Reimagine Law

This episode encourages, and guides, students on the nuts and bolts of how to go to court and watch a court case from the public gallery. 
Most courts in the country have public galleries where members of the public over the age of 14 can attend and watch hearings.   

Watching a court case whether a trial, hearing or an appeal is a wonderful way to learn more about the legal profession.  This episode aims to give listeners all the nitty gritty information they need to get the confidence to go to court and watch. 

Useful Resources:         
Here is a page about criminal sentencing being televised and there is a You Tube link towards the bottom of the page: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/broadcasting-crown-court-sentencing       
Watch current and past cases at the Supreme Court here: https://www.supremecourt.uk/         
Competition Appeal Tribunal Website (with livestream towards the top of the page). https://www.catribunal.org.uk/   

This special episode records a live stream panel event with criminal lawyers discussing their work and views.  The episode has audience contributions from aspiring lawyers.   

In this special episode Fran welcomes three criminal lawyers to join her on a panel discussing the nuts and bolts of working in criminal practice.  Barristers Beth Crocker and Sonal Dishani and solicitor Harun Matin get stuck in to all the wonderful questions that our audience and Fran have for them.  A must listen for anyone interested in working in criminal law.   

This podcast is packed with useful advice from Clare Grant, BPP’s Commercial Director of Legal Apprenticeships.  Kerry Jarred and Clare discuss the increasing adoption and impact of apprenticeship programs in the legal sector, particularly solicitor apprenticeships.  If you want to understand how apprenticeships differ from the traditional training contract route, how they are structured and what would be expected of you, this is the key podcast to listen to!

Resources:

Apprenticeships | Learn About Apprenticeships And Find The Right One For You (ucas.com)

Find an apprenticeship - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships at BPP | BPP

GetMyFirstJob | Apprenticeships, Degree Apprenticeships, Work Experience & Graduate Jobs

Home (notgoingtouni.co.uk)

Young Professionals – YPUK (young-professionals.uk)

Professional network for young people (uptree.co)

Free Virtual Work Experience Programs from Top Companies - Forage (theforage.com)

Welcome to The 93% Club | The State School Members' Club (93percent.club)

 If you want to learn about the world of Mergers and Acquisitions, Private Equity and Venture Capital – then this is the show for you!  Kerry Jarred speaks with Sam Smith and Raghav Vohora ofCMSto explore the current corporate market activity and its drivers, what investors look for when making investment decisions, and how corporate lawyers support their clients in this sector.  It is PACKED full of information as Sam and Raghav de-mystify key corporate terms and provide useful advice to those wanting to find out more.

Resources:

Finimize: Invest smarter

Financial Times (ft.com)

The Economist | Independent journalism

LittleLaw

Law firm specialised in Mergers & Acquisitions - CMS in the UK

The Secret Barrister by The Secret Barrister | Waterstones

 In this special episode we are joined by Tamara Box.  Tamara is a partner, and Head of Structured Finance at global law firm Reed Smith and, in the immediate past, was the firm’s Managing Partner for Europe and the Middle East.  We “horizon scan” with Tamara on how she sees the legal services sector changing in the coming years, and what that means for the careers, skills and opportunities for those entering the sector.
 
In this special episode we are joined by Tamara Box.  Tamara is a partner, and Head of Structured Finance at global law firm Reed Smith and, in the immediate past, was the firm’s Managing Partner for Europe and the Middle East.  We “horizon scan” with Tamara on how she sees the legal services sector changing in the coming years, and what that means for the careers, skills and opportunities for those entering the sector.  In this episode, Tamara talks about her own career path, the importance of being open to exploring opportunities, “being brave” and not expecting that one’s career will develop in a linear way.  Tamara also highlights how legal education and training gives a great set of foundational skills to pivot into many career paths – and how more diversity of skill-set and mind-set will be critical to deliver on client service needs in the future.  For those entering the sector, Tamara sets out the breadth of opportunities across the private, public and non-for profit sectors – and above all how key skill-sets for students to focus on developing are those of customer service, communication and writing skills too, which will be critical for building great professional connections and opening up opportunities. 

Actions and resources for listeners:
·       Check this blog by Jordan Furlong for how the legal sector may look (“if we’re lucky”) in 2033.
·       Look at this list of 7 client/customer service skills.  Which 1 skill could you develop more in the coming 6 months?

Ever wondered what a career in Real Estate Law, and in particular affordable housing entails?  This podcast will give you real insight into how law firms like Trowers and Hamlin provide services within this sector.  Kerry Jarred is joined by Rob Beiley, Emma Kirby and Nikita Asher from Trowers and Hamlin, one of our sponsors here at ReImagine Law.  The show is packed with advice and guidance, one not to be missed!

Resources:

Inside Housing - Home

Trowers & Hamlins - International law firm -Trowers & Hamlins

Navigating the UK market investment in student accommodation -Trowers & Hamlins

This podcast addresses whether the SQE syllabus delivers what is needed to be able to be effective in role as a newly qualified solicitor.  Kerry Jarred is once again joined by Jonny Hurst of BPP and also, by Chloe Hayes who has recently passed her SQE 2 exams and is currently working towards to fulfilling her QWE requirements.   

We cover the differences between the LPC and SQE course content, How the SQE course content sets students up for deciding the area of law to specialise in; what students can do to gain more experience and insight; and is packed full of top tips and advice.

Links: 

LLM SQE1&2 | Courses | BPP

BPP Legal Advice Clinic (BLAC) | Pro Bono Centre | BPP University Law School

SQE preparation courses - Courses (lawcareers.net)

CommercialAwareness - Commercial awareness (lawcareers.net)

The SQE Hub - Legal Cheek

Growing the next generation of social justice lawyers is vital for a well-rounded legal system.  This episode explores the brilliant Justice First Fellowship programme which provides training opportunities within a range of charities and social justice law firms to create graduate roles to qualification.
 
In this episode Fran welcomes Deborah Acquaah (who manages the Justice First Fellowship within the Legal Education Foundation) and Myriam Naoual (a Justice First Fellow).  They explain this brilliant programme giving opportunities for training and development in the social justice sector.  They describe the sense of community Fellows have, and how the programme helps create change makers in the sector. A must listen for anyone wanting to work in the social justice sector but not knowing how.     

We always encourage listeners to undertake practical actions after listening to the episode.
 
1.     Read the Justice First Fellowship Brochure (see below).
2.     Look on different websites and start to look at the types of roles which are available in different Law Centres and charities.

Useful resources:  -       
The Justice First Fellowship https://jff.thelegaleducationfoundation.org/about/about-the-fellowship/ -       
Justice First Fellowship Brochure https://jff.thelegaleducationfoundation.org/about/justice-first-fellowship-brochure/ -       
Become a Fellow https://jff.thelegaleducationfoundation.org/how-to-apply/eligibility/  

In this special episode we are joined by Barry Matthews, Group Deputy General Counsel at the Pennon Group Plc, and Holly Moore, Legal Advisor in the in-house legal team at broadcaster ITV. We explore how you can develop a career path as an in-house lawyer, how the role differs from other types of legal practice, the opportunities such pathways offer, the skills which help you to succeed as an in-house lawyer, and how the role is changing.

In this episode, Barry and Holly explain how they each developed their career paths to in-house legal roles and what attracted them to this area of legal practice.  For Barry, this was a route via private practice in a City law firm, whilst Holly gained an in-house solicitor apprentice role and went directly into in-house practice.  Areas discussed include the diversity of the roles and opportunities, and the closeness of the in-house legal role to the commercial business you are advising.

Holly speaks about the fast-moving, and varied work at ITV from commercial negotiations to drafting and brand protection work.  Also Holly discusses how the in-house role gives a great “helicopter view” of the business as her role rotated through different departments during training.  Barry also emphasises the variety of his in-house work at a senior level, ranging from the legal and commercial strategy work to collaborating with academic partner organisations on societal issues such as water supply resilience.  Both guests talk about skills such as agility, project management and relationship building as being key to success – and how they see in-house legal functions developing in the future.

Actions and resources for listeners:

·         Check this webpage to find out some differences between working as an  in-house lawyer and in private practice.

On this list of “10 Business Skills every in-house lawyer should master”, where are you already strong, and which 1 skill could you work more to develop? 

In this special episode we are joined by Mark Karnowski and Tom Evans, who hold senior roles in delivering Legal Project Management services for international law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, and Robert Dudley, Head of Employability & Engagement at The BARBRI Group. We explore the expanding career opportunities in “Legal Project Management”, the skills needed, and why this is a fast-growing area in both law firms and the in-house legal teams of their clients. 

In this episode, Mark and Tom speak about what “Legal Project Management” (or “LPM”) is, and how the need for firms to deliver this LPM service arose from the greater client demand for efficiency and pricing certainty after the Financial Crash in 2007-09.  Mark and Tom explain how this is a fast-growing area of practice, relevant to different practice areas, from Banking and Corporate to Litigation.  Our guests explain how you can build a career in LPM from different career backgrounds ranging from being a lawyer, to accountancy or management consultancy, and the graduate programmes in law firms in “Legal Operations” which offer you the chance to develop a career in LPM.  The differences between LPM roles in law firms and in-house legal teams are also discussed. 

The episode then considers the skill-sets which are important for LPM, highlighting core capabilities such as organisation, project management and attention to detail.  Also, our guests emphasise the need for high levels of emotional intelligence, managing and negotiating with one’s busy stakeholders, adaptability as projects you are managing evolve and change, and a need for resilience and being able to manage tight deadlines.
 
Actions and resources for listeners:
·         Check this webpage and read one of the “how we are helping out clients” stories – what skills would the legal project managers need to deliver really well on this project?
·         See this summary of the importance of legal project management to in-house legal teams.  How do you own skills match with those highlighted there?

This episode explores working life in the hybrid world, it’s effect on the skills apprentices and trainees need to develop and the impact on employers, staffing and legal issues.  Kerry Jarred is joined by Imogen Reseigh, a managing associate and trainee supervisor in the Employment and Pensions team at Trowers & Hamlins; and Elisha Wilson a trainee solicitor at Trowers, in her third seat and currently sitting with Imogen in the Employment & Pensions team.

ACAS: working from home and hybrid working
https://www.acas.org.uk/working-from-home-and-hybrid-working

Flexible and agile working 

https://www.trowers.com/services/employment-and-pensions/flexible-and-agile-working 

Webinar: Future of Agile Working – the Productivity Paradox

https://www.trowers.com/insights/2023/september/webinarfuture-of-agile-working-the-productivity-paradox 

This podcast explores the SQE regime and the impact it is having on diversity in the legal profession.  We have recently seen another SQE 1 intake sit their exam, Kerry Jarred talks with Chris White (Founder of the leading legal diversity platform "Aspiring Solicitors ) and Jonny Hurst (Head of Outreach and the Law Marketing lead at BPP) about what are the stats telling us about the success rates so far.

 
Useful links:

SRA | SQE training options | Solicitors Regulation Authority

Choosing the Best SQE Training Provider for You | AllAboutLaw

SQE Courses | Courses | BPP

More useful links:

AS page - https://www.aspiringsolicitors.co.uk/ 

BPP SQE page - https://www.bpp.com/courses/law/postgraduate/sqe-courses 

Jonny’s SQE TV channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx-g2hySyXx3oUjpHxkuyaA

Are you interested in becoming a barrister? This episode discusses how to get there, the data around it and has other useful tips on what to read.

Becoming a barrister can feel overwhelming and difficult.  This episode aims to de-mystify the process and gives an important steer for how you can find out more information.   

Fran welcomes Kian Goodall and Caroline Entwistle from the Bar Council (the regulatory body for the Bar) and pupil barrister Savannah Sevenzo. 

They unpack details of the new Pupillage Gateway Report and generally explain how applying for pupillage works. 

We always encourage listeners to undertake practical actions after listening to the episode.
 -       Look on the Bar Council website under the tab ‘Becoming a Barrister’.
 -       Go to a court and sit in the public gallery.
-       Read the Pupillage Gateway Report for 2024 (link below). 

Useful resources
 -       The Pupillage Gateway Report https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/resource/pupillage-gateway-report-2024.html 
-       The Pupillage Fair 2024 https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/training-events/calendar/pupillage-fair-2024.html
-       The Pegasus Access Scheme https://www.innertemple.org.uk/becoming-a-barrister/how-to-get-involved/pass/
-       Chambers and Partners list of mini-pupillages  https://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/the-bar/mini-pupillage-vacancies  

Zaneta Sedilekova is a lawyer and director of climate and biodiversity risk consultancy firm Planet Law Lab.  Ryan (Ra) James is a trailblazer at the intersection of cross-cultural wisdom & worldview and modern business. He draws upon the profound insights of his personal journey, travelling and working in over fifty-five countries on six continents with indigenous mentors and cultures, infusing the most innovative leaders and businesses with a remarkably rich tapestry of interconnected and eloquent thought to inspire insight, curiosity, innovation and resilience whilst shaping a new paradigm for sustainable, future-ready enterprises. 

Zaneta and Ryan have partnered to create (re)purpose law – a five-week online course designed to enable lawyers to understand the current ecological crises, including climate change and biodiversity loss, from a systems perspective, looking at the role of law from economic, societal, behavioural, psychological and evolutionary angles. Zaneta and Ryan also look at law through the lens of often forgotten Indigenous paradigms to offer an alternative way of finding our purpose as lawyers in addressing the current ecological crisis.

Ryan and Zaneta challenge some established concepts in our legal frames of thinking. What does ownership really mean and, when we have possession of property, does that really give us the right (literally, and legally) to destroy as well as enjoy the benefits from it? Or to exclude others from it? We explore in the discussion how we can approach some legal and cultural concepts differently, using a kinship-centric, Indigenous worldview: a worldview that challenges the more anthropo-centric construction of cultural (and legal) systems and “rights” – asking us to adopt a humbler perspective where we have responsibility for what we “own”, hand on, and our legacy from generation to generation.

The episode looks at how law and legal systems might embrace more of the Indigenous knowledge-systems from an ally-ship perspective: ranging from our concepts of criminal justice and the court process to a songwriter’s IP or land law.  How can we look at these afresh?  Also, what role can lawyers play in the future to ensure that such perspectives are fully integrated with legal practice so that we can be better stewards of the planet we live in? 

Actions and resources for listeners:

●        See the “(re)purpose law” course syllabus.  Zaneta and Ryan are offering the course to the first 10 students who want to sign up for 500 GBP. You can email them directly to take advantage of this generous offer - zaneta-ryan@repurposelaw.com.
●        For adventurous listeners, to understand different worldviews, we recommend looking into Restoring the KinshipWorldview by Wahinkpe Topa (Four Arrows), with a video on the topic here.

In this special episode we are joined by Sylvain Magdinier, Senior Vice-President, Legal and Compliance, at Integreon, a leading Alternative Legal Services Provider (ALSP).  We explore how ALSP businesses developed, the types of work they do, the use of technology in the work, and the roles and career paths available – highlighting the skill-sets which can help you to succeed in these businesses.

In this special episode we are joined by Sylvain Magdinier, Senior Vice-President, Legal and Compliance, at Integreon, a leading Alternative Legal Services Provider (ALSP).  We explore how ALSP businesses developed, the types of work they do, the use of technology in the work, and the roles and career paths available – highlighting the skill-sets which can help you to succeed in these businesses.  In this episode, Sylvain summarises how ALSP businesses evolved, arising from deregulation in the England & Wales legal services market allowing different types of legal service provision, coupled with a client-led drive for greater efficiency and value delivery.  Sylvain talks about the wide range of services which ALSPs can offer, ranging from provision of expert staffing to projects where legal teams need to analyse or manage high volumes of documents for litigation or transactions, regulatory-driven reporting requirements, or consultancy services.  The episode also looks at the different career paths to gaining a role in an ASLP, including the route which Sylvain took via private practice law firms and in-house roles.  We explore the skills which will help you to progress in an ALSP, the possible career paths, and how technology is constantly evolving the ways in which these businesses are working with their clients (both law firms and in-house teams).  The discussion highlights too the importance of trying different roles to gain practical experience of how businesses like an ALSP can offer interesting and challenging pathways which are at the leading edge of how the legal sector is changing. 

Actions and resources for listeners:
 
·        Check this webpage for the Chambers guide to ALSPs – read two of the articles and think what are three main trends you see in this part of the legal services market?
·        Look at two of the differentservices offeredby Integreon as a ALSP: and for each of the two areas make a list of the skills you think will be important in providing that service.
·        Where do your skills match?  After reading this article, consider how your own skill-set and interests fit into a ALSP and the opportunities there.

In this podcast Jonny Hurst (Head of Outreach and Law Marketing at BPP) and Kerry Jarred talk about SQE pass rates, how they are published, and the things students should consider when deciding on the type of SQE training which would suit them best.  

Some useful resources, supporting this podcast are:

https://sqe.sra.org.uk/exam-arrangements/sqe-reports

https://www.youtube.com/@SQETV

https://www.bpp.com/courses/law/postgraduate/sqe-courses 

Academic Francine Ryan guides listeners through a virtual reality court room which is being developed by the Open University. 

The Open University provides a unique place to learn with students dispersed around the UK and internationally.  This has spurred academics to be specialists in online legal education.  In this episode Solicitor and Senior Lecturer Francine Ryan describes a new virtual court room being developed to help train students.  She also raises a broader discussion on the use of legal tech for litigants in person, technology equity and the ethical questions that come into play through technology. 

We always encourage listeners to undertake practical actions after listening to the episode.
 
 -       Try using different large language models of AI e.g. Chat GPT.  Put a legal question in and see what the quality of the answer is.
 -       Look at the virtual reality court room at https://www5.open.ac.uk/scholarship-and-innovation/scilab/blog/virtual-reality-courtroom-project
-       Look at the free courses and content that is produced by the Open University https://www.open.edu/openlearn/

Useful resources  
-       Studying law at the Open University https://www.open.ac.uk/courses/choose/ppclaw?ps_kw=the%20open%20university%20law&cid=sem-9237400975&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA-P-rBhBEEiwAQEXhH89bQ9lPIakzJ2QT3wE6SVMQv_wdjcW-BfHrYGAGFVEXSzYrzxkReBoCDF0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

-       ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt  

In this special episode we are joined by two guests to talk about the area of Family Law and Private Client work as a solicitor.  Paul Antoniou, Family and Private Client Solicitor, Taylor Rowe MW Solicitors, and Abigail Wadlow, Final year LLB student, Queen Mary University of London, who spent her third year on a work placement at a London Family Law practice.

In this episode, Paul and Abigail talk about the daily variety of work in Family Law and Private Client work: advising clients on wills, inheritance issues, divorces, child custody, co-habitation or pre-nuptial agreements (to name just 6 areas!).  The origin of the legislation is explored, how one works with the Courts, and Paul also talks about where he sees the law will develop in the future, following changes in society and people’s needs.

Abigail reflects on the skills she developed on the placement, and especially the importance of developing strong “emotional intelligence”, creating a trusted advisory relationship with your client as you are often dealing with them at a very emotional time and the issues involved are inevitably very personal.  Paul explains also how mediation is used in this area of practice, the skills one needs to be an effective mediator, and how this can help in the resolving of family-related disputes.

Actions and resources for listeners:

·         See the Austin Kemp insights series – and read two of the articles there.  

Check this page for finding out more about “Private Client” work and the skills required (in addition to those highlighted by Paul and Abigail in the podcast) – how do your strengths align with this area of practice? 

In this special episode we are joined by two guests.  Dominika Gasiorowski and Ibinabo Osasona, who are both Associates in the Pensions Law Team at CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP.  Dominika is based in the Manchester offices of CMS and Ibinabo is based in the firm’s Glasgow offices.
 
In this episode we aim to “de-mystify” pensions law, explaining why it is an important and interesting area of legal practice in which to develop a career.  Dominika begins by talking about how pensions law came to be high profile, following the 1991 Robert Maxwell case, in which £450m of assets were found to be missing from the pension funds of companies under Maxwell’s control.  Ibinabo explains how pension management is often linked to changes in the current economic climate, leading to issues such as the affordability of pension savings and the need for younger people to start their pension planning as early as possible.  Our guests also explain the types of work they do in their Pensions Team at CMS, ranging from litigation to advising Trustees of pension schemes and also working with individuals who require pensions-related advice.  Dominika and Ibinabo discuss how this area of law gives insights into the legal work in other departments, as they are often working collaboratively with colleagues on topics ranging from employment law to data protection, or with their Corporate teams on large mergers or acquisitions where they are pensions issues to be considered.  We explore too the skills needed to work as a Pensions lawyer, including research; the skill of asking good questions and “being a good detective”; communication and managing deadlines; and also the skill of empathy to build long-term client relationships – as clients often work with their advisers for many years. 

Actions and resources for listeners:

·         See the CMS Pensions Team knowledge resources, highlighting current issues for Pensions law.
·         On this Chambers Guide for Pensions law, look at the section “What lawyers do” and the “Realities of the job”: how do your own skills match up against these areas (and those highlighted by Dominika and Ibinabo in the podcast)?

This special roving episode goes around the Pupillage Fair 2023.  Hosted by the Bar Council this annual event brings together different organisations at the Bar.   

In this episode Fran and Sassy attend the Pupillage Fair 2023 in London (Pupillage Fair 2023 (barcouncil.org.uk)).  They rove around the different stalls and learn more about life as a barrister and how to get there.  

This episode hears from different chambers, the Criminal Bar Society, an Inn of Court, and of course those attending.  In this episode the Bar Council give an overview of their role, the work of the Young Bar team and some interesting tips like the Bar Placement Week for those between 16 and 18 years old. 

We always encourage listeners to undertake practical actions after listening to the episode. 

-       Take a look at the Bar Council Website for the Pupillage Fair Pupillage Fair 2023 (barcouncil.org.uk). 

-       Read more about becoming a barrister here: Becoming a barrister (barcouncil.org.uk)

Useful resources

-       The Bar Council https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/ 

-       The Young Bar https://www.barcouncil.org.uk/support-for-barristers/young-bar.html 

-       The Criminal Bar Association https://www.criminalbar.com/  

In this podcast we share:

Useful links for listeners:

DLA Piper Early Careers  - Early Careers - DLA Piper Early Careers
The Pathways to Law programme run by The Sutton Trust  - Sutton Trust Pathways
DLA Piper offer work experience through the Social Mobility Business Partnership - Home - Social Mobility Business Partnership (smbp.org.uk)

Home - Pay.UK (wearepay.uk)

In this special episode we are joined by three guests.  William Harris, who was a barristers’ clerk for 35 years, with 25 years of those being as a Senior Clerk at a London set of chambers. Also, Poppy Maddison and Kazia Myrie, who are both Assistant Practice Managers at 15 New Bridge Street Chambers – a barristers set in London working in the area of criminal law.

Our guests begin by outlining what the role of a barristers’ clerk is, and the varied roles and responsibilities.  The need to be able to manage a complex series of relationships, both externally and internally, is highlighted – and also the need, above all, to keep calm under pressure given the fast-moving nature of a chamber’s business.  Kazia, Poppy and William all talk about the skills needed for the clerking role: an ability to manage the group of barristers in chambers, the flows of potential cases for them, and how they needed often to think about the strengths and career goals of different barristers to guide their decisions as a clerk in terms of which barristers should be offered different cases.  Changes in the work of clerks, with the move to digital records and paperwork, is also described.

The career progression of a clerk is discussed, and also the increasing amount of management work which now takes place in a barrister’s chambers, and how the clerk has become a key person in this activity.  Skill-sets to succeed in the clerking role are highlighted, including the importance of staying calm, and the critical need to be able to build relationships with both senior and junior colleagues, and court administrators.  The impact of clerks doing all these tasks well is described, showing how this allows your chamber’s barristers to maximise earnings from a case, and can remove the administrative load from barristers themselves, thus enabling them to focus on their advocacy.

We are extremely grateful to the generous sponsorship of BPP University and International Law Firm CMS which makes the continued production of the podcast possible.

Actions and resources for listeners:

·         Do an internet search for a barristers’ chambers.  Pick a chambers and look at the clerking or Practice Manager roles listed there.

·         Look at the website for the Institute for Barristers’ Clerks, in particular the compliance obligations of clerks.  What does that tell you about the role, and how this might match your skills and strengths?

Flora Curtis, barrister and member of the UK “Legal Voices for the Future” initiative.  Camila Bustos, Assistant Professor of Law at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Pace University (NY), and co-founder of the US body “Law Students for Climate Accountability”.   

In this special episode we are joined by two guests.  Flora Curtis, a London-based barrister specialising in environmental law, and a member of “Legal Voices for the Future” (LVF), a learning forum acting as a voice for positive change about climate-related issues for the next generation of lawyers.  Professor Camila Bustos teaches on environment and climate justice and co-founded the “Law Students for Climate Accountability” initiative in the US to highlight the role lawyers can play on key environmental issues.
 
In this special episode we are joined by two guests. Flora Curtis, a London-based barrister specialising in environmental law, and a member of “Legal Voices for the Future” (LVF), a learning forum acting as a voice for positive change about climate-related issues for the next generation of lawyers.  Professor Camila Bustos teaches on environment and climate justice and co-founded the “Law Students for Climate Accountability” (LSCA) initiative in the US to highlight the role lawyers can play on key environmental issues. 

Flora talks about how a barrister’s work can focus on different aspects of environmental law, and the actual role a barrister can play in cases – including understanding important technical areas of environmental law, and discussing scientific findings with expert witnesses.  The challenge of the “cab rank” rule is considered, where barristers are under an obligation to offer representation to clients to enable access to justice, where climate-related ethical issues may arise from representing certain individuals or organisations.  Flora talks about the skills you use in such work, the importance of good research and questioning skills, and the need to have the confidence to challenge senior experts.  The work of LVF in running education sessions is highlighted, with topics ranging from climate litigation to “greenwashing” by corporations.

Camila speaks about what led her to be one of the co-founders at Yale Law School of the LSCA initiative, now active across the whole US.  The disconnect between the rhetoric of law firms and their actions is explored, including how the group has put together an annual “Scorecard” to measure the performance of different law firms on climate-related issues – and also invites students, law firms and their clients to make a pledge on how they are contributing positively on climate-related issues. 

Camila discusses the purpose of publishing this information, including the goal of empowering students to consider for which organisations they may like to work, and encourages students to remember what brought them to law in the first place as a field of study – remembering to keep their “Why?” and purpose front of mind as they build their careers. 

Actions and resources for listeners:         
Read the UK “Carbon Circle” report from the Law Students for Climate Accountability – what does this tell you about the Legal Industry’s ties to the Fossil Fuel Industry?
Also look at the organisation’s latest “scorecard” for how major law firms rank in their activities related to fossil fuels: https://www.ls4ca.org/scorecard.         
Follow the “Legal Voices for the Future” LinkedIn page to learn about their work, and recent knowledge sessions they have run.  

in this special episode we are joined by Katie Benedickter, Trainee Solicitor at D2 Legal Technology. Katie discusses her career path to date, and how exploring different areas of law, and other disciplines, in her studies led Katie to roles where there was a broad, international and commercial focus where she could look at law with a “business mind”. 

Katie talks about the importance of proactively seeking different work experience also and being open to a wide range of opportunities and new, potential career paths.  The skills needed for Katie’s current role, advising clients in the financial services sector, on how technology and managing data can solve business problems, are discussed – in particular how seeing the broader commercial picture is important for your clients and also how legal expertise fits into these broader business needs.  The episode also talks about the learning habits which Katie has found important build early in her career: a curiosity and keenness to learn, being willing to “jump in at the deep end” and try new projects, the importance of collaboration across different disciplines, and especially of developing the ability to keep a “business mind” and to see law within its context.  Also Katie talks about the importance of recognising your own progress and achievements at all stages of your education and early career, and staying focused on maximising the opportunities in front of you to develop your own, unique path. 

Actions and resources for listeners:

·         Look at these “10 important lawyer skills – and how to develop them”. 
·         Give yourself a score against each of them.  
·         What is one strength to build on, and which one could you usefully spend more time on also?

Our guest today is Akber Datoo, CEO and Founder of D2 Legal Technology, and both technologist and private practice lawyer, adviser to financial institutions on how process re-engineering, use of legal technology and data can optimise business decisions and provide solutions to challenges.
 
In this special episode we are joined by Akber Datoo, who discusses his career path as well as the future trends of the use of technology in law and in the businesses that lawyers support.  Akber talks about his initial studies in computer science, early career roles exploring banking technologies, his decision to retrain and qualify as a lawyer, and then applying this knowledge back in the financial services sector.  Also, Akber reflects how critical it was to work across the functions of a business to understand one is solving not just for legal problems, but business problems that just happen to have a legal component to them, using data and technology.
 
Akber explains the importance of following one’s passion, being curious, and of understanding the broader principles of one’s area of expertise: challenging and asking “Why…?” things are done in certain ways, to drive better approaches.  In the discussion Akber also explores the cultural differences he noticed between sectors such as law, banking and technology. 

In particular, how does innovation happen?  How comfortable are people with “failing”, so that learning from initial attempts at a new solution are welcomed and celebrated, helping an organisation reach to an optimised and more efficient outcome. 

Key skills Akber highlights include the importance of understanding the “root cause” of challenges, and also remaining sharply focused on the business, rather than the legal problem, in creating value for one’s clients. Collaborating across functions and building one’s own multi-disciplinary expertise to support one’s career choices are also highlighted. 

Actions and resources for listeners:
       
Look at these insights into technology and law, and read one which interests you – and for all you studying currently, into which modules and assignments can you connect some of the insights?

Look at the transferable skills from the world of Computer Science.  Which of these are important to develop in the legal sector, to help clients to solve their business (not just legal) challenges?  

There is more to being a lawyer than knowing the law.  More and more firms are recognising the importance of ‘how’ lawyers approach working with colleagues and clients.  

The business of law is the provision of a service, and the people buying that service, want to work with people they enjoy working with.  They want to feel connected and understood.  Irrelevant of how well someone does academically, at the end of the day solicitors and barristers work with people, on behalf of people, and the decisions that are made affect people's lives.

In this episode we will be exploring the professional behaviours and mindsets needed to set you up for success as a lawyer.

Our guests today are:

Charlotte Wanendeya - Head of Law at BPP University, Holborn Centre London, with 25 years’ teaching and module leading experience across a range of knowledge and skills areas. An accredited Mediator, Charlotte qualified as a solicitor at Clifford Chance and committee member of the City of London Law Society Training Committee.

Nigel Jamieson – Head of Law at BPP University, Leeds.  Previously a solicitor specialising in criminal law since 1995, and also a Higher Courts Advocate from 2011.  Nigel also qualified as a Barrister in 2015.

In this podcast we hear from a 2nd year solicitor apprentice, Darcey, and her mum, Lindsey, on:

CMS apprenticeship (including how to apply): https://www.cmsearlytalent.com/programmes/solicitor-apprenticeships/

Apprenticeships: What Parents Need to Know: https://www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk/advice/apprenticeships-parents

Apprenticeships: Support for Parents and Guardians: https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/influencers/support-for-parents-and-guardians# 

In this episode you'll hear:

What are they, how long do they last?

What do you learn and how do they benefit the apprentice and the firm?

 Useful links:

·         Benefits of secondments (in general): https://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/law-careers/secondments/benefits-of-secondment

·         Benefits of secondments for early career stage lawyers (as trainee): https://www.shoosmiths.co.uk/careers/careers-early/early-careers-blog/blog/why-secondments-are-beneficial-to-trainee-solicitors

·         Solicitor apprenticeship example, including reference to secondment: https://www.shlegal-futuretalent.com/opportunities/apprenticeships

In this episode you'll hear:

How the different forms of assessment work and tips to do well

How best to manage work and study, with some great tips

How the different forms of support sets you for the SRA competencies

Useful links:

·         Solicitor assessments – the SQE: https://sqe.sra.org.uk/about-sqe/who-is-the-sqe-for/apprentices

·         Burges Salmon apprentice – balancing work/life: https://www.burges-salmon.com/careers/careers-blog/balancing-work-life-studies-and-everything-in-between

·         Balancing work/life: https://www.lyonsdavidson.co.uk/national-apprenticeship-week-balance-work-studies/

Career changers

Hear three different journeys to becoming a solicitor, from those who has different careers previously.

In this episode you'll hear:

How the support needed to becoming a solicitor can be shaped to make the most of the previous experiences, as well as the benefits past experiences bring. 

How to manage imposter syndrome and lots of top tips for career changers.

Useful links:

·         Managing imposter syndrome as a student: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/news/2021/sep/3-tips-manage-imposter-syndrome

What is the role of a supervisor, as part of your rotations within your solicitor apprenticeship? Hear advice from Taiya about how she is making the most of her supervisor & what to expect from them, as well as the best mindset to take for your rotations. Plus some tips from Molly for other rotation supervisors!
 
 Useful links:

Supervision: good practice for remote supervision of junior staff and trainee solicitors

https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/hr-and-people-management/supervision-good-practice-for-remote-supervision-of-junior-staff-and-trainee-solicitors

Keeping close: supervising and mentoring trainees remotely 

https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/blogs/keeping-close-supervising-and-mentoring-trainees-remotely

There are many different types of courts and one less discussed, is the Coroners’ Court. 

We are joined by Nadia Persaud, a Coroner for East London to unpack this interesting area.  This area discusses the role of a Coroner, the powers of the Coroners’ Court and how this type of inquisitorial judicial role is unique in the English legal system. 
We always encourage listeners to undertake practical actions after listening to the episode. 

-       Coroners’ Courts are open courts – go along to your local Coroners’ Court and listen to the proceedings.
-       Read “A Guide to Coroner Services for Bereaved People” https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-coroner-services-and-coroner-investigations-a-short-guide   

Useful resources -       The Coroners’ Court: https://www.judiciary.uk/courts-and-tribunals/coroners-courts/

In this special episode we are joined by Gordon Tsang and Amelia Mah who discuss their work in dispute resolution at international law firm CMS.  Gordon and Amelia explore the different approaches to working with their clients to settle disputes, including litigation through the courts and the alternative dispute resolution process of arbitration and mediation. 

Gordon and Amelia explain how it is hard to define a “usual” day in the life of a litigator as the work is so varied!  Working individually on drafting, speaking with different experts ranging from IP (intellectual property) or employment law colleagues at CMS, going to Court, or consulting with barristers or other external experts from industry who are needed to input into building the evidence base for a case.  Key skills for this career path are highlighted, including the skill to be able to adapt one’s communication style for different stakeholders, to make complex, technical issues readily understood, and the skill of being able to identify and summarise key points for your audience.  Time management and the ability to manage projects well are also emphasised and the need to be proactive and plan ahead, always keeping in mind too your client’s goal.  Is this dispute work about reputation management, recovering an investment or seeking to save a client’s business?  Every situation differs and a tailored strategy is needed each time.   

Actions and resources for listeners:   

See this introductory webinar guide to “Disputes 101” from CMS, covering lots of areas mentioned in this episode related to Civil Litigation.
See this summary of the arbitration process, understand what it is and some of the international dimensions to using this as a form of dispute resolution.

In this bumper episode we explore Real Estate Law, including areas such as what it really is, what a typical day looks like, the types of clients and work involved, as well as career path options within this area of law.  We also find out about ESG in the context of property and the impact of ESG advice for Real Estate clients.  We are joined by Cheryl Gurnham (partner), Amit Unadkat (partner) and Sofiya Yerokhina (Associate) from International Law Firm, CMS.

In this episode we speak with Roy Lee, a Legislative Counsel at the Law Officers of the Crown, Guernsey, who has worked across the world in many jurisdictions, consulting to governments for over 25 years to draft legislation in a range of areas.

Roy explains how his formative years led him to become passionate about Human Rights and Governance issues, and why the law became his chosen career, after exploring pathways in journalism.  Also, Roy explains his career choices, and how early experience in legal publishing led on to a career in “writing the law”, working with many different governments around the world, from New Zealand and Pacific States, to Guernsey.

Key skills for this career path are highlighted by Roy, including curiosity and an interest in a broad range of legal practice areas from transactional work to litigation.  We also discuss how those drafting the law work with government teams to co-create legislation and how it is updated through time.

Actions and resources for listeners:

·         Look at the Government’s webpages about Legislative drafting to understand more.

·         Also see the case studies from people who have taken up this career path.

We hear from two apprentices, Amy and Hamza, one in house and one in private practice, sharing their own and different journey into a solicitor apprenticeship & why is was right for them.

They also share the skills and behaviours you need and will develop to succeed, including why you need to be brave, the importance and power of building networks and accessing mentors, as well as their top tips for success!

Amy Marren on LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/amy-marren
Hamza Islam on LinkedIn: (7) Hamza (Yusuf) Islam | LinkedIn