023 and I have been loving my job ever since. It has been everything I hoped it would be. There are days when the role is difficult and challenges me, yet the journey I took to get here really makes me grateful for what I have achieved. 

My latest goal is to ensure I secure a newly qualified role in the Summer of 2025. I have been getting involved in several business development and charitable endeavours, expanding my professional network and engaging in new learning opportunities. I used my previous experiences to become a committee member for the Manchester Trainee Solicitor’s Group and I am using this platform to inspire and support others who are going through a similar journey to me.

I think it’s important to mention however that positive career management isn’t just about chasing that next big goal. As I have quickly come to understand in this role, striving for a positive work life balance is equally important. When I first started, I was so eager to impress I lost sight of my life outside of work. My latest journey is to make sure I switch off once I have logged off, get back into my extracurricular hobbies and interests, and enjoy spending more time with my family and friends.

If there is anything I hope readers take away from this piece is do not limit yourself. If you have a dream then follow it, no matter what anyone says, you are good enough. Through believing in yourself you will be surprised what you can achieve, and I would say lean into that sense of the unknown with everything you have, every adventure makes you unique and may just be the ticket to securing that job, promotion, raise or work life balance you have been chasing for so long.

Cody Brookes

Cody Brookes

Trainee Solicitor

Irwin Mitchell LLP