We’re proud to share this thoughtful reflection from our ambassador, Fateha, who writes about how attending our Women in Law Conference became a turning point in her journey into the legal profession. What began as uncertainty about her future developed into a clear sense of confidence, purpose and belonging. Her experience shows the power of exposure, representation and supportive role models - and why creating these opportunities matters so deeply for the young women in our network. 

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The Girls’ Network Women in Law Conference: Opening doors to the future

I used to think I’d be a nurse. That was the plan, until I realised biology wasn’t really my strength at A level. I never seriously considered law when I was at school. To be honest, it felt like something reserved for other people - the kind who went to Oxbridge or came from families that just expected them to become barristers or judges. That didn’t feel like me.

But everything changed when I started A level Law.

My law teacher didn’t just teach from the book - she brought the subject to life. She walked us through real scenarios, explained how legal theory applied to actual cases, and then we’d submit our own analysis. It was active, interactive and engaging. I remember thinking, Oh yes, that’s the R v Cunningham case, and how exciting it felt to connect the law to something real - how I started to see patterns, structures and arguments take shape in my mind. I was hooked.

I started looking forward to every class.

That classroom gave me something I hadn’t expected: confidence. I began to think, maybe this is something I could do.

I didn’t apply to Oxford or Cambridge - I wasn’t sure I’d belong. But I did apply to SOAS, even though I wasn’t sure I’d be accepted. I told myself: try. Now, in my second year of studying law, I know I made the right decision. I love the diversity of legal study - from criminal to contract, tort to human rights - and how it connects to people’s real lives.

One of the biggest turning points for me was attending The Girls’ Network’s Women in Law Conference. That day completely opened my eyes.

I took part in a sentencing activity where we had to evaluate cases and decide what kind of sentence might be appropriate. It made me realise how much judgement, context and moral thinking goes into the law. It wasn’t just academic - it was human. The whole experience gave me a much clearer understanding of the profession and how it works in real life.

The conference also helped me understand the routes into legal practice, like training contracts, vacation schemes, insight days and scholarships for Bar school. Before that, these terms felt like another language. Afterwards, I felt much more confident and far more motivated.

Most importantly, it helped me figure out what kind of law I actually want to practise.

At first, I wanted to jump on the commercial law bandwagon like everyone else - but the conference completely changed my mind. I realised I’m not someone who gets excited about company transactions or analytics. What I actually enjoy is talking to people, understanding their situations and helping them find fair solutions.

During a case analysis on the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, I had so much fun applying real laws and hearing professionals explain how they’d argue the case in court. It gave me a real glimpse into what being a lawyer is actually like. And as a young woman, hearing how other women have made their mark in law was incredibly motivating. It made me believe that I can do it too. That’s why I know family law is where I belong.

I want to be able to talk to clients directly, to support and reassure people when they’re going through some of the most difficult times in their lives. I want to work in a field that requires empathy as well as knowledge - and I know now that law allows for both.

Law is not just for those with connections or a particular postcode. It’s for anyone with commitment, resilience and a desire to make a difference. It strengthened my motivation and reminded me that I do belong in this space.

These schemes used to feel like insider knowledge - something people just knew about if they were already in the loop. But now I feel much more prepared to apply. I understand the value of internships, insight days and shadowing opportunities, and how much they can shape your career journey early on.

Most importantly, I’ve realised the legal profession isn’t just for the elite. It’s for anyone willing to work hard, stay curious and put themselves forward.

That’s now me.

Thank you to all the legal professionals who supported The Girls’ Network at the conference - it’s opportunities like these that give young people the space and confidence to thrive.

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A huge thank you to Fateha for sharing her journey and the impact the conference has had on her confidence and aspirations. We’re very grateful to our former mentor, Iona Gallagher who is a practicing barrister, for her continued support in making these annual events possible, and to all the incredible women who attended - along with the firms who supported them to be there. As you can see from Fateh's experience - your time, openness and encouragement make a lasting difference to the young people in our network. Read more about our Women in Law Conference 2025 here.