“Determined to Finish What I Started”: Solicitor Passes Exams Weeks Before Giving Birth.
A solicitor has spoken about completing one of the toughest professional exams in law while heavily pregnant, describing it as one of the most challenging but rewarding moments of her life.
Family law specialist Natalie Markham qualified this year after finishing her solicitor apprenticeship with the University of Law, supported throughout by her firm, Pepperells Solicitors.
Natalie, 31, sat her final SQE2 assessments just weeks before her due date. Despite there being conversations around postponing, she decided to push ahead with the exams after months of preparation.
Natalie said: “There was a point where I thought I’d have to delay the exam because I was very unwell and heavily pregnant.
“However, the firm, my supervisor and the university were so supportive and made it clear that my health and the baby came first. This flexibility and reassurance made all the difference.”
Natalie said the experience taught her the importance of self-belief and perseverance.
“It was exhausting, but I was determined to see it through,” she said. “When I got the results, I couldn’t believe it. It still feels surreal. I would encourage people to persevere, it is possible.”
Pepperells granted Natalie additional study leave to help her balance a work, revision and pregnancy.
Natalie began her legal career in an unconventional way. Having originally studied psychology at university in Leeds, she first worked in domestic abuse support services, which included helping survivors navigate the family court system.
It was during this work that she realised that supporting survivors and their families through family law was where she could make the greatest difference.
Natalie explained: “I always knew I wanted to help people who had experienced trauma. I started out training to be a counsellor but quickly realised it wasn’t the right fit.
“Through my work supporting survivors, I discovered how rewarding it is to help clients navigate the legal system and empower them to take steps to stay safe from harm.”
Natalie joined Pepperells as a paralegal before beginning the solicitor apprenticeship programme. The course allowed her to work full-time while studying, as her apprenticeship included one day each week dedicated to study, plus additional time off in the lead-up to exams.
“The apprenticeship route was perfect for me,” she said. “I had a mortgage and financial commitments, so taking time off to study wasn’t an option.
“The University of Law and Pepperells gave me the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while learning the academic side at the same time.”
Now on maternity leave, Natalie plans to return to the firm next year and continue her work supporting survivors of domestic abuse and families in crisis.
“I’d tell anyone in a similar position to be kind to themselves and to keep going,” she added. “The hard work and the stress are temporary, and the result is completely worth it.”
Ben Pepperell, Chief Executive of Pepperells, said Natalie’s determination reflects the firm’s commitment to supporting its people at every stage of their lives and careers.
“Natalie’s story is a great example of what can be achieved when talented people are given flexibility and encouragement,” he said.
“Pepperells has always been a family firm, and that means looking after our people as well as our clients. We’re incredibly proud of her achievement and the compassion she brings to her work.”