Josephine Ijegbai is currently studying our Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship online. Here, she shares how she discovered her dream career, details the support she has received and tells us about the society she founded.
By April Baniqued. Published 17 December 2025.
My ambition is to have a fulfilling and impactful legal career. Artists like Fela Kuti and Bob Marley sparked my sense of justice early on but it was my high school debate club that truly inspired me. The club helped me realise how much I enjoyed arguments and advocacy, and ultimately led me to pursue law.
Coming from a Nigerian family, I have always deeply valued education. That value, combined with the fact that university is an essential step to becoming a lawyer, encouraged me to pursue higher education. After securing a solicitor apprenticeship with my law firm, I enrolled at The University of Law. As I learned more about its strong industry links and focus on practical legal skills, my confidence grew. I became certain that it was the right environment for me to grow intellectually and professionally.
Balancing work, study and personal life can be challenging. By engaging with lecturers, the study skills team and wellbeing team, I discovered the time-saving hacks that really worked for me. Elizabeth Ajagbe, my study skills coach, is particularly helpful. She checks in on me regularly to discuss my progress and development. She serves as a steady source of encouragement. She shows me the importance of a resilient mindset and letting go of perfectionism during tough times. I am also lucky enough to have a strong community. They help me overcome obstacles by giving me emotional guidance, praise and accountability. Overall, they have each taught me the value of speaking up when I need support.
The care from the employability service has been invaluable. I can book appointments whenever I need guidance. The team guides me in exploring unfamiliar practice areas and offers tailored feedback on my CV and LinkedIn profile. They signpost me to online and in-person events too. Their insights into the industry fill the gaps in my knowledge and provide me with clarity about my career direction.
Outside my studies, I co-founded the Legal Apprentice Society, together with four other law students. Whilst fully immersed in our university work, we realised something important – that we missed out on the social and community aspects of university life. With that in mind, we created the society to fill that gap. As Head of Events, I assisted in organising socials across campuses, including a Halloween party in London Bloomsbury, a Christmas hot chocolate social in Manchester and a London Bloomsbury Christmas pizza party. We brought many people together, from students to graduates and trainee solicitors. One of the most meaningful parts for me was connecting with apprentices who were the only ones at their firm. Watching them build friendships with others who could genuinely relate to their unique journeys was rewarding.
Earning a first-class law degree with honours, including scoring the highest mark in my cohort for my reflective portfolio, was a proud moment. This year, I also won the Extra-Curricular Excellence Award from the Students’ Union. This was for my work advocating for apprenticeships. On top of that, last year I was the Management, Legal and Professional Services Apprentice of the Year at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards 2024. These achievements mean a lot to me. They represent memorable milestones on a very long journey and reaffirm that I made the right decision to embark on an apprenticeship.
I'm currently reading I'm Not Yelling: A Black Woman's Guide to Navigating the Workplace. Elizabeth Leiba builds on the familiar saying, "when you're accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression.” She offers her own powerful insight: "When your peace is predicated on others' silence, them speaking feels like an act of war." Sometimes I face the choice between speaking my truth or staying silent to avoid backlash. There is the fear of being labelled as the 'angry black woman' as well. In those moments, this quote reminds me to speak up. It reminds me not to fall for the microaggressions and diversionary tactics that may follow. This book has reinforced my commitment to not entertain any commentary that makes me doubt myself.
Some advice for students looking at a similar path to me:
- Show energy and genuine interest in your work and in other people because, in most cases, people match the energy they receive.
- Invest in a strong network, prioritising quality of connections over quantity and celebrate each other both publicly and privately.
- Be proactive in finding out what resources are available to you and make the most of them.
In five years, I see myself as a qualified solicitor, ideally in a role where I’m challenged, constantly learning and starting to specialise. I also hope to give back on a more impactful level through mentorship, public speaking and content creation.
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