Hello there! I'm Arooj Sheikh, and here's a glimpse into my journey:
I was Called to the Bar of England & Wales in 2018, supported by a prestigious scholarship from one of the Inns of Court. After that, I qualified as a Solicitor following my training at Clifford Chance LLP, a top-tier magic circle law firm ranked among the best globally. My career has taken me from London to Dubai, and finally back to my home country, Kenya, where I worked as a Dispute Resolution Lawyer at one of Africa's leading law firms.
My journey into law was far from conventional. As an international student, I navigated the complexities of qualifying as a lawyer in England & Wales, often without the resources I needed. This inspired me to start my blog as a space to share valuable insights and guidance for aspiring lawyers, aiming to make their paths smoother than mine.
But life took an unexpected turn in 2022. After months of debilitating pain and uncertainty, I was diagnosed with two autoimmune diseases: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and Lupus (SLE). GBS left me paralyzed, requiring over 300 sessions of intensive physiotherapy to recover, while Lupus became a lifelong condition I’ve learned to manage. This experience reshaped my perspective, inspiring me to advocate for chronic illness warriors and those with invisible disabilities.
My blog, alongside my Instagram community (@TheChronicChic), has evolved into a platform for support and empowerment for individuals navigating chronic illnesses. Here, I share lupus "flareytales," chic solutions for the fabulously fatigued, and resources for the pill-popping pals who, like me, are determined to thrive despite the challenges.
Beyond chronic illness advocacy, my blog retains its roots in the legal profession, offering resources for aspiring lawyers and showcasing the journeys of diverse legal professionals. Additionally, I share insights as the founder of Beyond Kenyan Bars (www.beyondkenyanbars.com), a charity dedicated to caring for children growing up in Kenyan prisons.
I am thrilled to connect with like-minded individuals and brands that align with my mission of making chronic illness iconic and fostering resilience in the face of adversity. Whether you're here for legal insights, chronic illness support, or inspiration, I hope you find my content helpful and empowering.
100,000 views
from people in 101 countries
40 collaborations so far
over 200 hours of content creation
100,000 views from people in 101 countries 40 collaborations so far over 200 hours of content creation
As a junior lawyer, I've faced my fair share of challenges - from imposter syndrome to navigating work-life balance. And while many of us in the legal field may struggle with these issues, they're not always openly discussed. That's why I'm excited to launch my new blog series, featuring a tribe of experienced lawyers who have travelled a similar path, battled similar questions and have taken notes through their own experiences, to guide us. In this series, I will be sharing their practical and tactical advice on everything from career advancement to personal growth. If you're a junior lawyer looking for guidance and mentorship, this series is for you.
“On her website Arooj has expertly curated a wealth of advice for aspiring lawyers, and in doing so created an invaluable resource for those interested in pursuing a career as either a solicitor or barrister. To have achieved this is no mean feat, and a testament to her diligence and generosity”
It has taken me 331 days and 150 physiotherapy and hydrotherapy sessions to muster up the courage to share my story. But I have decided to do this for three reasons: I want to raise awareness for others facing similar challenges; to mark my readiness to move forward and leave this chapter behind; and to always remind myself and others, that no matter how driven we are professionally, without good health, all else loses its significance.
They say that the human spirit is resilient, but I never truly understood the depth of that statement until I embarked on a journey that would test every fiber of my being.
Although this past year has been a whirlwind of challenges, it has transformed me into someone I admire – a person who prioritises health, practises empathy, and advocates for a world that accommodates every individual's unique needs.
Today, I stand before you, a survivor, an advocate, and a beacon of hope for anyone navigating the uncharted waters of autoimmune conditions. By sharing my story, I hope to ignite a spark of understanding and empathy, encouraging us all to be kinder and more considerate towards others, because you never truly know what their stories are.