By April Baniqued. Published 18 March 2026.

My interest in law began in year eight, when I read about arson in an A-level law textbook. I was also influenced by the film 12 Angry Men. I admire the character Juror Number Eight, who asked questions despite discomfort and pressure from other jurors.

My career ambition is to be the best facilitator of justice I can possibly be, in whatever environment I am in. When I first started studying law, I desperately wanted to be a barrister. After I completed a mini-pupillage with a criminal barrister, I was encouraged to qualify as a solicitor first and then, if I still wanted to, become a barrister after. I put all my time and energy into exploring what it's like to be a solicitor and I really enjoyed it. The teamwork and collaboration were important aspects of the role, though I did love the independence and variety of work that the barristers do. I then considered what it would be like to become a judge, which fascinated me immensely. It helps that I enjoy reading judgements for fun. Whatever role I play in the law is irrelevant; I find it all exciting. What matters is contributing to society by solving problems that are both productive and ethical.

I was first introduced to The University of Law during college. The University visited and gave a talk about their courses. I was intrigued and after researching, I became interested in the two-year accelerated programme.

After I finished my A-levels, I decided not to go to university straight away and instead pursue the apprenticeship route. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the programme was connected to the University, especially because I had hoped to apply earlier.

The apprenticeship programme is funded by the government and my employer, which I am truly grateful for. When I was in secondary school, I told everyone that I was going to become a lawyer but I never thought about the financial cost of getting in. Without the apprenticeship, I would have faced an extremely difficult path to enter the legal career, if at all. A solicitor apprenticeship certainly helps improve financial accessibility to the profession.

One memorable and interesting University experience was taking part in the Student Union Awards. I performed a spoken-word piece about the life of being a law student as well as being a national and international student. It was a fancy evening and everyone was dressed up. It felt like a community and a time of celebration and recognition.

As I write this, I have not only graduated with a First-class degree but also recently passed the SQE1. The victory is sweeter after all the challenges I have overcome. There have been financial, mental, relational and health obstacles that have affected me and the people I hold dear. One particular struggle was discovering I had dyslexia. Reading my dyslexia assessment report was at first discouraging. It sparked a sense of embarrassment that I had not experienced before. I thought I would struggle significantly through the degree and only pass SQE1 eventually. In some ways, I felt like an underdog. Now I am certain this was the way it was always meant to happen.

I am overwhelmingly grateful for my incredible support system and for my prayers to God. They have all been instrumental in my journey. I also found that taking a step back from the problems helped me keep everything in perspective.

The University’s Wellbeing Service has also been brilliant. Jack set up counselling sessions for me during challenging times. Hadrian Barnes has also been great at helping me manage exams and my exam-panic submissions. Of course, I can’t forget my Skills Coach, previously Evy Sandhu and now Devika Raval. They have ensured that I have stayed grounded and progressed in my legal skills.

Every apprentice who has ever finished this programme has also been inspiring. I'm in my sixth year at the time of writing, so it's encouraging to watch others finish what you are still journeying through.

As for the future, the Employability Service has helped me consider potential career paths. The service provided innovative solutions to some of my questions and concerns. They even directed me to resources that I may not have otherwise considered.

Occasionally, I do like to watch the motivational speaker Dr. Eric Thomas' YouTube video 'It's Going to Be a Dog Fight'. It sounds quite outlandish now that I'm typing it but it's a helpful reminder to never ever, under any circumstances, give up.

I'm also currently listening to an audiobook by The Secret Barrister. It's called 'Stories of the Law and How It's Broken'. It has made me think about how much funding and finances, both in criminal and other legally aided cases, have had a great impact. Not just in facilitating justice but also accessing it.

If I could give advice to students, it’s to avoid comparing your journey to somebody else's. Remember, everyone's journey is unique and special. Don’t rush to qualification but enjoy the experience of becoming more refined in your skills and expanding your mindset. The exciting thing about qualifying as a solicitor is not necessarily the endpoint but the joy of the in-between. Even if it doesn't happen in your timeline, try to have the mindset that everything is a win, even if it doesn't feel like it or the circumstances are uncertain.

In five years, I see myself potentially applying to become a judge. I will certainly be trying to unpick complicated legal questions and reading the occasional judgement for leisure.

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