"it helped me believe in my potential."
Krishangi Meshram has made history as the youngest solicitor in England and Wales in recent years.
At just 21, she has entered the profession after a remarkable academic journey.
Living in the UAE, Krishangi began her studies with The Open University aged only 15. By 18, she had secured a First Class Honours Degree in Law.
She said: “I’m incredibly thankful that The Open University gave me the opportunity to begin my LLB studies at the age of 15.
“It was during my studies that I not only laid the academic foundation for my legal career but also discovered a deep and lasting passion for the law.
“The flexibility, accessibility and unwavering support offered by the University, including my tutors who carefully guided me with patience and expertise, empowered me to pursue my ambitions with confidence and determination.
“The Open University didn’t just help me start my studies; it helped me believe in my potential.
“For that, I will always be grateful. Thank you for being such an integral part of my journey.”
Her time with the OU also developed vital personal skills:
“I didn’t realise that I’d be gaining the valuable skills that the OU taught me, from self-discipline to organisation.”
It was previously reported that Krishangi wanted to pursue higher studies but wasn’t keen on leaving her family.
She explained: “This is when I found out about the OU, it ticked all the boxes.
“I could utilise the open entry policy so I could start a degree without A Levels, I’d be studying at a UK university, where I could remain living at home and carry on travelling with my family.”
Krishangi graduated in 2022 and attended her OU ceremony in Manchester in late 2024.
She later completed postgraduate studies and gained two years of qualifying work experience during an internship at a Singaporean law firm.
In November 2024, she sat the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE2), overseen by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
The assessments test client interviewing, legal drafting, advocacy and research skills, alongside applying core legal principles.
Her father, Tapan Meshram, said her “affinity for legal practice” grew further after completing a Harvard University law course.
He credited her success to being raised “in a serene and nurturing environment, away from toxic academic competition”, which encouraged focus, self-discipline and introspection.
Looking ahead, Krishangi Meshram plans to explore legal dimensions of digital technologies such as fintech, blockchain and AI, with ambitions of working at leading firms in the UK or UAE.
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