Craig Wunsch

Why this persona fits the audience

A recent graduate from the University of Law in London preparing for the SQE1 and SQE2 exams. He currently relies entirely on free online question banks and handwritten revision notes, believing paid tools are unnecessary marketing gimmicks. He is technically savvy enough to build his own Notion templates but refuses to spend money until proven ROI exists.

• Age: 24
• Location: Manchester, UK
• Occupation: Paralegal / SQE Candidate
• Income: £18,000 - £22,000
• Education: LLB Graduate
• Company size: Small (under 50 employees)
• Years in role: 1

““If it’s not demonstrably better than what I can cobble together myself for free, then it's just someone trying to sell me something I don't need.””

Craig Wunsch is a 24-year-old recent LLB graduate from the University of Law, now diligently preparing for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in Manchester. Hailing from a working-class background, his drive stems from a desire for stability and a belief in meritocracy. He secured his current paralegal role through sheer persistence and a solid academic record, seeing it as essential practical experience. Financially, Craig is pragmatic, earning between £18,000-£22,000 annually, a sum he manages with extreme care. He lives frugally, prioritising needs over wants, and actively avoids debt. His technical acumen is evident in his self-taught ability to create complex, functional Notion templates for personal organisation and study management, a testament to his resourceful nature. He views paid educational tools for the SQE as potentially unnecessary expenditures, preferring to rely on free online resources and his own meticulously crafted revision notes. This stance isn't born from a lack of technical skill, but a deep-seated scepticism towards marketing claims and a commitment to proving value before investing. His recent decision to forgo paid SQE preparation courses, despite the pressure from peers and industry discourse, highlights his conviction in self-reliance and his belief that success hinges on diligent effort rather than expensive software. He spends his free time cycling, exploring open-source software, and engaging with political and economic commentary, always seeking to understand systems and how they work, or could work better. Time is a critical resource for Craig, meticulously allocated between his paralegal duties and his intense study schedule, with a clear focus on the long-term goal of qualifying as a solicitor.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Craig's alarm goes off at 6:30 AM. After a quick breakfast of overnight oats, he cycles to the office, arriving by 8:00 AM. The morning is spent tackling client work: reviewing contracts, preparing witness statements, and answering queries. Lunch is usually a packed sandwich eaten at his desk while skimming legal news. The afternoon involves more case work and a brief team meeting. He leaves the office around 6:00 PM, cycles home, and after a simple dinner, dedicates 3-4 hours to SQE revision, focusing on specific topics using his Notion templates and online question banks. He might break this up with a short cycle for exercise or watching a political commentary video online before winding down around 10:30 PM.

Lifestyle

Craig lives in a shared flat in a slightly run-down but well-connected area of Manchester. His evenings and weekends are a mix of intense study for the SQE exams and tinkering with his bicycle or setting up new organisational systems in Notion. He cycles to work most days, come rain or shine, seeing it as both exercise and an economical way to avoid public transport costs. Social life is limited, mostly occasional meetups with a couple of close university friends. He tracks his spending meticulously and avoids impulse purchases, preferring to save for larger, more practical goals, like eventually buying a flat.

Work life

As a paralegal at a mid-sized Manchester firm, Craig’s days are filled with document review, drafting basic legal correspondence, and assisting senior solicitors. The firm is traditional, with established workflows and a reliance on standard legal software. He finds the repetitive nature of some tasks a bit stifling but sees it as necessary experience. His colleagues are generally supportive, though a few find his relentless questioning and focus on efficiency a bit grating. He often stays late, not out of obligation, but to get ahead on his workload, leaving him more time for SQE prep later in the evening.

Relationships

Craig maintains a close but not overly demonstrative relationship with his parents, who live in the North East and are proud of his academic achievements but don't fully grasp the intricacies of the UK legal system's new qualification route. His core social circle consists of two university friends, also navigating early careers in law or finance, with whom he discusses study strategies and the general absurdity of the job market. He has limited interaction with extended family.

How they decide

Craig is a highly cautious and research-driven decision-maker, especially regarding any expenditure. He meticulously compares options, seeks out free alternatives, and demands tangible evidence of value before committing resources. He is influenced by logical arguments and demonstrated results rather than marketing hype or peer pressure.

How they sound

Speaks with a clear, slightly clipped Northern accent, but without heavy slang. Tends to be direct and factual, often using precise legal or technical terminology. He avoids hyperbole and emotional language, preferring reasoned arguments. Can sound a bit dismissive when discussing things he considers inefficient or overpriced.