Student Success Story: Andrea Dann

Andrea is a qualified solicitor who transitioned into law after a career in management. While working in-house, she completed the PGDL at BPP and qualified via the SQE route. Passionate about purposeful, practical legal work, Andrea values collaboration, precision, and continuous learning within supportive, commercially focused teams. In this blog, she shares her journey and insights into qualifying as a solicitor.

What Attracted You To A Career In Law?

It wasn’t a decision I made lightly. I’m a career changer, and my journey into law began after studying Communication, Media and Culture at Oxford Brookes. I initially went into retail management and later moved into office management, but I quickly realised that I wasn’t passionate about these roles. They didn’t feel long term, and I knew I wanted something more fulfilling.

When the Covid pandemic hit, it gave me the chance to stop and reflect on what I really wanted from my career. I had just moved to London and knew I wanted to pursue interesting yet challenging work, to be part of a respected profession, and to have a clear career ladder in front of me. I also wanted to develop a skill that could make a real difference — both to clients and also support my family and friends.

So pursuing a legal career ticked all the boxes. That’s when I made the decision to enrol on the PGDL at BPP (as the SQE was still very new at that point). From that moment on, I kept myself focused on each rung of the ladder towards qualification, and law has proved to be the career that gives me both purpose and progression.

What is your background and route to qualification?

I qualified as a solicitor through the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) route after completing the PGDL in 2023. While preparing for SQE 1 and 2 with BARBRI, I worked as a paralegal to gain practical experience. This meant I was able to log my qualifying work experience (QWE) while studying, ensuring that by the time I passed both exams, I had also completed the required practice-based element.

Why did you decide to follow the SQE route?
The SQE offered flexibility. It allowed me to combine study with work, rather than needing to complete the traditional training contract route which was already very competitive. I was also conscious that a training contract may have delayed qualifying as places are commonly deferred by a year or so post offer. The SQE was a great way for me to achieve an accelerated route to qualification.

Did you experience any challenges along the way to qualification?
Absolutely. One of the greatest difficulties was finding the right balance between a full-time job and the intensive preparation required for the SQE. The exams call for a broad and detailed understanding of multiple areas of law — from business and property to dispute resolution and ethics — which can be quite overwhelming, even for someone with hands-on experience in the legal field.

There were certainly moments when the workload felt relentless and meant turning down social invitations or personal plans in order to stay on track. Maintaining motivation and focus over such a prolonged period was another challenge in itself. However, those sacrifices and moments of discipline ultimately made the achievement even more rewarding, as they reinforced my commitment to the profession and deepened my understanding of what it takes to succeed in law.

How did you push through and overcome the challenges?
For me, discipline, structure and communication were all crucial in overcoming the challenges along the way. From the outset, I knew that balancing full-time work with SQE preparation would require real organisation, so I built a consistent study routine and stuck to it. Every other evening after work was set aside for study, and I dedicated at least one full day on weekends to focused revision. Having that structure in place gave me direction and helped me make steady progress, even when motivation dipped or the workload felt overwhelming.

Equally important was being transparent and communicative with my workplace. I made sure to plan my revision periods and exam dates well in advance so the team could prepare for my absences. My boss and colleagues were incredibly supportive and understanding — they never pressured me to work late or take on extra tasks that would eat into my study time. Knowing that my firm respected the process and wanted me to succeed took a lot of pressure off and allowed me to focus fully when it mattered most.

The support network around me also made a huge difference. BARBRI’s coaches provided invaluable guidance, reassurance, and accountability, helping me stay on track throughout the process. On top of that, connecting with others on the BARBRI course was a real lifeline. Sharing experiences, venting frustrations, and offering encouragement to one another created a sense of community that kept me grounded and motivated.

Which part of the BARBRI course offering did you find particularly useful?
The structured prep materials and extensive question banks were especially valuable for SQE1, as they closely mirrored the format and difficulty of the real exam. For SQE2, the mock assessments and detailed tutor feedback were instrumental in sharpening my technique and helping me apply legal knowledge in realistic, practical scenarios.

I also found BARBRI’s overall course structure incredibly helpful. The weekly study timetables and clearly organised content meant that much of the planning was already done for me — I only needed to focus on managing my time, not mapping out what or how to study. This took a huge weight off the organisational side of things and allowed me to fully concentrate on absorbing the material and building consistency. Combined with my own structured routine, it created a framework that made such an intense period of study far more manageable than self-study.

If you made use of learning coaches or career services, could you expand on this?
Yes, I made full use of BARBRI’s learning coaches, and their support was invaluable throughout the process. They helped me stay accountable to my study goals, guided me through challenging topics, and offered reassurance when the workload felt overwhelming. Their detailed feedback on mock assessments, especially for SQE2, was instrumental in refining my exam technique and showing me how to apply my legal knowledge in practical contexts.

QWE / Work Experience

How did you acquire QWE?
I gained my QWE while working as an in-house paralegal for a private family office.

What journey did you take into your current position?
I began my career as a paralegal at a small boutique law firm, where I worked closely with a partner and gained hands-on experience across a range of corporate and commercial matters — from cross-border disputes to drafting shareholder agreements and NDAs. That role gave me a strong grounding in legal practice and an appreciation for the business side of law, including billing and client management.

After a year, I was recruited as an in-house paralegal at a private family office, where I spent two years completing my QWE. This role broadened my understanding of how law operates within a commercial environment and allowed me to apply my legal knowledge in a more strategic, business-focused way.

Once I qualified, the combination of practical experience and academic preparation through the SQE put me in a strong position to take the next step into a newly qualified role.

If employed, how did you land your current job?
I was fortunate to build on the experience and relationships I’d developed during my QWE. My firm recognised the progress I’d made, both professionally and through qualification, and appreciated the resilience it took to balance full-time work with study. After an open and honest conversation with my manager about my career goals and the possibility of an NQ position, I was promoted from paralegal to junior legal counsel. It felt like a natural next step, allowing me to continue growing within a supportive environment I already knew well.

What do you wish you had known before starting out on your career journey?
That the journey is rarely straightforward, especially when changing careers. Working in law at the start felt completely different to anything I had done before, and there were moments when I doubted myself and felt out of my depth.

What I’ve since learned is that it’s okay to stumble — what matters is getting back up, learning from mistakes, and keeping momentum. The path can feel like an uphill climb, but every challenge builds resilience and makes the reward of qualifying more worthwhile.

Please outline your area of expertise and a typical day.
My role is very varied, as is often the case in-house. A typical day can include drafting, reviewing, and advising on a wide range of documents, supporting other business teams on issues that need a legal perspective, liaising with clients, conducting legal research, and collaborating with colleagues on case strategy or transactions.

More specifically, my work covers drafting NDAs, reviewing terms and conditions, maintaining registers, corporate secretarial tasks, loan agreements, funding matters, and broader compliance responsibilities — from anti-money laundering and KYC processes to data protection and ICO requirements. This variety means no two days are ever the same, and it keeps the role both challenging and rewarding.

What do you enjoy most/least about your career and why?
What I find most challenging about the legal profession is learning to slow down. I’m naturally very organised and thrive on structure — I like clear to-do lists, efficiency, and seeing tangible progress. But in law, not everything can be done at speed. Even straightforward matters often require careful consideration, consultation, and collaboration before a decision can be made. I’ve learned that you can’t always have all the answers immediately, and that it’s far better to take your time, verify information, and seek the right input than to make assumptions.

That said, what I love most about the profession balances this out — the problem-solving aspect and the teamwork it involves. Every day brings a new challenge, and there’s real satisfaction in untangling complex issues or finding practical solutions for clients. Law is rarely a solo effort; it’s deeply collaborative, and I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the kindest and most supportive people I’ve ever met. That sense of shared purpose and collegiality is one of the things that makes the work so rewarding, even when it takes time to get to the right answer.

Tell us what attracted you to your current firm or organisation.
I was drawn to my current firm by the variety of work, the collaborative culture, and the opportunity to gain an in-house perspective. I wanted to be part of an environment where I could collaborate with a diverse group of colleagues and see how legal advice fits into the wider business context.

Moreover, working in-house has allowed me to develop my commercial understanding and apply legal knowledge in a more strategic, practical way. I was also attracted by the firm’s strong focus on professional development and supportive culture — an environment where I could continue to grow, learn from others, and contribute meaningfully within a team that values collaboration and continuous improvement.

Can you tell us more about the culture of the firms (structure, work-life balance, DE&I etc.)?

The culture at my company is genuinely supportive and feels like a family. We’re a close-knit team, and it’s easy to see when someone has a heavy workload — everyone’s quick to step in and help. That sense of teamwork and collaboration creates a positive, caring environment where people share knowledge and celebrate each other’s successes.

Work-life balance is also valued. While the pace can be busy, there’s real flexibility and understanding, and I feel trusted to manage my time effectively. It’s an inclusive, respectful workplace where people genuinely want to see each other succeed.

Advice

What are the key things you look for from a future lawyer?
For me, the key qualities I look for in a future lawyer are curiosity, resilience, and adaptability. Law isn’t just about knowing the right answers and memorising statutes — it’s about asking the right questions, thinking critically, and exercising sound judgment. A genuine willingness to learn and continuously improve is essential, especially in a field that’s constantly evolving.

Collaboration is equally important. The best lawyers understand that success is rarely achieved alone — they value teamwork, communicate effectively, and recognise that everyone brings a unique perspective and skill set to the table.

Finally, patience and precision are vital. In law, sometimes less haste really does mean more speed — taking time to think strategically and act carefully often leads to better outcomes. And above all, never assume — always check. Attention to detail and verification are what truly distinguish a good lawyer from a great one.

Any hints and tips for future lawyers?
Be proactive—both in your studies and in seeking experience. Network, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Also, remember consistency is more powerful than cramming—especially for exams like the SQE.

Do you have any advice to share with others embarking on their SQE journey?
Plan carefully, pace yourself, and make full use of the resources available to you. Don’t underestimate the breadth of the SQE1 — it requires a solid grasp of a wide range of legal topics, so consistency and structure are key. For SQE2, focus on applying that knowledge in practical, real-world contexts. Practice as much as possible, and don’t be afraid to involve family or friends — for example, by explaining the conveyancing process or drafting a sample will. Teaching others is often one of the best ways to reinforce your own understanding.

Above all, remember that balance is essential. Taking care of your wellbeing — both mentally and physically — will help you stay focused and perform at your best. The SQE journey can feel long and demanding, but progress comes one step at a time. Stay organised, trust the process, and keep reminding yourself that you will get there in the end.