Additional resources mentioned in this episode
AllAboutLaw – Legal Work Experience
While you’re studying, it’s important to balance academics with practical work experience to boost your employability. This resource shares guidance on how to find placements, build experience in a way that fits your schedule, and explore different routes into the profession.

Explore the resources:

• Legal Work Experience Ideas

• Hunting for Legal Work Experience

• Law Gap Year

Learn more at:⁠https://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/thelawyerfiles

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Vanessa Wilson shares her journey from property management into real estate disputes law, offering a practical and refreshing perspective on landlord and tenant issues, non-traditional routes into law, and the mindset needed to thrive in a demanding profession in this must listen episode of The Lawyer Files.

In this episode, I sit down with Vanessa Wilson, a real estate disputes lawyer whose background in property management and running her own property services business gives her a unique, real-world understanding of the issues that sit behind legal disputes. She now brings that insight into practice, approaching disputes with clarity, care, and a strong focus on the client experience.

Vanessa reflects on her academic journey and the transition into law, highlighting how practical industry experience can become a real strength in legal practice. We explore what it’s like to build confidence as a newly qualified lawyer, how she manages pressure, and why communication and empathy are just as important as technical legal knowledge in contentious matters.

Alongside her legal career, Vanessa is also an accredited empowerment coach and NLP practitioner, and she shares how mindset work supports her professional development, client communication, and resilience when navigating complex and emotionally charged disputes.

We talk about
✅ Vanessa’s route into law and what shaped her decision to pursue a legal career
✅ How property management experience translates into stronger legal advice
✅ What real estate disputes work is actually like day to day
✅ Landlord and tenant issues, and the human impact behind contentious matters
✅ Building confidence and resilience as an early career solicitor
✅ Mindset, empowerment coaching, and how NLP tools support performance under pressure
✅ Advice for aspiring solicitors taking a non-traditional path into the profession

Whether you’re interested in real estate disputes, property law, or navigating a non-linear legal journey, Vanessa’s story offers practical insight, encouragement, and a reminder that there is no single “right” way to build a career in law.

Follow The Lawyer Files on Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music.
Subscribe at TheLawyerFiles.com for written interviews, legal career guidance, and behind the scenes insights from the next generation of legal professionals.

Guest Information:
Vanessa Wilson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-wilson-516930113/

Contact and Enquiries:
Email ⁠[email protected]⁠
LinkedIn ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/denice-o

Additional resources mentioned in this episode

AllAboutLaw, the UK’s leading platform for aspiring solicitors. AllAboutLaw runs a series of virtual law career events, including their Virtual Law Fair and skill building workshops designed specifically for future lawyers. These live sessions give you the opportunity to connect with law firms, hear directly from recruiters, and gain practical insights that can strengthen your applications and interview performance.

Learn more at
https://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/thelawyerfiles

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Dual qualified disputes lawyer Femi Adeluola shares his journey practising law across Nigeria and England and Wales, offering a grounded and insightful look into litigation, arbitration, and international legal careers in this must listen episode of The Lawyer Files.

In this episode, I sit down with Femi, a disputes lawyer licensed in both Nigeria and England and Wales, and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators UK. His experience spans courtroom advocacy within a fused legal profession in Nigeria, as well as in house legal work in London, where he advises on disputes, risk, and commercial decision making.

Femi’s legal journey began in Nigeria, where acting as both solicitor and barrister gave him early exposure to every stage of the dispute process, from client engagement and case preparation to courtroom advocacy. After qualifying in England and Wales, he brought that experience into a new legal system, developing a dispute resolution approach focused on efficiency, cultural awareness, and resolving matters out of court wherever possible.

We also explore the realities of transitioning from private practice to an in house role, including the shift from being an external adviser to becoming a legal and business partner within an organisation. Femi reflects on the importance of maintaining independence and objectivity while supporting commercial goals, and how this balance shapes professional judgment.

We talk about

✅ Practising within a fused legal system and how early courtroom exposure shapes advocacy
✅ The challenges and opportunities of dual qualification across jurisdictions
✅ Moving from courtroom advocacy to in house legal work in the UK
✅ Why resolving disputes out of court is often the most effective outcome for clients
✅ The role of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution in modern legal practice
✅ Soft skills, adaptability, and cultural awareness in international legal careers
✅ Practical advice for aspiring lawyers interested in cross border work

Whether you are interested in dispute resolution, arbitration, or building an international legal career, Femi’s story offers clarity, realism, and thoughtful guidance for navigating law across borders.

Follow The Lawyer Files on Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music.

Subscribe at TheLawyerFiles.com for written interviews, legal career guidance, and behind the scenes insights from the next generation of legal professionals.

Guest Information
Femi Adeluola on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/femi-adeluola-aciarb-uk-3a062359/

Contact and Enquiries
Email [email protected]
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denice-o

Additional resources mentioned in this episode:

AllAboutLaw’s Online Application Masterclass

https://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/thelawyerfiles

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Emerging cyber lawyer and DAC Beachcroft solicitor Koye Adeyeye shares his journey into cyber incident response, crisis management and fintech driven legal practice in this must listen episode of TheLawyerFiles.

In this episode, I sit down with Koye, a U.K.-qualified solicitor specialising in Cyber Incident Response and Professional Indemnity, and currently a Litigation Counsel Secondee at Lockton. His work places him at the heart of real time cyber crises, guiding organisations through data breaches, forensic investigations and complex regulatory obligations under the UK GDPR.

Koye’s journey began with an early interest in threat intelligence and crisis driven work, before discovering cyber law as a space where legal judgement, technology and commercial awareness collide. From training across multiple practice areas to specialising in cyber, he reflects on how understanding the client beyond the black letter law has been central to his development as a solicitor.

We also discuss how completing the Oxford Fintech Programme at Saïd Business School shaped his understanding of financial systems, digital infrastructure and risk, allowing him to translate complex technical issues into practical, commercially grounded legal advice.

We talk about:

✅ How Koye found his way into cyber incident response and why crisis driven legal work motivates him

✅ What cyber breaches look like behind the scenes and how lawyers support clients in real time

✅ The challenges of GDPR notification decisions and assessing risk to individuals

✅ How fintech innovation is reshaping cyber risk and legal advice

✅ The value of secondments and seeing legal work from the client’s perspective

✅ Advice for aspiring solicitors interested in cybersecurity and technology focused practice areas

Whether you are interested in cyber law, fintech, or understanding how legal advice operates under pressure, Koye’s story offers practical insight, clarity and inspiration for navigating a modern legal career.

Follow TheLawyerFiles on Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Amazon Music.

Subscribe at TheLawyerFiles.com for written interviews, legal career guidance and behind the scenes insights from the next generation of legal professionals.

Guest Information

Koye Adeyeye on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/koye-adeyeye/

Contact and Enquiries

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denice-o

Additional resources mentioned in this episode:

AllAboutLaw’s Video Interview Masterclass

https://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/thelawyerfiles

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Emerging legal professional and future Bird and Bird trainee Charlie Suzannah Cromwell shares her inspiring journey into law, shaped by curiosity, resilience and a unique blend of technology and legal insight. A must listen episode of TheLawyerFiles.

In this episode, I sit down with Charlie, a First Class Computer Science graduate whose journey spans the UK and the US, touching on algorithmic bias, data equity and the power of accessible legal communication. From realising coding was not the career she wanted, to discovering the impact she could make through law, her story shows how technical skill, analytical depth and a commitment to social mobility can create a modern and meaningful legal path.

Her journey highlights the realities of transitioning from STEM into law, the lessons she learned during her Bird and Bird vacation scheme in Intellectual Property and how mentorship, writing and teaching strengthened her confidence in navigating complex ideas.

We talk about:

✅ What inspired her transition from Computer Science to the legal profession

✅ How she applies systems thinking and logic from STEM to legal reasoning

✅ The key lessons from her Bird and Bird vacation scheme and what it taught her about collaboration and communication

✅ Her experience writing for The Student Lawyer and why simplifying complexity is essential for good legal work

✅ Her perspective on social mobility, access and why visibility matters in the profession

✅ Her advice for aspiring lawyers who come from non traditional backgrounds or want to enter tech focused areas of law

Whether you are exploring a future in technology law, considering a non traditional route into the profession or seeking inspiration to build confidence in your own journey, Charlie’s story offers clarity, motivation and real insight.

Follow The Lawyer Files on Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Amazon Music.

Subscribe at www.thelawyerfiles.com for written interviews, legal career guidance and behind the scenes insights from the next generation of legal professionals.

Guest Information:

Charlie Suzannah Cromwell — https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliesuzannahcromwell

Contact and Enquiries:

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denice-o/

Additional resources mentioned in this episode

AllAboutLaw’s Watson Glaser and assessment preparation hub
https://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/thelawyerfiles

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Emerging international lawyer and LSE LLM Candidate Jess Akuffo shares her inspiring journey through global legal education and public international law — a story defined by academic excellence, curiosity, and purpose. A must-listen episode of The Lawyer Files. 🎙️

In this episode, I sit down with Jess Akuffo, a Legal Intern at Ofcom and Public International Law LLM candidate at the London School of Economics, who has built an impressive academic and professional foundation spanning King’s College London, Monash University, and LSE. From achieving a First Class Honours in her LLB to researching international investment law and African development, Jess’s journey shows how global perspective, intellectual curiosity, and a passion for justice can drive meaningful impact.

Her story highlights the intersection between international law, business, and policy, and the importance of exploring how law contributes to sustainable development and fair global governance.

We talk about
✅ How studying across the UK and Australia shaped her global outlook on law
✅ The inspiration behind her LLM dissertation on investment law and host state development
✅ Lessons from her internship at Ofcom supporting consumer and competition law regulation
✅ How her long-term work with Ohene cocoa deepened her interest in African development
✅ The role of mentorship, resilience, and curiosity in building an international legal career

Whether you’re passionate about international law, development, or pursuing postgraduate study, Jess’s story is filled with insight, motivation, and global perspective.

👉 Follow The Lawyer Files on Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music
📰 Subscribe for written interviews, legal career tips, and behind-the-scenes insights from the next generation of legal professionals.

Guest Information
Jess Akuffo — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessakuffo

Contact / Enquiries
Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denice-o/

Emerging legal professional and Solicitor Apprentice Zafreen shares her inspiring journey into law — a story defined by discipline, determination, and ambition. A must-listen episode of The Lawyer Files. 🎙️

In this episode, I sit down with Zafreen A, a Solicitor Apprentice at Fox Williams LLP, who has already built an impressive foundation through experiences at CMS, Allen & Overy, and Grant Thornton. From studying law at A Level to choosing the apprenticeship route over the traditional university path, her story shows how early passion, strong role models, and structured ambition can shape a powerful legal career.

Her journey highlights the realities of balancing full-time work with a law degree, the value of mentorship, and how early exposure to different departments — from admin to compliance to dispute resolution — has shaped her understanding of the legal profession.

We talk about:
✅ What inspired her to choose the solicitor apprenticeship route at Fox Williams
✅ How she balances full-time work with studying at the University of Law
✅ The teamwork lessons she learned during her CMS work experience
✅ What she discovered during rotations across admin, compliance, and dispute resolution
✅ The importance of mentorship through Zero Gravity
✅ Her advice for aspiring solicitor apprentices and future lawyers

Whether you’re a student exploring apprenticeships, someone unsure of which legal path to take, or a young professional seeking motivation, Zafreen’s journey is filled with structure, honesty, and valuable insight.

👉 Follow The Lawyer Files on Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music
📰 Subscribe at www.thelawyerfiles.com for written interviews, legal career tips, and behind-the-scenes insights from the next generation of legal professionals.

Guest Information:
Zafreen A — https://www.linkedin.com/in/zafreen-a-1908a7270/

Contact / Enquiries:
Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denice-o/

Emerging legal professional and Data Protection Manager Adeniyi shares his inspiring journey into privacy law — a story defined by curiosity, adaptability, and purpose. A must-listen episode of The Lawyer Files. 🎙️

In this episode, I sit down with Adeniyi, Data Protection Manager at Birketts LLP, who has built an impressive career at the intersection of law, technology, and business. From his early academic curiosity to working across organisations like Monzo Bank and Stone King LLP, Adeniyi’s journey shows how unexpected beginnings can lead to extraordinary careers.

His story highlights the realities of transitioning from corporate roles into legal practice, how empathy strengthens compliance work, and why curiosity remains his greatest professional tool.

We talk about:
✅ How a single module sparked his interest in data protection and changed his career path
✅ The lessons he learned working across corporate and legal environments
✅ Why empathy and collaboration are key to success in compliance roles
✅ How privacy professionals are adapting to the challenges of AI and digital innovation
✅ Why education and continuous learning are essential in the evolving tech-law space
✅ His advice for aspiring lawyers who want to break into data protection and privacy law

Whether you’re a law student exploring new fields, a professional curious about the future of tech and regulation, or someone discovering how to turn curiosity into career direction, Adeniyi’s story is filled with valuable insights and motivation.

👉 Follow The Lawyer Files on Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music
📰 Subscribe on the website for written interviews, legal career tips, and behind-the-scenes insights from the next generation of legal professionals.

Guest Information:

Adeniyi Ajose - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adeniyi-ajose-15961b114/

Contact/Enquiries:
Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denice-o/

Solicitor and founder Daisy Doardo shares her inspiring journey into law shaped by empathy, resilience, and a commitment to access to justice. A thoughtful and deeply human episode of TheLawyerFiles.
🎙️

In this episode, I sit down with Daisy Doardo — a solicitor, writer, and founder of Daisy Legal, whose approach to law is rooted in compassion, purpose, and lived experience. From guiding families through moments of unimaginable loss to building her own legal business while studying, Daisy’s story is one of courage and conviction.

Her reflections offer an honest look at how empathy and professionalism can coexist in law, how trauma-informed practice can reshape client care, and why wellbeing and self-awareness are essential for long-term success in the profession.

We talk about:
✅ How lived experience shaped her approach to client care and legal advocacy
✅ Working on sensitive and high-profile cases and managing public scrutiny with empathy
✅ What access to justice really means and how it drives her purpose in law
✅ The lessons she learned founding Daisy Legal while studying
✅ How lawyers can protect their wellbeing and still practise with heart
✅ What she would tell her younger self — and her advice to aspiring lawyers entering emotionally demanding areas of practice

Whether you are drawn to advocacy, client-facing work, or simply exploring what it means to lead with purpose, Daisy’s story is a powerful reminder that empathy is not a weakness in law — it is a strength.

👉 Follow The Lawyer Files on Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music
📰 Subscribe on www.thelawyerfiles.comfor written interviews, legal career insights, and stories from inspiring professionals shaping the future of law.

Guest Details:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisy-doardo/

Contact / Enquiries:

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denice-o/

Emerging legal professional Elinam Akotey shares her powerful journey into law shaped by self-awareness, adaptability, and a commercial mindset developed across multiple industries. A thoughtful and practical episode of TheLawyerFiles.

🎙️

In this episode, I sit down with Elinam Akotey — in-house legal counsel with experience at Harrods and in the fashion industry. Originally drawn to war journalism, Elinam made the decision to pivot into law, carrying with her a strong foundation in advocacy, communication, and client awareness.

Her story offers honest reflections on learning through career pivots, gaining confidence in non-traditional legal paths, and developing the soft skills that matter most in commercial legal practice.

We talk about:
✅ Why she pivoted from journalism to law and how storytelling still shapes her thinking
✅ Her time as a Paralegal at Harrods and how she balanced legal risk with business needs
✅ What it’s really like working in-house for a global fashion brand
✅ Why listening is an underrated superpower in legal work
✅ The value of soft skills in commercial settings and how to build confidence across career transitions
✅ What she would tell her younger self — and her advice to aspiring lawyers finding their own path

Whether you’re pursuing a legal career outside the traditional route, working in-house, or learning how to bring your personality into your profession, Elinam’s story is a reminder that commercial strength and human insight can go hand in hand.

👉 Follow The Lawyer Files on Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music
📰 Subscribe on www.thelawyerfiles.com for written interviews, legal career tips, and behind-the-scenes insight from the next generation of legal professionals

Guest Details:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elinam-akotey/

Contact/Enquiries:

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denice-o/

Welcome to the very first episode/trailer of The Lawyer Files!

I’m Denice Obeng, and I’m so excited to finally launch this podcast. The Lawyer Files is here to give aspiring solicitors and legal professionals real, unfiltered insights into the legal industry. Whether you’re a law student, a future trainee, or someone considering a legal career, this podcast will provide you with the knowledge, advice, and motivation you need.

Each episode, I’ll be sitting down with legal professionals at different stages of their careers to discuss their journeys, the challenges they’ve faced, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. We’ll be covering everything from training contracts and qualifying as a solicitor to the skills you need to stand out in this competitive field.

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denice-o/