Chambers Student Podcast

In a Chambers Student podcast special for International Women's Day, barrister Abimbola Johnson shares her experiences of life at the Bar with Chambers Student's Chelsey Stanborough. They discuss the ups and downs of barrister life, her experiences as a working mother, and what has motivated her throughout her professional life (including her move from criminal law to public inquiry and inquest work). Chelsey and Abimbola also delve into the importance of diversity within the courtroom and how the conversation around representation has changed in Abimbola's decade at the Bar. And finally, Abimbola provides great nuggets of wisdom into getting prepared for the trials and tribulations of barrister life!

In the 2020-21 season, the RFU reported that there was an average of 22.2 concussions per 1,000 hours of game play in professional rugby, the highest since records started in 2002. While rugby organisations have taken steps to reduce the risk of head injuries, research suggests that players are at a high risk of sustaining multiple sub concussive impacts, and the long-term health implications that come as a result. Now, 225 former professional rugby union players have launched legal proceedings against World Rugby, the WRU and the RFU for failing to adequately protect players from these risks.

This week, Chambers Student's Taiwo Oshodi looks into Exxon Mobil's challenge to the EU's windfall tax on energy firms, and the implications of the case for energy lawyers.

Chambers Student's Chelsey Stanborough speaks with trainees from Womble Bond Dickinson up and down the country about what's it like training to be a lawyer outside of London. The full-service firm has seven offices nationwide (plus ties in the US). Chelsey speaks to Kiera Dodds in Newcastle, George Laidlaw in Southampton, Olivia Matano in Bristol and Josh Coleman in Leeds. This trainee-led discussion focuses on their experiences working in regional offices, firm culture, and lifestyle in the different cities. This podcast is part of the Exploring the Regions article series on our website.

In this week's Memo, Taiwo Oshodi looks at the implications of the UK government's move to challenge Scotland's gender recognition bill.

Chambers Student catches up with three BPP students to get their reflections on SQE2 and the SQE as a whole. They share their experiences of the exams and prep course, dig into the biggest differences between SQE1 and SQE2, and share their top tips for success.

Whether it's shaking off the ‘trainee' badge for a while, getting a better understanding of a client's business or building your network as a lawyer, there are plenty of good reasons to consider a client secondment as a part of your training contract. In this podcast, Isaac Hickford speaks to Olivia Watson and Louise Clarke, two former client secondees and now associates at Addleshaw Goddard, to find out more about their experience. Olivia Watson – Associate, Finance (Edinburgh) Louise Clarke – Associate, Global Investigations (Manchester)

In this episode, we explore the ways in which applicants can utilise their ‘differences' to stand out during applications and interviews. We're joined by Rosie Buckley and Natalie Chalmers from Dentons' Early Careers team, and trainee solicitors Amanda Kingsley and Fattah Abdulattif who each shed some light on the application process, including how to start thinking about what your differences may be, how to best showcase these in your applications, and Amanda and Fattah's tried-and-tested techniques.

In this Memo podcast special, we outline the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the crypto exchange FTX, highlight the key findings from its bankruptcy filing, and reflect on what impact this may have on crypto market regulation.

Chambers Student's Chelsey Stanborough talks to Taylor Wessing's graduate recruitment team and recent vacation schemers about getting the most out of a vacation scheme at the firm. Chelsey interviews Ami Disdale (Early Talent Advisor at Taylor Wessing) about what to expect during the vacation scheme, lessons learned from the pandemic, and there diversity and inclusivity in recruiting methods. Chelsey also spoke to vacation schemers Nicole Baldev, Rochelle Ampomah and Funmilade Falegan about their experiences during the vacation scheme and got their nuggets of wisdom to pass on!

Chambers Student's Jamie Sharp talks with lawyers at Slaughter & May about how the firm's training contract sets trainees on the path to becoming multi-specialists! Jamie interviews associate Michael Craig and trainee Julia Routledge about their experience of the training contract, and finance partner Claire Cooke about what a career as a multi-specialist lawyer looks like after qualifying.

Chambers Student interviews Travers Smith partners Genna Marten, Polly Richard and Michael Raymond about three of the firm's key practices: M&A, disputes and asset management. From ESG to pension funds, we discuss stand-out matters from the past year, and how Travers is looking to expand its operations in the face of economic turbulence. This podcast was recorded and edited by Taiwo Oshodi.

In this episode, we caught up with a first-year trainee at Freeths to find out how they are using ULaw's array of employability services and tools to enhance their career. We cover useful resources to get you started when you're looking for a job, as well as ULaw's employment promise to those who study with them. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Chambers Student interviews Siobhan Ali, the founder and editor-in-chief of the St Andrews Law Review. The St Andrews Law Review is run by a team of students from universities across the country. Their articles provide the legal angle on news stories - recent topics include human rights violations and issues around the world, regulation of social media platforms, and artifical intelligence. "We're always looking for writers," Siobhan tells us. Tune in to find out how you can get involved and find out more here: https://www.standrewslawreview.com/ Edited by Taiwo Oshodi

“Prisoners are among the most vulnerable to abuse, and that's where we step in." Cuts to legal aid have left prisoners among the most vulnerable to human rights violations stemming from overpopulation, limited access to healthcare, poor living conditions, and prejudice. Plugging the gap between legal aid and prisoners' rights is the Intervene Project, a legal charity providing free representation to prisoners who don't qualify for legal aid. In this episode, Chambers Student interviews the manager at the Intervene Project, Evie Smith, about what the charity is doing to defend prisoners' basic human rights, and the challenges it faces as its caseload doubles in just six months. The Intervene Project was established by Kesar & Co in 2013 and offers aspiring solicitors and barristers the opportunity to volunteer as a caseworker or researcher. Learn more: https://www.interveneproject.org/ Interview conducted by: Sal Morton Edited by: James Rocha-Sharp

Chambers Student's Rhia Lyon catches up with two BPP students to get their reflections on SQE1. They share their experience of the exam and prep course, plus some top tips for those taking it in future. You can also read our Q&A with the Dean of BPP Law School here.

Rhia Lyon sits down with senior construction associate Laura Lintott of Trowers & Hamlins to discuss construction law. Tune in to find out more about the ins and outs of this fascinating and often underrated practice area!

How useful is it to speak a second language for your career in law? Rhia Lyon interviews three multilingual trainees at White & Case. Tune in to find out how they use their language skills and how this is helping them to shape a career on the global stage. Don't worry if you're not a polygot: we'll also be hearing about how the firm helps trainees to develop a second language. Interviewees: • Anmar Al Ghadhanfari, Arabic, English • Hanna Hedayati: Persian, Swedish, English • Yajur Kapoor: English. Having language lessons ahead and during his overseas seat in Geneva

Are you interested in human rights law? Rhia Lyon interviews Clive Baldwin of Human Rights Watch, an international organisation that investigates and reports on human rights abuses all over the world. Tune in to find out about the company's valuable work, and how to get more experience in this area of the law. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

We talk to four Addleshaw Goddard juniors in Leeds, Liverpool, London, Glasgow and Dubai about the ins and outs of being a trainee at a national firm with global opportunities, covering social life, working across offices, international placements, and more. Sal Morton interviews Nazaneen Ahmadi in Leeds, Jessica Chapman in Liverpool, Alec Newton in Dubai and Michael Gray in Edinburgh.

What makes a law firm sustainable? Sal Morton speaks to Rachel Smith, Joe Wren and Jonathan Gilmour at Travers Smith about how law firms can do their bit for the environment internally, locally and even internationally. From Meat Free Mondays to carbon trading, we hear about the ways in which Travers is using its position in the market to spark change.

Insurance is the practice of hedging against financial risk; the practice and its fallout require a lot of legal work. In this podcast we speak to trainees Ellie McCarthy and Tania Forichon about their experiences of insurance at Clyde & Co, which has a leading practice in this area, offering no fewer than 31 insurance seats across its London and Manchester offices. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

We speak to Natalie Salunke to learn what it means to be an O Shaped Lawyer.

Sidley lawyers introduce us to one of the busiest areas of law, explaining what trainees do and how you can prepare for a career as a restructuring lawyer.

Legal tech is changing how lawyers do their work, especially for junior associates and trainees. Catherine Bamford of BamLegal talks us through the changes, and helps us bust some legal tech myths. We speak to BamLegal CEO and founder Catherine Bamford about the rise of legal tech, and how it can help junior lawyers and trainees starting out in their careers. We also discuss the likelihood of legal tech replacing human lawyers (spoiler alert: not likely), and learn about some of the most promising legal tech tools. BamLegal's purpose is to improve the delivery of legal services for all. This mission includes helping law firms, inhouse legal departments, lawyers, clients, the 80% plus of people and small businesses who cannot afford legal services, and the next generation of law students and legal engineers entering the legal world. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Jolyon Maugham QC is the founder and director of the Good Law Project, which has earned fame via its work challenging government process and accountability, in particular on Brexit and the pandemic response. This week we interview Jolyon Maugham QC, the founder and director of the Good Law Project, which has earned fame via its work challenging government process and accountability, in particular on Brexit and the proroguing of Parliament case, and now on the government's response to the pandemic. We interview him about his career and the mission of the Good Law Project. Topics discussed: Becoming a barrister The working of the Good Law Project Government scrutiny and accountability This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Rachel Welch-Phillips is a member of Bird & Bird's environment committee and has two degrees in environmental policy. We caught up with Rachel to discuss what the committee does and how her environmental expertise applies to her work as an associate. Topics discussed: What environment committees at law firms do and can do to shape firm policy and approach to the environment Trends in how law firms are responding to broader environmental concerns within their own businesses and operations The ways in which lawyers can use their expertise to further environmental causes in their day-to-day work Everything shared in this podcast is Rachel's own personal opinion and does not necessarily represent the opinion of Bird & Bird. Relevant links https://www.twobirds.com/en/our-lawyers/r/rachel-welch-phillips https://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/legal-practice-areas/environment This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Interview Dr Anna Elmirzayeva who runs the MSc legal technology course at the University of Law about how legal education should prepare this fast-changing industry. In this episode we interview Dr Anna Elmirzayeva who runs the MSc legal technology course at the University of Law. She shares her expertise on the pace of change in legal tech and how education providers should prepare students for it. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

A conversation with Edie Bowles, co-founder of Advocates for Animals In this episode we caught up with Edie Bowles, co-founder of the UK's first law firm dedicated to animal protection, Advocates for Animals. We discuss: How widespread the practice of animal protection law is Current issues in the practice The impact of commercial activities What animal protection law looks like on an international basis (and how English law compares) The future of animal protection law Advice for students who are looking to get into this area This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

A Discussion with Bird & Bird associate Rachel Welch-Phillips. Rachel Welch-Phillips is an associate in Bird & Bird’s international aviation group. Rachel founded Bird & Bird’s BAME network, Embrace, while she was a second-year trainee at the firm, and her superb work on this front saw her win the Future Leader Chambers Diversity & Inclusion award in the category of minority lawyers in private practice. We caught up with Rachel to discuss the current state of racial and ethnic diversity in the legal industry, as well as some of the recent issues that have impacted this area of D&I. Topics discussed: The legal industry’s response to Black Lives Matter The legacy of Black History Month The origins and use of the term ‘BAME’ The vast benefits of an intersectional approach to diversity and inclusion Relevant links: https://www.twobirds.com/en/community/corporate-responsibility/diversity-and-inclusion/embrace https://www.twobirds.com/en/our-lawyers/r/rachel-welch-phillips This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

The importance of pro bono; Travers Smith's practice; and how it can help junior lawyers. We spoke to the good people at Travers Smith about the firm's renowned pro bono practice and partnerships with various organisations to help make the world a better place. Our discussion covered the legal aid crisis, how firms can avoid corporate colonialism and much more. JUSTICE is a human rights organisation working to strengthen the justice system in the UK. Travers Smith is the Corporate partner for JUSTICE's expert working party investigation into the over representation of BAME youth in the criminal youth justice system (YJS). The working party has examined the causes of BAME disproportionality in the YJS and will shortly publish its report of practical recommendations aimed at reducing that disproportionality and ensuring that children are not needlessly criminalised. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Interviews and more with the world's largest law firm. In part two, we chat to six people at the world's largest law firm about the importance of vacation schemes and commercial awareness. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Dos and don'ts of interviews in a post-Covid world. We chat to six people at the world's largest law firm about how to prepare for interviews, and what to do (and not to do) when you're sat in front of a firm. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Talking disputes with the highly-ranked international firm. We speak to lawyers at this international firm about what's hot in the litigation world, and how you can maximise your chances of becoming a litigator. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Effects of Covid-19 on legal practice and recruitment. We speak to five members of the Taylor Wessing team about the effects of Covid-19 on legal practice, trainee life during lockdown, virtual vacation schemes and more. This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Discussing diversity with Travers Smith.

In our latest podcast, we sit down with lawyers from Travers Smith to discuss the complex and challenging issues of diversity, inclusion and intersectionality within the legal profession.

An introduction to all things cryptocurrency.

Some technologies are moving so fast that even lawyers can't keep up with them. Cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, blockchain... these are complex concepts, as are the laws surrounding them. We sat down with crypto whiz (and Chambers Student alumna) Amalia Neenan to talk all things crypto, and help you get your head around these fascinating topics.Presented by Leah HendersonMusic and editing by Michael Bird

The Law Firm of the Future, with WBD

The legal profession is evolving fast and tech is driving this change. Chambers Student interviews industry experts at tech-savvy law firm WBD to learn how the profession responding to new technology, how client and commercial interactions are shifting, and how cultural change will follow in its wake. Interviewees:Samantha Lee, Head of Recruitment, WBDDavid Lee, IT Director, WBDPresented by Harry Cerasale and Thomas LewisEdited by Thomas LewisMusic by Michael Bird

Vac schemes decoded: Taylor Wessing trainees share their experiences

December 19, 2019Interviewer Joel Poultney @ChambersStudent; Edited by Leah Henderson / Taylor Wessing guests: Chloe Szczerbiak, Anna-Mariya Angelinova, Jonny Parker, Miles Harmsworth, Anna Humphrey, Lydia Block Vac schemes are, for many firms, the main route into the training contract. At some firms they are tantamount to a two week-long interview, so it pays to be informed about how to get on one, and how to navigate them. We interviewed trainees at Taylor Wessing to learn about their experiences. Presented by Joel PoultneyEdited by Leah HendersonMusic by Michael Bird

Why become a lawyer, explained by non-law graduates at Taylor Wessing.

Chambers Student interviews STEM graduates, linguists, historians and Politics grads from the Taylor Wessing team to learn why they chose to become lawyers and how they found a home for their unique brains at this innovative firm. Our research shows that industry-wide, non-law grads earn 6% more than law grads, so it's worth listening to what they say about the opportunities and how to make the jump.Starring from Taylor Wessing:Rachael Potts - traineeOscar Hodgson - traineeNick Harrison - traineeSasha Vallabh - traineeNicole Ng Yuen – NQ Matt Royle – partner in patents teamPresented by Joel PoultneyEdited by Leah HendersonMusic by Michael Bird

Training contract applications uncovered, by Taylor Wessing

Chambers Student interviews Taylor Wessing trainees on how they successfully navigated their route into the law. They bring us tips, tricks, dos, don'ts, and share their stories from this career-making moment.Starring from Taylor Wessing:Lydia BlockAnna Humphrey Joshua DowsonLiam CallaghanMelissa JonesKatie Lobley Presented by Joel PoultneyEdited by Leah HendersonMusic by Michael Bird