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Early Careers Series: Lillian Ikenga talks to Legal Women about her career aspirations in the Law.
Interest In Law
I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a lawyer, from summer vocation schemes at the University of Essex during sixth form to voluntary work in High Street law firms and extra curriculars such as mooting during my Undergraduate LLB Law degree. I also knew from an early age that I would face a few hurdles along the way. As a first-generation Immigrant whose first language wasn’t English, I consistently fought to catch up to my peers in academics, this meant spending lunch breaks with teachers who would help me with my reading, vocabulary and overall English language. At the time it felt more like a punishment as I watched the other students playing and heard their laughter trickling into the classroom, little did I know at the time that it would build the foundation of my success academically.
I remember my first vocation scheme at the University of Essex-Colchester Campus, we were handed scenarios and asked to research and present findings on the legal matters involved. Though I was just 17 and had no prior legal experience, I excitedly threw myself into the research. I quickly familiarised myself with the resources provided, I went over and beyond to gain information to support my findings and put together a thorough presentation. During this vocation scheme I realised how much I enjoyed finding and providing solutions to problems. I also realised how much I enjoyed researching and presenting my finding in a concise manner. The feedback I received for my presentation confirmed the passion that I felt.
During my undergraduate degree I found myself navigating towards Commercial Law. My interest in this subject area grew from understanding the relationship between the individual, business and the law. I quickly grasped the concept of the law and how it provided risk management, solutions as well as guidelines to aid and ensure the ethical, fair and accurate rules for transactions and agreements between parties. As a result of this keen interest, I also thoroughly enjoyed studying Contract and Company Law and selected these modules as my electives in my final year. I enjoyed learning about contract formats, business to business transactions as well as consumer rights and resolutions. The more I learned the more my interest grew.
During my LLM LPC course, I thrived in Business Law and Practice as well as Private Acquisitions. Though they have their distinguished differences I enjoyed the various elements of the modules, and it only confirmed my further interest in Corporate and Commercial Law.
Aspirations in Law
As a recent LLM LPC graduate, I am actively applying and looking to secure a training contract. To date, I have had the opportunity to intern at a few High Street law firms to gain practical experience. The experience ranges from, liaising with solicitors and client’s day to day, which gave me first hand practical experience in drafting clients letters, assisting with preparation of case bundles and filing documents; as well as taking meeting notes and handling administrative tasks. These internships also gave me the opportunity to delve further into my legal knowledge by carrying out thorough research relevant to case work, and I continue to seek further opportunities to become a qualified solicitor.
Attending Legal networking events has given me the advantage of navigating the legal field, making meaningful connections and gaining further perspective into the world in which I am stepping. In July, I had the pleasure of attending a Sisters In (the) Law event hosted by Legal Women, which offered an insight into the legal journeys of women of diverse backgrounds, ages and experiences who shared a common interest in the Law.
I aspire through my own journey to motivate women in a similar position or who have experienced similar beginnings to me and have a passion, especially in the Law, to be persistent and focused on achieving their milestones. Though I am still navigating the journey and continue to hit milestones while actively seeking to train and qualify as a solicitor, I have been able to mentor various students through their academic years. This has allowed me to pass down the knowledge that I have accumulated throughout the years, which as a result, has got me this far and I hope it can lend a helping hand where needed. I continue to challenge myself, be resilient in this journey and thrive.
Lillian Ikenga
LLB, LLM LPC Graduate
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillian-ikenga-27a42a23a/
September 2025