The unfiltered view: starting out in law with Andrew Lecky

A couple of weeks ago, The 93% Club sat down with Andrew Lecky, an M&A and Private Equity Associate at Sidley Austin. During our discussion, Andrew shared an in-depth look at his path into the legal profession, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities he faced as someone from a state-school background, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and the insights he has gained while working in one of the most competitive and dynamic areas of law.

Hi Andrew, could you start by sharing a bit about your background and the schools you attended?

I grew up in a rural community in Northern Ireland, where most families, including my own, had a background in textile factory work before those opportunities disappeared. I attended Newbuildings Primary School, a small state school of around 200 students, before moving on to grammar school. Grammar schools in Northern Ireland are more widespread and accessible than their counterparts in England and the wider UK. I feel fortunate to have had access to that system, which provided a really solid academic foundation.

I started working young – weekends in a bar and at Tesco from the age of 17 - which really helped shape my work ethic. I left school with four As at A-level and became the first in my family to attend university, studying law at UCL.

University was eye-opening. Interestingly, until that point in time, I was unaware that I even had a ‘state-school background’ – I hadn’t known or heard of anyone who attended private school because they are incredibly rare in Northern Ireland. Freshers’ week was the first time I met people who had attended private school. That contrast deepened my appreciation for my educational experience and the grit it instilled in me.

Journeys into law are often diverse and unique. What first sparked your interest in pursuing a career in the legal sector?

Growing up without much financial security, law seemed like a pathway to stability. Initially, it was a practical choice—a career in law can be life-changing. However, my interest evolved at university as I engaged more with my course, and even more so now that I have qualified into the sector.

After graduating, I struggled to find a graduate role and spent time bartending and living at home. It was during this period that I started thinking seriously about law as a career and took my first steps to break into the sector, eventually working at firms like HSF and Baker McKenzie in Belfast before moving to London.

For those educated in state schools, breaking into the legal sector can often feel like an uphill battle. What steps did you take to overcome those challenges?

The process can feel like navigating in the dark. Networking, for example, can present a major hurdle, but it’s not insurmountable. For me, university friends formed a vital network; we shared similar experiences and supported one another in navigating the industry. 

That said, the earlier you start putting yourself out there, the easier it becomes to gain a foothold and connect with those who can guide and support you. Once you move past this initial phase, things do get easier—people become more willing to share their time and insights. Combined with the structured training provided by a firm, this support can shape you into a competent lawyer. 

One thing that’s worth saying is that breaking in is just the start, you won’t become a top lawyer overnight – this is just the start of a long journey of learning. 

Were there any mentors or defining moments that were pivotal in your journey?

Absolutely. One mentor stands out—a senior lawyer who interviewed me for a paralegal job. After the interview, he didn’t hold back: “that was spectacularly bad” but quickly adding that he saw potential in me and believed my interview skills could be improved. True to his word, he became a pivotal figure in my professional journey, mentoring me, nurturing my abilities, and guiding my development every step of the way.

This experience taught me a lot about the importance of mentorship and being open to growth. He also showed me that I didn’t have to change who I was but could strategically present myself in different ways.

How did you first come across Sidley Austin, and what drew you to it as a place to build your career?

I first learned about Sidley through a former colleague who spoke highly of the firm’s culture and the quality of its work. What sets Sidley apart is its inclusive approach to hiring. The firm not only welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds but also values those who have taken unconventional paths into law. While vacation schemes and training contracts are excellent entry points, Sidley also provides opportunities for people like me—those with prior experience as paralegals or who aren’t recent university graduates.

The firm’s emphasis on workplace culture and social mobility also resonated with me. Their initiatives, including its bursary scheme, really confirmed to me the firm’s genuine commitment to supporting people like me.  

Looking back at your journey, what were the biggest obstacles you faced, and what did you learn from them?

I think there were two standout things that proved to be the largest obstacles to my professional development. The first was a limited understanding of professional networking and its value. As I mentioned earlier, your network—whether large or small—is invaluable for opening doors, providing access to opportunities, and serving as a support system as you navigate application processes etcetera. 

The second challenge was not applying for roles earlier. Looking back, my journey would have been smoother if I had kept my finger on the pulse of recruitment cycles during my studies. This would have allowed me to bank some experience familiarising myself with the application process.

My key takeaway is the importance of persistence and preparation—they make a significant difference. Once you secure a position, remember that you belong. Firms provide the training you need to succeed, and with consistent effort, you can excel.

Reflecting on your career, are there any decisions or actions that you believe accelerated your progress into law?

Several things stand out, but the most important is learning to embrace being a “chameleon.” By this, I mean positioning yourself to adapt to new and unfamiliar situations while remaining authentic to who you are.

Now that you’ve established yourself in law, what motivates you, and what’s the next challenge for you?

As an associate, the path ahead looks quite different from when I first started. A career in law is a constant journey of growth, whether it’s honing your craft or acquiring new skills.

Looking forward, my next steps include stepping into a leadership role, refining my management abilities, and mastering the art of delegation. I’m also excited to begin supporting the next generation of lawyers as they embark on their own journeys.

At The 93% Club, we’re passionate about the state school experience. Do you think being state-educated has influenced your approach to your career?

Absolutely. Grit is the biggest strength that comes from a state school background. You learn to keep going, no matter the obstacles, and develop a strong sense of determination.

Growing up working-class also teaches you humility and adaptability—you’re comfortable interacting with people from all walks of life. These communication skills, combined with pride in where you’ve come from, have been invaluable.

Final reflections?

Remember that your life has already started. Don’t let the pursuit of success make you feel like you’re waiting for your life to begin—enjoy the journey as it unfolds. Luck is where preparation meets opportunity, so create the conditions for luck to happen and trust the process.