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Breaking Barriers, from Displacement to Determination: My Journey into Immigration Law
By Zahra Mohamed
It was a freezing winter when my mother, three sisters, and I boarded a plane to the United Kingdom (UK) for the first time. I still remember clutching my favourite doll tightly, wearing a heavy furry coat, and stepping into a world completely different from the one I had previously known. Everything felt unfamiliar, from the cold air to the language to the rhythm of daily life. Yet somehow, there was a quiet sense of hope.
My parents had built a life for us in Saudi Arabia, where I was born and considered to be home. My father worked there, and although life was stable, there were many limitations, particularly for women and for families like ours. My parents wanted more for us: a future built on education, safety, and opportunity. It was an extremely difficult decision, but my father stayed behind to work so he could provide for us, while my mother made the courageous journey to the UK with my sisters and I.
In the UK, one of my sisters, who was born with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, finally received the medical care and specialist support she needed. She attended a wonderful special needs school, and from a young age, I was heavily involved in helping my mother with her daily care. Life was full of challenges, but it was also full of purpose. I watched my mother learn to drive, something that would have been unthinkable for her back home. She spent every spare penny on tutors so we could excel in our education. Watching her navigate life in a new country where she didn’t know the language, on her own with four daughters, taught me the true meaning of strength.
My Journey to Law
When asked “why immigration law?” I often say that I didn’t choose to practise Immigration Law, but that it chose me. It found me through the stories I grew up with, the sacrifices my parents made, and the barriers my family had to cross, for a better life. Immigration wasn’t just a legal concept in my world; it was my lived experience.
From watching my mother rebuild our lives in a new country to helping my sister access the care and education she deserved, I learned early on how transformative an opportunity can be. I wanted to be part of that process to help others find stability, safety, and dignity, the way my family once did.
When I began my legal career, I naturally gravitated toward Immigration Law. It allowed me to combine my professional skills with my personal understanding of what it means to navigate uncertainty, fear, and hope all at once. I am deeply passionate about what I do. Immigration Law is not just my profession, it’s my purpose. With every case, I put myself in my client’s position, understanding their anxieties, sacrifices, and dreams. I go above and beyond to achieve the best possible outcome, driven by the belief that every person deserves security, opportunity, and the chance to belong.
After qualifying as a solicitor in August 2015, I initially focused on Private Immigration, helping individuals and families secure safety and reunite with loved ones. However, I soon realised that Immigration Law is much broader than personal journeys alone, as it also impacts businesses seeking to employ foreign workers and supports global talent. Motivated by this, my practice expanded to include Business and Corporate Immigration, advising multinational companies on sponsor licences, Compliance, Global Mobility, Innovator Visas, and the Global Talent route.
For me, Immigration Law goes far beyond paperwork or process, it’s about people. Every case reminds me of the courage it takes to rebuild from scratch, and the privilege it is to guide someone through that journey.
Overcoming Obstacles
Just when I thought I was nearing the end of one chapter and ready to begin the next, life tested me in ways I never expected. I had only nine months left of my training contract when the firm I was with suddenly closed following an Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) intervention. Overnight, everything I had worked for seemed to disappear. Every firm I approached told me the same thing, that I would need to restart my full two years of training in order to qualify.
The thought of starting again felt deeply unfair. It wasn’t just about losing time; it meant postponing the life I had carefully planned, even delaying my dream of starting a family. I had invested so much to get to where I was, emotionally, mentally, and financially.
At that stage, the voices that had discouraged me from pursuing this journey in the first place grew louder: “Law is too competitive.” “This profession isn’t for women, especially Muslim women.” “You’ll never make it to the finishing line.” Those words stung but they also fuelled me. I knew that if I stopped there, I would be proving them right.
In those moments of doubt, my mother’s words echoed in my mind; an Arabic proverb that translated to “Hope creates miracles”. Her reminder strengthened me to keep going, even when the path seemed impossible.
Miraculously, one firm offered me a position immediately after an interview, allowing me to complete the remaining nine months of my training rather than restarting entirely. My daily commute often took two hours each way on a good day, but every journey reminded me how far I had come and what was at stake.
In August 2015, I finally qualified as a solicitor. The sweetness of that moment proved my mother right; hope, when paired with perseverance, truly creates miracles.
Advice to Women in Law
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that no path worth walking is ever easy, but it’s always worth it. To women reading this, especially those from backgrounds like mine, know that your story is your strength. Don’t let anyone tell you that your faith or identity limits your potential. The legal profession needs diverse voices and women who bring empathy, cultural awareness, and resilience to the table.
There will be times when the world underestimates you, when doors close unfairly, and when the path feels too steep for you to continue. Walk it anyway with your head held high. Believe in yourself even when others don’t believe in you. Because the very barriers you break become the bridges for those who come after you.
Looking Ahead
Ten years since qualifying as a solicitor, I remain as driven and committed as ever. I aim to continue growing and aspire to be among the very best within the field of Immigration. What makes me different to others in this field is my background as a Muslim woman and my personal experiences, and this is exactly what makes me stronger, more empathetic, and determined in every step I take. I want to use my passion and expertise to excel at the highest level, while empowering others to rise alongside me.
My message to women everywhere is this: support each other, give each other courage, and work together. When women rise by helping other women, we create strength and change that transcends any obstacle.
Zahra Mohamed
Solicitor – England and Wales
Immigration Solicitor at CDS Mayfair
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahra-mohamed-11900166/