In this blog, Jasmine Gratton shares her journey into the legal sector and how she came to rely on BARBRI for her studies, and helped shape her path to success.
Jasmine, can you tell us about how you first heard about BARBRI and what drew you to their courses?
It was during my second year at Bristol University where I was the campus brand ambassador for the year and applying for training contracts. I was primarily focusing on my future career and had a keen interest in the US legal market. I had already started preparing for the US bar exam, and BARBRI stood out as a prominent and trusted course provider in that area. I was aware of BARBRI’s excellent reputation in the US for helping students pass the bar exam with high success rates. This was a no-brainer when I decided to study for the US bar, and I ended up taking their extended six-month course to prepare for the February 2021 New York bar exam.
You mentioned that you applied for training contracts while at university which led you to the SQE route. How did this occur?
Applying for training contracts during university was a huge part of my plan. But I didn’t get any offers and thought it was the end of my dreams of becoming a qualified lawyer. The traditional training contract route was competitive, and I honestly felt disheartened. However, when I learned about the SQE, it opened a whole new world of possibilities for me. It was a much more accessible way to enter the UK legal market, and it didn’t require a training contract. This meant that I wouldn’t have to jump through the hoops of trying to secure one with a firm I wasn’t entirely sure about. The SQE seemed like the perfect way to get into law in England and Wales without having to compete against hundreds of applicants for each position. It was also an opportunity to really take control of my legal career.
Why did you choose BARBRI to prepare for your SQE exams?
BARBRI is so well-known in the US for its successful bar prep courses and high pass rates. I was familiar with their reputation for delivering quality education, so when I decided to prepare for the SQE, it was a natural choice to turn to BARBRI. The fact that they had an established track record in bar exam preparation gave me the confidence that they could provide the same level of support for the SQE. Plus, having already used BARBRI for the US bar prep, I knew the structure and approach worked well for my learning style, so I felt comfortable continuing with them for the SQE.
How did you find studying online with BARBRI, especially considering your previous experience?
Studying online turned out to be the most convenient and effective way for me to learn. It was incredibly flexible, which meant I could take my work with me wherever I needed to go. Online learning allowed me to study at the times that worked best for me, whether that was during my free hours or late at night. I was already used to online courses from my previous studies, including the extended bar course, so I knew how to manage my time and work in an online environment. What I really appreciated about BARBRI’s online courses was how structured they were. The content was broken down into manageable sections, and it was easy to go back and review materials when I needed to. It felt like I was getting the most out of my study time, and the quality of instruction was top-notch. Plus, the ability to pause, rewind, and rewatch videos was extremely helpful for reinforcing concepts I found challenging.
Can you tell us more about your ultimate career goal and how BARBRI has helped shape your path?
My goal is to work either in-house or at a large firm that handles a lot of cross-jurisdictional issues and works with international clients. Given my background and interests, I hope to bring a global perspective to wherever I go next in my legal career. I believe that combining my experiences in both the US and the UK legal markets will allow me to bring a unique perspective and skill set to the table, particularly in fields like intellectual property and international business law. BARBRI has played a significant role in shaping this goal. Through their preparation courses for both the US bar and the SQE, I feel well-prepared to navigate both legal systems. The comprehensive resources they provided have boosted my confidence and helped me lay a solid foundation for my international legal career.
You’ve had a very diverse legal background. How do you see your global experience benefiting your career moving forward?
The ability to understand both US and UK legal systems allows me to approach problems with a wider range of solutions and gives me an edge when working with international clients. Working in an environment where multiple jurisdictions are involved will allow me to utilise my knowledge of both legal markets, particularly in fields like intellectual property law, where cross-border work is often necessary. The training I received through BARBRI has equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in such an environment, and I’m excited to continue growing as an international legal professional.
What advice would you give to others who are considering the SQE route?
My advice would be to give the SQE route a serious look, especially if you didn’t get a traditional training contract or if you’re looking for a more flexible, accessible way into the legal profession. The SQE provides a clear, structured path to becoming a solicitor in England and Wales without the pressure of securing a training contract. If you are considering the SQE, I would definitely recommend investing in a prep course, like the ones offered by BARBRI. Their courses are flexible, structured, and designed to give you the support and resources you need to succeed. The personalised learning experience, combined with expert guidance, will set you up for success in the exam and in your future career.
Interested in reading more inspiring SQE success stories? Check out more student stories here.
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