In episode 6 of Legally Pod, we sat down with Nick Titchener, one of the founding directors of Lawtons solicitors.

A dedicated defence solicitor, Nick shares his insights about what a career in Criminal Law really means, the skills you need to be successful and what he enjoys about working on complex and serious crime cases. 

In episode 5 of Legally Pod, Lauren Wade speaks to future Freshfields trainee, Serena Chang about how she secured her Magic Circle firm training contract. 

She shares with us how she knew becoming a solicitor was the right career path, her tips on being successful in training contract interviews and how to score well in the Watson Glaser test. 

For more great legal career advice, subscribe to our channel and visit our website www.thelawyerportal.com

In Episode 4 of Legally Pod, we sit down with one of the UK's most highly celebrated criminal barristers, William Clegg QC.

We sat down with William to discuss his incredible career starting from humble beginnings to being propelled into the public eye, having worked on some of the most historical and famous cases we have witnessed in recent years.

Having practiced for over 47 years, William has fought over 100 murder cases including the famous Colin Stagg's trial, The Chillenden Murders as well as defending Britain's first 'Nazi war criminal'.

This podcast provides a behind the scenes look into the life of a famous criminal barrister and sets the scene perfectly for William's new book, Under the Wig, where William reveals in greater depth his experience in the legal industry.

You can buy William's book by clicking here.

In episode 3 of Legally Pod, Isabella is joined by bestselling author the Secret Barrister, whose blog and book detail the inner workings of the criminal Bar.

The Secret Barrister shares their insights into the criminal justice system, and what changes need to be made urgently. They also give their top tips for aspiring lawyers, both in general and in acquiring pupillage.

The words of the Secret Barrister are read by actor Tom Stuchfield.

In episode 2 of Legally Pod, Rachel and Isabella speak to world-renowned barrister Cherie Blair CBE, QC, founder and chair of international law firm Omnia Strategy LLP.

Cherie discusses a topic very close to her own heart: diversity in the legal industry, as well as her own legal success story and her crucial advice for aspiring solicitors and barristers alike.

If you have aspirations of becoming as prestigious a lawyer as Cherie, listen to the podcast now.

0:20 – An introduction to Cherie Blair CBE, QC, with Rachel Davis

1:58  – When did you decide you wanted to become a lawyer?

4:20 – And when on the journey did you decide on the barrister route in particular?

6.25 – What’s the most interesting case you’ve ever worked on?

10:10 – Being a working mother in law

13:05 – How did you come to found Matrix Chambers?

14:50 – And how did Omnia Strategy come about?

19:56 – Discussing diversity, with Isabella Ford

20:28 – Why is diversity in the legal profession important to you?

21:27 – What is “disruptive thinking” and how can we use it to address some of the inequalities of the legal profession?

23:56 – Diversity as an all-encompassing concept - from gender and race to age and disability

27: 00 - How do you feel your legal background prepared you for managing a successful charity?

29:29 - Why is it important for young lawyers to think more about how they can use their resources and skill-sets to give back to society?

31:44 - You’ve commented in the past on the expense of law conversion courses - how do you think access to the legal profession could be improved?

37:01 - Cherie’s thoughts on apprenticeships

39:36 – What is your one piece of advice for aspiring lawyers?

41:58  – Gown or Wig?

In episode 1 of Legally Pod, Rachel is joined by Julie Brannan, Director of Education and Training at the SRA. She shares with us everything you could possibly need to know about the SQE, including why it's being introduced, how it will impact those currently completing the LPC or a training contract, and her key advice for aspiring lawyers.

Show notes:

1:30 - What is the SQE?

2:12 - Why is the SQE being brought into force?

4:37 - The problems with the current system

5:20 - When will the SQE come into effect?

6:12 - How will it impact the current routes into law - e.g. law degree the GDL, LPC, etc?

8:29 - How will it affect those on these routes now?

10:50 - How will the assessments be structured?

13:54 - Where will students sit the SQE and how much is it likely to cost?

15:04 - How will the new system affect the 2-year training contract as it currently stands?

17:17 - Making sure that barriers don't stop talented, aspiring solicitors

18:10 - When will further information be made available around the SQE?

19:33 - What is your one piece of advice for aspiring solicitors?

21:06 - Gown or Wig?

For more great legal career advice, subscribe to our channel and visit our website: www.thelawyerportal.com.