Interview with solicitor Shazia Ali
Find out how solicitor Shazia Ali of Scarsdale Solicitors build a law firm while raising young children, and why her mission is to give everyone a voice.
What is your professional and academic background within the legal field?
I’ve worked in criminal defence for many years now, and most of my experience has come from being directly involved with people at difficult stages of their lives. My work has mainly focused on criminal and motoring law, and over time I’ve built my practice around being approachable, practical, and genuinely supportive to clients rather than overly corporate. I have never believed in making anyone feel uncomfortable or unwelcome and most firms do give that feel
I didn’t come into law with connections or a plan. A lot of it was built through hard work, long hours, and learning as I went along. I think that’s probably why I relate well to ordinary people, because I understand pressure, responsibility, and what it feels like to have to work for everything you achieve. I studied hard barely slept and kept myself very busy.
What inspired you to launch your own legal practice rather than work within an established one?
I think I reached a point where I wanted to build something that reflected my own values.
Starting my own firm was a huge risk at the time. I remember the fear that came with it – wondering whether clients would come through the door, whether I could carry the responsibility, and whether I was making the right decision for my family. But at the same time, I knew I wanted more freedom and I needed something that worked around my childcare.
I wanted to create an environment that felt human and where Staff felt appreciated and where clients felt listened to and staff felt supported. Looking back now, I’m proud I took the leap.
How did you balance building a business with raising a family?
If I’m honest, there were times where I didn’t balance it very well at all. Running a business and raising a family at the same time is emotionally exhausting because you constantly feel pulled in different directions. The kids would be talking to me but my attention was drawn to replying to emails and replying to urgent out-of-hours messages. Everything felt urgent!
There were late nights working after everyone had gone to sleep, early mornings worrying about work before the day had even started, and moments where I questioned whether I was giving enough to either side of my life.
However, being a mother made me more determined, more resilient, and far better at handling pressure. My family was part of why I pushed myself so hard to succeed.
Does being a mother affect how you work as a solicitor?
Definitely. I think becoming a mother changes the way you deal with people generally. You become more patient, more understanding, and more emotionally aware of what people are carrying behind closed doors.
A lot of clients come to us frightened about losing their licence, their job, their reputation, or even their freedom. Some are trying to hold families together while dealing with huge stress themselves. Being a mother has made me far more empathetic in how I approach people in those situations.
At the same time, it’s also made me tougher. When you’re responsible for other people, you learn very quickly how to keep going even when you’re tired or overwhelmed. I am tired most days but that doesn’t prevent me from giving my fantastic team and clients 100%.
What do you consider to be your unique professional USP?
I think clients trust me because I’m real with them. I speak to clients properly and honestly, and I think people appreciate that.
I also genuinely care about outcomes for people. For many clients, a legal problem affects far more than just a case. I never lose sight of that human side of the job.
I’d rather be known as someone clients felt safe with and supported by than someone who simply sounded impressive. Its not just a business for me
How do you build your reputation and attract clients to your practice?
Most of my work has grown through reputation and word of mouth.
I’ve always believed that the small things matter — returning calls, reassuring anxious clients, being honest when the advice is difficult, and treating every client with respect, regardless of their background.
I think people can tell when somebody genuinely cares versus when it’s just business. Over time, that naturally builds trust and reputation.
What has been the most significant milestone or proudest moment of your legal career so far?
Honestly, building my own firm from nothing is probably the thing I’m most proud of. Not because of titles or status, but because I know what it took emotionally to get here.
There were difficult periods where the pressure felt huge, especially when you have staff relying on you and clients depending on you at the same time.
Why is your dedication to the law and your professional practice so central to your life?
Because this job genuinely matters. The decisions made in criminal law can completely change someone’s future. People often come to us during the worst and most stressful moments of their lives, and I’ve never taken that responsibility lightly.
I also think the business became personal for me because I built it myself.
Which figures in the legal world or beyond have served as your greatest inspirations?
To be honest, I’ve probably been inspired more by everyday people than famous figures. Strong women balancing work, children, pressure, and responsibility without ever really complaining – those are the people I admire most.
I’ve also always respected people who remain grounded and kind despite becoming successful. In business and law, it’s easy for people to lose their humanity, and I never wanted to become that type of person.
What are your top pieces of advice for ambitious women looking to excel in the legal profession?
Firstly, stop waiting to feel completely confident. Most people are figuring things out as they go along, even the ones who appear successful.
Secondly, don’t lose yourself trying to prove yourself. Some of the best solicitors are the ones who are relatable, compassionate, and able to connect with people properly. Clients remember how you made them feel long after the case is over.
