My journey to becoming a lawyer

Priyansha Raina

That I would qualify as a lawyer wasn’t a dream, an ambition or a goal I nurtured growing up. I did imagine flying a plane, becoming a physicist or an architect, and eventually set my sights upon a corporate career. I narrowed my focus on working with an MNC in the strategic sphere. Thus, started my journey into the corporate world. I graduated in Economics from Mumbai University with a First Class. I subsequently pursued an MSc in international marketing & management from the University of Leeds, UK, receiving a distinction in my dissertation. Lest I be accused of flaunting my scores, I should identify the reason for stating these – I found, in my experience, a good ‘report card’ does help in pushing your CV to the top of the pile. 

I embarked on my career with a role in strategy with Gulf Oil – I was placed in their Mumbai office, and following the successful completion of a six-month probation period, the Company decided to relocate me to their London office as a part of their global strategic team. I found the job description provided was only a small part of a portfolio of responsibilities. I was thrown in at the deep end and it was either sink or swim . I learnt, amongst the plethora of skills and experience, that irrespective of one’s educational qualifications, one only builds their abilities and capabilities on the job. 

Here comes the twist. Whilst fully in the throes of corporate strategy and marketing, I found myself greatly attracted to the legal aspects of the work. Due to the nature of my work, I had regular interaction with the legal counsel to evaluate various contracts, albeit my focus was on the commercial viability. Nonetheless, law had my full attention! I was riveted and enthralled. I decided I wanted to practice law full time. I, however, didn’t jump the gun. I spent several months researching the demands of the profession, speaking with lawyers and gathering information. It was evident this was going to be no cake walk, far from it, but I had made up my mind and decided to take the plunge. 

After four years at Gulf Oil, I submitted my resignation, and commenced my legal training full time. In order to qualify as a lawyer, or ‘solicitor’ as is the more traditionally used title for the profession in England & Wales, one must either possess an LLB in law, or if the first degree is in another subject, then you have the option of pursuing ‘Graduate Diploma in Law’ (GDL). This is a one-year intensive conversion course available to non-law graduates. Once you have a GDL or LLB, all such graduates must clear a ‘Legal Practice Course’ (LPC) whether you have an LLB or a GDL. One important point – an LLB doesn’t allow one to practice law in England & Wales. One must also complete a two-year training contract with a law firm in order to qualify as a solicitor. 

In my case, I obtained my LLB degree after completing the GDL and LPC from The University of Law (UoL) (formerly The College of Law), London. Obtaining a ‘Training Contract’ was a job all by itself – it took complete dedication and commitment. I was fortunate to receive an offer for a training contract from Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, London, where I qualified as a solicitor. The path to qualification is strewn with innumerable challenges. However, determination, tenacity and hard work are your faithful friends. 

Following my qualification, I spent several years in private practice, at Orrick, and Simmons & Simmons LLP, followed by W Legal as a consultant solicitor. 

I’m currently on a sabbatical.