Welcome to the fortieth blog post for TheLawyerFiles.
Thank you, as always, for subscribing and continuing to follow the journeys of aspiring solicitors and legal professionals who are shaping the future of the profession through resilience, purpose, and determination.
✨ In this edition, we feature Stella Omoniyi, a Solicitor in the Social Housing team at Birketts LLP, whose journey into law reflects persistence, growth, and a deep commitment to meaningful legal work.
Stella’s path into law was not instant. From starting as a Legal Administrator to progressing through paralegal and trainee roles before qualifying in 2023, her journey is a powerful example of resilience over time. Along the way, she gained experience both in private practice and as an In House Counsel at A2Dominion, developing a well rounded perspective on the legal profession.
Her work in social housing law sits at the intersection of legal expertise, commercial awareness, and real world impact. Through her experiences, Stella has developed a strong understanding of how housing law affects not just businesses and local authorities, but individuals and communities navigating some of the most challenging moments in their lives.
In this conversation, Stella reflects on the lessons she learned throughout her journey, from the importance of attention to detail and clear communication to the value of asking questions and building confidence over time. She also shares insight into the realities of social housing law, balancing client priorities with humanity, and why this area of law plays such a vital role in access to justice.
If you are an aspiring solicitor navigating the path to qualification, exploring different areas of law, or looking for a career that combines purpose with practical impact, Stella’s story offers both clarity and encouragement.
Let’s dive in 💡
- You’ve built an impressive career spanning roles in both private practice and in-house legal teams. How did working as an In-House Counsel shape your approach to client relationships now that you’re back in private practice at Birketts?
Working as an In-House Legal Counsel has profoundly influenced my approach to client relationships. While maintaining the independence expected of a solicitor, the role offered direct access to clients and the ability to obtain instructions first-hand. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of the operational challenges faced by social housing providers and taught me to look beyond purely legal issues. I learned to consider the broader business context on how decisions impact profitability, reputation, and long-term strategy within the housing sector.
At Birketts, our Social Housing team represents a wide range of national and regional registered providers, local authorities, and private housebuilders. My time as an In-House Counsel has given me valuable insight into the dual priorities of these clients: the commitment to delivering affordable housing and the necessity of generating profits. These profits are often reinvested into the business to fund further affordable housing projects, creating a cycle that balances social responsibility with financial sustainability.
- Your experience covers housing management, property litigation, and advice work. What drew you to specialise in this area, and what aspects of property law do you find most rewarding or challenging?
I thoroughly enjoyed my Social Housing seat during my Training Contract. At that stage, I hadn’t fully appreciated the unique nature of this area of law, which brings together legal principles, people, businesses, and a wide range of issues. Social housing truly touches every aspect of our lives.
Upon qualification, I began to understand the direct impact social housing has on communities. Choosing to remain in this field allows me to contribute to something meaningful while navigating complex legal frameworks.
Property law is dynamic, and decisions often carry long-term implications for profitability, reputation, and operational strategy. One of the most challenging aspects of my role is balancing my client’s priorities with humanity. For example, obtaining vacant possession following a continued breach of tenancy can mean making someone homeless. While I must act in my client’s best interests, I ensure that all other avenues have been exhausted before proceeding to litigation. I often reflect on the person on the other side of the case.
The most rewarding part of my role is achieving outcomes that align with my client’s objectives, whether that’s successfully obtaining an Anti-Social Behaviour order against a perpetrator, saving costs for the client, or ensuring a claimant’s property is repaired and fit for human habitation, particularly with the introduction of Awaab’s Law in October 2025.
- Having started your career as a Legal Administrator and progressed through multiple paralegal and trainee roles, what lessons did you learn early on that still guide your work as a solicitor today?
Starting my career as a Legal Administrator and progressing through paralegal and trainee roles taught me invaluable lessons that still guide my work today. First, I learned the importance of attention to detail, whether drafting documents or managing case files, accuracy is critical in law. That discipline has stayed with me and underpins everything I do as a solicitor.
Second, I developed a deep appreciation for clear communication. Early on, I saw how misunderstandings could lead to delays in obtaining client’s instructions or protracted disputes, so I make it a priority to ensure instructions and advice are always clear and practical for clients.
Third, I’ve learned that failing to ask questions can pose significant risks for a solicitor. Without clarity, you may be unable to advise your client effectively or worse, provide incorrect advice which contradicts our duty to act in the client’s best interests and uphold trust and confidence. No one is an island; even the most experienced lawyers ask questions. Seeking clarification is a strength, not a weakness
Finally, those roles taught me resilience and adaptability. Working across different teams and practice areas exposed me to varied challenges, and I learned to stay calm under pressure and approach problems with a solution-focused mindset. These qualities are essential in property law and litigation, where issues can be complex and time sensitive.
- You’ve worked with organisations like Citizens Advice and A2Dominion Group, both of which involve strong elements of public service. How has this shaped your understanding of access to justice and the human side of housing law?
One of our Partners at Birketts often says that social housing is the fourth emergency service and when you think about it, that’s absolutely true. The sector touches every aspect of life. A safe and secure home underpins education, employment, and health outcomes. Without it, other interventions such as medical care, policing, and social services become far less effective.
Yet, social housing is often overlooked because of the silent service it provides behind the scenes, safeguarding lives and well-being for vulnerable individuals. Housing is the foundation upon which all other support systems rest.
My time at Citizens advice, In-House and now Birketts has showed me that thousands of families and individuals, access to secure, affordable housing is the difference between thriving and falling into homelessness. In times of personal crisis whether due to domestic abuse, financial hardship, or health challenges, access to social housing is critical and it often steps in as the first point of rescue.
To me, this represents the human side of housing law: it’s not just about property, contracts, or compliance, it’s about safeguarding lives and providing stability when people need it most.
- Looking back at your journey—from student ambassador roles to solicitor at Birketts—what advice would you give aspiring lawyers who are currently navigating the transition from paralegal to trainee solicitor?
My advice to aspiring lawyers is to be persistent in pursuing their ambition—there is real reward in perseverance, and law is indeed a fulfilling career. I graduated in 2016 and qualified as a solicitor in 2023; during those seven years, I never wavered in my goal. That journey instilled in me the principles that guide my work today.
Use every experience to develop resilience and a commercial mindset. Your time as a Paralegal is invaluable, use it to master the fundamentals of the profession: attention to detail, clear communication, organisational skills, and understanding the client needs. These habits will set you apart during your training contract and when you qualify.
Finally, never be afraid to ask questions. Clarify rather than assume, doing so protects your client and upholds the trust and confidence that define our profession. Even the most senior lawyers ask questions; it’s a sign of diligence, not weakness.
Stella Omoniyi – https://www.linkedin.com/in/stella-omoniyi-a8217195/
Solicitor at Birketts LLP | Housing Management, Property Litigation & Advice
I hope Stella’s journey has inspired you, especially if you are navigating the path to qualification, building experience over time, or working towards your goal of becoming a solicitor.
Her story is a powerful reminder that legal careers are not always immediate, and that persistence, consistency, and a willingness to learn can shape a meaningful and successful career. From starting as a Legal Administrator to qualifying as a solicitor in 2023, Stella’s journey reflects the value of staying committed to your long term goals, even when the process takes time.
Through her experience across paralegal, trainee, and in house roles, Stella highlights the importance of developing strong fundamentals early on. Attention to detail, clear communication, and the confidence to ask questions are not just skills, but essential habits that underpin effective legal practice. Her journey reinforces that growth often happens gradually, through resilience and a continuous willingness to improve.
Stella also offers a compelling perspective on social housing law and its wider impact. Her reflections remind us that law is not only about legal frameworks and commercial outcomes, but also about people, communities, and access to justice. From balancing client priorities with compassion to recognising the real life impact of legal decisions, her work highlights the human side of the profession.
For anyone wondering whether they are progressing at the right pace, whether their experience is enough, or whether they truly belong in this profession, Stella’s story offers reassurance. With persistence, curiosity, and a strong foundation of skills, it is possible to build a legal career that is both impactful and fulfilling.
🎧 Our podcast episode with Stella will be available shortly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Audible. In this episode, we explore her journey from Legal Administrator to Solicitor, her experience working both in house and in private practice, and how this shaped her approach to client relationships and commercial awareness.
We also discuss the realities of social housing law, balancing legal duties with humanity, access to justice, and the lessons she learned throughout her seven year journey to qualification. Stella shares practical advice for aspiring solicitors, particularly those navigating the transition from paralegal to trainee.
Make sure you are subscribed so you do not miss future episodes.
Until next time, stay curious, stay open minded, and keep pursuing the work that inspires you 💡🎙️
Denice Obeng 😊
