Mia is one of the newest legal drafters at 8PP, currently balancing her role with the final stages of Bar qualification. The first in her family to go to university, she brings energy, perspective, and a refreshingly honest approach to building a legal career. From a teenage interest in courtrooms to facing over 100 cases in a week before even starting pupillage, Mia’s route to the Bar has been shaped by hard work, and some unexpected plot twists along the way.
Starting with a spark
Mia actually considered going into medicine at one point – it felt like the ‘big’ career path to take. But she quickly realised it wasn’t going to happen: maths just wasn’t her strong suit, and that ruled it out early on. At a GCSE options evening, she started thinking seriously about what else she could do, and that’s when law came onto the radar. At first, she was looking at becoming a solicitor, but after a work experience placement and a conversation with someone who’d just finished their law degree, she started to look into the Bar instead. The idea of being on her feet in court, rather than sitting behind a desk all day, felt like the right fit – and that’s when advocacy became the goal.
Studying through a pandemic
Mia studied law at Liverpool Hope University, and like many of her peers, spent most of her undergraduate experience navigating pandemic restrictions. She still made the most of it, getting involved in negotiation and mooting, and discovering a real strength in legal skills and public speaking. After her degree, she progressed straight into the Bar Practice Course and recently sat her final exams. She’s now in the space between study and qualification ready to take the next step into full advocacy work.
A change of mindset
Initially set on criminal law, Mia’s early legal work experience shifted her view. Working at a civil law firm gave her unexpected insight into financial mis-selling claims and complex litigation. She began supporting litigation prep and advocacy for the firm and found that civil procedure and the experience of being in court – was far more engaging than she’d expected. That first-hand courtroom exposure helped confirm her career direction.
A turning point
While the civil firm experience was formative, it wasn’t for Mia long-term. She came across an article written by one of the 8PP team about fixed-fee advocacy. It caught her attention and 8PP’s modern, transparent, and different way of working stayed with her. Not long after, she spotted a job advert for a role at 8PP and decided to apply. She was invited to interview while on holiday and shortly after, she joined the team.
What’s life like at 8PP?
Now working alongside experienced advocates and drafters, Mia is gaining hands-on experience in litigation drafting and case preparation. She’s found the team welcoming and supportive, and although she says she experienced imposter syndrome early on – questioning how she’d ended up among such experienced colleagues! Every day looks a little different – from financial claims to housing disrepair – but the common thread is practical legal work that builds her foundation as an advocate. She’s especially enjoying seeing how varied cases can be, even when they fall under the same legal category.
While adjusting to chambers life and working alongside more senior colleagues has come with some nerves, she’s found a strong support network and space to grow.
Outside of work
Outside of chambers, Mia’s life is just as busy as her working day. She lives with her mum, stepdad, and four younger siblings ranging in age from four to nineteen – which makes for a lively and often chaotic household. On top of that, she’s helping her boyfriend renovate a new house, so weekends are often a mix of DIY projects, kitchen planning, and catching up on sleep.
Before starting her legal career, Mia spent over six years working in hospitality at Liverpool Football Club. She became one of the youngest Room Managers appointed in the Main Stand, taking on responsibility for running matchday operations and leading teams in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. While contact with players was limited (and eye contact strictly avoided!), her final shift brought a few memorable moments – including glimpses of Salah, Henderson, and even Kenny Dalglish. It was a formative experience that developed her confidence, people skills, and sense of responsibility.
Travel is one of Mia’s interests, and now that her exams are behind her, she’s making more time for it. A recent trip to Paris offered a much-needed reset, and Alicante is next on the agenda thanks to family ties there. She also enjoys running when time allows, using it as a way to decompress from the demands of study and work.
Looking ahead
Mia is open-minded about where her legal path will lead. She’s developing a strong foundation and plans to remain multidisciplinary in the early stages of her career. She’s particularly focused on courtroom exposure and wants to stay close to live advocacy wherever possible.
For now, she’s focused on learning, adapting, and getting as much experience as possible – while finding her own place in the profession.
Final thoughts
Mia’s route into law hasn’t been conventional but it’s that mix of experience, adaptability, and determination that’s already shaping her future at the Bar. From leading hospitality teams at Anfield as one of the youngest Room Managers, to managing numerous legal cases under pressure, and now finding her feet at a modern, forward-thinking chambers, her story shows that there’s no single path into the profession. Sometimes it’s about holding your nerve, keeping going – and just making it through the week which she says is her motto right now!