Lubna Shuja is the first Asian, the first Muslim and only the 7th female to become President of the Law Society of England and Wales, which represents 200,000 solicitors.
Lubna works with a number of professional regulators. She is currently an Adjudicator Chair of Social Work England’s Fitness to Practise Committee, a Legally Qualified Chair of the General Pharmaceutical Council’s Fitness to Practise Committee and a Chair of the General Chiropractic Council’s Investigating Committee. Lubna was a Chair of the Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service and a Chair for the Disciplinary Committees of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, as well as a Deputy Clerk at the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
In today’s interview, Lubna tells us more about her journey and shares invaluable tips for us budding lawyers.
1. Did you study law for your undergraduate degree? How did you find your experience?
Studying Law was never my original intention. I didn’t know any lawyers growing up, I had no legal role models, and becoming a lawyer was never really on my radar. However, I did better in my A Levels than my teachers predicted and a good friend of mine suggested I should consider a Law degree. I haven’t looked back since then.
Despite there not being many people who looked like me – there were very few women, and diversity was not talked about at all when I first started working as a solicitor. I didn’t really stop to think about how this would affect me. I just worked hard, and got on with the job.
2.Why did you decide to become a lawyer?
It was only after I started my Law degree that I realised I wanted to be a lawyer. That was the first time I really learnt about how cases apply to real life situations and how the law provides a framework for society. I also had a strong sense of justice and wanted to represent those who needed legal advice.
3. Once you started practising, did you ever question whether law was the right career for you?
I have never regretted pursuing a career in law but sometimes it is challenging to get that work life balance right. I am a litigator and the nature of the work means that there are constantly deadlines to meet which at times can mean working long hours and some weekends. It is important though to prioritise down time and relax.
4. Do you have any advice for anyone who studied law or is practising it, and realises it might not be for them?
A Law degree can open up lots of other options and doesn’t necessarily mean you must become a legal professional. I have met many people who have a law degree but have gone into other careers, such as journalism, management, consultancy, retail, business etc. You will gain valuable knowledge and skills studying for a Law degree and there are lots of opportunities out there for law graduates outside legal practice. If you really don’t enjoy studying law, then it is better that you find something you do enjoy so perhaps look to switching to another course if you can. If you are practising law and really don’t enjoy it, don’t give up straight away. Try another area of law before you give up altogether.
5. What skill do you think is the most important one to have as a lawyer?
Being able to communicate effectively and openly is crucial. As a solicitor you will be spending your days communicating with clients, colleagues, judges and third parties. Being able to get your message across clearly will help build those relationships and allow you to be the most effective lawyer you can be.
6. Do you ever get imposter syndrome and feelings of self-doubt? If so, how do you deal with such feelings?
One thing I have realised over my career is that almost everyone suffers from ‘imposter syndrome’ at some point. It is really just another way of saying “lack of confidence”. The best way to deal with this is to be as well prepared as you can for whatever meeting or situation you find yourself in, so that you are ready to deal with whatever comes up.
7. What do you do when you feel overwhelmed and burnt out?
It is important not to get to the stage of feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. I have learnt to say no, ask for help and take time out to recharge my batteries regularly. It is important not to try to deal with everything on your own – speak to someone who will listen and help you manage the situation. There are also specialist organisations like LawCare who are available to offer support and confidential advice.
8. How did you deal with making mistakes at work?
Always own up to what you have done. Speak to your boss and explain what has happened. There are very few mistakes that can’t be rectified and usually things are not as bad as you think. Covering up mistakes makes the situation much worse and can cost your career.
9. Do you have any advice for any driven and ambitious aspiring lawyers, now looking to enter the real world?
Drive and ambition are great traits for a lawyer to have, but do not underestimate the importance of authenticity. Don’t try and change yourself into someone you’re not, and don’t be embarrassed about who you are or where you’re from. Your unique perspectives, views and experiences are an asset which encourage diversity of thought and innovative thinking.
Always treat people the way you would want to be treated yourself. A little bit of kindness goes a long way. People remember kind words and good deeds, and it costs nothing.
10. As a junior lawyer, sometimes I feel conscious for taking too long on tasks, especially when it’s my first time doing them. Did you ever go through such feelings? And how did you navigate them?
It’s natural to feel like this at the start of your career, especially if you’ve never done a task before. It’s important that you remain honest and open with your colleagues and ask lots of questions if you’re unsure what to do. Remember that every solicitor was a junior once – they want you to succeed and would prefer you to ask for help rather than struggle in silence.
11. How do you stay motivated to work and focus?
Being President of the Law Society of England and Wales is an honour and a privilege. Every day is different and there is so much to do. The variety in my work helps keep me motivated, as well as reminding myself why I wanted this role in the first place and how I am working to make a difference to our members.
12. How do you balance your work-life with your family life? And is a work-life balance actually possible as a lawyer?
I have been a solicitor for many years and there is no doubt it is a stressful job with long hours. Being President of the Law Society of England and Wales is an extremely busy role as there are often engagements in the evening as well as back to back meetings during the day.
However, it is not impossible to have a work-life balance as a solicitor. Aim to get some exercise and fresh air every day, even if it’s just a walk around the block, don’t miss meals and schedule time to see family and friends. After a busy week, it is important to find some time to wind down and switch off completely.
13. What advice would you give to your 21-year-old self?
Where you start your career is not necessarily where you will end up. Keep an open mind and take every opportunity that presents itself – you never know where it might lead you.