by Lidia Beqiraj
My first interest in advocacy was not sparked when I was 5 years old, nor was it when I was 10 or even 18. I did not always know I wanted to be a barrister. That confirmation only came to me when I embarked on a scary, new adventure that was my study abroad year.
But first, let’s rewind a little. Going back to 2014 when I moved to a new school and was beginning my A Levels, I was determined to do well so that I could study Law at university. I chose A Level English Language, A Level English Literature, A Level Economics and AS Level Government & Politics. Each of these offered me a unique perspective on the world, and the opportunity to practice critical thinking skills, essential for a career in law. I had always leaned toward essay subjects in school, as maths and science were never my strongest suits.
Fast forward a year, I was preparing my personal statement for UCAS, and was encouraged by my academic tutor to pick a different degree. I did not become dissuaded. I had wanted to study law for longer than I could remember. Coming from an immigrant background and being born in Albania, I witnessed my family’s hardships of moving here from Albania and I knew I wanted to be a voice for those who may need it. So, I edited and drafted my personal statement countless times and submitted those applications. I got 5 offers, and a year later, I was off to university to study law.
I moved from the north of England, all the way down to Essex – a 5 to 6 hour journey. To say I was overjoyed, would be an understatement. In my first and second year of university, I thought I wanted to pursue the Solicitor route. I went to numerous open days at various law firms, participated in competitions at university and got placements at local firms to broaden my work experience. It was in my third year that I set off to Pennsylvania, America and studied law and political science in an entirely different continent with a whole new set of rules. It was here that I began to realise my love for oral advocacy and the rush of standing up in front of an audience. Ironically, I had performed when I was younger, being an avid singer, but never really considered a career where I would be in front of an audience most days. I then participated in mock trials, secured a part time internship at a law firm whilst I was studying and often volunteered to contribute at public speaking events. After a conversation with a good friend, I knew I wanted to actually pursue the Bar, despite the horrifying odds. When I returned from my study abroad year and transitioned into my final year of university, I got some incredible mentors, secured mini pupillages, delivered my own TEDxTalk remotely and participated in my university’s mooting competition. I was fortunate to graduate with a first-class honours.
I truly loved studying and I certainly loved university, however I knew I did not want to immediately enrol onto the Bar Course. I took a year out, and decided to get a job as a Paralegal and build up my CV as much as I could. The real life experience from working in the legal field was truly what propelled me forward. I was even able to advocate for my own clients! That same year, I applied for a scholarship from Middle Temple, one of the four Inns of Court in England. I went through a lengthy paper application and an intensive 15-minute interview in front of a judge and 2 senior barristers. In the end, I was awarded a major scholarship that covered my entire Bar course fees. This was not just a massive help in terms of financial security, but a large boost of confidence, as I knew if I could convince a panel of three to believe in my future as a barrister, I had a chance of getting there.
Fast forward to September 2022, I began the most challenging and intense educational journey of my life: the Bar Practice Course. It was a long 10 months, that also passed me by in what felt like 5 minutes. Every week, I was on my feet performing a cross examination in front of my peers and tutor every week, drafting pleadings for my civil advocacy workshops, preparing questions for my cross examination, all whilst also reading 500+ pages of civil and criminal procedures rules. I would enter any competitions that came my way; I took part in Middle Temple’s mooting competition with one of my bar course friends and I was a finalist in an examination in chief competition. All this whilst doing pro bono, volunteering and drafting pupillage applications. It often felt like there were not enough hours in the day, and many times I had even wondered if I had made the wrong choice. I knew my hard work was not in vain, however.
I was Called to the Bar of England and Wales by Middle Temple in November 2023. It was a day of pure joy and fulfilment. It was the culmination of all of my hard work. It was the day I became a barrister, in spite of the odds facing me, and obstacles I overcame. I am far from the finish line, and have much more to achieve, but if I can do it, so can you.
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