Student Success Story: Ali Yaacoub

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SQE25:Image-template-student-stories_ - SQE Story Example - Ali Yaacoub

Ali Yaacoub is a qualified solicitor in England and Wales and currently serves as a Legal Manager for a leading UK charity. With approximately six years of diverse legal experience, he has worked across various organisations and practiced in multiple areas of law. A proud BARBRI alumnus, Ali successfully passed both the SQE1 and SQE2 assessments on his first attempt. In this blog, he shares his personal journey to qualification and offers insights into his experience with the BARBRI programme.

What Attracted to You to a Career In Law?

If someone had told me ten years ago that I would pursue a career in law, I would have found it hard to believe. Law was never part of my initial career aspirations, even during my early professional years. My journey into the legal field began somewhat unexpectedly after completing my Master’s degree in Management. While searching for job opportunities in my home country, I came across a role in the legal sector. What began as a chance encounter gradually developed into a genuine interest, as I gained more experience and insight into the field. Over time, my passion for law grew, and I became determined to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales.

What truly attracted me to this profession was the opportunity to be the trusted advisor; someone individuals and organisations rely on for guidance. The idea that I could make a meaningful impact on people’s lives and contribute to the success of businesses was, and continues to be, incredibly compelling.

What is Your Background and Route to Qualification?

Until recently, I came from a non-legal background. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Business and a Master’s degree in Management, and I have recently completed an LLM in Data Protection and Intellectual Property. My legal career began at an intellectual property firm, after which I relocated to Dubai, where I spent two years working as a paralegal in the IP department of an international law firm. I lost my role during the COVID-19 pandemic and returned to my home country. It was during this time that I decided to pursue qualification through the SQE route with BARBRI, successfully completing both SQE1 and SQE2. Following this, I worked remotely for a Dubai-based law firm before relocating to the UK to further advance my legal career. I am now a Legal Manager at a leading UK charity, where I oversee a broad range of legal matters. Choosing the SQE as my route to qualification allowed me to bridge my diverse background with a structured path into the legal profession.

Why Did You Decide to Follow the SQE Route?

I chose the SQE route because it provided a clear and efficient pathway to qualification, particularly for someone like me initially coming from a non-legal background. The structure of the SQE allowed me to focus fully on preparing for the assessments without the need to secure a training contract. It gave me the flexibility to study independently and build the legal knowledge and skills I needed to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales.  

Did You Experience Any Challenges Along the Way to Qualification? 

Yes, I faced significant challenges on the road to qualification. I was unemployed for two and a half years while preparing for the SQE, which created both financial strain and emotional pressure. Even without family responsibilities, staying motivated and focused without a job structure or income was difficult at times.

I passed all my exams on the first sitting, which I’m proud of. One of the most helpful things I did was create a WhatsApp group for BARBRI students, which I still manage. Through that, I connected with others and we shared resources, encouraged each other, and talked through doubts. While the process could feel isolating, especially due to the intensity of the material, that small community made it a bit less lonely.

The most daunting part of the SQE for me was the advocacy assessment. The combination of time pressure, the formal setting, and presenting a case before a solicitor acting as judge was nerve-wracking. It really pushed me out of my comfort zone.

How Did You Overcome the Challenge? Did You Have Any Support?

What really helped was the structured study plan from BARBRI, which gave me a clear roadmap to follow and reduced a lot of the uncertainty. Having that framework made it easier to stay disciplined and focused throughout the preparation. I also had monthly discussions with my learning coach – something I found reassuring and helpful.

Another support was the WhatsApp group I created for BARBRI students which turned into an informal study community. Knowing there were others working toward the same goal made the journey more manageable.

In terms of the assessments, especially advocacy, I just kept practicing. I accepted that feeling uncomfortable was part of the process, and I focused on improving bit by bit rather than being perfect. That mindset helped me keep moving forward.

Which Part of the BARBRI Course Offering Did You Find Particularly Useful?

One of the most useful aspects of the BARBRI course for me was the Personal Study Plan (PSP). Coming from a non-legal background, I found the structure and guidance it provided incredibly valuable. The PSP helped break down the extensive SQE content into manageable daily/weekly tasks, keeping me on track and focused throughout my preparation. It adapted to my progress and highlighted areas where I needed to improve, which made my study time much more effective and targeted. Having that clear roadmap made a big difference in building my confidence and staying motivated.

Any Hints and Tips For Future Lawyers?

First and foremost, be passionate about pursuing a career in law. It’s a demanding field that requires commitment, resilience, and continuous learning; so having a genuine interest in the work you do will keep you motivated during the challenging moments.

My advice to future lawyers is to stay consistent and trust the process. Whether or not you come from a legal background, take the time to build a strong foundation and don’t be discouraged by setbacks – they’re part of the journey. If you’re following the SQE route, make full use of resources like BARBRI’s PSP, which helps structure your learning and keeps you on track.

Finally, seek out practical experience wherever possible. Even short-term roles or volunteer work can give you valuable insights and help connect theory to real-world application. Stay curious, stay focused, and remember why you started.

If you’re considering advancing your career with dual qualifications or preparing for the SQE, don’t hesitate. BARBRI is the partner you need to make your professional development goals a reality.

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