From the Family Restaurant to the Bar: Navigating Law as a First-Generation Student

Written by Melody Chai

Some of my earliest memories are not of classrooms, but of a restaurant floor. I started by clearing tables, then moved to handling the till, and eventually, what felt like a milestone at the time, working behind the bar. In a family business, progression is not announced, but earned through trust, responsibility, and time. Each step brought a new level of confidence and expectation

My parents came to the UK from Malaysia and built their livelihood through hard work and long hours. Education was always encouraged, but the pathways into professional careers like law were not something they could guide me through. Like many first-generation students, I grew up knowing the value of success but without a clear plan for how to achieve it.

When I first considered a career at the Bar, it felt distant. The profession seemed structured around experiences and knowledge I had not been exposed to, such as mooting, mini-pupillages, and networking. These were things I had to work out on my own. There were times when I felt as if I was starting from scratch, attempting to comprehend a system that others appeared to be familiar with.

At the same time, working in my family's restaurant had already provided me with skills that I had not always recognised as valuable. Communicating with customers, handling pressure during busy hours, and adapting quickly were part of everyday life. Looking back, that quiet progression from tables to the till to the bar taught me something I now recognise in my journey into law: confidence grows gradually, long before you realise where it is headed.

What I came to realise is that being a first-generation student is not simply about the challenges you face, but also about the perspective you bring. The capacity to explore unfamiliar surroundings, to take initiative without being told, and to persevere even when the way is uncertain are all necessary skills in the legal profession.

Pursuing a career at the Bar has also required combining personal ambition with cultural norms. In many immigrant families, stability is prioritised, and a career at the Bar can feel uncertain. There is often an unspoken pressure to follow a more predictable path. I've learnt over time that these principles aren't in conflict. My upbringing instilled discipline and work ethic, which have served as the foundation for my academic and professional development.

For students from under-represented backgrounds considering a career in law, there are a few things I wish I had known earlier. You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin. Much of the process involves learning by doing, applying for opportunities, attending events, and gradually gaining confidence. Do not underestimate the value of your own experiences. Working in a family business or balancing duties outside of education are not disadvantages, but rather qualities that distinguish you. 

There is no single route into law. Not having a traditional pathway does not mean you are behind. It means you are building something for yourself.

The first bar I stood behind was in my family’s restaurant. The one I am working towards now represents something very different, yet the path between them has been built in the same way: step by step.