Nina Paul - Alumni Profile

Nina Paul has forged a successful career in family law, beginning as a paralegal before qualifying as a solicitor in 2025.

She credits her experiences at Kent for helping shape her career - highlighting the practical legal experience she gained through the Kent Law Clinic as particularly beneficial.  

Tell us about your career path since graduation. 

After graduating from Kent, I started working as a paralegal for KJ Smith Solicitors (KJS) – a specialist family law firm. 

I knew I wanted to be a family law solicitor and was advised to get some paralegal experience to see if I liked it first. Turns out I loved it, so after about six months I asked my firm about the possibility of training there.

I began my SQE courses/exams alongside working as a trainee and qualified as a solicitor in September 2025! 

What does a typical work day look like for you?

A typical day starts with a cup of tea and morning chat with my lovely colleagues at KJS. 

As a family solicitor I have meetings with clients to attend, emails and letters to respond to, and court documentation to draft.

Our firm offers free initial 45 consultations to potential new clients so I will also typically have one free initial consultation a day. 

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far? 

I was proud to be the first person my firm sponsored for training. After two of heard work, it felt amazing to receive my SQE2 results and know that I could now qualify as a solicitor.

It was such a relief to know that all the hard work had paid off. 

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career? 

When I was interviewed for my paralegal role after graduation I was able to talk about all the practical legal experience I had gained at the university through the Kent Law Clinic and during my year abroad in Canada, where I did Pro Bono work in family law.

My manager has since said how impressed she was with my CV. In a competitive industry, it really helped me stand out.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work? 

Put yourself out there as much as possible. 

I know everyone says the same thing, but it really is true. Join societies, volunteer, get involved. 

All of this experience matters, and even if it isn’t related to the industry you plan to work in, being able to put it on your CV is invaluable. 

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities/societies as a student? 

I volunteered for Teach First, fundraised for charity, was on the lacrosse team, and had a part time job. 

I would advise students to try and find things you really enjoy.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent? 

My favourite memories are meeting my partner and best friends. 

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent? 

I would have put myself forwards to be on the committee for a society. I was too shy at the time! 

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

Yes, I’m still in touch with Darren Weir, who was my fabulous Lecturer for the Law of Evidence module. 

What are your future ambitions?

I would love to be a family law judge one day (after I’ve gained lots more experience!)