Welcome to the third blog post for TheLawyerFiles!
First, thank you for subscribing. Please stay tuned for insightful interviews, expert advice, and real-life experiences from legal professionals to help you navigate your journey to becoming a solicitor.
In this edition, we feature Megan Leckie, co-founder of Women in Law Kent and recipient of the CCCU Alumni Rising Star award in 2023. She shares the inspiration behind creating a supportive network for women in the legal profession, how her dyslexia diagnosis has shaped her approach to legal practice, and the invaluable lessons she’s learned from her volunteering experiences. Megan also offers honest insights into staying motivated on the path to qualification and valuable advice for aspiring solicitors navigating their own legal journeys.
Let’s dive in! 🚀
- You co-founded Women In Law Kent and received the CCCU Alumni Rising Star award in 2023. What inspired you to create this organisation, and what impact do you hope it has for women entering the legal profession?
Women in Law Kent was born out of a genuine need for a supportive and empowering space for women in the legal profession. When I started my own journey, I noticed a lack of accessible groups specifically focused on women in law in my local area. Throughout my career, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by amazing women who have supported, mentored, and encouraged me. I wanted to create something that would offer the same sense of community and solidarity to others.
If I’m honest, the idea also came from a bit of a selfish place, I was looking for a network of like-minded women to connect with, share experiences, and navigate the legal profession together. The legal world can be challenging, and having a strong network makes a huge difference. My hope is that Women in Law Kent provides aspiring and current legal professionals with the confidence, resources, and support to thrive in their careers.
- In your recent post about your SQE results, you shared your experience of discovering you have dyslexia with memory and comprehension difficulties. How has this diagnosis changed your approach to legal practice?
I wouldn’t say my diagnosis has necessarily changed my approach to legal practice, but it has given me a much better understanding of myself. Instead of getting frustrated when I struggle with certain tasks, I now take a step back and focus on figuring out a different way to approach them.
Having dyslexia, particularly with memory and comprehension difficulties, has made me more mindful of my working style. I’ve learned to adapt by using different techniques, whether that’s breaking information down into more digestible chunks, using visual aids, or taking extra time to process complex legal concepts. Rather than seeing it as a setback, I now see it as part of what makes me who I am, and I work with it rather than against it.
- Throughout your education, you’ve balanced academic work with substantial volunteering at Citizens Advice Bureau and as a legal companion at Canterbury Combined Law Courts. How has this practical experience shaped your understanding of access to justice?
These experiences have been truly eye-opening. Volunteering at Citizens Advice Bureau and working as a legal companion at Canterbury Combined Law Courts exposed me to the reality that not everyone has equal access to justice. It made me realise just how vulnerable many people are, whether due to financial constraints, lack of legal knowledge, or personal circumstances.
Seeing first-hand how the legal system can be daunting for those who don’t have the resources or support reinforced my passion for helping others. I’ve always had a strong desire to make a difference, which is why, even while at university, I worked as a carer for the elderly. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about being able to support someone during a difficult time in their life. These experiences have only strengthened my commitment to ensuring that justice is accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford it.
- You mentioned that you’ve invested significant time, money, and emotional energy into your legal career path. What keeps you motivated to continue pursuing qualification despite the setbacks?
Honestly, I absolutely love what I do. Despite the challenges, setbacks, and long hours, I wouldn’t change it. What keeps me going is knowing that I have the ability to help people, even in the smallest of ways. The fact that I can have a positive impact on someone’s life, whether it’s guiding them through a difficult legal issue or simply offering them reassurance makes everything worth it.
Beyond that, I find the legal system genuinely fascinating. No two cases are ever the same, and there’s always something new to learn. The journey to qualification hasn’t been easy, but my passion for the law and my drive to make a difference push me to keep going, no matter what obstacles come my way.
- Looking at your career trajectory from paralegal to trainee solicitor, what has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned that might benefit law students just starting their career journey?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that we are all on our own journey. If someone had told me fresh out of university that I’d still be studying to qualify as a solicitor at 25, I probably would have panicked. But looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. My journey hasn’t been linear, and that’s okay.
There’s often so much pressure in the legal profession to get a first-class degree, to secure a training contract immediately, to qualify as soon as possible but the truth is, everyone’s path looks different. Some people qualify straight after university, while others take a more unconventional route. Neither is better or worse; what matters is finding the path that works for you.
So, my advice to law students is: don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Focus on your own growth, take opportunities as they come, and trust that you’ll get to where you need to be in your own time.
Megan Leckie – https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganlgryan
Trainee Criminal Solicitor
Tuckers Solicitors
Thank you for reading the third edition of TheLawyerFiles!
I hope Megan’s experiences have provided you with valuable insight and inspiration for your own legal journey. Whether you’re building your network, overcoming challenges, or finding your own path in the legal profession, perseverance and passion are essential.
Stay tuned—shortly after this post, we’ll be releasing a podcast episode where Megan dives even deeper into her experiences and advice. Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it!
Until next time—keep learning, keep growing, and keep pushing forward! 🚀⚖️
-Denice Obeng 🙂
