Can I become a solicitor and still raise a family?
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #BreaktheBias. At Wilkin Chapman, we want to promote a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. So today, on International Women’s Day, we want to encourage a world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive.
Kelsey Jerrard is one of the 12 trainee solicitors here at Wilkin Chapman, 11 of which are female.
After completing my final year exams from the University of Lincoln in May 2017, I found out I was 21 weeks pregnant and instant fear set in.
Despite graduating with a first class honours degree in September 2017 and soon to give birth in October, I couldn’t help but think that after all my hard work in achieving the best grades, there would be no place for me in the legal sector and it had all been for nothing. But how wrong I was…
Currently I’m working in the corporate and commercial department pursuing my training contract. I assist the team on company acquisitions, review commercial contracts and provide advice regarding intellectual property matters. This is my first seat and my next will be in commercial property starting in June. After another two seats, I’ll qualify in September 2023 as a solicitor and my son, Leo, will be almost six years old.
There were bumps in the road on my journey, and some law firms turned me down. One legal professional contacted me on LinkedIn about a potential work experience opportunity. He asked why I had deferred the Legal Practice Course (LPC) for a year, and when I explained I was due to give birth later in the year, the connection wished me good luck but confirmed I wasn’t what they were looking for.
When Wilkin Chapman accepted my application, It couldn’t have worked out any better. I wanted to gain my experience at a firm that supports and celebrates women and men in the legal sector who have or want to start their own family. Wilkin Chapman allowed me to work part-time as a paralegal while I completed the LPC.
From day one I was clear about my intention to apply for a training contract while raising my son. The firm were so supportive of this and once I’d completed the LPC, Wilkin Chapman instilled confidence in me that I was ready to apply for the training contract.
During the assessment day, I spoke about Leo with the team of ladies who were interviewing me – Lisa Boileau, Teresa Thomas, and the head of HR. This instantly proved to me the values Wilkin Chapman has and ultimately this was the firm I wanted to represent in my career.
On International Women’s Day I want to remind you that women should support other women. Looking at how the legal sector has adapted over the years, I’m reminded of a blog written by head of our family department, Lisa Boileau, Wilkin Chapman’s first female partner, who I consider to be an inspirational woman. In the blog, Lisa explains that in becoming the first female partner she broke the glass ceiling – an amazing achievement.
Now I think it’s time to break the glass ceiling around the stigma that you cannot be a present mother/parent and have a successful legal career.
I like to think of myself as an example of how you can achieve both, and my best piece of advice to anyone who finds themselves in the same or similar situation as I did, is to not let anything stop you.
So, in response to the question, ‘Can I become a solicitor and still raise a family?’ my answer is a resounding yes. Find a supportive law firm that recognises such values and sees parenthood as something to celebrate. Wilkin Chapman has been that firm for me.
Check out Kelsey’s profile and follow the rest of her journey here.
Contact Kelsey to discuss this further.
