In this episode we are joined by special guest, Graham Browning. In 20 years as Freshfields' trouble shooter, his unique path focused on culture, crisis and change - such as 'Being Freshfields', the firm's first initiative to transform its culture globally. He is now a business coach, international trainer and leader of a team who resolve sensitive workplace issues.

In a wide ranging interview, Graham shines a light on what law firms are really like and how to navigate them successfully. He shares insights from his experience in Law (teaching, training at Clifford Chance, fee-earning then in-house employment law), HR (performance, mental health and inclusion work with the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust) and psychology. It is a relaxed and informal discussion about being yourself, inclusion, the keys to career success (or failure), doing a job that really matters to you, and thinking like a savvy buyer as you assess potential employers. Whether or not you are thinking about City Law, you are sure to find something of lasting value here.

In Episode 4, we speak with Cai Cherry who graduated with a degree in Law from King’s in 2021.  He is currently completing the Accelerated LPC at The University of Law, before joining global law firm DLA Piper as a Trainee Solicitor in August 2022. After completing the LPC in early 2022, Cai is planning on studying for the New York Bar.

In a wide ranging discussion, we talk about Cai's involvement with The Media Freedom Project through King's, matching his academic interests to his future employer, the support provided by MyPlus, and disclosing his disability during recruitment processes.  

In this episode, we speak with Kristin Lyaskova who studied Law with European Legal Studies at King’s and spent one year as an Erasmus student in Heidelberg, Germany. Following graduation and a one-year career break from law, Kristin completed an internship at the European Court of Justice and, in light of the Brexit vote, went on to study for an LLM in Finance in Frankfurt.  She then stayed in Germany and worked in banking law, corporate law and financial regulation at Freshfields and at Dentons. Kristin is now a Senior Associate at PwC Legal in Frankfurt. 

Kristin shares her experience of studying in different countries and navigating the training contract application process. She also discusses the value of gaining non-legal work experience, working in multi-disciplinary teams, and the reality of being a dual qualified lawyer within the complex world of financial regulation. 

In Episode 2, we speak with Felipe Tirado, a PhD Candidate and Visiting Lecturer in Law at King's College London (KCL), who also holds a Masters in Law from KCL and UFMG (Brazil). Currently, Felipe is a researcher associated with the King's Brazil Institute and the Center for Studies on Transitional Justice (UFMG), a Senior Editor of King's Student Law Review, and a member of the Human Rights Commission of the Brazilian Bar Association in the state of Minas Gerais. 

We discuss Felipe's experience on the Transnational Law LLM, motivation for his research, the realities of embarking upon a PhD, his passion for teaching, and the importance of believing in your chosen path.

In the first episode of Series 2, we speak with Berliana Tjendera, who graduated with a degree in Law from King’s in 2021.  Berliana is currently taking a gap year, working as a paralegal, before embarking upon the LPC and joining leading international commercial law firm, Linklaters, as a Trainee Solicitor in March 2023. During her time at King’s, Berliana was the President of the KCL ASEAN Society where she led a 14-person committee to host new and exciting initiatives for their members amidst pandemic-related disruptions. Berliana was also an active member of the Negotiation, Streetlaw, and Indonesian Societies.  

Berliana shares how she tackled assessment centre nerves, the transferable skills which she developed during her time at King's, the benefits of getting involved with student societies, and how debating "hot topics" with your friends is good practice for interviews.

In this Special Episode of Let's Talk Law, we are joined by two guests who have both contributed a lot to King’s Careers & Employability: Helen and Brett.  Helen combines extensive experience as a careers consultant, including 14 years working with Dickson Poon students, with that as a graduate recruitment and development manager in corporate law, accountancy and blue chip organisations.  Brett has spent over 10 years leading Entry Talent teams in the legal sector and has worked for a number of the UK’s largest firms. In recent years Brett has also taken on employability projects – collaborating with King’s College London, University of Law and University of York. 

In a wide ranging interview, we discuss what recruiters look for in a successful applicant and share top tips for preparing for assessment centres and interviews.

In this episode we speak with Justyna Kurzela who graduated from King's with an LLB in Law with European Legal Studies and an LLM in International Financial Law.  During her LLB, she spent a year abroad at the University of Strasbourg.  Since graduating, Justyna has held various roles in the public sector including at the Bank of England and the European Central Bank.  We discuss how Justyna's LLM studies provided a solid foundation for her career in finance, the power of effective mentorship, and taking the scenic route to law.

In this episode, we speak with Andrew Hall who recently graduated with a Masters in War Studies from King's, studying part-time alongside his role as Legal Counsel at global speciality insurer AXA XL.  Andrew's work focuses on investigations, litigation and special risks such as kidnap, piracy and ransom.  In his spare time he is a filmmaker and climber.  

In a wide ranging interview we discuss changing directions and making the move from private practice to in-house.  We also touch on being the independent voice in the room, the growing importance of project management skills, merging academic and professional interests, and why asking genuine questions throughout your career really helps.  

In this episode, we speak with Emelyne Peticca who is an Associate at Constantine Cannon LLP where she specialises in Art & Cultural Property Law and Commercial Dispute Resolution.  Emelyne graduated from King's with a degree in English Law & French Law and also has an MSc in Art Law and Business from Christie's Education, London.  

We learn how Emelyne has combined her lifelong passion for art with a career in law.  We also discuss broadening your horizons and developing commercial awareness through work experience, creating opportunities for yourself as a student, applying the law practically to your clients' situation, and being a tourist in London.   

In this episode, we speak with Laurence Hortas-Laberge who is a Canadian qualified lawyer.  Laurence graduated in Law from the University of Montreal and completed an LLM in Transnational Law at King's, specialising in Business and Human Rights.  She is currently pursuing a career at the International Criminal Court where she had been a trainee.  Laurence recently successfully completed all required examinations for her pending admission to the New York Bar.

We discuss feeling empowered whilst studying at King's, being confident when pursuing career opportunities, and the ongoing intellectual challenge of criminal defence work.