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"I’m an accidental lawyer, I think." 💭 Gary Steel, a social welfare lawyer, was told during his work experience to give up his goals of becoming a lawyer because of where he had studied. "From a young age, I knew nothing would be handed to me on a plate. I wasn’t going to take no for an answer. "I nearly gave up law. I briefly worked as a paralegal in private practice. It was a toxic environment, where I was subjected to homophobic comments from my supervisor. I ended up thinking law wasn’t for me. However, Gary didn't let these setbacks stand in his way: "I applied for one training contract at the Derbyshire law centre and got it. If it wasn’t for the law centre, I wouldn’t be a solicitor. It made me a firm believer in great things come to those who stop trying to force things that aren’t meant for you. "As a social welfare lawyer, my job is to stand in front of the little person and make sure they get justice. We’re at the coalface of society... I feel like I’m doing my best work now, ensuring access to justice in difficult circumstances. "You can get what you want: just don’t take no for an answer, or allow someone else to dictate where you want to go. Work as hard as you can, make contacts and be broad-minded." 💡 What an incredible story of perseverance and resilience! Thank you Gary for sharing your story! 👏 Read Gary's full story here: https://ow.ly/BkNU50SJ8Eq

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Kim Lee

MA (Cantab) Solicitor Advocate (Higher Rights - Criminal)

1mo

Much respect Gary. It is good to be helping those disadvantaged and with no voice. Work should be a pleasure and not a chore.

Millie Barlow

Communications Officer - Derbyshire Law Centre

1mo

Well done Gary - proof that perseverance pays off!

Kayleigh Arthurs

Employment Solicitor at GA Solicitors

1mo

Love this Gary Steel x

Lisa Ingram

Principal Legal Officer and Chartered Legal Executive at Newark and Sherwood District Council

1mo

Such a great photo and captures Gary's personality just right! What a great lawyer I have had the pleasure of working with!

Hayley Lawes

HR Manager/ Co-ordinator

1mo

Inspiring

Georgina Parkin

Managing Director, Owner and Solicitor at Truth Legal Limited

1mo

What a fantastic story and important work! 

Lisa Haythorne

The Senior Solicitor at Derbyshire Law Centre. Immediate past President of Sheffield and District Law Society Member of CILEX Regulation Professional Conduct Panel.

1mo

That is such a lovely photo of Gary Steel

Steven Havers

The first choice photographer for professional service companies with a people first culture. Proud Dad of a 16 year old Olympian.

1mo

Love this. If you believe keep going. Inspirational Gary!!

Leanne Devine

Leigh Day Partner - Human Rights Lawyer - Inquests, Inquiries, Civil Litigation & Public Law

1mo

Amazing Gary Steel

Isha Chauhan

Student of law | Writer | Legal enthusiast | Dlc'25

1mo

Inspiring !!

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