25 Years Qualified – Reflections from a Conveyancer Who Now Needs Better Lighting
Written by: Kiran Walia
On 15 August this year, I will have been qualified as a solicitor for 25 years. Saying that out loud feels both satisfying and faintly unreal, although these days I sometimes need to pause, adjust the screen or my glasses, and make sure I have actually read it properly.
Lessons From an Old‑School Start
I began my career at a time when learning was largely experiential. You learned by doing, by observing, and occasionally by making mistakes you never repeated. Responsibility arrived early and you were expected to find your feet quickly. Complaining was not encouraged and it simply was not the done thing. You worked hard, carried on, and learned fast. Honesty, dedication, and sheer perseverance were the only tools available and, oddly enough, they worked. That early experience instilled resilience, independence and a strong work ethic, values that have stayed with me and continue to shape how I practise today.
It is genuinely encouraging to see how much the profession has evolved since then. Today’s entrants are supported by structured training, guidance, and, importantly, open conversations about wellbeing and mental health. That shift reflects a healthier and more sustainable legal culture, and it is one the profession should be proud of.
Throughout my career, I have worked largely within small and medium-sized firms, practising both residential and commercial conveyancing. It is an area of law that quietly underpins the profession, yet is often misunderstood and undervalued. Property lawyers rarely seek attention, but we carry real responsibility, manage significant risk, and keep transactions and firms moving forward. The work demands consistency, care, and stamina, with a constant awareness of professional risk that quietly informs every decision. It may not be glamorous, but it is precise, meaningful, and deeply human.
Why Conveyancing Is Never “Just Process”
Conveyancing is often described as process-driven or assumed to be something that anyone can do. Those of us who practise it know that this is one of the great misconceptions. Yes, there are processes, but behind them sit judgment, experience, problem solving and the constant need to anticipate what might go wrong.
The profession continues to evolve, and alongside familiar pressures, we now face new challenges. The increasing role of technology and AI brings both opportunity and uncertainty, particularly in a profession where judgment and accountability cannot be automated. Learning how to balance innovation with caution is yet another skill we are all developing in real time.
What I enjoy most, even now, is that no two days are ever the same, just as no two transactions are alike. After 25 years, I still learn something new every day, whether it is a point of law, a different solution, or a better way of approaching a problem. That constant learning is what keeps the work engaging and rewarding.
Still Standing: Gratitude, Growth and 25 Years in Practice
Alongside all of this has been the challenge of balancing professional life with family life, something I could not have done without my husband. He has stood by me through long days, late finishes and more conversations about property matters than anyone should reasonably be expected to endure. His support has been constant, and I owe him more than I can adequately express.
This career has shaped me not just as a solicitor, but as a person. It has made me resilient, grounded, and quietly confident. I still believe in working honestly, showing dedication, and doing the job properly, even if it now requires better lighting, stronger reading glasses and the occasional reminder of where I left my pen.
So here is to 25 years qualified. Still conveyancing. Still learning. Still adapting. Still standing and quietly proud.
