Jason Tay was LexisNexis’ first candidate to qualify as a solicitor via the SQE2. Here he shares his colourful journey from law grad to qualification.
Background and Early Career
Born and raised in North London, I completed all my schooling in the area before pursuing a law degree at Hull University. Like many of my peers, my initial plan was to secure a training contract and qualify as a solicitor as quickly as possible. My first job in the legal field was as a team administrator at Holman Fenwick Willan (HFW), a role primarily focused on administrative tasks such as photocopying, scanning, and filing. Despite the lack of substantive legal work, this experience served as my first extended exposure to a law firm environment. Concurrently, I started my Legal Practice Course (LPC).
Gaining Experience at Kennedys
After a year at HFW, I moved to Kennedys as a legal administrator. This role provided more significant responsibilities, including assisting with the transition to a paperless office and managing new and existing client files. Over two years, my duties expanded, allowing me to gain substantial experience and skills necessary for qualification, especially once the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route was introduced.
Challenges at Cohen Davis Solicitors
Despite promising progress, my journey hit a stumbling block when I accepted a paralegal position at Cohen Davis Solicitors. With the promise of a training contract within six months, I was optimistic and excited. Unfortunately, the opportunity never materialised. Once again, I was forced to make the difficult decision to leave the firm and reconsider my career path.
Interim Employment and Opportunity at Lexis Nexis
Faced with unemployment, I took an unexpected detour into the hospitality industry. A friend offered me a temporary job at Wetherspoons working behind the bar.
Fate can work in mysterious ways. After just over a month, I received an offer from LexisNexis to join their paralegal team. It wasn’t the fast track to becoming solicitor I had hoped for – but it was a chance to get back into law. As I settled into my new role, I continued to look for ways to become a solicitor. I discovered the SQE, the new pathway to qualification. With support from LexisNexis, who created a new SQE scheme for paralegals within the organisation, I decided to make the jump and do the SQE.
Head of the Hub at LexisNexis UK, Josh Giddens, said: “LexisNexis are already known for its leading legal intelligence content and practical guidance across more than 40 practice areas. We employ hundreds of legal experts to create our content and now are able to offer aspiring solicitors such as Jason the opportunity to really understand the black letter of the law and how to put it into practice via the SQE route and our unique qualification process. Jason has worked so hard whilst balancing work and study and his perseverance and determination has been unwavering. Congratulations Jason!”
The SQE: A New Hope
Embracing the SQE was not without its challenges. Balancing a full-time job at LexisNexis with intense study sessions for the SQE, required a new level of dedication and focus. My evenings and weekends were consumed by consumed by study, often leaving me feeling guilty when taking breaks.
My manager was incredible. She lightened my workload and supported me through the journey. The BARBRI SQE2 Prep course was brilliant. The course's structured approach, progress tracking and time management tools were instrumental to my success.
The journey was not without its challenges. Having completed the LPC, I was exempted from completing the SQE1. But, of course, I was not exempted from the knowledge needed to pass the SQE1. I had to refresh my knowledge on various subjects - adding to the intensity of the SQE preparation.
My colleagues at LexisNexis proved invaluable. Their support and encouragement lightened my workload and provided the reassurance needed to overcome the hurdles. Connecting with other students reveals that I was not alone with the burden and stress of the course. They reinforced my belief that I was on the right path.
The Final Steps to Success
As you might have guessed, I passed the SQE and I qualified as a solicitor! It hasn’t been an easy journey. There have been days and weeks when I wanted to throw it all away and do something else. I am so glad I persevered. From the administrative tasks at the start of my career, to the balancing of work and study for the SQE, I really believe that every step of my journey has contributed to my professional growth.
I hope my story can remind aspiring solicitors that the path to success is rarely straightforward. It can take perseverance and a willingness to adapt your plan as you face obstacles in your path. Ultimately, everyone achieves their dreams one step at a time.
Lea Helman, Director of Practical Guidance at LexisNexis UK said: “We are incredibly proud here at LexisNexis to support Jason in his journey to becoming a solicitor through our innovative SQE programme. His dedication, hard work and commitment to excellence have been truly inspiring. We have no doubt that Jason will excel in his new role as an Employment PSL and make a significant impact at LN and in the wider legal field. Congratulations, Jason”.
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