Breaking Barriers and Building a Legal Future: Daisy Doardo’s Journey

9th Jun 2025

Daisy Doardo, Solicitor at HCC Solicitors

From the quiet Channel Island of Alderney to the fast-paced world of serious injury law, Daisy Doardo’s journey for a legal future as a serious injury solicitor is anything but ordinary. It is a story of persistence, grit, and quiet determination. A journey that has seen her overcome personal challenges, switch industries, fund her own studies, and grow into a confident legal professional at HCC Solicitors.

Now newly qualified, Daisy’s story is more than a personal milestone. It is an inspiring example of what is possible when talent meets opportunity in the right workplace.

From Insurance Claims to Legal Ambitions

Before entering the legal world, Daisy worked in the insurance industry. It was during this time that she had a personal experience with the legal process that unexpectedly shifted her career path.

“I was actually a claimant in a legal matter myself,” she recalls. “It was such a difficult thing to go through, but the process of it, the law itself, was so interesting. It really made me think that this could be something I wanted to pursue as a career.”

Motivated by that experience, Daisy decided to take the leap and retrain. She completed her legal education while continuing to work and made the bold decision to enter the legal sector full-time. That decision brought her to HCC Solicitors.

Finding Her Place at HCC

Daisy joined HCC Solicitors as a paralegal in June 2024. The people at HCC left a strong impression from the very beginning.

“I had my interview with Amber [Braybrooke] and immediately liked her ethos – how proactive she is with claims and her approach to clients,” Daisy says. “And when I joined the firm, everyone I met was so friendly. That really stuck with me.”

Starting as a paralegal, Daisy quickly immersed herself in a wide range of cases, taking every opportunity to learn and develop her skills. To ensure that Daisy got the right exposure to the right cases, to enable her to learn as much as she could, she was given the opportunity to work on many different types of cases, with different causes of action and various injury types. She was also given the opportunity to attend a variety of court hearings

The Challenges Daisy Had to Overcome

Daisy’s path to qualification was not a traditional route. Instead, she created her own path which was not an easy one.

The route she decided on was to get a law degree, then study for her Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) while gaining the required two year experience as a paralegal. However, she knew to do this, she would need funding. So, while at University, she set up her own legal marketing business.

Balancing work, study, and running a business was no easy feat. “I wouldn’t recommend it,” Daisy says, laughing. “But you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do to get to where you want to be. And for me, it’s absolutely been worth it.”

Support That Made the Difference

Despite juggling so much on her own, Daisy emphasises how important the support from HCC was throughout her journey.

“When I started at HCC as a paralegal, I was already on my career journey. I learned so much from shadowing my manager Amber, from how she drafts things to how she phrases complex information. There are many highly experienced solicitors at HCC, and it is important for me to be around people like that, as I absorb as much knowledge from them as possible.”

In addition to team support, Daisy also found support in the knowledge gained from the cases she worked on. “HCC work on some of the biggest and most complex cases out there. From a learning perspective, it’s second to none. You couldn’t go to another firm and get better exposure.”

Making a Real Impact

For Daisy, what makes the job most rewarding is not the qualifications or the titles. It is the real-world impact. She says, “You can see the difference we make in people’s lives. Whether it’s helping them access therapy, housing support, or care, our work helps them rebuild.”

One case that stands out is a fatal clinical negligence claim that Daisy was involved in from the outset. “I remotely attended the inquest, gathered records, instructed experts, and liaised closely with the client,” she says. “Seeing the case progress from the beginning and knowing the impact it’s having, that’s when you realise how meaningful this work is.”

Daisy has also been managing cases independently, something that has reinforced her own growth. “When you’re the one progressing the case, speaking to clients, and making the decisions, you realise just how much you’re capable of. Being a lawyer is a privilege. Clients put their trust in me and I don’t take that for granted.”

Looking Ahead and Giving Back

Now that she has qualified, Daisy is focused on deepening her knowledge and continuing to grow in her role. “I want to be like a sponge, to just absorb as much as I can. We’ve got some really talented lawyers here at HCC, and it’s a great environment to learn in.”

She is also committed to supporting others starting out on their legal journeys. “I already mentor aspiring lawyers about legal careers. You don’t have to follow a single formula to succeed in law. I want to help demystify that for people. I’ve had support from mentors along the way, and it’s important for me to support others.”

Reflections on the Road Travelled

Daisy’s journey has not been easy. But through every challenge, she has kept her focus and stayed true to her goals. Reflecting on how far she has come, she speaks with quiet pride.

“I came from really difficult circumstances, but I set my mind to this and found a way to make it happen. I didn’t go down the training contract route. I didn’t wait for someone to hand me something. I went out and built it myself.”

The impact goes far beyond the professional. It has brought Daisy security, stability and the chance to make a difference through her work, which she considers life-changing.

For those thinking about a legal career, Daisy says, “Your past doesn’t define your future.” An extremely powerful message from someone who has lived it.

Congratulations

HCC Solicitors would like to congratulate Daisy on completing her SQE and being admitted to the Solicitors Roll. Amber Braybrooke says: “Daisy’s story is a reminder that talent, hard work, and the right support can overcome any barrier. She is an inspiration not just to future solicitors, but to anyone chasing a dream with persistence and purpose.”

Careers at HCC

Visit our careers page for information about our current positions, or contact us at careers@hccsolicitors.com if you are interested in a career at HCC Solicitors.