Muslims account for 6% of all solicitors in England and Wales. The legal profession can be a challenging and competitive field to enter. Family Solicitor, Nusrat Siddique shares her journey into the profession. She explains why she practices family law, how she overcame challenges and why she is introducing a Sharia specialism in her law firm.   

When you think of justice, what comes to mind?

For me, “justice” is synonymous with fairness and protection. I specialise in family law and within the family law justice system these principles are especially significant. The family courts place a strong emphasis on protecting and safeguarding children and vulnerable individuals, and look to achieve outcomes that are fair and proportionate. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in law?

Growing up, I was often the friend or family member that people would trust and confide in. I realised early on that listening and offering support were strengths of mine. I wanted a career that allowed me to use these skills in a meaningful way. It was also important that if I was going to do a job for the rest of my life, it would have to be intellectually stimulating and challenging, so I would not easily get bored.  

A career in law ticked exactly what I was looking for and fitted my personality type. The law is constantly evolving, requiring a lot of problem-solving, and I am able to work closely with clients and help them navigate difficult situations. 

What route did you take into the legal profession?

My route to qualification was quick, but it would be amiss of me to say it was easy and there were times that the profession seemed out of reach. I had taken a more linear journey: studied for an undergraduate LLB Law degree at the University of Surrey, then went on to complete the LPC at BPP Holborn and secured a training contract. 

However, I remember when applying for work experience schemes, vacation schemes, open days - I didn’t get through. My parents didn’t go to university, and there were no lawyers in my family, so I didn’t have any ready-made connections to rely on. I wasn’t very sporty and didn’t really have anything that would “make me stand out”. That forced me to think outside the box. I remember travelling into London during school/university break to attend seminars hosted by the university on legal topics and sit in on public hearings at my local court. That actually led me to an unexpected opportunity to shadow a Judge. I also volunteered in a charity shop and worked at my local greengrocer. Ultimately, I was able to use all of this to show I had good client care, and I was committed to a career in law. 

As a Muslim woman, what challenges have you experienced within the legal profession and how did you address it?

Early in my legal career, it was difficult not seeing individuals who looked like me or shared similar lived experiences in the profession. There was a sense of isolation and a fear of judgment. However, rather than seeing my background as a barrier, I began to recognise it as a strength that brings a unique and valuable perspective to the profession, and I made a conscious decision to advocate for myself and to show up authentically. 

I understand the nuances and challenges faced by individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, and I use my lived experience to advocate for greater inclusivity in the legal profession. In my role on the Law Society’s Junior Solicitors Advisory Committee, I have contributed to publications such as The Lawyer and The Law Society Gazette, using this platform to write on improving diversity and access across the profession.

I also sought out supportive communities by joining networks such as the Association of Asian Women Lawyers and The Association of Muslim Lawyers (which I am still actively part of). These spaces provided me with a sense of belonging and a space where I could discuss common challenges and opportunities. 

Which area of law do you practice and why?

I specialise in private family law. When I did a family law seat during my training contact, it immediately felt like the right fit. Family law is not just about legal issues; clients are often going through some of the most emotionally challenging periods of their lives and place a great deal of trust in you to help guide them through that process. I didn’t experience this level of human connection and client contact in many of the other practice areas I did my seats in. That personal connection is what makes the work so rewarding and keeps me passionate about the work I do. Ultimately, there is no better feeling than seeing a client move forward in their life, knowing that you played a meaningful part in helping them reach that point.

In your current role, what plans do you have? 

I am currently helping expand my firm’s Sharia specialism into family law. 

With the UK’s Muslim population exceeding 3.5 million, there is a clear and growing need for legal services that properly understand and address the specific needs and issues in the community. Many of these issues are often misunderstood or underserved by family lawyers/law firms. For example, a significant number of Muslim couples enter into Nikah-only marriages without realising that they may not be recognised under English law. This can have serious financial consequences, particularly on separation, where individuals find out that they are considered cohabitants and therefore have fewer rights than that would otherwise be available to spouses on divorce. Whether a couple is considered spouses or cohabitants can also have a significant impact for tax planning and inheritance.  By introducing this offering, my aim is to ensure my clients are fully aware of their rights and options and are empowered to make informed decisions. 

What should someone understand about the realities of the legal profession before entering it?

It is a demanding profession, and there is no denying that it often involves long hours; and there will be moments which are testing, both mentally and emotionally. The level of responsibility is high, and the work can be fast paced and pressurised. Resilience is therefore an essential quality. 

That said, it is an incredibly rewarding career. The legal profession offers constant intellectual challenge, continuous learning, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. 

I think it’s an exciting time to join the profession with the development of technology and AI really shaping and changing the way legal services are delivered and opening up new ways of working and problem solving. 

Nusrat Siddique is an Associate Solicitor at Birketts. Nusrat specialises in helping Muslim clients understand how their religious and civil law options work alongside each other, particularly around finances and arrangements for children when relationships break down. She can advise on entering into a marriage contact (Nikah) or prenuptial agreement, deciding the mahr, understanding the Islamic divorce process, or dealing with international divorce issues. Contact Nusrat at nusrat-siddique@birketts.co.uk