Many students consider law because they enjoy debate, reasoning, or problem-solving. Few, however, understand what the real path to becoming a solicitor in the UK actually involves.
In this Unblur the Path episode, Trupti Michael, a UK-based legal professional, shares her journey into law—highlighting the decisions, challenges, and realities aspiring lawyers should know early.
This article is especially useful for students, parents, and career-switchers exploring a career in law.
Choosing Law Early: What Matters and What Doesn’t
Trupti’s path into law began early, encouraged by her family and reinforced by popular legal dramas. However, she is quick to clarify a common misconception:
You do not need specific subjects at GCSE or A-level to study law.
- At GCSE level, grades matter more than subject choices.
- At A-level, there is no mandatory combination for law.
- Students from any academic background can pursue law, including via a 1-year law conversion course (GDL) after a non-law degree.
This flexibility is often overlooked, leading students to unnecessarily limit their options.
University Choices and the Importance of Extracurriculars
Trupti did not attend her first-choice university and entered through the clearing process, eventually completing a Business and Law degree.
Her key insight for university applicants:
Law schools look beyond academics.
Activities such as:
- Debating societies
- Music or creative pursuits
- Leadership roles
signal communication skills, discipline, and intellectual curiosity—qualities essential for legal practice.
🎧 Listen to Trupti Michael on Unblur the Path
A Law Degree Is Only the First Step
One of the most important takeaways from Trupti’s journey is this:
👉 A law degree alone does not make you a solicitor.
To qualify in the UK, aspiring solicitors must complete:
- The Legal Practice Course (LPC) (or the newer SQE route)
- A training contract, which is highly competitive and often applied for two years in advance
When Trupti did not immediately secure a training contract, she worked as a paralegal, gaining hands-on experience and insight into how law firms operate. This role became a turning point, leading her into insurance and corporate law.
Why Early Work Experience Matters
While still in school, Trupti undertook work experience in a criminal law firm. This exposure helped her realise that criminal law—especially cases involving children—was emotionally demanding and not the right fit for her.
This experience reinforced an essential lesson for students:
You cannot choose a legal specialisation without seeing the work up close.
Understanding Legal Career Realities
Trupti openly discusses aspects of the profession that students are rarely told:
- Criminal law is meaningful but often lower paid
- Corporate law offers higher earning potential
- Compensation varies significantly by firm size and practice area
She also outlines the core skills every law student must develop:
- Strong legal research skills
- Ability to memorise case law and statutes
- Academic resilience and long hours of focused study
While digital research tools have made access easier, the intellectual demands remain unchanged.
Final Advice for Aspiring Lawyers
Trupti’s journey reinforces one key message:
Law is not just about intelligence—it is about clarity, persistence, and informed decision-making.
Her advice to students and parents:
- Seek work experience early
- Understand qualification pathways before committing
- Be realistic about competition
- Choose specialisations based on temperament, not prestige
Mummy, Kahani Sunao! 