Leonie Hughes is a regulatory and compliance professional specialising in financial crime prevention, with experience navigating complex regulatory frameworks and helping organisations manage risk effectively. Recently called to the Bar of England and Wales, she brings both legal insight and a practical compliance perspective to her work. Outside of work, she is a passionate supporter of Arsenal FC and an adrenaline enthusiast who is always seeking the next challenge.
We all know that every lock has its own key. Many of us are guilty of not accepting that we are the key to unlocking our own chamber—our own potential. Success does not come from waiting for opportunities to appear, although some might; success comes from those willing and committed to changing their mindset, persevering through adversity, overcoming challenges, and being committed to the overall goal.
As an aspiring barrister, my journey to the Bar was anything but traditional. Coming from a working-class background and the first person in my family to attend university, I entered higher education determined to create opportunities that previous generations had not. I was faced with socio-demographic and financial barriers that could easily have discouraged me from pursuing my ambitions, but I refused to let something beyond my control determine where I was going.
My path was marked by significant challenges – being expelled from school, having to do an extra year in sixth form, and going through university clearing are only a few. Working full time alongside studying full time, I had experienced “failure” on numerous occasions before eventually passing both my degree and the Bar course.
The term “failure” is often associated with negativity – the thoughts of not being good enough and the harrowing feeling of incompetence.
How do you process failure?
If you were told that life would throw you 5 curveballs that may halt your progression temporarily, would you continue forward? If you knew there was a possibility you may fail, could you convince yourself that there is also a possibility you will not?
Life will test you, and obstacles will arise when you least expect them. The key is not to avoid challenges but to face them head-on and find ways to overcome them. Perseverance is essential.
Is this my identity?
Rather than defining me, I used my obstacles to shape my character and reinforce my belief in the value of persistence. Through sharing my experiences, I hope to demonstrate that academic setbacks need not prevent success. My journey to the Bar reflects the realities faced by many students from non-traditional backgrounds and has equipped me with the empathy, persistence, and work ethic that I will carry forward into my career at the Bar.
I refused to conform to the norm and instead pursued my passion. Now here I stand as a recently called barrister after 11 years of dedication to my goals when I was told I would amount to nothing.
The barrister profession remains highly competitive and is disproportionately drawn from academically successful students. The Bar Council’s recent pupil survey report found that 64% of pupil barristers came from Oxbridge or other Russell Group universities. That leaves just 36% from other universities. Whilst 36% would not be deemed as ‘highly probable’, it’s also far from impossible.
The reality is that challenges will come throughout life and your career. The difference lies in the choices you make. You can allow obstacles to stop you, or you can use them as stepping stones towards success. Create your own path rather than following the expectations society has laid out or manifested on your behalf. Your journey is unique and it is yours only. The race is only with yourself.
There were times when opportunities seemed limited and the path ahead appeared more difficult than it did for others. There still is – I’ve had three unsuccessful rounds of pupillage applications – yet one of the most important lessons I have learned is the power of your mindset. There is always the next application window.
What can I do now to bolster my applications? What is preventing me from standing above the rest? Accept, reflect and act:
- Acceptance - you may have fallen short this time
- Reflection - what can I do differently next time to go the extra mile?
- Action - Make it happen
Simple disciplines practiced everyday compound into extraordinary results
A positive and resilient mindset allows you to see possibilities where others see limitations.
You can achieve remarkable things regardless of your age, background, or where you currently stand. Reflect on how far you have come rather than focusing solely on what remains ahead. The past has shaped you, but it does not define your future. You already possess the key—the question is whether you are ready to unlock the door.
“If it was easy everyone would do it”
Success rarely comes on the first attempt. A powerful example is WD-40, which stands for “Water Displacement, 40th Formula.” Its creators failed 39 times before developing the formula that worked. Had they stopped at the 10th, 20th, or even 39th attempt, one of the world’s most recognised products would never have existed.
The lesson is simple: perseverance matters. Every failure is a lesson, a stepping stone, and an opportunity to improve. Whether you are pursuing a career, education, or personal goal, remember that your breakthrough may be just one more attempt away.
As you continue your journey, whether that be professional or personal, take time to recognise your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Every challenge overcome, every lesson learned, and every step forward is evidence of your growth and resilience.
Most importantly, aim high. Do not settle for what feels comfortable or expected. Go for the golden snitch. Chase opportunities that excite and challenge you, even when they seem out of reach.
Success belongs to those who dare to dream bigger, work harder, and believe in their own potential. Keep striving, keep growing, and remember that the limits you face today do not define the possibilities of tomorrow.
I also want to recommend two books that I found life-changing: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolls, and The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson.