Zainab Fatima

LLB Law student at the University of Birmingham| Aspiring Solicitor| Rare Advocate 2025-26

United Kingdom

About

Law LLB Undergraduate at the University of Birmingham| Aspiring Solicitor| Winner of the Woodhouse Jay Prize 2022

Experience

  • Rare Recruitment (1 yr)
    • Rare Advocate Programme 2025-26
      Jul 2025 - Present · 1 yr

      Selected for Rare's Advocate Programme, a competitive development scheme for aspiring commercial lawyers from under-represented ethnic minority backgrounds. Through personalised coaching, commercial awareness training, and exclusive insight events with Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, Slaughter and May, and Hogan Lovells, I developed a deeper understanding of the commercial legal sector, strengthened my professional skills, and gained valuable exposure to leading City law firms.

    • Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Insight Day
      Sep 2025 - Sep 2025 · 1 mo

    • Hogan Lovells Insight Day
      Sep 2025 - Sep 2025 · 1 mo

  • Member at Aspiring Solicitors
    Oct 2024 - Present · 1 yr 9 mos

  • Trainee Adviser at Citizens Advice
    Sep 2024 - Present · 1 yr 10 mos

    Currently training to provide tailored advice on complex issues in areas such as housing, benefits, employment, immigration, family and consumer law. Shadowed advisers during client appointments and whilst they wrote up case summaries.

  • Wilkes Insight Experience Day 2026 at Wilkes
    Apr 2026 - Apr 2026 · 1 mo

    • Selected to attend an application-based Insight Experience Day at Wilkes LLP, gaining first-hand insight into life at a commercial law firm. • Engaged with Partners, Trainees, and the HR team to develop an understanding of legal careers and the trainee solicitor pathway. • Collaborated in a team exercise analysing the Renter's Rights Act 2025, conducting legal research and delivering a group presentation. • Shadowed trainee solicitors and participated in networking sessions, gaining practical insight into legal practice and professional development.

  • Retail Volunteer at Barnardo's
    Aug 2021 - Feb 2025 · 3 yrs 7 mos

    Ongoing part-time volunteering alongside my academic studies.