Luke is one of our first-seat trainees. In this blog, Luke reflects on the experiences that shaped his journey into law and shares practical advice for aspiring solicitors from under-represented backgrounds.
Published: 25 September 2026
Author: Luke Stamp, trainee solicitor
I wanted to become a lawyer for as long as I can remember. The challenge was that I did not know anyone who had taken that route before. No one in my family had been to university, and while I had plenty of encouragement, I did not always have the guidance or networks that can make the early stages of a legal career feel more accessible.
During college, I was trying to balance A-Levels with working seven days a week. After college, I cycled around 16 miles a day through the Welsh hills to get to my part-time job. At weekends, I took on extra work cleaning toilets and student accommodation. It was tiring, but it taught me discipline, resilience and the importance of keeping going when the route ahead is not always clear.
When I arrived at university, I felt behind some of my peers. Commercial awareness did not come naturally to me because topics such as business, politics and current affairs were not regular conversations at home. When I started applying for legal opportunities, that gap felt overwhelming. I worried that I did not have the same starting point as other candidates.
Over time, I realised that although my background meant I had to build some knowledge from scratch, it had also given me strengths I could rely on. My work ethic helped me bridge the commercial awareness gap by being proactive, asking questions and making time to learn. Coming from a working-class background in Wrexham also gave me a perspective I could bring into conversations with people from different walks of life.
At my assessment centre, my background was viewed positively. I felt able to be authentic at Shoosmiths and to show the resilience, perseverance and openness that my experiences had grounded in me. That was an important turning point. I stopped seeing social mobility as a deficit and started seeing it as part of what I could offer.
Shoosmiths’ approach to emerging talent helped with that. I secured my training contract after taking part in the Discover Vacation Placement, which supports aspiring solicitors from under-represented backgrounds. The placement gave me real insight into the firm, the chance to build confidence and the space to show what I could bring. You can read more about my experience in my blog ‘How Shoosmiths' discover vacation placement shaped my legal career’.
If you feel like you have a confidence gap, my advice is to start small and stay consistent. Read accessible news sources such as the BBC, the Financial Times if your university provides access, The Economist or legal publications. Sign up to newsletters such as LittleLaw and Watson’s Daily, which explain commercial topics clearly. Most importantly, do not be afraid to ask questions. Speak to peers, tutors, mentors and professionals on platforms such as LinkedIn. The more conversations you have, the less unfamiliar the profession becomes. This extends to myself and I am more than happy to answer questions on LinkedIn and help in any way I can.
Social mobility is not about hiding where you have come from. It is about recognising that your lived experience can give you valuable skills, perspective and empathy. If you are from an under-represented background, do not be afraid to share your perspectives, take opportunities when they come and back yourself – trust in the value you bring. Your journey may look different, but that does not make it any less valuable.
Explore more of our recent blogs for insights and inspiration. If you have questions, our FAQ page is a great place to start.
Still curious or need advice? We would love to hear from you – email us at joinus@shoosmiths.com and our team will be happy to help.