A career in Law: Power of self-belief and making your own way

Sana Saddique: Power of self-belief and making her own way

Sana Saddique is a Coventry University Law Aluma, Managing Director of her own firm, solicitor and court advocate. She is a self-made legal professional with many achievements including Board of Directors for Birmingham Law Society and Committee member for Chambers of Commerce.

She also champions initatives within the legal profession such as 'Women in Law' and 'The Future of the Legal Profession' and has been featured in TV, radio, podcasts and magazine articles. The law firm she has founded has also achieved various accolades as a testament to her inspired leadership.

What’s it like studying Law at Coventry University?

I met some of my closest friends whilst at Coventry University, where even our career paths as professionals has overlapped over the years and often look back fondly at our journey and how it all started at Coventry. I recall my Equity and Trusts lecturer Sukhninder Panesar who was absolutely fantastic.

He was a brilliant lecturer and really nurtured our ability to help us strive for excellence. My personal tutor at the time was Christina Thompson and her support and guidance during my time at university sticks with me to this day. She was always so supportive and encouraging.

Every time I had a bit of a wobble and was feeling anxious and as if I couldn’t do this; imposter syndrome kicking in and making me feel like I was being ridiculous to even think I could some day actually go on to become a lawyer, she grounded me and reminded me of how much I could achieve. A testament to the fantastic teaching, quality of staff and lecturers.

So, what was the greatest lesson you learnt at Coventry University?

The most valuable thing I took away from my time at Coventry University was the power of self-belief.

It does not matter where you study, what your background is, what your personal circumstances may be; if you want to achieve something, you can.

It really set the foundation and trajectory for my entire career. Looking back, it was full of positivity; the university provided a nurturing and proactive approach to education and the path ahead and helped immensely in shaping myself as an individual in readiness for the career I wanted and the goals I set myself to achieve. Feelings of uncertainty and doubt were set aside and my lecturers always encouraged me to keep striving for more.

This was the general ethos instilled into me from my time at Coventry University and this is what has given me the continued strength and determination over the years to keep pushing forward to achieve my career milestones and successes.

What is your proudest professional achievement?

Qualifying as a Solicitor is by far my biggest career success and proudest moment.

As a female Muslim, the legal profession (especially at that time) was not readily accessible to attract people of diverse backgrounds. At the time, it felt very much like an English, male-dominated profession. Women and people from diverse ethnic backgrounds were less visible in the sector, especially in court advocacy.

When I graduated, my goals seemed insurmountable at the time but I qualified in 2017 and was offered partnership in a law firm by 2021 where I was the youngest person in the firm to be offered partnership at the time. Making the achievement all the sweeter as I was able to overcome challenges and bias experienced. Eventually opening the door for me to strive for further career excellence and providing a voice in topics that matter to me including Women in Law and the Future of the Legal Profession.

Is it difficult to get into the legal profession?

Having contacts and connections certainly helps, especially in the legal profession. There’s no doubt about it, where people do have those connections they benefit from the additional leverage.

But I do think there are increasing efforts across the legal profession to be more representative of the society we live in. Old perceptions are being tested and barriers are being removed with many firms now having policies to actively encourage fairness and equality to ensure opportunities are accessible to all.

Thinking back to my experience, you can still succeed without those connections. It’s all about being realistic about where you need to start and what work you need to put in. I had no contacts or connections when I started my career where opportunities at law firms was limited at the time. But I used this challenge to fuel my ambition, to think laterally and considered where else I could gain the experience I needed.

How did your professional experience shape you?

I found my own confidence and established my worth based on my own skills and merit.

I learnt that making myself indispensable to a firm would acknowledge my contributions. So, I strategically placed myself in positions where I could quietly influence and make an impact without being to shouty.

I convinced them to notice me based on the work I did, the feedback I received from clients, the positive impact I was able to make on the business. As my career developed, I always kept those early experiences in mind and ensured that my worth was recognised based on my skills and ability.

That said, times have changed in recent years and although there is still a great deal of work to be done to level the playing field and ensure equal opportunities for all, it has improved immensely from my time my career journey began.

Closing remarks

From my own experience, I would say to students today, don’t worry about what people might think about, where you studied or where you come from. Only you know how much you have to offer —so show them. You can achieve anything you set your mind to and establish your own solid foundation by showcasing your value based on the merits of your skills and attributes.

If you are interested following Sana's footsteps - find out more about Law LLB at Coventry University.