Defending with Strength: An Interview with Solicitor Shazia Ali
- emily4478
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
An interview with Shazia Ali
"Commercial success is important but the growth we have had is based on reputation"
As the founder of Scarsdale Solicitors, specialising in the critical and often life-changing areas of motoring offences, immigration, and family law, Shazia Ali has distinguished herself not just through legal expertise but by instilling a culture of empathy, tailored support, and fierce client advocacy in her practice. Known for her tenacity in securing positive outcomes and for her personal journey rooted in a passion for justice, Shazia joined The Industry Leaders to discuss the strategic mindset required to build a thriving, client-focused legal firm and how her unique approach is challenging industry norms across the UK.
How did your early experiences in childhood shape your drive, resilience, and vision for your future, particularly when you first decided to pursue law?
When I was growing up, opportunities were not as readily available as they are now. I was raised in a large family where all I saw was my father working really hard. I was taught perseverance at a young age – don’t give up. Had to work twice as hard just to stay focused. I was working in a restaurant aged 14 to fund a private tutor so I could do well in my GCSEs. I wanted to be heard so I made sure I got the education I needed in order to be heard. I guess that’s where my sense of justice came from – all defendants want is to be heard. Nobody is born a criminal and what I have learned is that when I was listened to it made a difference to my whole sense of worth. I wanted to go into law to give other people this chance, to give them a voice and make a difference.
Can you share one or two of the most significant obstacles you faced while putting yourself through law school and qualifying as a solicitor, and what sustained your commitment during those difficult times?
I had so many challenges, I had to work in order to pay for food, books, and a roof over my head, I had nobody to support me; my family couldn’t afford to put me through university, so I had to create those avenues myself. Being a young Asian woman made it harder, as I faced prejudice and preconceptions the whole way through. I’d work nights as an auxiliary nurse in a hospital at night, then study and go to lectures during the day. I always did house shares with medics rather than law students, because they worked the long hours and understood the hardships better.
Taking the leap to found Scarsdale Solicitors from scratch is a massive undertaking. What was the defining moment or core motivation that convinced you it was the right time to start your own firm?
My daughter was very sick when she was born, that’s when I started drafting a business plan – I knew I needed to run a business that helped people. People who are lost, or not given the right support. I saw a career in law as the vehicle for being able to help people. I knew I needed to surround myself with people like me, if you surround yourself with great people, you have greater success. That’s why the Scarsdale ethic is imperative.
Beyond providing legal services, what would you describe as the central purpose or mission that drives your work and the culture of Scarsdale Solicitors today?
It’s quite simple – every client that comes to us deserves clarity not confusion and I will work hard to ensure Scarsdale is there for anyone who needs it. Every day I offer free advice to people, to advise them on whether to pursue a case, whether to take action, or whether they will be wasting their money. It is important to me to offer these free consultations so they know if they employ me they can be confident we can offer the help they need. I won’t just take money from a client; I would rather refuse business than give false hope.
In the demanding field of law, what is the single most rewarding aspect of your job now that you have built a successful practice?
Changing people’s lives. Knowing that when I have worked for them they can face the future with positivity and hope rather than allow what may be one silly mistake to ruin their prospects for a happy future.
You handle a range of cases, including defending clients charged with serious motoring offences, such as drink driving. How do you address the ethical or moral considerations that can arise when defending someone who may have committed a harmful act?
My responsibility is to ensure that every client regardless of what they are accused of receives proper representation and the chance to have their voice heard. I am not defending some of the crimes that they may have committed, but I believe in rehabilitation and the opportunity to start afresh. I would suggest that almost everyone has driven at 35mph in a 30 zone, but does that one mistake mean their future should be ruined?
How do you ensure Scarsdale Solicitors maintains a focus on client empathy and social responsibility while operating in a competitive commercial environment?
Commercial success is important but the growth we have had is based on reputation.
Throughout your demanding career journey, how important has your family structure and support system been in helping you stay grounded and motivated?
I have the best parents in the world, and I know that they are incredibly proud of me. They worked their whole lives to keep me and my six siblings safe and happy, to support us the best they could. They allowed me to have the ambition I have today. My partner of 17 years has always stood by me even when I was doing 20-hour days. He has helped me achieve my dream by always being there. He and my children keep me grounded and my life balanced. They see how hard I work and gratitude helps me stay motivated.
Juggling the responsibilities of being a mother and running a rapidly growing business is incredibly challenging. What practical strategies or philosophies do you employ to manage this demanding balance?
I live by planned days and maintaining small habits like walking my dog every morning, and picking up my children from school and chatting to them about their day. I’ve built the ability to delegate effectively so now I don’t have to work early morning and into the night, I can balance my life better. I teach my children that working hard and having purpose is what gives their life value. It’s the best lesson I can give them.
As a prominent female business owner and solicitor, what is your perspective on mentoring and championing other women who are striving to break into or advance within the legal sector?
As a young Asian girl growing up in Manchester in the 1980s I have faced prejudice, discrimination and judgement my whole life. But my advice would be that if I can overcome these obstacles, define my own success and achieve my dreams, you can too. And your determination can see you surpass those who tell you that you can’t do something ‘because you’re a woman’.
If you could have a five-minute conversation with your younger self - the ambitious student preparing for law school - what one piece of advice would you give her, knowing everything you know now?
I had a lot of self doubt. I would tell her that positive affirmations work. Tell yourself every day how great you are, believe in your own success, and stay disciplined.
For anyone facing significant personal or financial barriers today but dreaming of starting their own business, what is the most crucial piece of actionable advice you could offer them?
Don’t strive for perfection, just get started!
Find Shazia on LinkedIn here.
