At just 21, Krishangi Meshram from Dubai has achieved the remarkable feat of becoming one of the UK’s youngest qualified solicitors. Her legal journey began at 15, and she expressed surprise at her trailblazing achievement.
“I never imagined I might be the youngest solicitor in a long time,” she shared with Khaleej Times during a Zoom interview. “I simply focused on each step, one at a time.”
Only when her university announced her as their youngest graduate did she consider the possibility of being among the youngest solicitors.
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“In November, my university revealed I was their youngest law graduate ever,” she said. “A colleague then suggested I might be the youngest solicitor. I contacted the UK Law Society, and they confirmed I am indeed the youngest in recent history, publishing my achievement in their gazette.”
The Law Society Gazette noted that while she may not be the youngest ever, since some teenagers qualified and were admitted at 21, such cases were mostly pre-1970, making Meshram the youngest in recent times.
Her Long Journey
Krishangi enrolled at the UK’s Open University after her IGCSE exams at 15. Despite the minimum age requirement of 16, the university made an exception due to her experience. “I wanted to see if I could handle university-level academics,” she explained. Graduating with first-class honors at 18, she was determined to pursue law in England.
She joined the University of Law for a combined Legal Practice Course and Master’s in Business Law and Management at 18, while interning in Singapore for two years. Completing her studies with distinction by 20, she soon cleared the solicitors’ qualifying exams. “I turned 21 in January and passed the exams by February. The Solicitors Regulation Authority verified my credentials, and by April, I was appointed as a qualified UK solicitor.”
Study Techniques and Future Endeavors
Krishangi acknowledged the challenges of maintaining discipline in her studies. “It was a learning curve because I tended to procrastinate,” she admitted. “I had to develop effective systems and routines to maintain focus. Balancing study and personal life is crucial to avoid burnout.”
She noted the growing acceptance of alternative educational paths, especially with the rise of online learning. “Covid accelerated this change. Now, there’s widespread recognition that success doesn’t always follow a traditional path,” she stated.
As a UAE resident, Krishangi is eager to practice law there. “I’m keen to join a UAE law firm because the country is at the forefront of the blockchain and web3 sectors under VARA and offers excellent global exposure,” she said. “Having traveled to over 30 countries, I particularly value the UAE’s innovative approach to engaging young talent.”
