In this special episode we are joined by Dr Angela Sherwood and Monika Sobiecki to talk about the role lawyers can play in achieving “Climate Justice”. 

We talk about what “Climate Justice” means, how both guests became so committed to working in this area, and the urgent need for all lawyers to consider the environmental impact of their work.  Also, we discuss Angela’s new (and unique) undergraduate law degree programme at QMUL, “Law and Climate Justice”. 

Monika and Angela talk about their respective pathways to the world of law and “Climate Justice”.  Angela speaks about her role at the United Nations, and how her interest grew in the political and legal aspects of climate change, and also how this linked to her interests in human rights, social justice, and the individual impact which environmental challenges are having across the world. 

This led Angela to develop a new law degree programme at QMUL to ensure that the next generation of law students are keenly aware of the relevant issues and can understand how they, as future lawyers, can be change agents to help achieve “Climate Justice”.

Monika talks about her work as a barrister, and how a client’s case she was working on (‘Climategate’) triggered a sense of needing to help more with the climate emergency – in particular making lawyers aware of the impact which their work is having globally.  Monika discusses the work of the “Lawyers are Responsible” group, and explains how students equally passionate about this topic can become involved, and why she feels this is so important.

Actions and resources for listeners:
·       Look at the topics covered in the new QMUL degree in “Law and Climate Justice”: which ones are you particularly passionate about?
·       Watch the Newsnight video on the Lawyers are Responsible website: what are your views on the “cab rank rule” for barristers and how should lawyers think about ethics in a climate crisis?
·       How are UK law students getting involved in challenging climate change? Have a look at the group Law Students for Climate Accountability and the critical demands they are making of the legal profession.

 In this special episode we are joined by two final year QMUL Law students, Simran Patel and William Green, who took up the option of embedding a year of paid work experience into their law studies.  We talk about how the opportunity to apply one’s academic learning in the workplace is powerful, the skills they built, the different private practice and in-house work environments, and the career insights which a work placement offers to guide your development.

For the in-house environment, Williams speaks about how working in the Corporate and Legal Operations teams at CHANEL led to feeling very close to the business units across the company.  How he built his commercial awareness, giving him great insight into issues a lawyer needs to think about as part of their work in a world-leading luxury brand business.  Also, William compares this experience with the private practice environment of ICB Law Firm in Kuwait, which was a fascinating insight into a law firm in a different region. 

Simran talks about how much insight her placement at BCLP gave into a career in private practice – especially how she built her confidence in dealing directly with clients, the need to be responsive, and build one’s communication skills.  Also Simran describes how the technologies which are now becoming a key part of a lawyer’s daily tool-kit mean that attention to detail is even more critical – checking what the AI and other automation tools have created.  Finally, Simran compares this private practice experience with her previous internships as part of an in-house legal team, and how all this experience has helped to shape her career thinking.   

Actions and resources for listeners:
·       Look at the QMUL placement degree student experience videos and statements here – what skills did the students develop?  And how does this list of skills link to some skills you would like to develop?
·       Read this article about In-House career paths and how you can find a path toward them – and plan your answers for the interview questions listed there!

In this podcast we hear from the CEO of Clarilis, a market leading technology platform in the sector, who shares insights into:

• The different ways technology and Generative AI are impacting the sector, including how technology is making the most of the best legal minds 
• The different elements of legal technology and how for example, large language models are being used
• The pace of change & what drives it
• How embracing generative AI frees up those in the sector to enjoy their work even more 

Plus of course tips on both routes into legal technology and how to know if it is for you

Useful links and resources:

https://www.clarilis.com/

https://www.clarilis.com/about-clarilis/careers

https://www.artificiallawyer.com/

https://www.legalcheek.com/

https://www.legalgeek.co/

This episode encourages, and guides, students on the nuts and bolts of how to go to court and watch a court case from the public gallery. 
Most courts in the country have public galleries where members of the public over the age of 14 can attend and watch hearings.   

Watching a court case whether a trial, hearing or an appeal is a wonderful way to learn more about the legal profession.  This episode aims to give listeners all the nitty gritty information they need to get the confidence to go to court and watch. 

Useful Resources:         
Here is a page about criminal sentencing being televised and there is a You Tube link towards the bottom of the page: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/broadcasting-crown-court-sentencing       
Watch current and past cases at the Supreme Court here: https://www.supremecourt.uk/         
Competition Appeal Tribunal Website (with livestream towards the top of the page). https://www.catribunal.org.uk/   

This special episode records a live stream panel event with criminal lawyers discussing their work and views.  The episode has audience contributions from aspiring lawyers.   

In this special episode Fran welcomes three criminal lawyers to join her on a panel discussing the nuts and bolts of working in criminal practice.  Barristers Beth Crocker and Sonal Dishani and solicitor Harun Matin get stuck in to all the wonderful questions that our audience and Fran have for them.  A must listen for anyone interested in working in criminal law.   

This podcast is packed with useful advice from Clare Grant, BPP’s Commercial Director of Legal Apprenticeships.  Kerry Jarred and Clare discuss the increasing adoption and impact of apprenticeship programs in the legal sector, particularly solicitor apprenticeships.  If you want to understand how apprenticeships differ from the traditional training contract route, how they are structured and what would be expected of you, this is the key podcast to listen to!

Resources:

Apprenticeships | Learn About Apprenticeships And Find The Right One For You (ucas.com)

Find an apprenticeship - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships at BPP | BPP

GetMyFirstJob | Apprenticeships, Degree Apprenticeships, Work Experience & Graduate Jobs

Home (notgoingtouni.co.uk)

Young Professionals – YPUK (young-professionals.uk)

Professional network for young people (uptree.co)

Free Virtual Work Experience Programs from Top Companies - Forage (theforage.com)

Welcome to The 93% Club | The State School Members' Club (93percent.club)

 If you want to learn about the world of Mergers and Acquisitions, Private Equity and Venture Capital – then this is the show for you!  Kerry Jarred speaks with Sam Smith and Raghav Vohora of CMS to explore the current corporate market activity and its drivers, what investors look for when making investment decisions, and how corporate lawyers support their clients in this sector.  It is PACKED full of information as Sam and Raghav de-mystify key corporate terms and provide useful advice to those wanting to find out more.

Resources:

Finimize: Invest smarter

Financial Times (ft.com)

The Economist | Independent journalism

LittleLaw

Law firm specialised in Mergers & Acquisitions - CMS in the UK

The Secret Barrister by The Secret Barrister | Waterstones

 In this special episode we are joined by Tamara Box.  Tamara is a partner, and Head of Structured Finance at global law firm Reed Smith and, in the immediate past, was the firm’s Managing Partner for Europe and the Middle East.  We “horizon scan” with Tamara on how she sees the legal services sector changing in the coming years, and what that means for the careers, skills and opportunities for those entering the sector.
 
In this special episode we are joined by Tamara Box.  Tamara is a partner, and Head of Structured Finance at global law firm Reed Smith and, in the immediate past, was the firm’s Managing Partner for Europe and the Middle East.  We “horizon scan” with Tamara on how she sees the legal services sector changing in the coming years, and what that means for the careers, skills and opportunities for those entering the sector.  In this episode, Tamara talks about her own career path, the importance of being open to exploring opportunities, “being brave” and not expecting that one’s career will develop in a linear way.  Tamara also highlights how legal education and training gives a great set of foundational skills to pivot into many career paths – and how more diversity of skill-set and mind-set will be critical to deliver on client service needs in the future.  For those entering the sector, Tamara sets out the breadth of opportunities across the private, public and non-for profit sectors – and above all how key skill-sets for students to focus on developing are those of customer service, communication and writing skills too, which will be critical for building great professional connections and opening up opportunities. 

Actions and resources for listeners:
·       Check this blog by Jordan Furlong for how the legal sector may look (“if we’re lucky”) in 2033.
·       Look at this list of 7 client/customer service skills.  Which 1 skill could you develop more in the coming 6 months?

Ever wondered what a career in Real Estate Law, and in particular affordable housing entails?  This podcast will give you real insight into how law firms like Trowers and Hamlin provide services within this sector.  Kerry Jarred is joined by Rob Beiley, Emma Kirby and Nikita Asher from Trowers and Hamlin, one of our sponsors here at ReImagine Law.  The show is packed with advice and guidance, one not to be missed!

Resources:

Inside Housing - Home

Trowers & Hamlins - International law firm -Trowers & Hamlins

Navigating the UK market investment in student accommodation -Trowers & Hamlins

This podcast addresses whether the SQE syllabus delivers what is needed to be able to be effective in role as a newly qualified solicitor.  Kerry Jarred is once again joined by Jonny Hurst of BPP and also, by Chloe Hayes who has recently passed her SQE 2 exams and is currently working towards to fulfilling her QWE requirements.   

We cover the differences between the LPC and SQE course content, How the SQE course content sets students up for deciding the area of law to specialise in; what students can do to gain more experience and insight; and is packed full of top tips and advice.

Links: 

LLM SQE1&2 | Courses | BPP

BPP Legal Advice Clinic (BLAC) | Pro Bono Centre | BPP University Law School

SQE preparation courses - Courses (lawcareers.net)

CommercialAwareness - Commercial awareness (lawcareers.net)

The SQE Hub - Legal Cheek