Routes into law: a personal perspective on social mobility in the legal profession

Thursday 12 June 2025 is Social Mobility Day, which aims highlight the importance of investment in a breadth of perspectives and skills and empowering individuals from less advantaged socio-economic backgrounds to overcome imposter syndrome. As part of this, we spoke to partner Liam Tolen about how he chose to pursue a career in law, as well as his thoughts on social mobility in the legal profession more generally.

Can you tell us a bit about your route into law?

When I was looking at becoming a lawyer, I was only aware of the traditional route – I decided to become a lawyer after doing two weeks of work experience at a firm called Toller Beatie in Barnstaple, at which point I decided I was going to university.

What challenges did you face in getting to where you are now and how did you overcome those challenges?

I had free school meals at school, putting me into the (then, and sadly still now) lowest achieving demographic. I was the first in my family to attend university – my mum was a cleaner, my dad bounced around from factory to factory and was often unemployed.  

Because of our financial situation, I completed my studies (from Year 11 onwards) whilst working 25+ hours a week most weeks (in the holidays I worked full time). I worked the evening shift in a call centre – 4pm – 8pm and some weekends – I remember having to get a letter from my headteacher because my employer was worried that I was working so many hours. 

I also worked at university, although less hours given I was entitled to the maximum financial support, and did a condensed legal practice course (LPC) aimed at those working so the 'contact' time was squeezed into two days so I had more time to work. 

What would you say to someone who is thinking of pursuing a career in law but doesn’t think the tradition route suits them?

Take whichever route suits your circumstances and your goals. If you want the university experience, you will find ways of making it work but the alternative routes will likely give you a greater depth of practical experience over a longer time. Whichever route you take, if you are supporting yourself (and perhaps others) financially, you will inevitably be working hard but there is nothing wrong with that particularly when you have a goal to achieve.

Who has inspired you along the way, and what role did they play in your journey?

My A-level law lecturer was a huge supporter – he lived in my village and knew my background – he very much sold me the pros of qualifying as a lawyer and was plain in his view that it was a hugely rewarding career and one that was open to me.  

Have you ever felt like an outsider in the legal world? If so, how did you navigate that?

I decided early on that there was nothing to be gained from hiding or shying away from my background. For the most part the legal world is fairly meritocratic – in very broad terms, if your argument is better, your client wins – nobody asks where you went to school before deciding.

What has surprised you most about the legal profession since joining it?

Nobody that I have met (and I do mean not a single person I can think of) has ever cared that I grew up in a council house. Perception of the legal profession being elitist is not, for the most part, actually borne out, at least in my own personal experiences.

How do you think the legal profession can better support people from underrepresented or less privileged backgrounds?

Visibility. I decided to be a lawyer after work experience – before that, the closest I had ever come to meeting a legal professional was a court bailiff coming to my house to enforce county court judgments (CCJs). Being visible in the right way may challenge the perceived wisdom about who can and cannot become a lawyer.  

Have you found that your background gives you a particular strength or insight when working with clients or colleagues?

I think it informs my perspective on everything, especially how to treat people.

Find out more about careers at Ashfords

At Ashfords, we aim to ensure all our people, regardless of background, feel included, supported, and have equal opportunities to thrive in their careers. You can find out more about our latest opportunities here.