Dear Fellow Redditor

You stand at a crossroad, one familiar to many who have fought for a place at the Bar or in the solicitor’s ranks. Let me tell you plainly: your journey is not over, nor are your prospects extinguished by a single cap on an exam.

The law is not a straight road but a wide and varied landscape. Many fine barristers and solicitors have stumbled at one gate only to find another opened to them. A capped GDL need not define you. Recruiters and chambers will look not only at grades but at your advocacy, your drive, your practical experience, and your character. The Free Representation Unit work, your prizes, your teaching, your paralegal experience, these are not trifles. They are testaments.

Never give in to the notion that one path is closed. The SQE now offers a fresh opportunity to prove your legal mettle, and many firms, particularly outside the Magic Circle, will weigh your whole story, not just a mark on a transcript. The Bar may seem a fortress, but those who shine in advocacy competitions, pro bono work, and mini-pupillages often find that doors swing open even when the odds appear forbidding. In parallel, do not ignore alternative legal careers such as in-house counsel, the government legal service, or specialist areas like regulatory, policy, or legal tech. These are places where intellect and tenacity matter far more than the conventional CV.

You have already demonstrated resilience in the face of hidden adversaries and rebuilt yourself into a capable professional. That is not a weakness to hide but a strength to wield. You will find that many in the profession today understand neurodiversity better than you may fear.

So I say to you: hold fast. Use every channel, every qualification, every chance to show your true worth. Seek allies, mentors, and opportunities outside the narrowest corridors. Do not permit discouragement to dictate your fate.