Welcome to the twenty-fourth blog post for The Lawyer Files!
Thank you, as always, for subscribing and following the journeys of tomorrow’s legal leaders. Each edition brings you honest reflections, practical insights, and inspiring stories from aspiring solicitors carving out meaningful careers in the legal profession.
✨ In this edition, we feature Hadia, a law student and legal intern at Chanel, whose path into the profession is shaped by empathy, community engagement, and a quiet but powerful sense of purpose.
From volunteering with social cohesion projects to navigating the fast-paced world of in-house legal work at a global fashion brand, Hadia’s journey shows that there’s no single “right” route into the profession. What stands out is her ability to bring the same level of care and integrity whether she’s managing events for a charity or adapting to the high standards of luxury legal practice.
Her reflections on rejection, resilience, and identity offer a candid look at what it really means to grow through the legal process — not just chase titles. She speaks openly about balancing student life with professional ambition, and how her upbringing instilled the values that continue to guide her today.
If you’ve ever wondered how to stay grounded in this profession, or how to make impact without compromising who you are — Hadia’s story is one to bookmark.
Let’s dive in 🚀
1. What inspired you to pursue a legal career, and when did you know law was the right path for you?
I grew up surrounded by people who’s career choices were embedded in the ability to help others. From a young age, I knew that it was important for me to pick a career that similarly had prospects to invoke change. When you are young, you often think of ‘helping people’ being limited to the careers of doctors or firefighters or any roles directly related to health. So, when I was eight years old, I would run around telling everyone I wanted to be a paediatrician because I wanted to help sick children. However, as I got older, I very quickly realised that my academic strengths lay much more with essay subjects rather than maths and science. This put a big spanner in the works and for a while I had no idea what career I could enjoy whilst simultaneously being able give back. It was actually through watching human rights law shows that opened my eyes to the many different aspects of life that require action, and how powerful the law can be as a vehicle for social change. The more I researched the subject and career prospects, the more everything began to fit in to place – it felt as if Law was the subject that was waiting for me all along. After completing my A-levels in History, Economics and Religious Studies, I applied for Law degrees and I have not looked back since.
2. Have you had any mentors or peers who’ve been especially influential in your journey?
I have had many teachers, friends and mentors over the years that have all played a part in shaping who I am today. Many showed me insurmountable kindness and encouragement that pushed me through difficult times and kept me grounded in my ambitions and priorities. I have equally had my fair share of negative encounters and friendship breakdowns, but I would regard these people as equally pivotal in my journey as they cultivated resilience and further empathy for others. However, my biggest inspiration would have to be my parents, who have dedicated their careers to community work and social impact projects. For me, they are the epitome of what it means to never let circumstances or hardships get in the way of achieving your goals. Taking on several roles, whilst raising four children, sounds impossible – but they continue to display nothing but grace, gratitude and kindness. These are qualities that I consider extremely important, especially in this day and age, when true humanity can often feel scarce. Their lives have undoubtably shaped mine, and I aspire to make even a fraction of the impact they have made, one day.
3. What’s something you’ve learned from rejection or setback in the legal process?
The legal process is extremely difficult and trying – it is very easy to get sucked into the feeling that ‘this will never happen for me’. I think what changed that mindset for me was speaking to other lawyers, who are now thriving in their careers, and hearing that they too went through cycle after cycle of rejections. This made me realise that it will eventually work out, if you keep trying. When I look back at things I applied for and really wanted at the time but did not get, I realise that I would never have been where I am today, met the people I have met, or live the life I currently live had it worked out the way I wanted it to at the time. Rejection is redirection, and sometimes something may be right for you but it is not the right time. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and what is meant for you will find you.
4. You’ve volunteered for several important causes. How did those experiences shape your approach to client care and public service?
I have volunteered and worked for various social cohesion projects, which have impacted me in different ways. Volunteering from a young age allowed me to build my confidence and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. It also showed me how different personalities respond to different things, and the importance of understanding people on an individual basis in order to effectively cultivate a relationship. In the legal profession, these interpersonal skills are a crucial in being able to understand clients and effectively support them. Working as a Social Media and Events Manager for another charity, taught me how to engage with various communities and the importance of finding commonalities in order to bring people together.
Hadia Hussain – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadia-hussain-b10807211/
Legal Intern at CHANEL LLB Law Student
I hope Hadia’s story has encouraged you — especially if you’re currently studying law, navigating rejection, or figuring out how to balance ambition with authenticity.
Her journey is a reminder that empathy, persistence, and staying grounded are just as important as any academic milestone — whether you’re supporting grassroots causes, stepping into a luxury legal environment, or simply learning to trust your own pace in this profession.
From volunteering on social cohesion projects to interning at Chanel, Hadia shows us that every experience matters — even the ones that don’t come with titles or instant results. Growth in law isn’t always loud or linear. Sometimes, it’s built through quiet confidence, purpose-driven action, and refusing to give up when things feel uncertain.
🎧 Stay tuned — our podcast episode with Hadia is coming soon on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music & Audible (The Lawyer Files), where we talk about legal storytelling, building resilience as a student, and what it’s really like interning at a brand like Chanel.
We’ll also explore rejection as redirection, the power of soft skills, and how to carve your own version of success in a profession that often expects a single path.
Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it.
Until next time — stay kind, stay reflective, and keep showing up with purpose. 🎙️📚💼
— Denice Obeng 🙂
