The legal profession: not just for the elite

A blog post by Courtney Owen

When I was younger, I never quite felt that university was the right path for me. While many of my peers were making plans for higher education after finishing college, I found myself drawn into a variety of hands-on jobs, ranging from hospitality to working with horses, where I pursued a Level 3 qualification in equine physiotherapy. Despite working in fields that were fulfilling in their own way, I always had a nagging feeling that I was meant for something more. It wasn’t until 2020, just before the pandemic hit, that my journey towards a legal career truly began – a journey that has shaped me both professionally and personally.

I was raised by a young single mother who did not further her education from GCSEs and I had always been under the impression that the legal profession was reserved for the elite. I thought you had to be part of the top 1% to even be considered “good enough” to break into such a competitive and prestigious field. I didn't fit the mould that I thought was required to be successful in law – I wasn’t from an affluent family, and although I did well in school and college, I didn’t have access to the right networks.

But in 2020, everything changed. I found myself in the world of law, beginning as a legal assistant in residential conveyancing. What started as a temporary role soon grew into a passion. I was captivated by the work and, more importantly, I realised that I had something to offer this industry. I quickly moved into a paralegal role, where I eventually was given my own caseload, working under the support of my manager. It was a challenging and eye-opening experience that showed me not only the intricacies of property law but also how to manage and navigate the various turns of legal practice.

It was during my time as a paralegal that I started to question my initial perception of law as an exclusive profession. I had gained confidence in my abilities and began to realise that I didn’t have to be a special genius to succeed in law. What I needed most was determination, resilience, and the willingness to learn.

This realisation was key for me. I had been held back by self-doubt for far too long but working in law and seeing the impact of legal work firsthand made me realise that there was a place for me here. I no longer saw law as a mountain but as a field where hard work and perseverance could lead to success.

As my career in law progressed, I decided to take the next step and pursue further education. I enrolled in the Open University (OU) to study law, and this has been one of the most fulfilling decisions I’ve made. The flexibility of the OU system allowed me to work while studying, which was crucial for me. As someone who had never been certain about attending university, the ability to learn on my own terms has been a game-changer.

Juggling full-time work, part-time study, and personal commitments has certainly been challenging, but the OU structure makes it all manageable. I work in a demanding family law role, dealing with private children and child abduction cases, and my workload can often be intense. On top of that, I live alone and have two dogs who need my attention and care. I also spend around 10 hours a week commuting to work, which is another time factor I have to consider.

Despite all of this, the flexibility that the OU offers has allowed me to balance everything. I can plan my study time around my work schedule and personal life, making it easier to fit in the necessary hours of learning. The ability to study when and where it suits me means I can stay on top of assignments, prepare for exams, and still give attention to my responsibilities at home and at work. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve learned to manage my time effectively, and the sense of accomplishment from succeeding in my studies while maintaining my career is incredibly rewarding.

As I continued to study and progress in my legal career, I found myself increasingly drawn to contentious areas of law, particularly family law. I was fascinated by the ways in which law can be used to protect vulnerable individuals and families, and I began to explore the complexities of cases involving private children and child abduction.

Since making the transition into family law, I’ve been involved in some challenging and deeply rewarding cases. Family law has provided me with the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives, and I feel privileged to be working in such an impactful area of the legal profession. It’s not easy, and the emotional toll can be significant, but I am driven by the knowledge that the work I am doing has the potential to bring about positive change for families in difficult circumstances.

Looking back on my journey, I realise that my path to law was anything but traditional. But it was my determination to succeed and my belief that I deserved a place in the legal profession that propelled me forward. I’ve come a long way from my initial belief that I had to be part of the top 1% to succeed, and I now know that success in law is about perseverance, hard work, and the willingness to learn.

As I continue to work in family law and pursue my studies through the Open University, I am more confident than ever in my ability to build a meaningful career in the legal field. My story is a testament to the fact that you don’t have to follow a conventional path to succeed in law. Whether you come from a working-class background, are returning to education later in life, or are simply unsure of your abilities, there is always a place for you in the legal profession if you are determined to succeed.

Courtney Owen

My name is Courtney, I am now 25-years-old. Before finding my passion for law, I worked in hospitality and pursued equine physiotherapy. In 2020, I began working as a legal assistant in property law and after progressing to a paralegal role where I managed my own caseload, I decided to further my legal education through the Open University. It was then that I realised success in law isn’t just for the elite – it’s about determination and perseverance.

Now, I am working towards specialising in family law, focusing on private children and international child abduction cases. Balancing a full-time job, part-time study, and caring for my two dogs, I’ve been able to make the most of the flexibility that the Open University offers. My journey into the legal profession is proof that with self-belief and hard work, anyone can succeed, no matter their background.