Welcome to the twenty-second 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 Habeeba Haque, a Trainee Solicitor at Hay & Kilner, whose legal journey is rooted in empathy, persistence, and a strong commitment to people-centred practice.
From gaining early exposure through a high street law firm to volunteering with Support Through Court and working in the Student Law Office, Habeeba’s path is a reminder that great lawyers aren’t just defined by technical ability — but by how they show up for others.
What makes Habeeba stand out is her clarity of purpose. Whether she’s supporting litigants in person during emotionally charged hearings or helping clients navigate complex family matters, her approach blends compassion with professionalism. Her experiences span private client work, volunteering, and student leadership — each playing a vital role in shaping the well-rounded solicitor she is becoming.
Her reflections on confidence, resilience, and building a legal career without following a rigid path are full of encouragement for anyone feeling unsure or behind. Habeeba’s story is proof that every step — even the quiet ones — can build something meaningful.
Let’s dive in 🚀
- What initially inspired your interest in law, and how has that evolved throughout your academic and professional journey?
I would say I was unsure on what to do for my career when I was younger. I didn’t like subjects such as Maths or Science but I always wanted to make a tangible difference and what drew me to law was the sense that it can be used to give people a solution to their legal issues. My interest in law really took shape during a part time internship I did at a high street law firm, whilst studying in my first year of my A-levels. I was lucky enough to gain early exposure to the legal world, and it opened my eyes to how varied the work can be and what goes into a law firm. I was particularly interested in Family Law and I saw how lawyers weren’t just applying rules, they were supporting people through some of the most emotional and life-changing moments of their lives. That early experience stayed with me and helped me realise that I was drawn to the parts of law that are deeply people focused.
Since then, my academic and professional journey has helped me understand the depth and complexity of legal areas. I’ve found real purpose in the idea of helping individuals navigate sensitive issues whether it’s a family breakdown or safeguarding someone’s assets. It’s taught me that our soft skills such as empathy are just as important as legal knowledge. Therefore, over time, my passion evolved from wanting to “fix” things to wanting to understand them deeply, for example, how lawyers can be part of the solution.
- Can you tell us about a standout moment from your time volunteering with organisations like The Innocence Project or Advocate?
During university, I volunteered for the Personal Support Unit which is now called Support through Court, a charity based in the Newcastle Civil & Family Courts, which is right next to Northumbria University. They support litigants in person. Volunteers don’t give legal advice but help with form filling, checking over forms, listening and just being there for the people that came in.
There was a moment during my time at Support Through Court where I supported an individual representing themselves in a divorce case by just sitting with them for the hearing and taking notes for them in the hearing. They were intelligent and articulate but simply overwhelmed by the legal system. As a student, you can make a real difference. It also reminded me that the human side of law, the reassurance you provide, the time you give is just as valuable as any legal advice.
- How did your experience with the Student Law Office shape your perspective on real-life legal practice?’
The Student Law Office was the first time I really felt like a lawyer. I wasn’t just studying case law. I was sitting across from real clients, listening to their problems, and figuring out how to help. It gave me a chance to experience typing up attendance notes and learning about how to progress a case, and therefore provided me with some confidence on how law would be like in practice – I feel like it gave everyone a head start on what to expect in a law firm. It also showed me that law isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being calm, methodical, and compassionate in helping others find solutions.
- What advice would you give to first-year law students looking to build a well-rounded CV?
Start small but start early. You don’t need to have everything figured out right away. Get involved in things that interest you whether that’s mooting, volunteering, joining a society, or working part-time. Personally, I didn’t feel confident in mooting as a student so didn’t join any mooting sessions that some of the societies use to offer, and that’s ok, as long as you are doing other things, all of it builds valuable skills. Focus on becoming a well-rounded individual with strong communication, time management, and people skills – volunteering, societies and even part time jobs can help to show this in your CV, and remember, employers are looking for potential, not perfection. Most importantly, don’t compare your path to others. There’s no single way to “make it” in law. Your journey is yours so build by giving your all and you will see your efforts paying off – for some it’s a quick process (i.e those securing vac schemes and a Training Contract during university) and for others like myself, it’s a slow journey (i.e securing a legal job or a Training Contract after university).
- Looking back at your legal journey so far, what are you most proud of?
Honestly, I’m proud of the moments where I kept going even when I doubted myself. Law can be a tough environment, especially as a being the first in your family to go to university and as a student – you’re constantly being tested, compared and pushed. We go through so much in our personal lives and my mental health hit rock bottom during university – I had to seek support from my university guidance tutor, the university’s counselling services and get therapy. I thought I would’ve never got through university and I ended up having no confidence in myself at all. I had to keep reminding myself that I can get through this if I push through and I eventually did, so I’m proud of that as it takes a lot to bring yourself back up. If you’re in the early stages of your legal journey, remember that resilience, and kindness go a long way. Keep trying your best to show up, keep learning, and trust that your efforts will add up, even if you can’t see it right away.
Habeeba Haque – https://www.linkedin.com/in/habeeba-haque-692282158/
Trainee Solicitor at Hay & Kilner
I hope Habeeba’s story has encouraged you — especially if you’re finding your way in law without having it all mapped out, wondering if you’re doing enough, or balancing personal growth with professional ambition.
Her journey is a reminder that empathy, consistency, and showing up for others are just as powerful as any academic milestone — whether you’re supporting clients through emotional challenges, volunteering in court, or simply learning how to navigate the profession with confidence and care.
From early legal exposure on the high street to volunteering with Support Through Court and working in the Student Law Office, Habeeba shows us that every experience — no matter how small it may seem — contributes to becoming a thoughtful and capable solicitor. Success in law isn’t always loud or linear. Sometimes, it’s built slowly, through moments of quiet persistence.
🎧 Stay tuned — our podcast episode with Habeeba is coming soon on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music & Audible (The Lawyer Files), where we talk about people-first practice, building resilience at university, and what it really means to grow into this profession on your own terms.
We’ll also explore how soft skills shape legal practice, the pressure to “do it all,” and why staying grounded is the most underrated superpower in law.
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 🙂
