Unexpected Journeys: Alumni Rewriting the Narrative and Redefining Success
De Montfort University (DMU) law graduate, Chloe Lake, has secured a permanent job and is well on her way to a successful career as a solicitor after a year’s work placement with award-winning legal firm, Wilson Browne.
Deviating from Plan A
Chloe began a course at the University of Leicester but soon realised that it wasn’t the right fit for her and moved her studies to DMU in 2017.
“After realising that the University of Leicester wasn’t for me, I chose to study at DMU as I was happy staying closer to home.
“Studying at DMU was the best decision I ever made! A particular highlight was my placement year at Wilson Browne. Without this, I don’t think I’d be at the point I am at in my career so soon after graduating.
“I think that’s one of the factors that sets DMU apart as a university; there is a real focus on graduates leaving with skills and experiences that increase their employability.”
Right place, right time
Chloe continues to work for Wilson Browne and has just started her second seat in the firm’s Commercial Property team. She will be training with two other departments before qualifying as a solicitor in May 2025.
When reflecting on her journey since graduating from DMU in 2021, Chloe said: “I have had several ‘pinch me’ moments that wouldn’t have happened had it not been for my time at DMU.
“The most notable (though this actually came before graduation), was being offered my training contract at Wilson Browne Solicitors. Extremely sought-after, and difficult to obtain, training contracts are what aspiring solicitors dream of – the golden ticket to qualification. It was one of the proudest moments of my life, and confirmed that I was in the right place, at the right time, and that the firm saw me in its future.”
Chloe has not only secured a desirable position in the field of law but also has the privilege of working alongside fellow DMU graduates, drawing inspiration from those who have shared a similar career journey.
“What’s really special about training at Wilson Browne is that many of our qualified staff, and even our partners, spent time at DMU – whether for their undergraduate law degree, or for their postgraduate qualifications. Being surrounded by people who have become experts in their field, who have successfully navigated the path I’m currently on, is inspiring."
Helping others
Chloe is an ambassador for Ladies of Law, an organisation set up to champion the achievements of women in law, and advocates for more inclusive access into the field.
“I have taken on voluntary roles with local junior lawyers’ divisions, and have volunteered with the Leicestershire Education Business Company, an organisation that provides careers support to schools in the region. As a product of social mobility (the idea that where you start out in life shouldn’t dictate the opportunities you are afforded/the level of success you can attain), it’s important to me to help bright young people from non-traditional backgrounds succeed.”
She was awarded Leicestershire’s Law Society’s Trainee/Paralegal of the Year in May 2023 in recognition of her unwavering commitment to ensuring inclusivity and diversity in the future of law.
“Receiving this award so early in my career is a moment I will never forget!"
Miss Universe Great Britain
Outside of work, Chloe wears many hats. Since the age of 16, she has competed in beauty pageants. After taking a break to focus on her studies, Chloe recently delved back into the world of pageantry and is proud to have placed in the top 10 at Miss Universe Great Britain.
In this interview in the Law Society Gazette, Chloe said: “I will definitely be competing again. After taking some time away to focus on my studies, competing at Miss Universe Great Britain reignited my ambition to represent the UK internationally, and to use the platform I have to highlight the importance of mental health awareness and social mobility - issues that I care about hugely.”
Since placing in the top 10, Chloe has recently become a finalist in the Miss International UK competition, the UK’s qualifier to the third biggest pageant in the world - Miss International – which encourages finalists to engage with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. If Chloe is successful in this competition, she will be travelling to Japan to represent the UK next year.
Trust the process
“If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to trust the process – and myself! When I first applied to DMU, I had no intention of completing a placement year but I am the biggest advocate for the positive impact that placement years have on graduates’ employability.
“I’ve ended up exactly where I wanted to be at exactly the right time – and now I get to help other aspiring solicitors navigate their path through the profession, too.”
Posted on Friday 3 November 2023