Congratulations to Tanaka Basikolo who recently qualified as a Solicitor in our Litigation Department
Tanaka, a law graduate, joined AST Hampsons in May 2024 as a Paralegal whilst also during this time, working towards achieving SQE1 qualification. In January 2025 Tanaka passed SQE1. The firm then offered her a training contract, and she became a trainee solicitor.
In June 2025 Tanaka then started preparing for SQE2 and sat this exam in January 2026. She was informed on 21 May 2026 that she had passed on the first attempt and was subsequently then able to apply to be admitted to the Roll of Solicitors. Tanaka was admitted and qualified as a solicitor on 29 June 2026.
Since joining the firm Tanaka has been working alongside Giselle Williams, Marie Jones and more recently Emma Lodge and Keira Tonge in our litigation department.
Tanaka, when commenting on her time working at AST Hampsons said “My team and the firm have been very supportive during this hard and exhausting journey. They have been very understanding which I think helped a lot. I have had the chance to take part in advocacy, alternative dispute resolution, drafting and client interviewing, which made preparing and then sitting the SQE2 a lot easier as it tested those practical skills.”
Commenting on Tanaka’s success, Giselle Williams said “I am so proud of Tanaka working full time whilst studying for SQE2. I look forward to watching her develop with AST Hampsons.”
Looking to the future, Tanaka said “I would like to stay in commercial litigation and assist on more complex matters and possibly undertake more training in alternative dispute resolution and shareholder disputes. I’d like to specialise and focus on these areas and gain more experience in general in this area of law.”
Outside of the office, Tanaka is committed to mentoring and improving access, support and representation for future solicitors from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds. To support this, Tanaka will be taking part in a Webinar on 6th July 2026 hosted by The BAME Woman in Law, titled “The SQE Journey”. Tanaka will also be speaking at the Manchester Professionals Networking Mixer hosted by Afrosocial UK on 23rd July 2026, to share transparent, practical insights around navigating the SQE route.
Congratulations and well done, Tanaka! We are very proud of you and what you have achieved.