ANALYSIS OF CHALLENGES FACED BY FIRST GENERATION LAWYERS

AUTHOR – SARUNETHRA. S* & DR. S. MARUTHAVIJAYAN**

* STUDENT AT THE SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW, TNDALU, CHENNAI – 600113.

** ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW, TNDALU, CHENNAI – 600113

BEST CITATION – SARUNETHRA. S & DR. S. MARUTHAVIJAYAN, ANALYSIS OF CHALLENGES FACED BY FIRST GENERATION LAWYERS, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (12) OF 2025, PG. 980-996, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

ABSTRACT:

First-generation lawyers—those who are the first in their families to enter the legal profession—face a unique set of challenges that distinguish their journey from that of their peers with established legal backgrounds. These challenges span socioeconomic, cultural, academic, and professional domains. Without the benefit of inherited networks or mentorship, first-generation lawyers often navigate law school and the legal profession with limited guidance and resources. Financial strain, imposter syndrome, and unfamiliarity with professional norms can create barriers to academic performance, job placement, and long-term career advancement. Additionally, the lack of representation and support can exacerbate feelings of isolation within a historically exclusive field. This abstract explores the multifaceted obstacles encountered by first-generation lawyers, while also highlighting their resilience, the value of diverse perspectives they bring to the legal system, and the importance of structural reforms and support systems in fostering equity and inclusion within the legal profession.

Keywords: First-generation lawyers, Legal profession, Social mobility, Mentorship gap, Professional networking, Imposter syndrome, Legal education, Diversity and inclusion, Structural barriers, Career advancement.