Source: The Law Society

When Kiera O’Connor faced school exclusion at 15 due to mental health challenges, she gained her first legal experience representing herself at an education tribunal. Today, as a paralegal at Kingsley Napley’s Court of Protection team, her journey offers valuable insights into navigating educational barriers and achieving social mobility in the legal profession.

Breaking Educational Barriers

O’Connor’s experience highlights critical issues in the UK education system’s handling of students with mental health needs. After exclusion, she was placed in a unit offering just eight hours of weekly “education” – a system she found severely inadequate. Her response provides a crucial lesson in self-advocacy: she took control of her education by self-studying GCSE syllabuses through revision guides.

Key Steps for Academic Progression:

• Despite having only two GCSEs, she secured sixth form entry through persistent communication
• Built relationships with university admissions teams early, explaining circumstances and demonstrating commitment
• Maintained consistent contact throughout the application process
• Successfully appealed on results day despite falling short of UCAS requirements (60 points versus required 112)

Building Professional Foundations Without Privileges

Without family connections in law, O’Connor developed alternative strategies to build her professional network:

• Organised networking events through university law society
• Secured speaking engagements from prominent legal figures
• Gained practical experience through Citizens Advice and Shelter
• Combined part-time paralegal work with studies
• Actively participated in professional bodies like the Law Society’s Junior Solicitors Network

Financial Support and Accessibility

O’Connor’s path demonstrates the importance of identifying and pursuing financial support:

• Secured Law Society’s Diversity Access Scheme scholarship
• Obtained College of Legal Practice scholarship for SQE2
• Leveraged mentorship opportunities through professional networks
• Participated in diversity initiatives, winning the Brandusa-Tataru Marinescu award

Practical Tips for Aspiring Lawyers from Non-Traditional Backgrounds:

1. Use public resources creatively (O’Connor studied court proceedings by attending public galleries)
2. Seek alternative routes to qualification (she’s pursuing the SQE path)
3. Build professional relationships early through voluntary roles
4. Apply for specialised diversity schemes and scholarships
5. Maintain persistent communication with educational institutions
6. Consider part-time study options while gaining practical experience

O’Connor’s experience as a school governor in special education needs and exclusions demonstrates how personal challenges can be transformed into professional expertise. Her journey shows that while traditional paths to law may seem closed, alternative routes exist for those willing to pursue them persistently.

This case study highlights how the legal profession’s traditional barriers can be overcome through strategic planning, resilience, and utilising available support systems – crucial insights for others facing similar challenges in pursuing legal careers.

Read more: The Law Society