Student Success Story: Natalia Jara

What Is Your Background And Route To Qualification?

I first qualified as a lawyer in Chile and spent three years working at an international law firm. When I came to the UK for my LLM at Queen Mary, I knew I wanted to continue practising as a lawyer here. That’s why I decided to start the process of qualifying as a Solicitor while completing my master’s.

Why Did You Decide To Follow The SQE Route?

I decided to follow the SQE route because it gave me a clear and accessible pathway to re-qualify as a Solicitor here in England and Wales. Having already qualified and practised as a lawyer in Chile, I wanted to build on that experience rather than start from scratch. The SQE felt like the right fit, as it allowed me to combine my international legal background with the opportunity to gain hands-on UK experience while preparing for the exams. It also aligned well with my LLM at Queen Mary, as I was immersing myself in the UK legal environment and could bring that learning directly into the qualification process.

Did You Experience Any Challenges Along The Way To Qualification?

I actually started studying for the SQE while still finishing my last month working in Chile, and most of my SQE1 preparation took place as I was starting a new life in London and beginning my master’s. At first it was challenging, balancing postgraduate studies with settling into a new city and building a network of friends. Back in 2022, the SQE was still quite new, and I didn’t know anyone with my background who had gone through it. But I decided to trust the process, stay consistent, and it worked. Looking back, I can say it’s definitely doable — especially if you’re organised, open to adapting, and willing to embrace the logic of a new legal system. Coming from a civil law background, my instincts sometimes pointed
me towards the wrong answer, but that same foundation gave me the structure I needed to get to grips with the new rules more easily.

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

My family and friends supported me from a distance, and most of the people I was meeting at the time were other foreign lawyers — either recent graduates or part of my cohort. They encouraged me to keep going, because we all knew this could open many doors for us in the UK legal market. I definitely couldn’t have done it alone — their support helped me believe in myself, especially at times when it felt tough or when passing the exam seemed out of reach.

Which Part Of The BARBRI Course Offering Did You Find Particularly Useful?

Everything — as a civil law qualified lawyer, I had to learn it all from the beginning. What did help, though, was already having a legal mindset, which made it easier to read and understand the content. I found it especially useful to track my progress through video classes and mock tests, and to see which subjects I was stronger in and which ones needed more work.
QWE/work experience:

How Did You Acquire QWE?

My QWE before qualifying in the UK was my experience working at an international law firm in Chile. As lawyers there, we have the same rights and responsibilities as Solicitors, but Chile doesn’t benefit from a general exemption. So, once I passed SQE1, I applied for the individual exemption — and I was granted it.

What Journey Did You Take Into Your Current Position?

When I qualified as a Solicitor, I was still in the second term of my master’s and on a student visa, so my first step was working as a privacy consultant here in London. Once the visa restrictions lifted, I moved into a Solicitor role in Tech and Data Protection with a boutique firm, where I’ve now gained two years’ PQE. It’s been a great experience, but I feel ready for the next step — whether that’s a new challenge in practice or starting to shape something of my own in the legal-tech and data space.

What Do You Wish You Had Known Before Starting Out On Your Career Journey?

I wish I had understood earlier just how important a training contract is in the UK market. At the time, I thought that qualifying as a Solicitor through the SQE route would be enough to secure a legal role. But with immigration requirements and the high level of competition here, I realised that qualification is only the starting point. As a foreign lawyer, you need to be open to developing your skills, improving your English, and showing that you bring a different but equally valuable perspective to the table — even if the market doesn’t always know how to recognise it straight away.
Advice:

Any Hints And Tips For Future Lawyers?

My main tip would be to stay curious and adaptable. The law is changing quickly, especially with technology and AI, so being open to learning beyond textbooks really makes a difference. Build good study habits early on — mock tests, study groups, and even short daily routines can help you stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed. And don’t underestimate the value of your network: the support of peers, mentors, and even friends outside law can keep you motivated when things feel tough. Finally, remember that your background and perspective — whether international, technical, or otherwise — are strengths. They’ll help you bring something unique to the table as a future lawyer. In fact, the only real certainty today is that lawyers with the ability to keep learning, adapt, and move confidently across different areas and legal systems will be the ones who stay ahead and are best placed to navigate the new demands of the market.

Do You Have Any Advice To Share With Others Embarking On Their SQE Journey?

If you’re thinking about qualifying in England and Wales, my advice is to focus not just on the end goal but on building the habits and mindset that will carry you through. Use the resources available — mock tests, video classes, and study communities can really keep you on track. The SQE isn’t only about passing exams; it’s also about learning how to work within a different legal system and showing
that you can adapt. Whatever your personal reason, follow it and make the most of the fact that there is a clear route to qualify and practise in the UK — something not every jurisdiction offers. The legal market is competitive and not always the most flexible for foreign lawyers, but there is a real chance here. And whatever the outcome, the experience and knowledge you gain will always stay with you and open doors.

• Interested in reading more Student Stories? https://www.barbri.com/sqe/student-stories

• And if you want to learn more about the SQE with BARBRI, find out here: https://www.barbri.com/sqe

• If you want to learn more about dual qualifying in England + Wales, you can find out more: https://www.barbri.com/global-qualifications/sqe-dual-qualification