Looking to get more from law? Then this podcast is for you! Learn about the latest developments in the legal industry with a variety of interviews, deep-dive analysis, commentary and discussion designed to broaden your legal horizon. Whether you're a seasoned legal professional or aspirational law student, each episode will grant you a new insight into how you can jumpstart your understanding beyond the letter of the law.
The world of law is expansive. From criminal to corporate, areas of practice heavily influence and differentiate the types of work that lawyers do and as such the skillsets they need to succeed.
As a result, graduate recruitment processes for a career in law can vary greatly, even within their own subset of the legal profession. Despite this, there are a number of common (and critical!) skills, tips and pointers to bear in mind throughout it all. In this episode, Ben Triggs, from graduate careers site and event provider Bright Network, shares his key tips for getting for your first feet forward in law.
Get access to a host of free resources, guidance, events and more (including virtual internships and networking with leading law firms) with Bright Network here: https://tinyurl.com/brightnetworklaw
Boost your commercial awareness, learn how lawyers solve problems, and get an insight into life at Bakers with the Trainee Test podcast series: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1430497
Keep up to date with everything I'm up to - including my latest resources, events and episodes - by signing up to my newsletter here: https://tinyurl.com/hc-signup
Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi and Cali - Wataboi.
Legal technology is changing the way that lawyers and their clients do business. Contracts are increasingly becoming automated from the initial drafting stage right through to the final end product review.
Samuel Smolkin is the founder and CEO of legal tech startup 'Office & Dragons'. In this episode, we discuss his journey to date, the inspiration behind the company and how the future of how lawyers transact and do business is changing.
Boost your commercial awareness, learn how lawyers solve problems, and get an insight into life at Bakers with the Trainee Test podcast series: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1430497
Keep up to date with everything I'm up to - including my latest resources, events and episodes - by signing up to my newsletter here: https://tinyurl.com/hc-signup
Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi and Cali - Wataboi.
Whether you're a recent NQ, fresh-faced trainee or aspiring lawyer-to-be, its important to be aware of how your own contributions fit in to the broader enterprise of how firms function as businesses.
Michael Schauer surveyed firms across the spectrum of scope, size and practice area, asking what they want to see more of from their junior talent. We discuss the five key findings of his report, as well as how you can learn to develop these skills throughout your legal career.
You can read the report we discuss in this episode in full here: http://kiesconsulting.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/KiesConsulting_Research_JuniorLawyer_20200520.pdf
Boost your commercial awareness, learn how lawyers solve problems, and get an insight into life at Bakers with the Trainee Test podcast series: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1430497
Keep up to date with everything I'm up to - including my latest resources, events and episodes - by signing up to my newsletter here: https://tinyurl.com/hc-signup
Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi and Cali - Wataboi.
To keep up to date with the latest the firm has to offer regarding events, information and deadlines, sign up to their mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/bakerupdates You can also follow the London Graduate Recruitment team over on Instagram @bakermckenzie_londongraduates. Finally, you can keep up to date with everything I'm up to - including my latest resources, events and episodes - by signing up to my newsletter here: https://tinyurl.com/hc-signup
Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi and Cali - Wataboi.
Few words can cause as much stress, confusion anxiety in the application process as the 'Watson-Glaser test'. This aptitude test - and others like it - are quite unique from other common forms of recruitment such as interviews and cover letters. To give an insight into what it's all about, I'm joined by Arbel Yellin, product manager and former Watson-Glaser test writer for Job Test Prep. We discuss each of the main 5 question types as well as the general advice he'd give to those attempting it from his perspective.
Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi, and Cali - Wataboi.
Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi, and Cali - Wataboi.
Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi, and Cali - Wataboi.
Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi, and Cali - Wataboi.
Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi, and Cali - Wataboi.
Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi, and Cali - Wataboi.
Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi, and Cali - Wataboi.
Beginning a Training Contract marks the commencement of (usually) two years of learning, legal practice and development as a Trainee Solicitor. You'll be expected to rotate between different departments, interact with clients/your colleagues and pick up new concepts along the way. So how does it all get started? Like almost any other role, you'll likely commence and introductory induction period full of training and onboarding when commencing a TC. In this episode, I reflect on my own experiences, talking about what I learned in that period, elements of the Professional Skills Course I had to complete, as well as what it was like to do it all from my living room remotely!
Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi, and Cali - Wataboi.
Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
The intersection of law and technology has always been a curious topic of conversation within the world of law. Bold, attention-seeking headlines have historically claimed AI is coming to replace us all - but is this true for lawyers? What will their future look like? How might LegalTech (not) fundamentally change the work they do?
Be sure to check out everything Artificial Lawyer have to offer at the link below.
Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
You can keep up to date with everything I'm up to - including my latest resources, events and episodes - by signing up to my newsletter here: https://tinyurl.com/hc-signup
Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
What comes to mind when you picture an 'effective' leader? Someone who can raise morale? Draw in business? Make tough decisions? Or something else? In this episode, I speak to leadership coach David McQueen, Co Founder at Q Squared Ltd. David and I holistically discuss leadership - what it looks like when it’s done well, when it’s done poorly, as well as a reflection on leadership in law and how to become a better leader yourself.
Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Getting advice directly from recruiters can be incredibly hard to obtain but nevertheless extremely valuable to hear. This isn't helped by the fact that Training Contract applications can often be complex and involve many different stages. Luckily for you, this episode aims to help solve both of those issues! I recently spoke to Lizzie Arthey, member of the Graduate Recruitment Team at Baker McKenzie, about her tips for Training Contract applications. We discuss what she looks for in candidates, common mistakes to avoid and how to stand out amongst the competition.
To keep up to date with the latest the firm has to offer regarding events, information and deadlines, sign up to their mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/bakerupdates You can also follow the London Graduate Recruitment team over on Instagram @bakermckenzie_londongraduates.
Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
You can keep up to date with everything I'm up to - including my latest resources, events and episodes - by signing up to my newsletter here: https://tinyurl.com/hc-signup
Vacation schemes are a great opportunity develop your experience, learn about a firm and hopefully convert it to a fully-fledged Training Contract offer. But what are they and what are the best ways to stand out from other candidates? In this episode, I speak to Baker McKenzie Graduate Recruitment Officer Lizzie Arthey. Lizzie shares her insights and advice from the other side of the recruitment desk, covering the best ways to apply for vacation schemes, prepare for them, as well as a number of frequently asked questions candidates have about both Vacation Schemes and Training Contracts. This is not an episode to miss!
To keep up to date with the latest the firm has to offer regarding events, information and deadlines, sign up to their mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/bakerupdates You can also follow the London Graduate Recruitment team over on Instagram @bakermckenzie_londongraduates. Finally, you can keep up to date with everything I'm up to - including my latest resources, events and episodes - by signing up to my newsletter here: https://tinyurl.com/hc-signup
Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Whether you're looking to enter the profession, or have several years of experience practicing within it, it's helpful to look to the future in order to consider how you'd like your career to progress. In this episode, I speak to Monika Shearezco, law firm graduate recruiter turned career and personal development coach. We discuss how to find, define and follow through with your own career ambitions - whether you’re looking to enter the profession, or reflecting on your current experience and practice to date.
Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
'Money makes the world go round’ - and lawyers are a big part of helping banks and other financial institutions with that whole process! If you're interested in the world of commercial practice, it's highly likely you'll be working with or against financial institutions throughout your career. In this episode, financial lawyer Annabel Akintomide shares her insights into this practice area: what it is, what she does and who it's particularly suited for. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Lawyers and non-lawyers alike know from experience that contracts and other legal documents are particularly 'fun' to look at. They're often extremely word-dense, long and nearly all clauses or statements look the same. Legal design aims to change the way we disseminate legal information to make it more accessible, understandable and communicable. In this episode, I speak to Dominique Meert, a legal design expert who frequently shares her redesigns of common legal documents on social media as The Visual Lawyer. We discuss what legal design is, why it's so important and how it can help make the world of law better for all. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Lawyers love to blog! Starting your own is daunting at first, but is a great creative outlet for you to pursue as a passion project - as well as develop your skills along the way. In this episode, I speak to law student Lucy Cole - perhaps more widely known on Instagram as @lucydoeslaw. We both discuss our experiences blogging in the legal sphere, as well as some key tips and insights to study effectively and make the most of the LLB. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
If you’re listening to podcasts in your spare time, you might have sometimes considered starting one of your own! In this episode, I speak to Scott Carson, who has produced over 600 episodes of his podcast ‘The Note Closers Show’, as well as appearing on hundreds of others. Scott shares his insights and lessons learnt in starting his own podcast, as well as his tips for others looking to do the same. Start your own podcast for free with the software I use, Cast, here: http://cast.rocks/44493 Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Interested in becoming a solicitor? This episode is for you! In this episode, I speak to Rachel Davis, who after 15 years' of working within the world of law both in education and practice decided to create the educational platform The Lawyer Portal. In this episode, Rachel shares her thoughts and advice for every step of the Training Contract application process, utilising the content she’s created to date as well as her professional background in order to do so. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Online platforms such as LinkedIn offer an immense opportunity to be able to meet with individuals from countless industries, backgrounds and locations around the world. Especially in the current state of lockdown, there are an abundance of opportunities to take advantage of in order to learn from and meet with others. I speak to Sam Rathling, a LinkedIn expert and social selling strategist and one of the most sought after consultants in Europe on lead generation tactics. In this episode, Sam and I discuss how to get started with your own personal brand and leveraging LinkedIn for your job search and to meet others, as well as how creating your own content can help you stand out from the crowd. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Networking is an essential part of many professional practices - and law is no different! Whether you're looking to enter the profession or a seasoned partner, getting to grips with networking is ripe with opportunity for personal and professional development. I speak to Oliver Haddock, who oversees two of the most prominent networking groups in London, to discuss everything you need to know about how to network with lawyers in your industry and others outside of it. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
COVID-19 has created a truly unexpected work-from-home 'experiment' within the legal profession. Almost every lawyer in every jurisdiction is working under their own roof rather than their firm's. But will this flexible approach be here to stay? How might this help promote the notion that lawyers can balance parental, familiail or otherwise social commitments outside of the workplace? To answer that question, I speak to Dana Denis-Smith - CEO and Founder of Obelisk Support, which promotes flexible working within law, as well as the Founder of the First 100 Years Project, which documents and celebrates the journey of women within the world of law. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
COVID-19 has dominated headlines for the entirety of 2020 and is likely set to do so for 2021. But what does everything that's going on mean for the legal profession? To answer that question, I spoke to Adam North - Recruitment Consultant and Legal Headhunter for Kissoon Carr - to analyse how our current environment is affecting the legal industry, drawing comparisons to the 2008 crisis as well as Brexit in order to see if there are lessons from the past we can learn for the present. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Applying for and securing a role we love can be difficult. We especially believe this to be the case if we're missing perceived prerequisites in order to do so, such as having personal connections or 'traditional' work experience. Austin Belcak - founder of Cultivated Culture - went to 50+ interviews at top companies like Google and Facebook in order to learn the ins and out of interviewing, perfecting your CV and researching potential employers. In this episode, Austin and I discuss the beginning-to-end of applying for and securing roles at any level of seniority, including tips on every stage of an applicant's journey (and more!). Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Dylan Kawende, a British-born son of two Rwandan genocide refugees, needed to raise more then £60,000 in order to begin his journey into the world of law and study post-graduate law at Cambridge. Recorded shortly before he surpassed his crowdfunding target, I spoke to Dylan to learn more about his motivations for law, how he wants to contribute to it, as well as the inspiration behind his '#GetDyl2Cambridge' campaign. You can view Dylan's fundraiser here: https://tinyurl.com/getdyl2cambridge Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
The world of in-house practice shares some similarities and differences with its private practice counterpart. For this episode, I spoke to Mel Scott - otherwise known as Instagram's 'theinhouselawyer'. We discuss what in-house practice is all about, how it differs from other solicitor career routes and how to learn more about it. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
The SQE is looming on the horizon of the legal profession and is set to change the way lawyers of tomorrow will be trained and educated. In this episode, Susan Cooper - CEO and Training Principal of Accutrainee - and I discuss the what, when, why and who of this new super-exam. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Jamie Johnston worked as a personal trainer for more than 10 years before deciding to change careers paths and begin his search for a legal career and becoming a barrister. In this episode, Jamie shares his motivations for transitioning from non-law to the Bar, his advice for others looking to do the same, as well as some thoughts on the skills aspiring barristers need in order to succeed. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
LinkedIn is an incredibly value-driven platform, with lots of opportunities to both connect with and learn from others. In this episode, I speak to Vagisha Arora, one of India's Top 10 content writers on the platform. We discuss how to get started with writing your own content, interacting with others, as well as how this can result in freelance opportunities. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
The delivery of legal services is changing rapidly, with tech and data playing an increasing role. The future of law will require new skillsets and ways of thinking to solve problems. In this episode, I speak to Computer Science graduate Ivan Panton. We discuss the transferability of STEM skillsets to the world of law, how tech and law intersect, as well as how future tech such as self-driving cars will be regulated. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
A 2016 study of solicitors found that 28%, 19%, and 23% were experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. In this episode, I speak to Bree Buchanan - former Director of the Texas Lawyers Assistance Program, which aims to provide recovery solutions for members of the legal profession who are experiencing substance abuse, as well as strategies to help boost well-being and resiliency in the profession. Bree and I discuss her pathway into law, substance abuse within the profession, as well as what law needs to do to improve its approach to mental wellbeing. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Looking to become a barrister? Getting insights directly from inside a pupillage committee can be extremely difficult to obtain but nevertheless extremely valuable. For this week's episode, I spoke to Genevieve Reed, who sits on the Pupillage Committee for Red Lion Chambers. We discuss the pupillage process, what they look for in candidates, common mistakes to avoid and some thoughts on how the bar will be affected by COVID-19. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
A recent survey revealed that 71% of senior legal staff would recruit a trainee with commercial acumen and a 2:1 degree over an otherwise comparable candidate with a first-class degree. It follows a string of evidence that commercial awareness is absolutely critical for aspiring (and practicing!) lawyers to develop. For this episode, I spoke to Peter Watson, founder of the news summary site Watson's Daily. We discuss everything you could ever need to know about commercial awareness, using case studies for examples, as well as some commentary on recent news topics such as COVID-19. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Hannah Genton worked in the world of law in Silicon Valley before deciding to found her own law firm with one of her friends from law school - focusing on flexible and virtual remote working. We discuss her journey, her advice for aspiring lawyers and entrepreneurs, as well as her thoughts on how remote working may change within law as a result of COVID-19. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Looking to become a barrister? This one's for you! In this episode, I speak to Callum Ross, a Pupil Barrister at Chavasse Court Chambers who recently wrote a short guide containing his tips for pupillage applications. We discuss the main areas of Callum's advice, journeying from beginning to end of the entire application process. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
If you're interested in becoming a solicitor, you may have heard about the possibility of practicing 'in-house'. For this episode, I spoke to Charlotte Lakin - Trainee Solicitor at Global and Founder of the in-house platform inlaw. We discuss how in-house practice is different to private practice, who it is best suited for, as well as how you can prepare for in-house applications. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Prior to entering the world of law, Chris Lee - a Property Disputes Solicitor at Osborne Clarke - studied Modern Languages for his undergraduate degree. For this episode, I asked Chris about how he approached his journey from university through to qualification as a 'non-law' applicant. We dive deep into the GDL, vacation schemes, commercial awareness, what training contracts are like and more. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Both in the world of law and outside of it, negotiation is a critical skill to develop. It encompasses several others, such as effective listening and communication, and is widely transferable to a number of scenarios, industries and potential careers. I spoke to Nicole Davidson, a negotiation coach and consultant, to discuss what it involves, how you can develop your negotiation skills, as well as how to navigate common scenarios such as working with others or a breakdown of communications. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Ali Obeid - a future Trainee Solicitor at White & Case - has been creating content sharing his experiences through his 'The Fleek Talks' YouTube channel. In this episode, Ali and I discuss how to get started in creating your own content online and on social media, his advice for Training Contract applications, as well as his tips for dealing with setbacks and rejection. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Commercial awareness is a common buzzphrase to hear when applying for legal roles. Candidates often know it is important, but know less about how to develop it for interviews and applications. This episode, with Ludovico Lugnani of The Business Update - a commercial awareness platform - aims to do exactly that! Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Law is a stressful profession - from intense exam and coursework schedules at law school right through to practice in the real world. Vikki Pratley worked as an employment lawyer for many years before retraining to become a stress and careers coach and founding Skylark. In this episode, she shares her tips for managing the extremes of stress - burnout and rustout - the extremes of perfectionism and procrastination, as well as some actionable tips you can take to be more productive. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
For Mental Health Awareness Week 2020, I spoke to Lewis Alexander Baxter - an inspirational law student who has founded two non-profit organisations relating to mental health, following his own inspirational journey. Lewis and I discuss his background, his inspiration for chit-chat and The Blurred Line Group, as well as some thoughts on the COVID-19 pandemic, student life and the legal profession as a whole. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Akil Hunte - a future Trainee Solicitor at CMS - has been prolific in his social enterprising through The New Black UK. In doing so, he's mastered social media, delivered workshops and presentations across the UK and shown his entrepreneurial side. In this episode, Akil and I discuss how to get the most out of LinkedIn, his advice for Training Contract applications, as well as overcoming nerves to speak and present in public. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
This week, I spoke with fellow legal blogger Liz Barrett, a future Trainee Solicitor at Mishcon de Reya LLP. In this episode, Liz and I discuss her unique journey through the Training Contract application process, why she decided to create her own law blog as well as some shared discussion on wellbeing within the profession, including some thoughts on COVID-19. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Like myself, Gordon Chung is also a Future Trainee Solicitor at Baker McKenzie and has been producing content and resources for aspiring lawyers online. In this episode, Gordon and I discuss our how our application experiences mirror and differed from each other, explored our routes into law from different backgrounds and how we both ultimately decided to apply for Baker McKenzie. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Getting advice and feedback directly from recruiters can be incredibly hard to obtain but nevertheless extremely valuable. For this week's episode, I spoke to Alison Peyton, who worked as a graduate recruiter for a major law firm for almost 9 years. We discuss what she looked for in candidates, common mistakes to avoid and how to stand out amongst the competition. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Looking to apply for Training Contracts or Vacation Schemes? This episode is not one to miss! This week, I spoke with Hannah Salton, law firm recruiter turned careers coach, and Jake Schogger, author of the City Career Series handbooks for lawyers. In this episode, we discuss how to become a better candidate, key things recruiters look for in the process and common mistakes to avoid in your next application cycle. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
It takes more than being good with your letter-of-the-law knowledge to climb the legal ranks toward the often-coveted position of Partner. In this episode, I spoke to Luke Thompson, who has left the Equity Partner world in favour of legal recruitment. We discuss what business development and commercial awareness are all about, why they're so important and how to put your best foot forward for promotion from the start of your Training Contract right through to the most senior ranks. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has forced almost all employees to work from home. In this episode, I spoke to Cole Reynolds, who has consistently practiced remote working in the realm of law. Cole shares his approach to working from home, his tips on how to do so effectively, as well as his thoughts on whether remote working is here to stay long-term. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
The provision of legal services is currently subject to new market pressures, technological advancements and cultural changes. In this episode, I spoke to Jordan Furlong, a leading legal market analyst, author, and consultant. We discuss where law has gone right, where it's gone wrong and where it might be going in future. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Ever wondered what it'd be like to found, develop and run your own law firm? This week, I spoke with Jessica Hampson, founder of CEL Solicitors in Liverpool. In this episode, Jessica and I discuss what inspired her to start her own firm, her journey in doing so, as well as her advice for aspiring lawyers looking to take their first steps on the career ladder. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Networking is a vital skill, but often underemphasised in legal education - especially if you're coming from an international background into an entirely new community of lawyers. In this episode, Alexandar Pavlov shares his fascinating pathway into the profession, how he went about building genuine connections in his network, as well as some tips for building your own. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
The world of legal technology is often full of buzzwords, hype-driven articles and wild speculations about the future of the profession. In this episode, I spoke to Colin Levy, a fellow legal blogger and legal tech enthusiast. We discuss everything from what LegalTech is, what it isn't and how you can best prepare yourself for the future of the profession. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
Applying for Training Contracts or Vacation Schemes? This one's for you! This week, I spoke with Jaysen Sutton, founder of The Corporate Law Academy. In this episode, Jaysen and I discuss each stage of the application process, how to best network to give yourself the edge and what a Training Contract is really like. Music provided by Audio Library: Jungle Juice - Wataboi.
In this episode, Harry turns his attention to networking. Learn about how he grew his network from a few hundred to nearly ten thousand people in the space of a few months online, as well as his tips for networking in-person. Whether you're a student or practicing professional, get an insight into what networking is all about, how you can do it and why it's so important.
Music provided by Audio Library Jungle Juice - Wataboi
Welcome to the first ever mini-episode of the new legal podcast, 'More From Law'! In this episode, learn about why I decided to found my own podcast, my journey up until this point and what's to come in the coming episodes.