"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
Well done Gary - proof that perseverance pays off!
Love this Gary Steel x
Such a great photo and captures Gary's personality just right! What a great lawyer I have had the pleasure of working with!
Inspiring
What a fantastic story and important work!
That is such a lovely photo of Gary Steel
Love this. If you believe keep going. Inspirational Gary!!
Amazing Gary Steel
Inspiring !!
MA (Cantab) Solicitor Advocate (Higher Rights - Criminal)
1moMuch respect Gary. It is good to be helping those disadvantaged and with no voice. Work should be a pleasure and not a chore.