From Chemistry to Law, Matthew Letts' Legal Career Journey and SQE Success

The Student Lawyer understand that in-house training contracts are not as widely advertised as law firm training contracts, although we may now see a change with the introduction of the SQE. With this episode, we aim to help provide listeners with insight into the in-house training contract route if this path interests you! In this episode, Camilla Uppal is joined by Yvonne Akpofure, a trainee solicitor working in the legal department of a rapidly growing Fintech bank.  Yvonne discusses why she decided to train in-house, provides her opinion on the benefits of training in-house, and explains where to look for in-house training contracts along with her experience of the recruitment process. You can follow Yvonne’s journey through her blog: https://www.confessionsofacontemporarylawyer.com/ or connecting with Yvonne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-akpofure-7a4713109/  If you have any questions or feedback in relation to this episode, please email hello@thestudentlawyer.com. Prefer YouTube videos to podcasts? Check out the video for this podcast on our YouTube channel where you can watch the full conversation: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheStudentLawyer  Don’t forget to share this episode with anyone who may find the episode helpful. It would also mean the world to us if you could subscribe to the podcast on the platform you are using to listen to us.    Hosted by Camilla Uppal, Produced by Nathan Gore

12 Mai 202125min

In this episode, Camilla Uppal is joined by Simranjeet Kaur Mann, trainee solicitor at Womble Bond Dickinson, YouTuber and legal Vlogger for LawCareers.net.   Simranjeet provides us with a detailed insight into her journey to becoming a trainee solicitor, the obstacles that she has overcome and the steps she has taken to build her her personal and professional confidence. Simran provides actionable advice for how listeners can also develop their confidence! This is a must listen for all aspiring and junior lawyers, or anyone who wants to be more confident in any area of their life!   If you want to follow Simranjeet on social media, you can find her on:   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SimranjeetKaurMann  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simranjeet-kaur-mann/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simranjeetkmann/    Thank you for listening and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and share this episode with anyone who may find it helpful! Hosted by Camilla Uppal, Produced by Nathan Gore

6 Mai 202131min

In this episode, Camilla Uppal is joined by Derek Sweeting QC, Chair of the Bar Council (2021). The discussion is focused around the proposed reforms that Derek Sweeting QC is advocating for, including why Derek believes the reforms are required and the benefits that reform would provide to the profession.   Derek also provides an insight into his career journey and explains what the Bar Council is currently doing to help improve equality, diversity and inclusion at the bar.   Thank you for listening and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and share this episode with anyone who may find it helpful! Hosted by Camilla Uppal, Produced by Nathan Gore

29 Apr 202135min

If you are currently applying for training contracts, vacation schemes, pupillage or internships, this episode is for you!   In this episode, Camilla Uppal is joined by Jake Schogger, ex-Magic Circle lawyer, best-selling author and entrepreneur about his career history and some of the educational resources he has created for aspiring lawyers, such as the Commercial Law Academy and the City Career Series books.   Jake shares his top tips for how to approach different types of interview and application questions when applying to law firms, how to develop commercial awareness, and how to improve networking and personal branding skills. If you are interested in checking out any of the resources discussed in this episode, you can find the details below: Commercial Law Academy: https://www.commerciallaw.academy/bundles/membership Networking group for aspiring lawyers: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8944518/ Recommended resources: http://www.citycareerseries.com/recommended-resources.php LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/commerciallawacademy Commercial awareness newsletter: http://eepurl.com/hjyzrf   Thank you for listening and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and share this episode with anyone who may find it helpful! Hosted by Camilla Uppal, Produced by Nathan Gore

23 Apr 202151min

In this episode, Camilla Uppal speaks with Roxanne Brown from Simply Law Jobs. Roxanne provides the recruiters perspective on how to improve your CV, how to prepare for a law firm interview and what skills recruiters are looking for!   Check out Simply Law Jobs here: https://www.simplylawjobs.com/ and also on The Student Lawyer Job Board: https://thestudentlawyer.com/tsl-job-board/    Thank you for listening and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and share this episode with anyone who may find it helpful! Hosted by Camilla Uppal, Produced by Nathan Gore

16 Apr 20218min

In this episode, Camilla Uppal speaks with Kalila Bolton. Kalila is Legal & Ops lead at Lawya, a legal tech company, and forged a career in legal tech after qualifying as a solicitor at Allen & Overy. Kalila explains how to go about pursuing a career in legal tech, what skills are required for a career in legal tech, and how you can get involved with Lawya! Apply to be a Lawya Legal Contributor:  https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/2458033031/   If you have any questions about being a Contributor, you can email Kalila at hiring@lawya.com   You can connect with Kalila on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalila-bolton-9b26028b/    Check out Lawya’s new tool that they have recently launched called ‘RentStich’. This tool may be of help to our student listeners who are also tenants!   Thank you for listening and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and share this episode with anyone who may find it helpful! Hosted by Camilla Uppal, Produced by Nathan Gore

3 Apr 202124min

In this episode, Camilla Uppal interviews Darrin Carey about his journey to qualifying as a commercial solicitor after a 13-year career in the police force.  Darrin discusses the main factors he considered before changing careers, the challenges he faced and how he overcame them to secure four vacation schemes offers at world leading law firms, ultimately securing his training contract at a Magic Circle law firm. Please share this episode with anyone that might find it helpful, and don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to ensure you never miss an episode.  Hosted by Camilla Uppal, Produced by Nathan Gore

26 Mar 202138min

In this episode, Camilla Uppal interviews James Richardson from Law Answered. James is a qualified lawyer and entrepreneur who helps to create first-class revision and study notes for LPC, LLB and GDL students, and will be producing educational material for the SQE!.  In this interview, James provides insight into his legal career journey so far and why he decided to start Law Answered, providing tips on how to achieve high grades along the way! You can learn more about Law Answered by visiting their website: www.lawanswered.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to ensure that you never miss an episode, and please share this episode with others who might find it useful! Hosted by Camilla Uppal, Produced by Nathan Gore

13 Mar 202122min