Trainee Talk

In this episode, we spoke to Tommy Adeyefa, a future trainee solicitor at Clifford Chance. Tommy speaks about his upbringing and journey into commercial law whilst dropping some nuggets for those looking to pursue the same path.

The episode is hosted by: Milambo Makani.

This episode is edited by: Yee Rou Quah.

The music in this episode is created by: Ichabod Todd.

ichabod-todd.weebly.com/

Our guest in this episode is Liz Barrett, a future trainee at Mishcon de Reya.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Liz still had the conviction to pursue commercial law, despite coming to university as a mature student with only a handful of GCSEs, and having spent over a decade battling with illness.

She explains the importance of valuing your worth and how life experiences can be used in applications and interviews to stand out. Liz also explains how she presented her mitigating circumstances to firms and stayed true to herself in her application forms.

If you want to hear more from Liz, check out her blog: https://silksandthecity.wordpress.com/ where she shares plenty of actionable advice on all aspects of the training contract process.

This episode is hosted by: Jaysen Sutton.

The music in this episode is created by: Ichabod Todd.

ichabod-todd.weebly.com/

Our guest in this episode is Liz Barrett, a future trainee at Mishcon de Reya.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Liz still had the conviction to pursue commercial law, despite coming to university as a mature student with only a handful of GCSEs, and having spent over a decade battling with illness.

She explains the importance of valuing your worth and how life experiences can be used in applications and interviews to stand out. Liz also explains how she presented her mitigating circumstances to firms and stayed true to herself in her application forms.

If you want to hear more from Liz, check out her blog: https://silksandthecity.wordpress.com/ where she shares plenty of actionable advice on all aspects of the training contract process.

This episode is hosted by: Jaysen Sutton.

The music in this episode is created by: Ichabod Todd.

ichabod-todd.weebly.com/

Our guest in this episode is Yousif Alawoad, a future trainee at Clifford Chance.

In this episode, Yousif candidly shares the challenging circumstances he and his family faced as political refugees, as well as the determination he had to work things out as the first of his family to go to university.

Yousif also explains how his persistence and ability to bounce back from rejection led to an offer from his dream firm.

This episode is hosted by: Jaysen Sutton.

The music in this episode is created by: Ichabod Todd.

ichabod-todd.weebly.com/

Our guest in this episode is Yousif Alawoad, a future trainee at Clifford Chance.

In this episode, Yousif candidly shares the challenging circumstances he and his family faced as political refugees, as well as the determination he had to work things out as the first of his family to go to university.

Yousif also explains how his persistence and ability to bounce back from rejection led to an offer from his dream firm.

This episode is hosted by: Jaysen Sutton.

The music in this episode is created by: Ichabod Todd.

ichabod-todd.weebly.com/

Our guest in this episode is Arun Wagle, a future trainee at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. Arun came from a non-Russell Group university and, during his applications, didn’t know anyone applying to the same firms he was applying to. However, Arun explains how he used his initiative to create his own opportunities.

Arun also drills down into how exactly he developed his commercial awareness, his advice for those participating in the Aspiring Solicitors Commercial Awareness Competition (as a former semi-finalist), and how to deal with written exercises and curveball questions at interview.

This episode is hosted by: Jaysen Sutton.

The music in this episode is created by: Ichabod Todd.

ichabod-todd.weebly.com/

Our guest in this episode is Arun Wagle, a future trainee at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. Arun came from a non-Russell Group university and, during his applications, didn’t know anyone applying to the same firms he was applying to. However, Arun explains how he used his initiative to create his own opportunities.

Arun also drills down into how exactly he developed his commercial awareness, his advice for those participating in the Aspiring Solicitors Commercial Awareness Competition (as a former semi-finalist), and how to deal with written exercises and curveball questions at interview.

This episode is hosted by: Jaysen Sutton.

The music in this episode is created by: Ichabod Todd.

ichabod-todd.weebly.com/

In this practical episode, Luke Chouhan, a future trainee at White & Case, takes us through his application journey, starting as a non-law candidate at the University of St Andrews.

He explains how he went about writing effective applications, developing commercial awareness and handling video interviews.

You’ll also learn Luke’s top tips for approaching vacation schemes and demonstrating confidence during the interview process.

This episode is hosted by: Jaysen Sutton.

The music in this episode is created by: Ichabod Todd.

ichabod-todd.weebly.com/

In this practical episode, Luke Chouhan, a future trainee at White & Case, takes us through his application journey, starting as a non-law candidate at the University of St Andrews.

He explains how he went about writing effective applications, developing commercial awareness and handling video interviews.

You’ll also learn Luke’s top tips for approaching vacation schemes and demonstrating confidence during the interview process.

This episode is hosted by: Jaysen Sutton.

The music in this episode is created by: Ichabod Todd.

ichabod-todd.weebly.com/

In this episode, Serena King, a second-seat trainee solicitor at Baker McKenzie, takes us through the first six months of her training contract.

For candidates, Serena explains the importance of working out your 'why' as you head into commercial law and why you should back yourself.

Serena also shares her advice for incoming trainees on managing expectations and dealing with constructive criticism, including the system she uses to reflect on her personal development during her training contract.

Finally, thank you to Serena for being open when discussing the feelings of imposter syndrome that trainees may have!

This episode is hosted by: Seren Williams.

The music in this episode is created by: Ichabod Todd.

ichabod-todd.weebly.com/