Not All Lawyers Have Law Degrees

In this season 3 bonus, we re-release a popular episode from series 1: our check in with Vaibhav Adlakha - solicitor and diversity & inclusion trailblazer. Vaibhav tells us what he thinks makes a work place inclusive, why mental adjustments can be more important than physical ones and what's ironic about his current role. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Not All Lawyers Have Law Degrees series 3 episode 4 is a re-release of our discussion with Dr Victoria Roper, Associate Professor at Northumbria University and Chair of the National Education and Training Committee of the Law Society. Victoria clarifies the finer points of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (or SQE) which was introduced in September 2021 and will eventually replace the current Legal Practice Course (LPC). She also answers crucial questions like – How much will it cost? What happens if I fail an exam? And what to do if you've already started the LPC?More information about the SQE:https://www.sra.org.uk/students/sqe/ https://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/law-schools/solicitors-qualifying-examination-sqe https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/career-advice/becoming-a-solicitor/solicitors-qualifying-examination-sqe See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The third instalment in our legal apprenticeships series re-visits the previous chat with Rianna Powponne of Rare Recruitment. Rianna shares essential advice about CVs, applications and interviews, including what to put in, what to leave out, how to tell your story and dealing with tough interview questions.National Careers Service:https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this re-released episode, Georgie and Ella discuss legal apprenticeships with Ceri Evans, National Programme Director for Apprenticeships at the University of Law. Listen in to get the facts about legal apprenticeships - which organisations offer them, how much you get paid and the importance of finding the right place for you.Further info about apprenticeships: https://allaboutapprenticeships.co.uk/https://www.ucas.com/understanding-apprenticeships See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The legal-apprenticeship-themed third series of Not All Lawyers Have Law Degrees begins with BBC's very own legal apprentice Georgie Yates and former apprentice Ella Lycett leading a lively and enlightening conversation with Maia Crockford and Teagan Williams. In this episode from the first series, Maia (DAC Beachcroft LLP) and Teagan (Severn Trent Water) explain why they turned down university places to take up legal apprenticeships. They share some of the challenges and rewards of starting work at 18, balancing work with studying and how their apprenticeships have grown their skills and confidence – as well as their bank balances!Find us on Instagram @notalllawyerspod See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pauline Campbell is our final career changer in our mini series – she qualified as a lawyer at the age of 41 after a successful career as a housing benefits officer. She went on to work at Hackney Borough Council and now she's a senior lawyer for the prosecution team at London Borough of Waltham Forest. She talks about how the Steven Lawrence case spurred her on to finally taking the leap into law and how she made it by building on the skills she'd gained along the way. Pauline has written a book about race, identity and belonging titled ‘Rice and Peas and Fish and Chips'. Useful links:https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/en/topics/in-house/working-in-house-local-governmenthttps://llg.org.uk/ (Lawyers in Local Government) https://www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/https://www.hmcts-trainee-legal-advisers.co.uk/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Suzanne Hutton offers practical advice to students on a daily basis in her role as careers manager for online students at The University of Law. Suzanne works with lots of mature students and people moving into law so in this episode our very own career changer Joanna Prior, trainee solicitor at BBC Legal, asks those key questions that every career changer needs the answers to. From practical tips about funding to finding your narrative, Suzanne is here to help anyone wanting to transition into law. Useful links for career changersFees and Funding: https://www.law.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/course-fees-and-funding/ULaw career change scholarships: https://www.law.ac.uk/study/scholarships-bursaries/Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA): https://www.sra.org.uk/become-solicitor/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We're re-releasing this episode from series 1 to bump it up for all you career changers out there – here's a really clear explanation of the SQE and how it might be able to help you. Dr Victoria Roper, Associate Professor at Northumbria University and Chair of the National Education and Training Committee of the Law Society, clarifies the finer points of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (or SQE) which was introduced in September 2021 and will eventually replace the current Legal Practice Course (LPC). She answers crucial questions like – How much will it cost? What happens if I fail an exam? And what to do if you've already started the LPC?Information about the SQE:https://www.sra.org.uk/students/sqe/https://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/law-schools/solicitors-qualifying-examination-sqehttps://www.lawsociety.org.uk/career-advice/becoming-a-solicitor/solicitors-qualifying-examination-sqe See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Rachael Bell worked as a company director in the construction industry. Now she's a paralegal, qualifying as a solicitor and supporting other career-changers through her social media network and podcast. She talks to us about the realities of becoming a lawyer when you already have children, a job and a maxed-out credit card.Rachael's instagram is @legalbelleUseful links:ULaw career change scholarships: https://www.law.ac.uk/study/scholarships-bursaries/Flex Legal paralegals: https://flex.legal/Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA): https://www.sra.org.uk/become-solicitor/Social welfare solicitor qualification fund: https://www.citysolicitors.org.uk/social-welfare-solicitor-qualification-fund/ (deadline 17th January 2022) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the first of our mini-series on career changers we hear from former police detective Mukhtiar Singh, an employment and commercial barrister and social mobility campaigner at Garden Court Chambers about joining the Bar at 40, what it takes to start later in the law and the rewards you can reap if you make it.Information on changing careers in to the law:https://www.lawcareers.net/Explore/Features/30032021-Becoming-a-lawyer-as-a-career-changer Mukhtiar's Scholarship Scheme:https://singhbarrister.co.uk/social-responsibility See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Isaac Eloi is starting out as a lawyer at ICE, a digital music licensing hub. He tells us how joining a specialist lawyer network helped him get this niche role and why he co-founded the Black Men in Law network to find out what was happening to black men in law firms and provide support. From brotherhood to Baroness Scotland, Isaac explains why you should always swipe right on dreams and opportunities.Groups that Isaac mentioned…Black Men in Law Network: @BMLnetworkBlack Women in Law @BlackWomenLawUK Black Music Lawyers NetworkThe Law Collective @CollectiveLawUrban Lawyers https://urbanlawyers.co.uk/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Rianna Powponne of Rare Recruitment shares essential advice about CVs, applications and interviews - including what to put on your CV and what to leave out plus how to tell your story and deal with tough questions in interview.National Careers Service: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sonia Janday, Senior Legal Counsel at Aviva Investors, discusses the appeal of an in-house, city centre legal job – including the parking space and unexpected issues involving rats – and how you can use networks and other in-house lawyers to find in-house legal roles.LawWorks:https://www.lawworks.org.uk/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Multi award winning Ahmed Aydeed, Public Law Director at Duncan Lewis solicitors, talks passionately about the “huge rewards” of working on cases which change clients' lives, government policy and the law. And he explains why empathy, passion and the ability to listen are key ingredients of a legal aid human rights lawyer.Young Legal Aid Lawyers:http://www.younglegalaidlawyers.org/ Find us on Instagram @notalllawyerspod See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Siobhan Taylor-Ward, a solicitor at the Vauxhall Law Centre in Liverpool, talks about the challenges and rewards of working in a law centre embedded in the community and unlocking problems for people at the toughest moments in their lives. She explains how her work links to campaigning and the many ways you can get involved in a law centre near you.The Law Centres Network: https://www.lawcentres.org.uk/Legal aid lawyers network: http://www.younglegalaidlawyers.org/Justice First Fellowship: https://jff.thelegaleducationfoundation.org/Support for lawyers https://www.claiming.space/Find us on Instagram @notalllawyerspod See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In our second episode about apprenticeships, we speak to Ceri Evans, National Programme Director for Apprenticeships at the University of Law and get the facts about legal apprenticeships, including which organisations offer them, how much you get paid and the importance of finding the right place for you. Information about apprenticeships: https://allaboutapprenticeships.co.uk/https://www.ucas.com/understanding-apprenticeshipsFind us on Instagram @notalllawyerspod See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the first of two invaluable episodes about apprenticeships, our very own legal apprentice and former apprentice, Georgie and Ella, speak to law firm apprentice Maia Crockford and in-house apprentice Teagan Williams. Maia (DAC Beachcroft LLP) and Teagan (Severn Trent Water) explain why they turned down university places to take up legal apprenticeships. And they share their experience of the challenges and rewards of starting work at 18, balancing work with studying and how their apprenticeships have grown their skills and confidence – as well as their bank balances!Find us on Instagram @notalllawyerspod See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Karlia Lykourgou, of Doughty Street Chambers and founder of legal outfitter Ivy & Normanton, gives a fantastic insight into what life is like as a self-employed criminal barrister – the challenges of the work schedule, billing and building a practice – and why she loves the collegiality and seeing the human side in every case. She unpacks the years she spent building a CV to get into the Bar and explains why feeling and looking equal to male colleagues inspired her to create a clothing brand specialising in legal attire for women. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Criminal barrister Carley Green works at the Crown Prosecution Service and she's just 24 years old! While studying she had to work a few part time jobs – including at a boot repair shop and at Leeds United football ground – but she think those experiences have made her an even better barrister now she's qualified. Carley also explains the difference between the employed and self-employed bar, what being a prosecuting barrister at the CPS entails and why she doesn't let her age stand in the way of her ambitions.Information on the government legal trainee scheme: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-legal-service-gls-legal-trainee-scheme-how-to-applyFind us on Instagram @notalllawyerspod See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr Victoria Roper, Associate Professor at Northumbria University and Chair of the National Education and Training Committee of the Law Society, explains the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (or SQE) which is being rolled out in September 2021 and will eventually replace the current Legal Practice Course (LPC). She answers crucial questions like – How much will it cost? What happens if I fail an exam? And what to do if you've already started the LPC?Information about the SQE:https://www.sra.org.uk/students/sqe/https://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/law-schools/solicitors-qualifying-examination-sqehttps://www.lawsociety.org.uk/career-advice/becoming-a-solicitor/solicitors-qualifying-examination-sqe See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The phenomenal Scott Halliday, family lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, talks about enjoying - and owning - the process of becoming a lawyer, why family law is so tough but being involved in shaping the law makes him resilient, and why he can't fool anyone he grew up on Kensington High Street!Find us on Instagram @notalllawyerspod See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Aspiring solicitor Demi Rixon talks about her journey into the legal profession as a paralegal and how she is creating a disability disclosure strategy as she searches for a law firm which has the right culture and fit for her. Demi offers some priceless advice on disclosure, reasonable adjustments and “the biggest kept secret” - the government's Access to Work scheme.Law Society's Lawyers with Disabilities Division:https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/lawyers-with-disabilities/about-the-lawyers-with-disabilities-divisionFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lawyers-with-Disabilities-Division-103962259680516/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4631416Find us on Instagram @notalllawyerspod See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Solicitor, and diversity & inclusion trailblazer, Vaibhav Adlakha tells us what he thinks makes a law firm inclusive, why mental adjustments can be more important than physical ones and what's ironic about his current role.Solicitors Regulation Authority - Legal jargon explained: https://www.sra.org.uk/consumers/choosing/legal-jargon-explained/ Find us on Instagram @notalllawyerspod See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A straight-talking interview with planning barrister and author, Hashi Mohamed, about why he chose the Bar, the challenges of building a practice when you're starting out and the immense satisfaction of working in an area of law which can have a massive impact on people's lives.Hashi Mohamed's audio book People Like Us is on BBC Sounds: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000nlkj Find us on Instagram @notalllawyerspod See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this practical interview, Daisy Mortimer, Interim Outreach Manager at the Inner Temple, explains all about becoming a barrister, funding, pupillages, clerks, wigs, Inns of Court and much, much more - debunking many preconceptions about the Bar along the way. Plus she shares her inside tips on how to max out your chances in applications and interviews.The Inns of Court:https://www.innertemple.org.uk/https://www.middletemple.org.uk/https://www.lincolnsinn.org.uk/https://www.graysinn.org.uk/ Information about mini-pupillages:https://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/the-bar/mini-pupillage-vacanciesFind us on Instagram @notalllawyerspod See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Leila Lesan, Policy Advisor for Social Mobility at The Law Society, explains the practicalities of becoming a solicitor, how to access funding and why potential rather than polish is what's important to her. The Law Society's Diversity Access Scheme:https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/campaigns/diversity-access-schemeInformation on scholarships and bursaries:https://www.law.ac.uk/study/scholarships-bursaries/https://www.bpp.com/study/funding/university/scholarshipsThe British Inter-University Commercial Awareness Competition (BIUCAC):https://www.biucac.com/ Find us on Instagram @notalllawyerspod See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Yagmur Ekici tells us why she loves her work as a clinical negligence and personal injury solicitor at Bindmans, how she ‘fell into' a legal career and why working in McDonalds was the best preparation for being a lawyer. Find us on Instagram @notalllawyers See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Barrister and author of A Dutiful Boy, Mohsin Zaidi talks frankly about becoming a lawyer, the crucial advice he received along the way and what happened when a Supreme Court judge accidentally read some ‘colourful' messages on his iPad… Find us on Instagram @notalllawyerspod See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Are you thinking about becoming a lawyer? Maybe you've just graduated or you're in a job and want inspiration on what to do next?This is Not All Lawyers Have Law Degrees from the BBC Legal team, the podcast where we explore how you become a lawyer and meet some incredible legal people who share their experiences and what they've learnt along the way. Here's a taster of what's in store brought to you by Brigit, a data protection and FOI lawyer and Georgie, a legal apprentice.Subscribe now so you don't miss out on this brand new podcast from BBC Legal. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.