my journey to becoming a lawyer.
- petsova
- 2 days ago
- 9 min read
My journey to becoming a lawyer has been far from straightforward, full with unexpected twists and turns and persistent effort. There were moments of doubt and challenge, but an unwavering belief in my goals ultimately led me to my dream job in the perfect city. Here is how it unfolded (in a very very condensed form) ....
Finding My Footing: From Compliance to Corporate Paralegal
After graduating with my LLB, I opted for a gap year to gain practical legal experience before starting my LPC. A debate started within me: should I return to my home country, Bulgaria, for a period in 2017? Despite warnings that my English law degree wouldn't open doors there, I was determined to prove my family wrong. I secured a role as a compliance associate in the financial services firm. While compliance and legal roles are often confused due to their interlinked nature, I quickly learned the distinction: compliance implements operationally, while lawyers advise.
My six months in Bulgaria as a compliance associate were a valuable lesson. The work, while not intellectually stimulating for me, offered a crucial entry point into the financial services industry. However, I knew my true calling was in law. Furthermore, Bulgaria felt too small and restrictive, reinforcing my desire to thrive in an environment of unlimited opportunities. Bulgarians living abroad have been returning to their home country for various personal reasons. Bulgarians who have been living abroad are increasingly returning to their home country, driven by a mix of personal factors. For some, it's about being closer to family, prioritising those connections. Others may not have found the success they hoped for overseas and decide to return to Bulgaria for a fresh start, making babies and intending to rely on their parents for support and, in a way, calling it a day on their independent efforts to build a life abroad. I moved back for love but deep down I knew I no longer considered Bulgaria a home and realised then that a permanent return home is unlikely...probably ever.
From Bulgaria, I managed to secure a paid legal intern position back in England with the same company. This was a pivotal moment. I was excited to be closer to the c-suite and immerse myself in pure corporate legal work, which was my primary interest at the time. The 6-month internship, offering £25k a year with the potential for a permanent role, provided the financial stability I needed to get back on my feet, cover accommodation, and fund my LPC. I decided to pursue my LPC part-time over two years, adding an LLM for a dual degree. Payment in installments helped manage the tuition costs, as I hadn't yet secured a training contract that would cover them.
The Burnout Stage
I thrived as a corporate paralegal. The firm offered me a permanent contract, and I was involved in all corporate affairs, both in England and globally. I attended numerous board and committee meetings, assisting with contracts, regulatory matters, and more. It was a dynamic role, though it came with long hours—uncommon for in-house teams but more prevalent in financial services firms.
Attending over 75 committee meetings a year ignited a new interest: regulation. As a regulated firm, they prioritised robust governance, and discussions often revolved around improving practices in the eyes of the regulator. I admired the compliance advisory function, which mirrored what I do today as a lawyer: dissecting and analysing regulations, assisting with implementation of policies, preparing regulatory applications, and communicating with regulators. I longed to be involved, but my corporate role was all-encompassing, and my supervisor, the General Counsel, insisted on keeping the functions separate. He would, however, occasionally delegate interesting regulatory matters to me.
Around this time, conversations about a training contract began. The firm was willing to sponsor it, but they wouldn't grant time off for my studies. This meant weekends were my only study time, on top of demanding work hours and twice-weekly evening classes. My LPC journey started strong, passing exams swiftly. But a year in, burnout hit hard. I began failing exams, prioritising work to cover my tuition. The added pressure of the LLM, which my tutor warned was difficult to combine with the LPC, only amplified the stress. I gained 10kg and felt deeply depressed.
The COVID-19 pandemic offered a much-needed pause. I deferred my degree for a year to recharge and focus on work. My team was supportive, but I sensed resistance from the GC regarding starting my training contract before I finish my studies. However, he also refused to allow me to study part-time, knowing I was struggling. I understood his reasoning: he knew I would likely leave after qualifying. While frustrating at the time, he became my first role model—a commercial, business-savvy lawyer who was also technically brilliant. I observed and learned from his every move.
A Leap of Faith into Crypto and a New Mentorship
I wasn't actively job searching but applied for one position: a paralegal role at a crypto startup. This felt like a niche with potential—a natural progression from traditional finance, mixed with regulatory gray areas, and only a few specialists in the field. The training contract wasn't guaranteed, but they offered flexibility: two study days per exam. This changed everything. I got back on track, passing exams I'd previously failed or missed during my burnout.
Crucially, I was working with top-tier lawyers from private practice, all with extensive networks. They were incredibly supportive and understanding the significance of this phase of my career. I started my training contract even before passing my final exams, a testament to their trust in me. As a first-generation lawyer from a foreign country, mentorship was paramount. I always chose firms based on my potential supervisors, as they shaped the lawyer I wanted to become.
The next two years of my training contract, shortened to 1.5 years due to my paralegal experience, passed quickly. My firm arranged a 6-month secondment to an external law firm, which I’ll call "The Firm."
This experience transformed my perspective.
The Allure of Private Practice
While my initial training seats were designed for a regulatory focus, my secondment at The Firm led me to another financial services regulatory seat. The distinction between in-house and law firm life, particularly working hours, is often discussed amongst lawyers. However, my experience in a startup meant the intense pace wasn't a complete shock.
What I loved about The Firm was everything: the like-minded people, the rigorous legal work, and the deep analysis of client questions—a level of detail rarely seen at a junior level in-house, where complex work is often outsourced to law firms for risk management. In-house legal teams and lawyers can feel isolated, often viewed as cost centers rather than revenue generators, a big contrast to law firms.
I also want to touch upon a crucial aspect that truly solidified my love for private practice: the holistic nature of the lawyer's role. It’s not just about the technical legal work, though that remains the bedrock. At the Firm, and particularly in the dynamic environment of Dubai, being a lawyer means being a strategic business partner. We are actively involved in client development, pitching for new work, and understanding our clients’ commercial needs inside and out. This entrepreneurial spirit, which many traditional law firms lack, was a breath of fresh air for me. It’s about being proactive, not reactive, and anticipating what our clients will need before they even ask. This makes every day an intellectual challenge and keeps me constantly evolving.
For six months, I felt an unprecedented sense of belonging.
The biggest constant at The Firm was the daily challenge. It's not just a saying; it's the core of what we do, a demanding but energizing force that pushes everyone in this field. As one of the partners often says, "Our job isn't for the faint of heart." And he is right. This profession, especially in a high-stakes environment like ours, requires constant, intense growth
Resilience is also essential. Setbacks aren't just possible; they're guaranteed. An unfavorable ruling, a client's sudden change of direction, a stalled negotiation – these things happen daily. What distinguishes good lawyers from great ones is the ability to take that feedback, however tough, learn from mistakes, and recover with renewed drive. It demands a thick skin and a firm belief in our ability to find solutions, even when the way forward isn't clear.
Then there's unwavering alertness – a fundamental part of our identity. The legal world doesn't shut down at 5 PM. It's a continuous, dynamic environment where a critical email might arrive at midnight, breaking news could affect a client's case at dawn, or a strategic opportunity might appear over a weekend. We are completely immersed in our matters, our clients' needs, and the intricate process of legal strategy. This isn't just a job; it's a career that requires full engagement and an almost extreme awareness of every detail.
For those who are critical of this profession, perhaps viewing it from afar or through the lens of their own unmet aspirations, it's easy to dismiss it as simply a pursuit of status or money. But what they often miss is the intense personal and intellectual demands involved. They don't see the endless research hours, the strategic battles that span months or years, or the emotional toll of carrying a client's burdens. This is not a job for those who are half-hearted. It’s for people who thrive on complexity, who are driven by a deep sense of responsibility, and who possess the sheer determination to endure and succeed where many others would fail.
anyways..
The Dubai Dream: A Strategic Move
Around this time, I felt (again) a strong urge to experience another country. A quick weekend trip to Dubai sealed it; I fell completely in love within 72 hours. I did some research and found that that the UAE is one of the few jurisdictions where a UK-qualified lawyer can easily convert their qualifications, becoming dual-qualified due to the common-law principles underlying most regulations.
I had been working on a significant crypto project in-house and was aware of the rapid growth of the sector in the UAE, with regulations quickly catching up. Many of my traditional finance friends were also moving to major banks and funds in the region, which made my bells ring that the financial services sector is moving faster than ever in this part of the world. Since we used The Firm's UAE office for our project, I knew some of the lawyers there. I reached out to a partner in the team, subtly hinting at my desire to join them. We had a great conversation, ending with a joking offer to assist with local work if I had "any capacity." Despite being incredibly busy in London, I didn't hesitate. I would find the capacity. I messaged him, expressing my eagerness to help.
He contacted my London supervisor for permission. She brought me into a room, suggesting I was already overextended and that this might not lead to a Dubai role. Was I sure? Yes. By then, I had made it clear I wanted to stay at the Firm, and they were willing to keep me, although internal trainees were prioritised first. This would have been the first time they retained an external trainee from a client. The question was whether I'd be in London or Dubai; Dubai was my first choice.
This period was incredibly stressful. I was navigating The Firm's confirmation while ensuring my backup job at the crypto firm was still viable, all without jeopardizing relationships. After two intense months, the same partner called with an offer. My legs felt like spaghetti; it was a moment I'll never forget. Not only was I qualifying as a lawyer, but I was also joining one of the best global law firms, specifically their top financial services regulatory team in the Middle East.
A New Chapter: Life in Dubai
And then there's Dubai. The energy is palpable, and there's a constant buzz of new developments, both economically and socially. Being a UK-qualified lawyer in a common-law based jurisdiction like the UAE has been a seamless transition, allowing me to leverage my existing expertise while delving into new, exciting regulatory landscapes, particularly in the financial services and emerging tech sectors.
The move wasn't just about a job; it was about embracing a new adventure, experiencing a different culture, and pushing my personal boundaries. The support network I've found here, both professionally and personally, has been incredible. There’s a strong sense of community among expats, and the professional networks are incredibly welcoming and collaborative.
The Unseen Support System
The rest, as they say, is history. Eight months into my qualified solicitor role in Dubai, I love every single day of it. This journey worked because I never gave up. While this journey has been intensely personal, it would be incomplete without acknowledging the immense support I received along the way. From understanding friends who tolerated my late-night study sessions, constant cancellations, me on my laptop during our holidays and stressed-out rants, their encouragement was a lifeline. And of course, the mentors I chose so carefully. Being a first-generation lawyer, I didn't have a pre-existing roadmap to know what how to do, so I needed them and their guidance and their tough love and their belief in my potential.
This journey has reinforced a few core beliefs: resilience is non-negotiable, strategic choices about your mentors and niche can be game-changers, and staying curious and open to new opportunities (Ah also...lets keep it real. Forget about holidays. I have taken no more than a week off since 2018, except for my honeymoon)—even those that seem unconventional—can lead you to exactly where you're meant to be. My story isn't just about landing a job; it's about building a career that aligns with my passions, challenges me daily, and offers endless possibilities for growth. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
I'll also be writing more about my (crazy) experiences as an associate so come back, please!
Love,
M
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