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Empowered by Ambition: Steven’s Social Mobility Story to Legal Success
Category: Social Mobility
Steven’s journey from a working-class neighbourhood to becoming a partner at Pinsent Masons is a tale of resilience and ambition.
Here he tells us how losing his father at a tender age and growing up with financial constraints did not deter him. Instead, it fuelled his determination to rise above his circumstances.
“From a young age in Bolton, I faced adversity. My father passed away when I was three, and my mother, a part-time hairdresser, struggled to make ends meet. Despite these challenges, I harboured dreams that extended beyond the confines of my working-class upbringing.
The local library became a place where I could explore possibilities that seemed out of reach. I was astounded by the careers I discovered, and it ignited a determination within me to pursue a better life. I shared my aspirations with my mother, promising to attend university, though I had yet to decide on the subject.
Achieving the necessary grades was my first hurdle, leading me to a Sixth Form College with a reputation for achieving better results for its top students. I mixed with a completely new crowd and really focused on securing good A-level results. The thought of attending Oxford or Cambridge crossed my mind, but the social divide felt insurmountable. Instead, I chose Biochemistry at Bristol University, a challenging yet attainable goal.
My background fuelled my desire for stability, steering me towards a career in law. After gaining some experience, I secured a training contract and eventually joined the Corporate Tax Team at Womble Bond Dickinson. Truthfully, the trainee and subsequent newly qualified salary made me feel like a millionaire. In 2010, my journey led me to McGrigors (later becoming part of Pinsent Masons), marking a significant milestone in my career, and as they say “the rest is history”.
Reflecting on my path to social mobility, I’ve realised that the greatest barriers often come from within yourself rather than from others. The emotional journey of transitioning between social classes is difficult and involves tough choices, such as distancing yourself from activities or cultures that are holding you back. My story has led me to believe that anyone can redefine their future, one step at a time.”
The local library became a place where I could explore possibilities that seemed out of reach. I was astounded by the careers I discovered, and it ignited a determination within me to pursue a better life. I shared my aspirations with my mother, promising to attend university, though I had yet to decide on the subject.
Achieving the necessary grades was my first hurdle, leading me to a Sixth Form College with a reputation for achieving better results for its top students. I mixed with a completely new crowd and really focused on securing good A-level results. The thought of attending Oxford or Cambridge crossed my mind, but the social divide felt insurmountable. Instead, I chose Biochemistry at Bristol University, a challenging yet attainable goal.
My background fuelled my desire for stability, steering me towards a career in law. After gaining some experience, I secured a training contract and eventually joined the Corporate Tax Team at Womble Bond Dickinson. Truthfully, the trainee and subsequent newly qualified salary made me feel like a millionaire. In 2010, my journey led me to McGrigors (later becoming part of Pinsent Masons), marking a significant milestone in my career, and as they say “the rest is history”.
Reflecting on my path to social mobility, I’ve realised that the greatest barriers often come from within yourself rather than from others. The emotional journey of transitioning between social classes is difficult and involves tough choices, such as distancing yourself from activities or cultures that are holding you back. My story has led me to believe that anyone can redefine their future, one step at a time.”
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