21/02/2025
We’re never told how…
There’s always that constant pressure to ‘keep up’ as a law student.
From the moment we start university, we’re told:
1. Law is competitive
2. You must secure experience early
3. Networking is essential
4. A perfect CV is the essential
But here’s what no one actually teaches you:
1. How to secure legal work experience when you have no connections.
2. How to network effectively for the first time without feeling out of place.
3. How to manage applications while balancing studies and life.
4. How to build confidence in a profession that feels overwhelming.
If you’ve not been shown the way, teach yourself. Find resources, ask questions, seek mentors and experiment with different approaches.
Most of us are figuring things out as we go so don’t feel like you’re falling behind just because you weren’t handed a roadmap. There isn’t any.
A reality check:
1. The average age of qualification for becoming an advocate in Bangladesh is around 25-30. So you still have time.
2. Many take non-traditional routes, switch careers or gain life experience first committing to law.
3. Success isn’t just about stacking up in working for couple of months, it’s about knowledge, resilience and growth and realising whether if it’s for you.
4. Some study law and find that it really isn’t for them. And that’s okay.
Here’s how you can get ahead?
▪️Use LinkedIn: It’s an incredible tool for networking and discovering opportunities and it’s done so much for me with my career. Don’t just scroll, connect with people, engage in meaningful conversations, and make your presence known.
▪️Network boldly: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you, take the initiative. It’s about building relationships not just asking for favours. The majority genuinely want to help.
▪️Step outside your comfort zone: Take risks. Apply for that internship you think you’re not ready for, speak at an event or ask for advice from professionals in the field. Growth happens when we push ourselves beyond what feels comfortable.
To my fellow law students:
💡Be ambitious, but don’t let the pressure consume you.
💡Focus on learning, not just ticking boxes.
💡Your journey is yours and there is no single ‘right’ way.
Trust the process. Keep moving forward. You’ll get there.