#19 UK Legal Podcast: What It Really Takes to Get a Training Contract At a Top Law Firm as an International Student – Suhana Sharma’s Story

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Emerging legal talent and future trainee solicitor Suhana Sharma shares her inspiring journey into commercial law — shaped by international experience, inclusive leadership, and a thoughtful, research-driven approach to career building. A must-listen episode of The Lawyer Files.🎙️In this episode of The Lawyer Files, I sit down with Suhana Sharma — Future Trainee Solicitor at Dentons, penultimate-year law student at the University of Leeds, and President of the Leeds Women in Leadership Society. With experience across insight schemes, open days, and vacation schemes — as well as advocacy for international students and women in law — Suhana offers practical, grounded advice on navigating the UK legal profession without a pre-built network.From attending open days alone to securing a vacation scheme at Dentons and thriving in seats like Restructuring and Corporate, Suhana’s journey is shaped by resourcefulness, self-awareness, and a drive to build community for others following a similar path.We talk about:✅ The challenges of entering the UK legal market as an international student — and how she built her network from scratch✅ Lessons from her vacation scheme at Dentons — and how it reshaped her understanding of commercial law✅ Her experience leading the Leeds Women in Leadership Society and championing diversity and inclusion✅ The mental pressure of the visa and application process — and how she found balance✅ How non-legal work experience and cultural sensitivity can translate into client-focused thinking✅ Her thoughts on mentorship, representation, and redefining what a future City lawyer can look like✅ Advice on avoiding burnout, staying reflective, and building applications with intention and impactWhether you’re navigating law as an international student, breaking into the City without connections, or learning how to lead with authenticity — Suhana’s story is packed with insight, strategy, and compassion.👉 Follow The Lawyer Files on Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music📰 Subscribe on Substack for