Campus dean at ULaw London Bloomsbury, Sandie Gaines discusses her experience in employment law and how students can prepare for upcoming applications

Sandie Gaines, campus dean at The University of Law (ULaw)’s London Bloomsbury campus, began her education journey in the sciences before switching to law.

Having spent 15 years practicing as an employment solicitor before climbing the education ladder at ULaw, she spoke to Legal Cheek Careers about the realities of life in legal practice, and everything students need to know about networking, commercial awareness, and overcoming rejection.

To start off, can you tell me a little bit about your career thus far?

I’ve worked in higher education at ULaw for 15 years, and prior to that I was a solicitor in private practice for 15 years specialising in employment law. When I joined ULaw in 2009 as a lecturer, I taught a number of business-related subjects including business law and practice, acquisitions and mergers, and public companies on the Legal Practice Course (LPC). I’ve also held a number of managerial roles at ULaw prior to becoming a Dean eight years ago; I’m also an associate professor, holding post-graduate qualifications in teaching, education management, business psychology, psychology as well as law.

What did you enjoy most about your time in practice and what prompted you to make the move into legal education?

I enjoyed practicing employment law as it’s a constantly changing area of law and it’s very muti-dimensional, which makes it an interesting and engaging subject matter. For example, a typical employment problem faced by a business includes elements of unfair dismissal, possibly equality issues, and contract law. So, it’s a very interesting and varied practice area which I felt like I could really sink my teeth into.

Employment solicitors also need to have a good understanding of their client’s business, to ensure that the advice given is realistic and commercially feasible. I acted for a number of different types of clients ranging from smaller enterprises and charities to educational establishments and larger businesses, often visiting their premises to take instructions which was very insightful.

Following my move into Higher Education in 2009, an interesting opportunity presented itself to work at ULaw (or the College of Law as it was then), but upon reflection, had this opportunity not presented itself, I probably would have remained in legal practice.

What has been the most memorable moment of your career to date?

I’m struggling to narrow it down to one! Following my training contract, I started my legal career as a solicitor specialising in criminal law with some family law work, conducting my own advocacy to trial level. I remember representing clients in court on a number of criminal matters in the Magistrates’ Court such as an affray, a dangerous dog case and theft allegations.

Employment tribunal final hearings were memorable too, I remember winning an unfair dismissal case despite the fact that my client’s main witness knocked a water bottle on the floor of the tribunal whilst giving evidence and acted out a tussle they had with the claimant in the style of what appeared to be a pantomime!

Can you tell us a bit about life on campus at ULaw London Bloomsbury — what sorts of spaces and facilities do students have access to?

Life on campus at ULaw Bloomsbury is very dynamic and engaging; I love it here! The environment can be high pressured at times as we have over 3,000 students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and it’s imperative that we deliver a high level of service to everyone.

The culture and atmosphere on campus is friendly, supportive, and full of energy and excitement. The Bloomsbury campus location is particularly exceptional, situated in central London and very close to iconic attractions such as the Royal Courts of Justice, the Law Society on Chancery Lane, barristers’ chambers, and numerous wellbeing-enhancing green spaces. The Bloomsbury campus itself is well-resourced with facilities such as a café area, a newly created bio-diversity garden in our courtyard area, plenty of library study spaces for students, and a lecture theatre where we also hold events. Store Street, where we’re situated, is full of interesting cafes and restaurants: there’s plenty for students to explore.

What factors should students be considering when they are shortlisting firms that they want to apply to?

In my view, when shortlisting firms, students should consider factors such as the size of the firm and impact on lifestyle choice; firm location and likely opportunities for secondment; and very importantly, the areas of practice covered by the firm. It can help if students ask themselves – are these practice areas of interest to you? Would you be motivated by the work or the rewards at this firm? And what are the implications for work/life balance, and is this important to me?

The size of the firm, the structure of the training and the opportunities available to junior at the firm are also important factors to consider when embarking on a career in a chosen firm. The opportunity to gain experience of different areas of practice and go on secondment can shape the direction of a legal career.

Lastly, I believe that students’ perception of general “fit” with the firm is an important consideration — is this an organisation where you think you would be able to flourish?

When attending virtual and in-person networking events, what sorts of questions should students be asking to get the most out of the experience?

Firstly, don’t waste the opportunity by asking questions you can already find the answers to yourself, rather, try to find out who you are likely to network with (e.g. trainees, newly qualified or perhaps partners at a firm) and modify your questions as a result.

Example questions you can consider directing towards lawyers include:

• What practice area do you work in?
• What do you like about that practice area?
• What do you think is the biggest challenge facing firms such as yours, at the moment or in the near future?

What are your top three commercial awareness topics that you think students should be tracking closely ahead of application season?

All commercial awareness research should be ideally tailored to the type of firm that a student is interested in, but here are some key current affairs topic that students should keep in mind:

• The current position of UK economy
• The potential impact of a change in government
• Technology and in particular AI; its impact on law firms and its use by firm clients
• The law firm as a business

What is your advice for those who are currently, or soon to be, on vacation schemes this summer?

It’s important for students to be aware that as soon as you arrive at the door, you are being ‘assessed’ either informally or formally. To that end, make sure you’re being yourself whilst also maintaining professionalism; be courteous to other vac-schemers and staff; and be organised and intellectually curious throughout the experience. Key to all of this is good communication through both talking and actively listening to others.

Lastly, do you have any tips on how to learn from rejections?

Rejections are of course disappointing, and they can feel like impossible setbacks at the time. My advice is to appreciate that you will feel distracted by a rejection to begin with, and that this is only natural. However, after you have given yourself some time to recover and reflect, try to understand the reasons behind the rejection through seeking feedback from the organisation if need be. You may be able to learn and grow from that information and put it to good use in your future endeavours, drawing strength and resilience from your new knowledge.

Don’t give up– it’s inevitable that you will experience setbacks when you are pursuing significant goals such as securing professional employment. Maintaining your sense of presence and persistence throughout is key.

Sandie Gaines will be speaking at “Secrets to Success London — with Travers Smith, Reed Smith, Farrer & Co, Radcliffe Chambers and ULaw”, an in-person student event taking place this Thursday (4 July).  Apply now to attend.

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There are few practice areas more interesting than crime, says David Green, Academic Manager and criminal law lecturer at ULaw Birmingham

“Crime attracts a certain type of person. You need a particular type of personality to survive a career in criminal law because although it seems sexy, the reality in practice isn’t quite so glamorous,” says David Green, Academic Manager and criminal law lecturer at The University of Law (ULaw)’s Birmingham campus. “The hours are long, and it’s a really adversarial area of law, so you need to be able to cope mentally with the fact that you’re always up against somebody else: whether it’s the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the police, or the courts service. You’re always in that ‘rough-and-tumble’ and that’s not for everyone,” he says.

Having had a “fairly traditional” route into legal practice, Green undertook the LPC with The College of Law (ULaw’s predecessor) before beginning his career in criminal defence. “I worked my way up through a specialist criminal law firm, becoming a partner and later a Higher Courts Advocate before making the step over to legal education at ULaw,” he tells Legal Cheek Careers. “I always tell my students: given that we’re all likely to be working until we’re 75 now, everyone has time for two careers! For me, moving over to ULaw just felt like the right time for me to try something different.”

Digging into his attraction to life in criminal law, we’re keen to ask Green his reasoning behind forging a legal career in this direction. “I had done quite a lot of work experience during my degree, especially in mixed practice firms, and I think this is one of the best ways as a student to get a good sense of whether you will actually like certain areas of law,” he says. After having completed some work experience in criminal legal practice, Green says he just fell in love with it. “In order to adapt to such an intense daily working environment, it helps if you can learn to make light out of often dark situations,” Green explains. “I think the closest profession to being a criminal defence solicitor is being a doctor. You need to be able to find the humour in the horrible things that happen, and still be able to switch off at the end of your shift, go home, and be present in your personal life.

 “What really drew me to crime was the fact that it’s fun. There’s no other area of law where you find such odd things that have happened to people! I have a fascination in how seemingly ordinary people can often find themselves caught up in the criminal justice system,” he says. “There’s a huge range of clients you’re dealing with, which is brilliant. I love the cut and thrust of it; the adversarial nature of the practice—and no two days are ever the same!”

Speaking on his experiences of becoming a partner in a criminal defence practice, Green explains that naturally, his responsibilities ratchetted up a notch. “Attaining partnership meant not only taking on more complex and high-level cases, but also taking a new responsibility over the business itself. In a legal aid practice, this means trying to be as efficient as possible,” he says. In contrast to many commercial practices, Green explains that criminal firms have to stay flexible and agile. “No matter what the government threw at us in terms of legal aid reforms, we had to think about how we could continue to make money in a new and changing system.”

Given current political events, we ask Green how he imagines the general election is likely to impact criminal practices in the UK that are reliant on legal aid cases. “The sad reality is that there are no votes in legal aid. The only people voting that have an interest in legal aid reforms, are for obvious reasons, legal aid lawyers. Many people never consider that they will have the need for legal aid, and therefore this issue remains rather invisible,” he says. “Nobody asks to be dragged into the criminal justice system; whether you’re a victim of a crime or accused of a crime, you’re pushed into that system by the state. So, I think it’s fundamentally wrong that the state doesn’t have a system in place to properly provide for legal representation in every situation,” he explains.

“Unfortunately for many who need legal aid to access justice, it’s not really on the agenda of either of the big political parties, so it’s unlikely that we’ll see an improvement in legal aid policy in the near future,” he says.

Nevertheless, the introduction of the SQE is opening the doors to publicly funded practice for law students. Rather than having to bag ‘golden ticket’ training contracts in criminal law, students can now build their two years’ qualifying work experience (QWE) in criminal practice and qualify as a solicitor through this new route. We ask Green how ULaw is preparing its students to succeed on the SQE and to hit the ground running in such a demanding legal practice. “For SQE1, single best answer questions (SBAQs) assess far more detailed or niche areas of law and procedure than were being assessed previously. So, our teaching has become much more specific by delving into all of the detailed areas of criminal practice much more than we did previously, to ensure that our students are prepared,” he says. “Students are now being assessed as a day one solicitors rather than as trainees. So, the level of knowledge taught on our SQE programmes has also shifted up a couple of degrees; we’re teaching to a much higher level.”

For students who are keen to embrace the “rough-and-tumble” of criminal legal practice, they are not only taught by qualified criminal lawyers, but they can also gain first-hand experience at ULaw, says Green. “Students can go to our pro bono clinic at ULaw and gain legal work experience actually dealing with real clients. This is a great way very early in a legal career, to feel the pressure of having a real person in front of you with a real legal problem that you’re trying to solve,” he says. With employability skills at the core of ULaw’s student offering, Green is keen to emphasise the part that advocacy plays in building the skills that future criminal lawyers need in practice. “There is no other area of law where advocacy is so fundamental to practice as in criminal law. I also teach advocacy skills as part of ULaw’s Bar Practice Course (BPC) for future barristers. Advocacy, though a skill which students are often afraid of, is taught at ULaw the same as any other skill like riding a bike. It’s a case of practising, reflecting on your practise, and practising again!”

Discover more tips on succeeding in your legal career this afternoon at ‘Secrets to Success Birmingham — with Pinsent Masons, Reed Smith, DWF, Browne Jacobson and ULaw’ an in-person student event running tomorrow, Thursday (27^th June). Apply for one of the final few places.

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A handy summary of the week’s workshops and presentations

Legal Cheek’s Summer Virtual Vacation Scheme and Law Fair 2024 in partnership with The University of Law, saw over 2,000 students participate in workshops, presentations, an Employability Expo and law fair with more than 25 leading law firms in attendance.

The scheme took place over five days last week and students heard from lawyers in a range of practice areas, from energy to Islamic finance. Attendees received an insight into how various legal scenarios are approached in practice, through a combination of speaker presentations and discussions on case studies provided by ULaw.

Here is everything that went down…

Day 1

Session 1: Deals

The speakers

• Georgia Bridgen, Corporate associate at Jones Day
• Oliver Hewitt, Corporate associate at Jones Day

 What went down…

The session started with Georgia and Oliver presenting a 40-minute talk. The speakers discussed their career paths and their motivations for pursuing a career in law, with Georgia having studied law and Oliver having pursued a non-law route. They also spoke about the non-rotational structure of the Jones Day training contract and what drew them to a transactional practice at the firm. Next, the speakers explained the typical stages of a transaction and discussed deals that they had worked on in the past, exploring the key issues that arose during the transaction and the timescales involved.

The presentation was followed by a two-part Q&A, firstly considering questions that the audience had for the speakers. These addressed advice on how to build and maintain commercial awareness, including useful resources to facilitate this, as well as the balance between independence and support on Jones Day’s non-rotational training contract. Finally, the speakers offered their thoughts on the case study set for the session, discussing the range of practice areas involved in a single transaction and how communication is key to managing client expectations.

Session 2: Disputes

The speakers

• Kristjana Nikolls, Litigation associate at Willkie Farr & Gallagher
• Emilia Demetriades, trainee solicitor at Willkie Farr & Gallagher

What went down…

Following the opening session on deals, students turned to look at the world of disputes. Offering an insight into litigation were Willkie, Farr & Gallagher associate Kristjana Nikolls, and trainee solicitor Emilia Demetriades. The duo kicked off by discussing the varying roles that trainees, associates, and partners have in a dispute, before moving to a case study covering a recent record-breaking dispute overseen by the firm.

This gave the opportunity to explore and explain the process of a dispute and its challenging yet rewarding nature, emphasising the significant role that trainees and junior lawyers play alongside senior leaders.

The panel then moved to answer questions submitted by the audience. On the agenda was the impact of AI and legal tech on litigation, methods for handling stressful situations, and the perks of working at an elite US firm. Budding litigation lawyers were also given advice on key skills for success at Willkie, centring on a can-do attitude, time management, and being considerate of other lawyers and their individual demands.

Day 2

Session 1: Energy

 The speakers

•  Kevin Atkins, Energy, environment & infrastructure partner at BCLP
• Hansy Shore, Energy, environment & infrastructure associate at BCLP

What went down…

 The third day of the scheme kicked off with a masterclass on energy from two lawyers in BCLP’s energy, environment & infrastructure team, partner Kevin Atkins and associate Hansy Shore.

Both panellists spoke about their career journeys to date, with Kevin recollecting issues sparked by the Arab Spring, and Hansy noting her recent work on electric air taxis in Dubai. Novel challenges, innovation, and variety were all frequently used by the pair to describe why they entered into the energy field, and also the most enjoyable aspects of their work.

The speakers went on to offer their insights on issues surrounding renewable energy, energy security, and advising clients in tumultuous social and political circumstances. They rounded off by touching on the potential for moral dilemmas in an energy practice, whilst recognising the need for patience in a time of transition.

Finally, the panel discussed a case study surrounding the need for law firms to focus on ESG, taking a client-focussed approach, and emphasising the need to meet clients’ sustainability and environmental goals and attitudes in order to compete in a busy market.

 Session 2: Employability Expo

 The speakers

• Karen Watts, LPC and SQE programme and student lead at ULaw
• Amy Baulcombe, Student recruitment manager at ULaw Leeds
• Steven Joesbury, Student recruitment manager at ULaw Birmingham
• Hannah Coe, Senior student recruitment manager at ULaw
• Sophie Threlfall, Student recruitment manager at ULaw

What went down…

The SQE Explained

Karen Watts, Associate Professor at the University of Law, conducted an in-depth session on the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). She began by discussing the various routes into legal practice, highlighting the traditional and new pathways available for aspiring solicitors.

Watts then focused on the solicitor route to practice, introducing the SQE as a key component. She explained that the SQE is a two-stage exam required for qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales. SQE1 tests legal knowledge through multiple-choice questions, while SQE 2 assesses practical legal skills via written and oral tasks.

She elaborated on who the SQE affects, noting its relevance for all new entrants to the legal profession. Watts also detailed the assessment format, explaining that SQE1 consists of 360 questions divided into two exams, while SQE2 includes 16 practical exercises. Lastly, Watts discussed the benefits of the SQE, such as the flexibility that comes with the qualifying work experience (QWE) route and potentially providing more opportunities to study and work together to gain the qualification.

Firm Research and Applications

Student recruitment manager at ULaw Birmingham Steven Joesbury gave a comprehensive overview of law firm research and applications, covering everything from scouting out practice areas to firm culture and interview technique.

Throughout the session Steven emphasised the need to adopt an individual and personalised approach, both when determining which practice areas or firms best suit a candidate, and when considering the quantity of applications. The talk rounded off with interview advice, offering some help on how to approach the daunting “do you have any questions for us” question.

Ace your Interviews Workshop

ULaw student recruitment manager, Amy Baulcombe, took attendees through her top tips on how to succeed at interviews, whether virtual, in- person or over the telephone. Amy covered all stages of the interview process, from essential pre-interview preparation to calming nerves during the interview itself. She also considered how students might follow up after the interview to leave a lasting impression. Amy rounded off the session by discussing a framework that is particularly useful for more unpredictable questions, to make sure this session’s attendees are never caught off guard!

Writing Effective CVs and Cover Letters

During this session, ULaw senior student recruitment manager Hannah Coe and student recruitment manager Sophie Threlfall shared their top tips for writing effective CVs and cover letters. Both talks began by outlining the recommended structure to follow on a CV, with sections covering personal details, education, work experience, extra-curricular activities and skills. Coe and Threlfall emphasised the importance of keeping these documents simple, formal and concise, by avoiding bold colours and artistic fonts, as well as maintaining a consistent style throughout. Students were also advised to pay close attention to detail, using terminology to emphasise their strengths, as well as proofreading thoroughly to avoid silly mistakes.

Day 3

Session 1: Islamic Finance

The speakers

• Imam Qazi, Partner and head of Islamic finance at Foot Anstey
• Lingxi Wang, Islamic finance managing associate at Foot Anstey

What went down…

Imam Qazi and Lingxi Wang from Foot Anstey’s Islamic Finance team introduced the session by detailing the scope and importance of their work. Qazi began by explaining what Islamic Finance entails, highlighting its core principles such as the prohibition of interest, risk-sharing, and ethical investments. Wang further elaborated on the specific services their team provides, including Sharia-compliant financing and investment solutions tailored for clients seeking ethical and equitable financial products.

The session also included a compelling case study that illustrated a successful Islamic Finance investment project. This example underscored the practical applications and benefits of Islamic Finance, showcasing how it can meet client needs while adhering to Sharia principles. Through their insights, Qazi and Wang emphasized the growing relevance of Islamic Finance in the global financial landscape and Foot Anstey’s expertise in this specialised field.

The session concluded with questions from the audience on different topics such as qualities needed by a trainee in the practice area, memorable aspects of working in Islamic Finance and how to keep up to date with industry trends. The speakers also discussed the rise of Islamic Finance as an alternative finance structure and its potential for future growth in Fintech.

 Day 4

Session 1: Fraud

The speakers

• Robert Hunter, Former Allen & Overy and Herbert Smith Freehills partner, and founder and trustee at City Disabilities

 What went down…

Day 4 of the Scheme kicked off with a session on fraud and asset tracing featuring Robert Hunter, former Allen & Overy and Herbert Smith Freehills partner, and founder and trustee at City Disabilities.

Hunter began the session by reflecting on his career journey from psychology student through to partner and head of fraud at two top City firms, all whilst coming to terms with his profound deafness.

During his talk, Hunter offered an insight into the work involved in his area of practice, and outlined the different injunction orders that can be brought against fraudsters to recover stolen assets. He also emphasised the perils of dealing with professional fraudsters, who were often vindictive criminals, and shared numerous tales from his 35-year career. Despite these challenges, and the long hours he worked, Hunter emphasised that he never lost sight of his desire to bringing fraudsters to justice.

To round off the session, Hunter urged aspiring lawyers not to feel disheartened if their career journeys don’t immediately go to plan – from personal experience, he emphasised that it often takes time to find your niche.

Session 2: Commercial Awareness Masterclass

 The speakers

• Alex Aldridge, Founder and publisher of Legal Cheek
• Ellen Marsh, Careers manager at ULaw

What went down…

Legal Cheek founder and publisher Alex Aldridge conducted a whistle-stop tour of the key commercial awareness issues that students need to focus on as they prepare for the next training contract application cycle. Starting with the current generative artificial intelligence (AI) boom, Aldridge looked at some of the different waves of innovation that have driven economic growth over recent years. He then moved on to consider the impact of rising inflation, and the accompanying increases in interest rates, that the world has seen over the last few years. Higher rates mean fewer mergers & acquisitions (M&A) and more restructurings and insolvencies as companies face a squeeze on their cashflow and ability to borrow money. Law firms have to respond accordingly, he noted.

Also on the agenda was geopolitical instability and trade wars, which Aldridge explained are threatening to usher in a new era of protectionism, where governments support national industries at the expense of the wider global economy. This trend ties in to politics in a year with many crucial elections taking place, including in the UK and the US. And finally, Aldridge looked at the trend for companies to focus not only on profit but consider wider environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors as they make strategic decisions. Could definitions of ESG shift over time, he asked, as governments of different persuasions take power?

In all of the above Aldridge identified opportunities and challenges for law firms — whether that be an uptick in commercial contracts and data privacy instructions for AI rollout, a decline in M&A activity or a renewed premium on local legal expertise in an ever more complex global trade environment. “Law firms are famously well-hedged when it comes to changing economic weather, which is one of the things that makes law such a stable profession relative to other industries,” he said.

 Day 5

Session 1: Training in-house

 The speakers

•  Elizabeth Hutchinson, trainee solicitor at Accutrainee
•  Grace Golding, senior legal counsel at HSBC

 What went down…

Elizabeth kicked off this session by guiding the audience through her legal training to date, as a secondee in-house at several financial services companies. Elizabeth gave an honest insight into what steered her away from private practice, reflecting on the greater autonomy offered in-house. She covered the differences between these two pathways, before succinctly detailing the nature of the work she has recently been involved in. She ended her presentation by discussing the hard and soft skills an in-house role requires, reassuring the audience that whilst communication and good research is key, knowing every area of the law is not!

Grace commenced her presentation by discussing her progression from paralegal to senior legal counsel at HSBC. Grace described the varied opportunities which have kept her in-house, despite dipping her toe into private practice early on in her career. She went on to explain how an in-house legal team fits into the wider company structure, being both a cost to the business but also an integral player in safeguarding the company’s profit and position. Grace also touched on how the legal team at HSBC forges relationships with its panel of law firms, before concluding with advice for students considering this alternative route to qualification.

 Session 2: Alternatives to Corporate Law

The speakers

• Isaac Abraham, Immigration, asylum and human rights lawyer at Wilson Solicitors
• Myriam Naoual, Family law trainee at Family Rights Group
• Josie Hicklin, Housing and public law solicitor at Lawstop

What went down…

Issac Abraham kicked off the session explaining that his interest in immigration law stemmed from his involvement with campaigning groups at university. Becoming an immigration lawyer allowed him to help people navigate through inherently unjust systems.

Next up, Myriam Naoual delved into her own career journey. Training as a solicitor at the Family Rights Group, she advocates for kinship care through policy work, while simultaneously carrying out legal work focused on child welfare law. This practice area is different, she explained, in that there is constant interaction with professionals such as social workers and psychologists.

Josie Hicklin followed by discussing her work with homeless people who are denied housing assistance, which requires her to ‘play around with the edges of the law’. Hicklin emphasised the importance of volunteering at law centres and legal clinics as it led to future opportunities in her experience.

The session concluded with a Q&A session, during which Abraham noted, ‘A career in welfare law is possible, it is achievable, and you shouldn’t let the relatively narrow focus of legal education and law school dictate the career you go into.’ Naoual and Hicklin nodded in agreement.

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ULaw student Freya Patten shares her experience of the SQE and her transition from a science grad to future lawyer

Freya Patten, an SQE student at The University of Law (ULaw)’s London Moorgate campus, began her education journey in the sciences before switching to law.

Having secured a training contract at DLA Piper and now embarking on the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), she spoke to Legal Cheek Careers about the realities that non-law students face on this new route to qualification and how the exams particularly impact neurodivergent students.

Can you tell us a little bit about your education so far?

In secondary school, I was really interested in biology and the humanities, so I pursued these passions at A-Level by taking biology, chemistry, and philosophy. When it came time to choose a university course, my interest in the sciences led me to environmental sciences because it combined most of my interests. This broad undergraduate program, which included biology, chemistry, physics, geology, geography, and social sciences, offered numerous career options, making it a solid foundation for my future

What prompted you to make the switch from science to law?

When I began my first year of environmental science at the University of Southampton, law quickly became a real interest for me. This interest developed as I researched different career paths. The main paths that attracted me were environmental consultancy and environmental law, which would inevitably require further legal education. I started taking the necessary steps to transition into a legal career with a focus on environmental law. Protecting the environment is a passion for me, and I want a career where I can make a real difference.

Which aspects of SQE1 did you struggle with the most, and how did you manage to overcome these challenges?

I think I struggled the most with the structure of the exam day. During revision, you reach a point where you’ve covered everything you need to know; the knowledge itself isn’t the issue. The challenge lies in the way you are assessed. The knowledge tested is pinpointed to very specific areas, and you’re presented with five answer options that are all equally legally valid. In my opinion, practice is absolutely key.

I also struggled with my dyslexia during SQE1. It is well-known that students with learning difficulties are at a disadvantage with multiple choice questions. The SQE1 exam consists of 360 single best answer questions, which is a huge task. Due to my dyslexia, I was given extra time, which extended my total exam time to around six and a half hours in one day—very challenging.

To manage this, I practiced repeatedly and ensured I had measures in place to take breaks on the exam day without becoming overwhelmed. It’s important to stress that this style of exam is particularly discriminatory towards students with learning difficulties.

While the underlying law is the same for both SQE1 and 2, SQE2 tests the knowledge in a very different way. How did you find the transition between the two assessments?

I must admit, it was very strange getting used to the examination style of SQE1, only to shift gears for SQE2. I found that I not only had to change the way I revised, but also the way I initially learned the content.

For SQE1, you could learn the content to the extent that you felt confident pinpointing the right answer based on the knowledge you had accumulated. However, with SQE2, you’re not afforded the same luxury. You don’t necessarily get the same ‘hints’ that consistent practice with SQE1 exams provides.

Because of this, I felt like I had to revisit and re-learn the knowledge from SQE1 in a different way. With SQE2, the written exams require a deep understanding of the underlying law to analyse and reach a reasonable conclusion. For the SQE2 oral exams, you not only need to know the material but also how to present it, how to communicate with a judge, how to conduct interviews, and how to ensure the client is comfortable in the interview setting. Each of these requires a vastly different skill set and approach.

What did you find most challenging when preparing for SQE2?

The most challenging was this transition; trying to switch gears effectively. Having to re-learn and revise the SQE1 content again was particularly intense.

It didn’t help that the SQE1 exam results were released around six weeks before we were expected to take the SQE2. So, I struggled a little with motivation! We suddenly had very limited time ahead of the release of SQE1 results to prepare for the next SQE exams that were in many ways even harder than SQE1.

For this reason, I must admit that I personally found that SQE2 was the more challenging set of exams out of the two.

What was your experience of the SQE1 and 2 exam days, and was there anything about them that caught you off-guard?

At this stage, the administrative errors around the SQE exams were common knowledge.

But personally, when it came to the exams, I feel like I had quite a smooth run! Given that I’m dyslexic, I was allocated to a specific test centre which contributed to an overarchingly positive experience. Having said this, I don’t have any experience with the neurotypical test centres and therefore I cannot comment on this specifically.

It’s true that we weren’t allowed water in the exam room for the SQE 1 or SQE 2 written exams as they were computer rooms. However, we were allowed outside of the exam room whenever we wanted to drink. Nothing caught me off guard necessarily as I had done a considerable amount of prep for the day. For me, the prep felt like it was the one thing I could control — I could ensure I knew what to do during the exam itself.

I was undoubtedly shocked about the SQE1 errors on the results though. That was a very stressful day. I received an e-mail from the SRA that just said, “your results to the SQE 1 have been changed, please log in to see” — my heart dropped right to my feet.

You completed a law conversion course before starting the SQE. Do you think this course is essential for non-law students before beginning the SQE?

Personally, I cannot stress enough how important my law conversion course was. It covered all the black letter law essential for a law degree and for taking the SQE. Without this core legal knowledge, I wouldn’t have been able to pass the SQE. This is because, when you’re completing the LLM in preparation for the SQE1 exams, these core law areas are not covered. You go straight into ‘practical’ legal modules, assuming you already know the basics. So, in the end, I believe that skipping the PGDL won’t save you costs in the long run, but rather, that it increases your chances of success in qualifying.

Lastly, is there anything you would have done differently in any aspect of your SQE journey?

I wouldn’t change anything about my leg of the journey running up to SQE1 purely because I passed and that in itself, I consider an absolute miracle!

With SQE2, I worked as much as I could, although I would have potentially started preparing for the oral exams a little earlier. But, because of the way the SQE2 exams are structured, I found it hard to focus too much on the exams that were a few weeks later. On the flip, I think it was beneficial to practice my orals with my friends and listen to others advocate and interview.

Freya Patten will be speaking at ‘The SQE: students and law firms share their stories — with ULaw’, a virtual student event taking place on Tuesday 25 June.  Apply now to attend.

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John Watkins, Director of Employability at The University of Law, discusses AI in TC applications and the importance of adaptability, ahead of next week’s Legal Cheek-ULaw Summer Virtual Vacation Scheme

“I didn’t achieve particularly strong scores at school,” says John Watkins, Director of Employability at The University of Law (ULaw). “So, I reached a point when I turned 18 where I really had to consider trying something different and proving myself. I entered into the BBC’s sports commentator of the year award, and I found myself as the runner up!” Watkins reveals. “It was quite transformational in terms of my self-belief, so I always advise the students I work with: you probably have talents that you don’t know exist yet, so just throw yourself into it.”

After spending a few years as a sports journalist for the BBC, Watkins turned his hand to accountancy before finding his way into employability. Having coined the phrase ‘employagility’ back in 2020 as an amalgamation of ‘employability’ and ‘agility’, Watkins seems a great example of the ability to be flexible and adaptable when it comes to a career. “Looking back, the talent I discovered at the age of 18 has been invaluable over the past 30-plus years, especially in speaking to large audiences during my accountancy work. The confidence I developed laid the foundation for a career that I truly enjoy,” he reveals. “Having thrown myself into sport commentating, and discovering I was quite good at it, my attitude from then on was: ‘I might be good at the next thing, too, so I’ll give it a go!”

Legal Cheek Careers explores why ’employagility’ is crucial for aspiring lawyers by asking Watkins about the importance of building resilience and adaptability in the modern legal world. “If you can turn your hands to lots of different things, do things in different ways with different people, this is a great way of conducting life,” he begins. “It’s very important for employability in general but it can also help you to build resilience over the course of your career, because you have so many tools in your kit.”

A keen advocate for resilience and ‘climbing mountains’, Watkins also reveals his “admiration” for this generation. “They have a real willingness to try embrace new ways of doing things, and they’re going to be a real asset in the workplace. This is because I believe that students nowadays have access to an incredible amount of employability content – more than previous generations did. But they’ve also had real life experiences,” he says. “I don’t think anybody can look back and say that the pandemic was ‘good’, but there were positives that came out of it.” For example, Watkins says that this generation has had to overcome setbacks and difficulties, and as a result, they’ve developed strong skills in resilience and adaptability along the way.

Given that this generation of aspiring lawyers are naturally adept at ’employagility,’ we are eager to hear Watkins’ thoughts on whether advances in generative AI are beneficial or detrimental. He warns against the risk of over-reliance on tech: “Some firms are rejecting applications that use AI, while others encourage applicants to demonstrate their ability to utilise generative AI technology. So, students need to be alive to the expectations of each firm,” he advises.

Another factor students should consider is that overusing AI technology early on may have negative consequences later in the application process. “Recruitment processes will also assess candidates in person on how they react and behave in an assessment centre, for example, and if applicants have been disingenuous in their application, this could be exposed later on down the line,” says Watkins. “So, AI can be helpful to applicants if purely complimentary, but it’s you — the real person — who has to be able to show why you’re the ideal candidate.”

With AI being a hot topic for students to understand before interviews, we ask Watkins how ULaw is uniquely preparing its students on important commercial awareness topics. “We run a commercial awareness competition at the University which gives students free access to a daily ‘commercial awareness’ bulletin. This fills them in on what’s going on in the world from global politics to advancements in technology,” he tells us. Emphasising that commercial awareness is often hard to pin down, it appears that Watkins prefers students to create a daily habit over a longer period of time. “The idea with this approach is that students slowly build up a practice of keeping abreast of current affairs to stay in the competition, and what we tend to find is that our students really start to enjoy it. It becomes knowledge that they have on tap, and students can begin to apply this ‘commercial awareness’ in a client-focused way over time – which is exactly what firms are looking for,” he reveals.

But what are the current hot topics? “Aside from AI, at the moment we’re in the middle of an election cycle, which will have economic repercussions, and also in the UK legal industry there’s a lot of discussion around apprenticeships – so I think these topics are important for applicants to bear in mind ahead of applications,” he says. “But it’s so important for students to take this knowledge one step further by interpreting current affairs and considering how this will impact industry.”

Ahead of Legal Cheek’s Summer Virtual Vacation Scheme and Law Fair from June 10-14, we ask Watkins how students can find ‘application gold’ during the programme. “Students need to think ahead – what do I want to get out of it? What do I want to put on my CV or my applications forms that I can’t put in today?” he advises. “This might be expanding their network by finding every opportunity to connect with people. I’ve personally created some amazing connections from the Legal Cheek vacation scheme events!” he enthuses. But he notes that employers aren’t simply interested in whether or not you attended the scheme –- they want to see what you got out of it. “How much more confident are you? What can you bring to the table that you couldn’t before?”

On his top tips for approaching virtual events, he advises: “Make sure you follow up! And take action off the back of the scheme, by either building relationships with connections you’ve made or further researching topics you found interesting. Finally, while it’s fresh in the mind – update your CV to reflect what you’ve learned from the process.”

John Watkins will be speaking at ‘The Legal Cheek Summer Virtual Vacation Scheme and Law Fair 2024, in partnership with The University of Law’, which runs from Monday 10 June until Friday 14 June. Apply now to attend.

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Kiran Nirvan will compete in July

A student at The University of Law has reached the final of the Miss Great Britain London 2024 competition.

Kiran Nirvan, who is also a legal secretary at a boutique law firm, is set to compete in July for the pageantry crown.

“From a very young age, I’ve always aspired to be a solicitor,” she told Legal Cheek. “I’m really passionate about advocating for justice and ensuring everyone has a voice in our legal system.”

“I am driven by a desire to help those who are vulnerable, and I believe that a career in law will equip me with the skills and knowledge to make a difference in people’s lives,” Nirvan said.

Nirvan, who studied law at Westminster Uni and is currently completing the Legal Practice Course with ULaw, said that she’s aiming for the Miss GB London crown “not for the glamour or the spotlight, but for the chance to stand tall and share my story with others who might be walking through their own dark valleys. I want to show that beauty comes from strength, resilience, and the courage to be oneself, even when the world tells you otherwise.”

“This opportunity is about more than a title; it’s a platform to voice the struggles and victories of women everywhere, to celebrate our battles and the incredible strength it takes to overcome them,” she said. “I want to be a part of that celebration, to share my journey and let others know they’re not alone. We’re all in this together, and together, we can rise above anything.”

Alongside her legal studies, employment, and pageantry, Nirvan is raising money for Cancer Research UK and has already surpassed the £1,000 donations mark.

She isn’t the first legal figure, or indeed ULaw student, to set their sights on a pageantry title, however. Earlier this year Legal Cheek reported on a former Clifford Chance associate who reached the final of Miss England 2024, with another ULaw student dubbed the ‘real-life Legally Blonde’ also entering the competition. Back in 2023 a Leicester-based trainee solicitor, Chloe Lake, made it into the top ten contenders for Miss Universe Great Britain before narrowly missing out on the title.

Catherine Morgan, ULaw employability group manager, discusses her varied career and what aspiring Mancunian lawyers can expect from a career in the city

“I’ve been at The University of Law (ULaw) now for almost 15 years!” says Catherine Morgan, The University of Law’s employability group manager, reflecting on her career journey so far. Having qualified into property law in the early 2000s, Morgan tells Legal Cheek Careers about her move into the employability space. “I loved my clients and my team in private practice, but the nature of transactional work didn’t really inspire me,” she explains. “I wanted to move into a role that was centred around my passion: people.”

Having worked in employability for ULaw for more than 14 years at the point of speaking, it’s clear that helping students develop their career prospects is very much her ‘bag’. “I just love working with students, and without sounding corny, it really is a highlight of my job. I’m now in a position where I’ve seen ULaw students go from undergraduates all the way up to law firm partners!” Morgan enthuses. “I’m very much a people person, which feeds into why I love my current job. When I was in private practice, talking about partnership at my then firm catalysed me into reassessing my career trajectory  — it was now or never to make a career change,” she says. “And I haven’t looked back since.”

Being based at ULaw’s busy Manchester campus for most of her career, we asked Morgan for her thoughts on choosing this Northern city as a launch pad. “The city itself is so vibrant; it’s a city that is really going places,” she begins. Having moved to Manchester in 2000, Morgan tells us that it’s a completely different city these days, one which has been through a serious evolution. “It feels like a city that’s moving forward; you can see it in the buildings, the investments in the city, and the people. Manchester people are incredible — you can actually have a chat to somebody in a queue or in the street!” she jokes. “It’s a very welcoming place, and it’s also this vibrancy and dynamism that makes it an incredible place to start a career in the legal industry.”

Speaking on the unique opportunities for law students in Manchester, Morgan details the diversity of offerings in the city. “In Manchester, you get the best of both worlds. You have the big international and national law firms with all of their exciting deals and clients, as well as high calibre work, without having to compromise on culture”. Having worked both in the industry itself, and in direct contact with many firms at ULaw, Morgan says, “I’ve found that most firms here are made up of genuinely nice, normal people”.

She goes on to explain: “In Manchester, you get the benefit of that regional, Northern culture and feel, but with the backing of an international or national firm and the quality of the work that comes with that. It feels more collaborative, like a meritocracy and that your voice can be heard on all levels, in my experience.”

Talking to us about the “exponential growth” of Manchester’s legal industry, she details the consequent growth in opportunity for aspiring lawyers that has come along with it. “You’ve got the likes of Magic and Silver Circle firms like Freshfields and BCLP, and we’re so lucky here that we’ve also got fantastic boutique corporate/commercial firms too. This is because partners previously practicing in the capital have set up their own firms later in their careers. This ambition and entrepreneurial spirit is so evident in the Manchester legal industry,” she explains. “And this diversity in offering for aspiring lawyers is a huge draw.”

It’s not just the diversity of opportunity that Morgan is keen to highlight, but also the diversity of its people. “It’s such a cultural melting pot, which lifts the city and makes it feel very inclusive. The backgrounds of our ULaw Manchester students are incredibly diverse, from international students to Oxbridge graduates, and 18-year-olds who’ve never left the area,” she says. “This is also being reflected in the legal industry. The firms I am working with in Manchester are very focused on widening participation and ensuring that their lawyers are reflective of their client base,” she tells us.

Ahead of speaking at Legal Cheek’s Secrets to Success Manchester event on 18^th June, we ask Morgan what the team at ULaw Manchester is doing to ensure the success of its students in the city. “The best thing I can do for our students is to the throw them in the path of as many lawyers as possible. Our alumni are very generous, and since we’ve educated probably over half the lawyers in Manchester, there’s a wealth of alumni that want to engage with our students,” she explains. “We’re geared up at ULaw to have that access to the legal industry. It’s through talking and networking with lawyers that we can set our students up for success.” Through the mentoring scheme at ULaw Manchester, students also have direct access to lawyers who mostly work in the area of law that each individual is interested in, Morgan explains. “This is just one of the ways we are educating our students around the legal profession,” she says.

ULaw’s Manchester campus sits at the heart of the city, just a stone’s throw from Piccadilly station and the Northern Quarter. “It’s brilliant for shopping!” Morgan says, speaking on the best bits of the campus. “But also, a significant portion of our students live at home, so it’s located brilliantly for accessibility.” More importantly, she tells us, “There’s a great relationship between the staff and the students here. The academic staff aren’t hidden away at the top of an ivory tower; the building is designed for approachability,” she says. “The campus is actually designed to emulate a law firm, because at ULaw, we aim to be the transition between being a student and starting professional life.” Encouraging a professional mindset isn’t just a factor of ULaw’s courses, Morgan says — it is also reflected in the campus.

Bringing the interview to a close, we ask Morgan which commercial awareness topics she believes applicants should have on their radar ahead of training contract and vac scheme interviews. “Everybody is talking about AI, it’s everywhere! But, I think more widely, students should be making themselves aware of legal tech generally and the reliance on tech in the industries that they’re interested in,” she reveals. “Secondly, the diversification of law firms into business hubs which offer holistic services in corporate governance, financial advice and consulting, for example, is a big shift in the current legal market.” On her advice for aspiring lawyers, she adds, “You need to be commercially aware in general because you’re ultimately being employed by a business. So, you need to understand how to make money, and how you are going to add value to a firm.”

Catherine Morgan will be speaking at ‘Secrets to Success Manchester — with Squire Patton Boggs, Pinsent Masons, Fletchers, Express Solicitors and ULaw’, an in-person student event taking place on Tuesday 18^th June. Apply now to attend.

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Kelly Rowney, senior lecturer at ULaw and PhD candidate, dives into working as an academic, life in Leeds, and top tips for undergrads

“It’s funny because since I joined The University of Law (ULaw), I’ve noticed that my path seems like the odd one out!” says Kelly Rowney, senior lecturer at ULaw and PhD candidate.

Coming to lecturing from an academic background like Rowney has done, seems to be the path less taken at the University. “I thought I was taking the traditional route into academia, but most of my colleagues had been in private practice for some time before turning their hand to teaching,” she says. Talking to Legal Cheek Careers, this decorated academic explains why she chose not to enter private legal practice. “From quite a young age, I was keen to become a barrister. But, once I started my LLB, I realised how much I loved it; there was not one topic that I didn’t enjoy,” she says. “So, with the LLB being an academic degree, I knew that I wanted to have the freedom that comes with researching the topics I was interested in.”

As a lecturer as well as an academic, Rowney has a keen mind for developing the University’s aspiring lawyers. “The most enjoyable thing about teaching for me, is that no day is ever the same. I teach so many different groups each week which can feel wildly different, given the diversity of thought and engagement I get in each session,” she explains. “What the students get out of the workshops is all down to the individuals themselves and the way each group works together, which inspires different tangents of discussion on each legal topic. And this can be fun as a lecturer because it often feels like teaching completely different areas of law, even though the workshop tasks are the same,” she enthuses.

In that vein, Rowney points out that for LLB students to get the most out of their workshops they should get curious.

“Ask questions!” she emphasises. “Even the slightly off-topic hypothetical questions can create really fertile discussions within the class. Sometimes, students don’t want to ask the wrong thing, but every lecturer here can find a way to create meaningful discussion from student interactions. By getting involved in LLB workshops, you’re facilitating a discussion that everybody can benefit from.”

Moving the conversation to ULaw’s LLB in particular, we ask Rowney what makes this LLB course stand out from the crowd.

Firstly, she says, the focus of ULaw’s undergraduate law course is on professional development. “Of course, it teaches its students about the law, but its purpose is to provide its students with the skills they need in practice to succeed on the Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE) and for future career progression, unlike many other LLBs in the UK,” she says. Being a lecturer for two skills-based modules on the LLB, Academic and Digital Skills and Critical Approaches in Current Legal Issues, Rowney exemplifies this skills-focused approach. “The Academic and Digital Skills module teaches those core skills that a lot of universities fail to do. We’re teaching law students referencing, presentation skills, essay writing, approaching independent study, and commercial awareness. These are skills which are fundamental to both success on the LLB and to wider career progression,” she explains.

The second skills-based module she teaches is Critical Approaches, which focuses on developing critical understanding, critical thinking and critical analysis. “This is something which people often mistake as a skill that’s purely academic; it’s not. Critical analysis is such an important skill for students to develop for legal practice too,” she says. “It relates to problem solving, which is foundational in private legal practice.”

Ahead of the Secrets to Success Leeds event in partnership with ULaw, where Rowney will be speaking, we ask her how she’s finding life in this Northern city. “I relocated to Leeds in the summer and my life has never been so good!” she jokes, after enduring a long commute to the City from Teesside for months. “I love Leeds, this is a city which has the charm of a small town, and the opportunities that come with a thriving legal industry. It’s so easy to build a network in the legal world, because everybody knows each other in this city. The culture in the Leeds legal industry is very friendly, so you can get the networking benefits of being in a smaller city alongside reaping the benefits of ‘Northern’ culture,” she says.

“The ULaw Leeds campus has such a good location; it’s right on the high street, less than a five-minute walk from the train station, and it’s so close to loads of restaurants and cafes. So, it’s a great place to be from a social point of view,” Rowney explains, talking on the benefits of studying at ULaw’s Leeds campus. “Our sixth floor is an open-plan, café floor with a socialising spot, and I often hear students making plans to hang out, and grab food together.”

But, in Rowney’s opinion, the main benefit of the ULaw Leeds campus is the staff. “Without blowing my own trumpet here, my lecturing colleagues are incredible. Having had many jobs previously, I can safely say that the lecturing staff in Leeds are some of the most inspiring people I’ve worked with,” she says. And it’s not just the academic staff that are deserving of accolades, according to Rowney. “The support staff are very accessible and visible to the students, so they can get to know our faculty staff by name. This is very unlike my own undergraduate experience at a larger university where I could sometimes feel disconnected from the faculty,” she explains. “There’s a real sense of community here.”

Knowing that community is often key in achieving success, we ask Rowney for her top tips for success on the LLB. “Working really hard is important, but so is strategy. On my undergraduate degree, I managed to achieve an average of over 80%, partly because I was strategic when it came to my studies. But, equally as important is building connections,” she says. “Having a good rapport with the people around you, including academic staff and the student body, is so important when you’re considering difficult legal questions. And it’s this aspect of getting stuck into the work, engaging with our community and getting involved outside of law school, that will ultimately build success.”

ULaw’s Campus Dean Matthew Tomlinson will be speaking at ‘Secrets to Success Leeds — with Eversheds Sutherland, Pinsent Masons, Shoosmiths and ULaw’, an in-person student event taking place on Tuesday 4 June. Apply now to attend.

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ULaw campus manager, Anne Robertson, discusses her varied career and her experience of moving into law from a non-law background

Anne Robertson, lecturer and acting campus manager at The University of Law’s Newcastle campus, started off her career as a nurse, eventually making the move into law and qualifying into medical negligence.

Now working in legal education, she spoke to Legal Cheek Careers about what non-law graduates can bring to the table and her advice for those thinking of making the move.

What did you take from your career as a nurse into the legal profession, and what do you find is the most rewarding aspect of working in education?

There are so many transferable skills that you learn as a nurse. The ability to prioritise, stay calm under pressure and client/patient care are skills that have been essential in each of my careers.

The most rewarding aspect of legal education is the relationship I build with the students. I love seeing the students grow during their time with us and seeing them blossom into fully-fledged lawyers.

You originally qualified into nursing, so you have lived experience of working in law as a non-law graduate. What unique challenges did you face in making the move into the legal industry?

If you are moving into law from a different career then you may be older than those you are working with. You may be managed by people who are younger than you, which can be difficult at first. Those managing you are more experienced in that field than you are. However, your experience should also be valued. I found this to be particularly the case when I first started working in medical negligence. My supervisor was younger than me but could help me with the practical aspects of running a case, whilst she would often consult me on the medical matters.

What, in your opinion, are the benefits of going into law as a non-law graduate? Do you think non-law graduates bring something extra to the table?

I would prefer to say that non-law graduates bring something different to the table, as I’ve known some exceptional lawyers who followed the traditional path into law. However, non-law graduates are able to bring a wider perspective to legal practice. They have also made a very conscious decision to follow that path, often with the sacrifice of the status and financial stability gained in their previous careers. They may be taking on additional debt which would have been unnecessary had they studied law at undergraduate level. I find this makes non-law students very committed to their studies. One student said to me recently, “there is now no Plan B”.

Why do you think non-law graduates make great lawyers?

I think that if they have worked in a different industry, non-law graduates bring a real-world perspective to their practice. Those who have worked in a corporate environment can easily understand the challenges faced by their corporate clients; if they have worked in a more social role, they may be able to relate to their lay clients more easily. In all cases, they have learnt what works for them in terms of prioritisation and workload.

You’ve been at The University of Law for just over three years now. How does it tailor its support and content to the non-law graduates on its postgraduate courses?

They have the support that is available to all ULaw students such as an academic coach, student journey advisor, study skills and wellbeing support.

In addition, we recognise that the main issue with students studying our postgraduate conversion courses is that they don’t have the benefit of three years in which to explore their career options and ease themselves into the course. As such, they are offered employability appointments within the first couple of weeks of their courses.  They engage with pro bono schemes as soon as possible. They are told about their options for when they finish the course (Bar Practice Course or SQE) and relevant timescales within the first couple of weeks of starting.

Is it beneficial for non-law graduates to take a conversion course before beginning their SQE studies? Is it necessary?

I would say that it is not just beneficial, but essential.

If the student wishes to become a barrister it is still a requirement of the Bar Standards Board that they complete a qualifying law degree or law conversion course.

If a student wishes to become a solicitor it is not technically necessary to study a conversion course. However, academically, the conversion course is set up to put students in the best possible position to proceed to the SQE1 which tests functional legal knowledge. Additionally, from an employability perspective, Legal Cheek conducted a survey in May 2024, and 89% of firms surveyed said that they will require their non-law graduates to complete a conversion course before undertaking the SQE.

What advice would you give to non-law graduates looking to make the move into the legal industry?

Do your research. Consider if you want to be a solicitor or a barrister as this may influence the choice of conversion course.

What area of law interests you? I remember that one of the best pieces of advice I received was from a clinical negligence lawyer when I was on a vacation scheme, who warned me not to pigeon-hole myself just because of my nursing background. So, I took every opportunity to try different areas. Although I did ultimately specialise in clinical negligence, by the time I did, I had a solid grounding in other areas of law, contentious and non-contentious.

More generally, remember you have a lot of skills to bring, but also a lot to learn.  It can be difficult to be managed by people a lot younger than you, but remember that they will have put in the time to deserve that position, so look at their experience rather than age.

Finally, remember that you have made the choice to pursue this path.  You are entering one of the most rewarding and diverse professions possible. It is intellectually challenging but so rewarding. Enjoy it!

Anne Robertson will be speaking at ‘Why non-law students make great lawyers — with Brabners, Mishcon de Reya, Reed Smith and ULaw’, a virtual student event taking place next Wednesday (29 May). Apply now to attend.

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Legal Cheek’s annual conference gathered together key figures from across the profession to discuss skills gaps, innovations, apprenticeships, SQE and more

LegalEdCon 2024 returned to Kings Place in London yesterday with a host of talks exploring the hottest topics in legal education and training.

On the day of the conference, nearly 300 delegates gathered to hear the latest industry insights from leading experts in the legal field. This year’s conference featured sessions on a variety of topics, including the latest developments in the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) regime, innovations in solicitor training, addressing skills gaps, solicitor and graduate apprenticeships, and AI.

The keynote session this year focused on law influencers (dubbed ‘lawfluencers’) and offered attendees unique insights into the growing social media landscape in law. The session was delivered by a group of speakers with different perspectives on approaching working in the law whilst maintaining an online presence, including discussions on their experiences of the SQE and the skills that junior lawyers often lack.

Session 1: Skills and knowledge gaps: where are trainees and junior lawyers strong, and what do they need to improve?

The speakers:

• Jim Moser, Director of Professional Development at The University of Law
• Peter Arnold, Head of Talent at CMS
• Kirsty Wilkins, Head of Professional Development at Willkie Farr & Gallagher
• Emma Lilley, Head of Legal UK&I at SD Worx and Founder of ‘In-house Potter’

In the first session ULaw’s Jim Moser, Director of Professional Development, kicked off LegalEdCon 2024 with a session focusing on the skills and knowledge gaps in trainees and junior lawyers. The speakers candidly spoke on how law students can overcome setbacks and develop into successful, competent, and well-rounded lawyers. As the speakers explained, filling these gaps allows juniors lawyers to hit the ground running in their legal careers.

Peter Arnold, Head of Talent at CMS, spoke about future-proofing legal talent to ensure emerging juniors develop into well-rounded lawyers. He focused on what future lawyers need in the modern day, and how talent teams can focus on developing their juniors to fulfil the needs of law firms. He explained that the key characteristics and skills they need to develop are strong legal knowledge, tech-savviness, and a growth mindset. He noted that learning doesn’t stop at law school, when student are undertaking their qualifying studies or even when they become a newly-qualified lawyer; a “continual growth mindset” is key.

Next up, Emma Lilley, Head of Legal UK&I at SD Worx and Founder of ‘In-house Potter’ took to the lectern. She added some “in-house spice” to the conversation to speak on what in-house clients want from junior lawyers. She highlighted the importance of developing ethical standards by encouraging emotional intelligence, noting that leading by example is crucial in supporting individuals to stand up for their beliefs. Lilley also told the audience that communication skills are valuable in the modern, tech-driven, and hybrid workplace, and that in-house teams must be attuned to evolving forms of communication.

Finally, Kirsty Wilkins, Head of Professional Development at Willkie Farr & Gallagher, spoke on the allusive qualities that partners want to see in their juniors. She mentioned that, although tech skills and legal knowledge are essential, partners often prioritise interpersonal qualities. “People sell people,” she noted, emphasising that team spirit is crucial for juniors to develop into well-rounded lawyers.

Session 2: AI corner

The speakers:

• Mike Kochkin, CEO of BeSavvy
• Matthew Leopold, Head of Brand and Insight at LexisNexis
• Samantha Hope, Head of Emerging Talent at Shoosmiths
• Samantha Wong, Events Coordinator at Legal Cheek presenting Aikanah, Legal Cheek’s AI Ambassador

Matthew Leopold, LexisNexis’ Head of Brand and Technology, opened the AI Corner session with an impassioned talk. He explained the incredible changes coming to the legal industry, pronouncing today’s lawyers as the luckiest legal generation so far. Being able to embed knowledge and experience in a changing world gives today’s lawyers the flexibility to approach AI technology in a way which is going to change the landscape of the legal education, he enthused. “Imagine what the opportunities will be when we think holistically about AI in the law”, he noted. Leopold finished up by explaining that  advances in generative AI technology now gives lawyers the opportunity to draft e-mails and legal statements, and summarise research.

Next to take the lectern was Samantha Hope, Head of Emerging Talent at Shoosmiths, who was unable to attend the conference, but gave her talk via a pre-recorded video for the discussion. Talking on generative AI in training contract applications, she explained that one in three Shoosmiths’ applicants appeared to have used AI in their applications. Embracing this tech in legal practice, she explained, will allow lawyers to devote time on developing their wider skillset. So, she urged law firms to keep on top of technological developments and AI trends in order to make the most of the immense potential of gen AI tech. She finished by throwing a question to the audience: “Are you team AI or team ban AI in applications?”

Following this talk, Mike Kochkin, CEO of BeSavvy, spoke about the use of AI for junior lawyers. Using tech developed at his company BeSavvy, he explained how legal training can be simplified and honed through technology. He told the audience that “what took years can now take one day”, when it comes to legal training, through using “AI agents” to provide memory, tools and planning in the legal training process.

The final speaker of this session was Legal Cheek‘s own Samantha Wong, Events Co-ordinator and creator of Aikianah, Legal Cheek‘s AI influencer. She discussed the process of creating the AI ambassador, from Aikanah’s inception to her role as an influencer on Instagram. She discussed the creation process, including the AI prompts she used to produce images of Aikanah. She also divulged the challenges she faced, including the AI technology creating wonky hands, teeth, feet, and the limited extent to which AI can create photo-realistic videos.

Lunch and networking

Session 3: Solicitor apprenticeships: beyond the hype

The speakers:

• Lorna Bailey, Head of Learning and Development at Fletchers Solicitors
• Jane Robson, CEO at the the National Association of Licensed Paralegals
• Lucy Dolan, Early Talent Manager at Gowling WLG UK
• Bethany Taylor, Associate at Eversheds 
• James Catchpole, Associate Professor and Head of Professional Programmes at City, University of London
• Patrick McCann, Legal Practice Chair of City of London Law Society Training Committee

James Catchpole, Associate Professor and Head of Professional Programmes at City, University of London, opened the discussion. He began by touching on the exceptional characteristics of many solicitor apprenticeships and the outstanding results they’re achieving on the SQE. Urging firms to increase intakes of apprentices, he noted that this route isn’t being embraced widely enough, nor diversely enough. He introduced a debate: “Why are firms so slow to embrace this route to qualification?”

For the Q&A session, our speakers answered questions on creating solicitor apprenticeship programmes, the benefits of having apprentices, and the challenges faced by firms implementing them. Lorna Bailey, Head of Learning and Development at Fletchers Solicitors, gave her tips for firms looking to take on apprentices. “Educate the firm about apprenticeships, as well as the wider communities in local schools,” she advised. “And be sure to track the data!”. Patrick McCann, Legal Practice Chair of City of London Law Society Training Committee, reaffirmed his overwhelming support for solicitor apprenticeships and urged more law firms to tap into this talent pool.

Towards the end of the Q&A session, the microphone was passed to Bethany Taylor, Associate at Eversheds, to talk about her experiences as one of the country’s first solicitor apprentices. She took this opportunity to highlight her career journey throughout the six-year scheme, and the benefits she’s experienced along the way.

Session 4: SQE latest developments

The speakers:

• Liz Ritter, BPP Law School (chair)
• George McNeilly, Early Careers Partner at DWF
• Camilla Brignall, Learning & Development Manager at Linklaters
• Kamila Czerwinski, Graduate Solicitor Apprentice at TLT
• Julie Swan, Director of Education and Training at the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
• Tanya Dolan, Senior Counsel at Astra Zeneca

Chaired by Liz Ritter, Head of Client Development at BPP Law School, the session discussed how the SQE is opening up new pathways in the profession and highlighted some of the challenges in its administration.

Taking the form of a Q&A, the first question enabled the speakers to explore how their respective firms and organisations are embracing the SQE. Camilla Brignall, Learning & Development Manager at Linklaters, discussed how the Magic Circle firm has embedded the SQE into its training models, including solicitor apprenticeships and the traditional training contract route. She was followed in quick succession by George McNeilly, Early Careers Partner at DWF, discussing the routes to qualification his firm, and finally by Tanya Dolan, Senior Counsel at Astra Zeneca, discussing qualification opportunities at the Big Pharma corporation.

The speakers also discussed how they had adapted their existing training models to meet the developments in the SQE space, the various study options available to candidates, and the advantages of taking on SQE2 after some Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). This led the speakers onto a discussion focusing on the graduate solicitor apprenticeship model.

Kamila Czerwinski, Graduate Solicitor Apprentice at TLT, took to the mic to reflect on juggling SQE studies with his work at the firm. She highlighted the importance of time management, study approaches and effective communication as an apprentice. Taking the audience beyond the ‘stigma’ of apprenticeships, she discussed how firms can shift their understanding and mindset on apprenticeships.

Ritter then directed the discussion towards high exams fees, accessibility and the uncomfortable pass rates among minority ethnic candidates. McNeilly urged firms to take responsibility to address accessibility issues and the disparity in pass rates across ethnicities. To close the session, Ritter directed a question to Julie Swann, Director of Education and Training at the SRA, regarding the recent SQE marking errors, before opening the floor to questions from the audience. Swann responded with remarks such as “desperately disappointing” and assured that “it will not happen again.

Session 5: Innovation in legal education

The speakers:

• Elizabeth Rimmer, Chief Executive of LawCare
• Ellen Swarbrick, Trainee Solicitor at Vinson & Elkins
• Rachel Boyle, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Legal Neurodiversity Network
• Pedro Leake-Bandeira, Trainee Solicitor at Accutrainee
• Dr Naila Anwar, Head of Law at University of Huddersfield
• Robert Dudley, Head of Employability & Engagement at BARBRI (Chair)

Chaired by Robert Dudley, head of Employability & Engagement at BARBRI, innovation in legal education was the penultimate session of the day. The free-flowing panel discussion had a focus on technology’s ability to improve training for trainee solicitors, as well as the challenges individuals entering the legal industry are currently facing.

The session kicked off with Elizabeth Rimmer, Chief Executive at LawCare, who discussed LawCare’s two main objectives. The first, to provide support to those working in the sector. And the second, to focus on advocacy and education. Elizabeth also went on to discuss the challenges a virtual working environment can bring, and the importance of focusing on alleviating stress and anxiety.

Ellen Swarbrick, trainee solicitor at Vinson & Elkins, discussed the challenges she faced while working alongside her studies. Swarbrick argued that the flexibility of completing the SQE with Barbri made juggling these conflicting responsibilities easier. Swarbrick also discussed the benefits of completing BARBRI’s Prep for Practice course, arguing that it helped bridge the gap between having a basic understanding to having more focused knowledge when going into practice.

This positive effect of BARBRI’s courses was also highlighted by Pedro Leake-Bandeira, a recent SQE graduate and current trainee solicitor with Accutrainee. BARBRI’s SQE course helped him to understand how to condense his knowledge, while the flexibility of working for Accutrainee meant that he could adapt his working hours during the day – something which he believes significantly helped him juggle his day-to-day responsibilities.

The session went on to consider the experiences of current undergraduate students, with Dr Naila Anwar, Head of law at the University of Huddersfield, focusing on the mental challenges students are currently facing. Anwar discussed the impact Covid-19 continues to have on students — with many students never having sat an exam, it has left students anxious and has resulted in an increase in mental health issues.

Rachel Boyle, founder of the Legal Neurodiversity Network, advocated for the importance of raising awareness and creating a change in attitudes towards neurodiversity in the legal industry. Boyle discusses the network’s events, which have seen discussions surrounding the challenges neurodiverse individuals are facing. Boyle argued the importance of upskilling and having open and honest conversations.

The session wrapped up with an audience Q&A which highlighted the importance of creating a safe space and celebrating successes.

Keynote from lawfluencers

The speakers:

• Megan Hulme, Founder of ‘It’s All Hearsay,’ Associate at Mishcon de Reya
• Omotayo Anifowoshe, ‘The SQE Babe’ legal influencer
• Jay Heer, Future Trainee Solicitor at Simmons & Simmons and Founder of JaysLawLife

The final session of the day started with Omotayo Anifowoshe, founder of ‘The SQE Babe’ on TikTok. Anifowoshe shared her story and the challenges she is facing while self-funding her legal education. Her TikTok account shares useful tips with students following the same path, as well as providing an insight into the unique challenges that self-funding the SQE brings. Anifowoshe argued that while the SQE has its flaws, it does acknowledge that not all individuals have an easy route into the profession.

The second speaker of this session was Jay Heer, a future trainee solicitor at Simmons & Simmons and founder of JaysLawLife. Heer began by sharing his career journey to date. After passing SQE1 in January, Heer completed SQE2 last week and shared his thoughts on the intensity and experience of the exams. While Heer did not find the concept of a new exam daunting, he found that getting answers to SQE-related queries was difficult. He argued that this ultimately creates a fear of the unknown and increased anxiety in students.

The final speaker of LegalEdCon 2024 was Megan Hulme, founder of ‘It’s All Hearsay’ and litigation solicitor. Hulme qualified two years ago and spent her session time discussing the transition from trainee to associate. Hulme argued the importance of forward-thinking, resilience and determination. Hulme also went on to highlight that her progress has increased significantly since qualification, due to the ability to stay with one team and understand the way senior members of the team like work to be completed.

Alex Aldridge, Legal Cheek‘s publisher, brought the conference to a close, thanking the speakers, delegates and headline sponsors BARBRI, BPP University Law School and The University of Law, as well as silver sponsors LexisNexis and The City Law School, and additional sponsors Oxford University Press,  The National Association of Licensed Paralegals, Intellek and The Food Chain.

Ahead of his appearance at LegalEdCon this month, Director of Professional Development at ULaw, Jim Moser, explains the missing links in legal training and how the education giant is tackling them

“I’ve been in law for a very long time.” Jim Moser, The University of Law’s Director of Professional Development reveals. Having worked as a solicitor for a number of years in private practice, where he specialised in commercial property, Moser felt the pull towards legal education. “I’ve always wanted to teach. From quite a young age I was tutoring part-time alongside being a lawyer.”

The collapse of sprawling professional services giant Arthur Andersen following the Enron scandal (of which Moser’s then firm, Dundas & Wilson, was a part thanks to an earlier merger) set the scene for the move. “The challenge for my firm at the time, after successfully exiting its partnership with Andersen, became filling the legal education lacuna left by the collapse” he explains. The opportunity to take the learning & development helm “meant I had to give up my future career as a transactional lawyer,” he says. “But this was what I was truly passionate about.”

After being promoted to Director of Professional Development at the firm, later acquired by CMS, Moser found himself in the perfect position to build his expertise in legal education. “I ran the learning throughout the business for everyone, lawyers and non-lawyers,” he says describing his then role. Now, sitting as Director of Professional Development at ULaw, Moser, who will be speaking at LegalEdCon 2024 on 16 May, leans on his experiences in the legal learning space to analyse what is really missing in professional development.

“One challenge when it comes to teaching in law firms is ensuring that there is sufficient teaching expertise in the business,” he says. Moser, who undertook a formal teaching qualification tells us that, “teaching is about the audience and their learning needs – not about the teacher.” He emphasises the importance of tailoring legal education to both the needs of the business, as well as the needs of the learners themselves; “far too often this doesn’t happen in legal education.

“I fundamentally believe that one of the things that learning in law suffers from is that it’s not strategic enough,” says Moser, who’s passion for high standards of learning shines through. “If you’re going to run a learning function inside any business, it should match or meet the strategic business plan of that business,” he continues. “Hence the importance of tailoring professional development and training with each firm’s own needs and expectations in mind.”

Further gaps in legal education and training arise when approached as a cost to the business rather than as an investment in the ultimate quality of its outputs, Moser tells Legal Cheek Careers. “Learning is a valuable resource to add to wealth generation and profitability of any law firm, and a reluctance to spend can weaken the competency of lawyers.”

These gaps are exacerbated by changes to the exam system. “Whilst I may agree with the intentions behind the new route to qualification,” he says, referencing the Solicitors Qualifying Exams (SQE), “it has made the situation of poor learning worse”.

He uses the example of medicine students to illustrate. He explains that in this discipline, “students will start working in some capacity in hospitals only two years into their course, whereas most law students will get nowhere near a client until after they’ve finished their academic LLB and passed qualifying exams.” So, it’s only when future lawyers get to their training contract/QWE that they see the practical side of working in law. “Until this point, they have never dealt with the culture and atmosphere in a legal business, never worked with clients, or dealt with delivering the outcomes that clients expect,” he says.

The training that future lawyers received by undertaking the Legal Practice Course (LPC) followed by the Professional Skills Course (PSC) was a more robust system for setting lawyers up for practice, Moser argues. “If firms have an expectation that somebody coming into the business as a newly qualified lawyer (NQ) following the SQE will have the same knowledge that they had previously by doing the LPC,” he emphasises, “they may be disappointed.” We asked for his thoughts on the key differences between the two systems to qualification. He tells us that the SQE route leaves a lot of responsibility and discretion to the firm in building practice skills through Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). “It assumes that law firms will undertake a robust approach, in a strong learning culture,” he argues. “Too many businesses may not have the resources or experience to do this.”

But why, we ask Moser, is it so important to fill these gaps? “At the end of the day, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) represents the public; they protect the interest of the public in the provision of legal services,” he replies. “If people do not know what they’re doing, the provision of legal services isn’t going to be great.” From the perspective of a law firm, he says, it’s important to fill these gaps in education because the ‘product’ that the firm is ultimately selling is their people.

In offering the PSC course and a newly developed Junior Lawyers Development Programme (JDLP), ULaw is helping law firms and future lawyers to address these gaps. “These courses,” says Moser, “will be directly aimed at firms and businesses in filling those gaps. These provide businesses with the opportunity to acquire learning and address their learning needs.” At ULaw, he says, “all of our courses are delivered by qualified lawyers, with each course tailored to the needs of each business, including electives and programmes that can be developed with each client.”

Interested to dig into the differences between internal learning teams and outsourcing learning to ULaw, we ask Moser for ULaw’s unique selling points in this space. “ULaw is a university,” he begins, “and therefore it has a different culture to a law firm — a learning culture.” The flexibility of ULaw’s offering, he says, “provides the opportunity to explore different learning options.”

He continues, “law firm culture is not reputed for its experimentalism because lawyers are trained to avoid failure and risk like the plague. We have a space at ULaw that allows us to explore different electives. As an example, we are exploring how an AI and legal tech module might fit within professional development.”

Without revealing too much, we ask Moser what he’s planning to cover as a speaker at the LegalEdCon 2024. “I’ll be speaking on what I’m passionate about,” he reveals, “and that’s legal education. I’ll also be touching on how we can address the gaps in legal professional development, and the importance of doing so.”

Jim Moser will be speaking at LegalEdCon 2024, Legal Cheek’s annual future of legal education and training conference, which takes place in-person on Thursday 16 May at Kings Place, London. Final release tickets for the Conference can be purchased here.

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Mix of concern and anger

Senior figures at some of the country’s biggest law schools have responded to this morning’s news that nearly 200 aspiring lawyers were mistakenly told they had failed parts of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).

Kaplan and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) today apologised for a calculation error that resulted in 175 students being informed that they had failed either Functioning Legal Knowledge 1 and/or Functioning Legal Knowledge 2 (the two parts of SQE1), when in fact they had passed.

A goodwill payment of £250 is being offered to those candidates for the “upset caused by this matter”.

Reacting to today’s news, Jonny Hurst, presenter of SQE TV, branded the situation an “omnishambles”.

“It’s hard to fathom, isn’t it?” he wrote on LinkedIn. “Some of these candidates will have lost training contracts, which may, after all, now be recoverable. Others will have incurred considerable financial losses, such as accommodation costs and cancelled course fees. And then there are those who may have made significant life decisions off the back of January’s SQE1 ‘fail’. All will have been put through unnecessary distress and anxiety and my heart goes out to each and every one of you.”

“As someone who has been in legal education for over 15 years, I can appreciate how easy it is for a small error to have such far-reaching consequences,” said Hurst.

“The compensation being offered to the affected candidates (£250) will be a drop in the ocean to most. It certainly won’t cover many of their financial losses or the untold negative affect on their mental health. Looks like the SQE is as tough to administer as it is to pass,” Hurst continued.

In a statement to Legal Cheek, BPP’s dean, Jo-Anne Pugh, added, “We are aware of the error and are providing support to the affected students”.

Also reacting to the news, The University of Law‘s deputy vice-chancellor law, Professor Peter Crisp told us:

“Our concern is with those of our students whose future careers may have been impacted by this error. This includes those who may have been reliant on a positive result to secure a training contract. We are working closely with those students affected and our client firms to ensure they are appropriately supported.”

Meanwhile, BARBRI Global’s managing director Lucie Allen said she was concerned by today’s news and that “whilst this is positive for the students who have now passed, it is worrying that an error on this scale has happened”.

“Students will have been impacted in all sorts of ways which are significant and need to be thoroughly reviewed and understood,” she told Legal Cheek. “I am not sure the compensation offered addresses the extent of the repercussions experienced. BARBRI have put in place measures to support students and urge anyone impacted to reach out.

Finally, The College of Legal Practice issued a statement on LinkedIn expressing its deep disappointment, highlighting that the error will have greatly affected students’ wellbeing, confidence and finances. “We are seeing increased levels of anxiety both from our students and those thinking about taking the SQE and this will add to those concerns,” it said.

Dr Giles Proctor, the law school’s CEO, also commented on our coverage of the story.

“The latest from the Solicitors Regulation Authority in terms of their continuing problems with their running of the SQE, Proctor said. “Mistakes do occur and have quite rightly been addressed in this case. However, there is a wider issue emerging here around the dialogue from the SRA with firms, providers and students and how concerns are listened to and addressed.”

“More clear communication is needed and a sense of careful planning and discussion rather than just ploughing on with the same systems,” Proctor continued. “Otherwise, the really important stakeholders in all this, the students undergoing SQE, will continue to be under huge pressure and suffer from mistakes like this.”

Leading lawyers talk deals, projects, private equity and more

The Legal Cheek Spring 2024 Virtual Vacation Scheme, run in partnership with The University of Law, saw more than 2,000 students participate in a series of talks, workshops and an Employability Expo, with more than 30 leading law firms in attendance. 

Over the three days of the Scheme, students got to flavour a range of practice areas, from real estate to disputes, through case studies set by ULaw. These were discussed by speakers in the various workshops, giving attendees an insight into how key legal scenarios are navigated in practice. Here’s what went down.

Day 1

Session 1: Deals

The speakers:

• Sidrah Shah, international banking and finance associate at Hogan Lovells
• Jade Rigby, corporate and finance associate at Hogan Lovells

The lowdown:

The Spring Vacation Scheme commenced with a session centred on the role of a deal lawyer, featuring Hogan Lovells associates Jade Rigby and Sidrah Shah. Rigby provided insights from the perspective of a pensions lawyer, discussing the circumstances under which they may be involved in a corporate transaction. She revealed that her passion for all-things pensions stemmed from her interest in delving into the “nitty gritty” of people’s lives.

Shah, on the other hand, examined the broader framework of a typical deal from a banking and finance perspective. She noted that a deal typically commences with a terms sheet, outlining key transactional terms agreed upon in principle by the involved parties. Additionally, she highlighted a common trainee task involving the drafting of ‘condition precedent items,’ which are events that must take place before the parties are bound to fulfil their obligations.

The deals sessions concluded with a brief Q&A session and an examination of a case study focused on the acquisition of a milk production company by a family-founded dairy manufacturer.

Session 2: Employability Expo

The speakers:

• Helen Avis, programme and student lead at ULaw
• Rose Parkinson, student recruitment manager at ULaw
• John McKeown, careers consultant at ULaw
• Anne Petrie, employability/careers manager at ULaw
• Clare Stapleton, employability group & Birmingham careers manager at ULaw
• Catherine Morgan, employability group manager at ULaw

The lowdown:

The SQE Explained

ULaw Programme and Student Lead, Helen Avis, took attendees through an explainer session on the SQE. She covered what the SQE is, a breakdown of its structure and the fees and costs associated with the new scheme. As well as answering plenty of student questions with a lengthy 30-minute Q&A at the end of the session, she explained in detail the various routes to qualification still in place, as well as giving advice on accumulating Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).

Firm Research and Applications

ULaw student recruitment manager Rose Parkinson started the session by explaining the importance of researching law firms well. It is this factor which allows firms to differentiate between applicants who are motivated for a career in law and those who are just fixated on obtaining a training contract.

She highlighted the usefulness of having a set of criteria while doing this research to help applicants justify their reasoning for choosing a particular firm. Some deciding factors include practice area or sector focus of the firm, firm size and values and training structure.

Parkinson also emphasised the importance of knowing which skills are required by trainees and reflecting on how an applicant has gained these skills through any non-legal work experience they have done. She recommended using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer the application questions and making tailored applications, focusing on quality rather than quantity.

Interviews Workshop

ULaw careers consultant, John McKeown, and ULaw Employability/Careers Manager, Anne Petrie, shared their top tips on how to impress at interviews, whether they are in-person, virtual or over the telephone. John and Anne delved into preparation techniques, types of interview questions and how answers can be structured. They also gave advice on the more nuanced aspects, such as body language and voice – a smile can make a huge difference!

CVs and Cover Letters

During the first hour of the session, we heard from Stapleton, who discussed the importance of the structure and content within CVs and cover letters. Stapleton noted the importance of attention to detail and consistency on both documents, warning that failing to do so may cause you to fall at the first hurdle.

During the second hour of the session we heard from Morgan, who also provided her top tips on CVs and cover letters. Morgan emphasised the importance of keeping contact details on these documents up to date – with Morgan discussing how not doing so can lead to missed opportunities!

Day 2

Session 3: Real Estate 

The speakers:

• Ruth Clare, real estate partner at Shoosmiths 
• Ashona Chakraborty, real estate litigation associate at Shoosmiths
• Alexandra Kinsey, real estate associate at Shoosmiths 

The lowdown:

Clare, Chakraborty and Kinsey discussed what it’s like, day-to-day, to work in real estate. The trio discussed the life cycle of a property transaction, with Clare discussing the differences between core and value-add real estate. Clare also discussed the challenges the increase in costs has caused the sector — and what this means for the firm’s clients.

The use of AI in the sector was also discussed, with the group observing that it has helped to improve the team’s efficiency, in particularly when drafting documents.

The firm’s key values were also discussed, with drive and personality being described as key attributes in its future trainees. Finally, the group went on to provide advice to other aspiring solicitors, with the trio highlighting the importance of being authentic and confident in the workplace.

Day 3

Session 4: Projects 

The speakers:

• Harry Smith, infrastructure and energy associate at Pinsent Masons 

The lowdown:

Smith kicked off the session by breaking down his career path to date, explaining in detail the work he did in each seat while training at Pinsent Masons, as well as his experience at his client secondment.

In the main presentation, Smith dived into the nature of infrastructure, using examples of projects both international and national. This was followed by an introduction to the different types of contracting, including what is known as PFI (Private Finance Initiative)/ PPP (Public-Private Partnerships) Contracts. A technical analysis of the typical PFI/ PPP structure revealed the relationships between stakeholders, which, together with a breakdown of the key phases of these projects, really helped the audience understand what clients need at each stage. Smith laid out the day-to-day tasks conducted by trainees and associates, explaining how they feed into the bigger picture, before rounding off the presentation with key commercial awareness topics.

Smith provided further insight into these topics in the Q&A, when he gave an overview of recent and upcoming infrastructure projects in the UK and described how ESG goals influence their funding. Before the session wrapped up, Harry advised aspiring lawyers to “take as many opportunities as [they] can”, so they can expand their worldview and stand out amongst applicants.

Session 5: Private Equity 

The speakers:

• Harry Buchanan, private equity associate at Willkie Farr & Gallagher

The lowdown:

Harry Buchanan, associate at the London office of US law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher explored private equity matters in this session. He started off by outlining the process of completing due diligence, its key objectives as well as the typical structure of a private equity transaction. He went on to explain that his day-to-day could include anything from employment contracts to deal closures and highlighted the importance of organisation, communication and project management skills to keep tabs on this varied workload.

At the end of the session, Buchanan emphasised to attendees that in order to gain an insight into the profession prior to applying for vacation schemes and training contracts, they should aim to attend as many presentations and firm-run events as they can.

Session 6: Disputes 

The speakers:

• Andrew Street, business and commercial disputes partner at BCLP
• Ryan Hocking, commercial and insolvency barrister at Gatehouse Chambers 
• Frederick Price, senior lecturer at ULaw

The lowdown:

The final session of this year’s Spring Vacation Scheme saw ULaw senior lecturer Frederick Price head up a lively discussion on working in disputes between Ryan Hocking, barrister at Gatehouse Chambers, and BCLP partner, Andrew Street.

Hocking and Street began the session by discussing their careers journeys to date. They touched upon why they chose to specialise in contentious work, how they chose between working at the bar and working in a law firm, and how they built upon their work experience previous to qualification to secure their training.

In the Q&A chaired by Price, the lawyers also discussed the more granular differences between the role of a solicitor and the role of a barrister in disputes. This included the difference in both clients and client interactions, the difference between daily tasks, and the different employment structures of both roles. Before the close of the session, Price posed a number of final questions to the panel. This included the increasing role of mediation in disputes, the qualities of a great contentious lawyer, and commercial awareness tips for those aspiring to a career in disputes.

In the ULaw case study discussed, students were asked to put themselves in the shoes of a restaurant owner who had incurred serious loss in relation to a potential breach of contract by a supplier. The case study asked students to advise the restaurant owner on his legal position and outline some key points that the client should consider before issuing legal proceedings.

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New scholarship

The University of Law (ULaw) has teamed up with Amal Clooney and her charity, the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ), to create a new scholarship fund specifically designed to support aspiring human rights lawyers

The funded scholarship, dubbed The Amal Clooney Scholarship for Human Rights Advocates, will offer the winner a fully funded place to study a postgraduate course with the law school giant.

Applicants for the new scholarship will need to “demonstrate a commitment to supporting and defending human rights”, ULaw said.

The recipient can take their pick of the 16 postgraduate courses on offer at ULaw, including the Bar Practice Course (BPC), the LLM Legal Practice (SQE1+2) and the LLM in International Human Rights.

A tenant at London human rights set Doughty Street Chambers, Clooney has previously acted as an adviser on the Syrian conflict, represented the ousted president of the Maldives pro bono and famously defended WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

Clooney founded the CFJ with her actor husband George Clooney in 2016. It works in over 40 countries, with the aim of providing free legal support to victims of human rights violations.

Commenting on the new scholarship, Clooney said:

“It is an honour to join forces with The University of Law to empower the next generation of lawyers and advocates. I am thrilled that this scholarship will increase access to legal education in human rights and I look forward to seeing the incredible work of future recipients.”

Professor Andrea Nollent, vice chancellor and CEO at ULaw, added: “We are exceptionally proud to launch this new scholarship with Amal Clooney and the CFJ. Amal’s global efforts in the fight against injustice though the Clooney Foundation for Justice and providing free legal support to victims are an inspiration to all future lawyers. We take great pride in working with real change makers in the legal world and supporting a new generation of human rights advocates with this scholarship.”

The deadline for applications is 30 June 2024.

ULaw London Moorgate Dean Aruna Verma talks smooth networking, tailoring firm applications and dealing with rejection

Having spent time in both legal practice and education, Aruna Verma, now Campus Dean at The University of Law’s London Moorgate outfit, has a wealth of advice to offer.

Ahead of her appearance at Legal Cheek’s Spring Virtual Vacation Scheme and Law Fair which begins on Monday, we sat down with her to get her thoughts on how students can make the most out of the scheme and maximise success in their applications.

The ULaw-Legal Cheek Spring Virtual Vacation Scheme and Law Fair has several components to it – workshops, law fairs and an employability expo. What are your top three tips for how students can get the most out of attending the scheme?

The ULaw-Legal Cheek Spring Vacation Scheme is an excellent opportunity full of various events. Firstly, I would encourage you to prepare in advance of attending the event. Find out the names of the firms and organisations attending, visit their websites to understand their areas of expertise and work culture. Be curious, make a note of any questions you have about the firm and any major work they have done recently.

Secondly, during the vacation scheme, be active.  Participate by asking relevant questions, share your ideas and thoughts. Start conversations, continue them and take part actively. Leave an impression.

Finally, make sure you send follow -up emails to the contacts you have made. Refer to conversations you had and reinforce your interest in the area of law or firm.

After events I have presented or hosted, I usually get LinkedIn requests with a short note on where we met and what we discussed.

When it comes to virtual networking, how should students be deciding who to speak to and the kinds of questions to ask that would be a useful addition to their written applications to firms?

Events, whether they are online or in-person, requires a strategic and proactive approach before attendance. Who do you want to speak to and why? Is there anyone you need to ensure you have spoken to?

Prior to any major event, I would urge you to make sure your LinkedIn or social media networking platforms are up to date.  List all your skills, experiences and interests. Highlight your strengths.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions during the networking. I would ask a general question to get the person’s attention. For example, what part of your work do you enjoy the most?  Express your interest in their work and request a brief conversation to learn more about their career path and gain insights into the industry. If you have questions about the application process, ask for advice, for example, what are the firm considering when looking at personal statements.

Another struggle with networking is how artificial it can sometimes feel, and that might make it a tad awkward. How would you suggest students combat this and try to come across as genuinely and authentically as possible?

Always be yourself. Authenticity shines through when you’re true to yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Speak naturally and let your personality come through in your communication. Smile.

Demonstrate genuine interest in the other person by actively listening to what they have to say. Keep eye contact.  Make notes. Ask thoughtful questions. This demonstrates that you value their perspective and are engaged in the conversation.

Follow through. If you say you’ll follow up with someone or send them information, make sure to do so in a timely manner. This demonstrates reliability and builds trust.

Show appreciation for the time and insights others have shared with you. A simple thank you goes a long way in building positive relationships and leaving a lasting impression.

What is your advice to students who are in the process of figuring out what kinds of firms they want to apply to — what sorts of factors should they be taking into account, and what should their shortlisting process look like?

This all requires research and a fair bit of it. Look into the type of firm you wish to work in by looking at their practice areas, does this interest you and fit in with your career aspirations?

Research into their culture and values. Does it fit in with yours? Consider the importance of professional development, work-life balance, diversity and inclusion for example.

Make a list of all the criteria that is important to you so you can benchmark the firms against your values.

One of the most difficult things in an application is demonstrating your genuine interest in the firm. In your experience, what can a student do to stand out in this aspect of their application?

The extensive research into the firm will shine through in your application. Tailor your application and customise it to the firm. You can tell when you have sent out a generic letter which is nonspecific to the firm.

What do you want the firm to know about you? What impression do you want to leave them with? Ensure you highlight these experiences.

Getting a training contract is often a long process. What is your advice for those who are feeling deflated or demotivated by rejections, especially when getting feedback on applications is rare?

Experiencing job rejections can be disheartening, but it’s important for students to stay resilient and maintain a positive mindset.

Its okay to feel emotions, acknowledge them and process them. Sit with them. But not for too long.

Always follow up with a thank you and ask for feedback. If you do get a response back on this, use the feedback constructively to identify areas for improvement and refine your strategy.

Stay persistent and continue applying to positions that align with your skills, interests, and career goals. Take online courses, attend workshops, or pursue certifications to enhance your skills and make yourself a more competitive candidate.

Reach out to your mentor or support network to debrief.  Stay positive, rejection is temporary. Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being during this challenging time. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it’s exercising, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing hobbies.

If you could now give one piece of advice to your younger self when you were starting out in your career, what would it be?

To utilise my network and my mentors! I was worried about approaching people, but I realise now that people are very generous with their time – they just need to be asked. They can only say no!

Aruna Verma will be speaking at The Legal Cheek Spring Virtual Vacation Scheme and Law Fair 2024 taking place from Monday 25 March to Wednesday 27 March 2024. Apply now to attend.

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The University of Law Campus Dean Zoe King highlights the benefits of the South West

Zoe King, Campus Dean of The University of Law’s Bristol and Exeter campuses has had the benefit of spending time in the South West’s legal scene as both a practicing solicitor and as a legal educator.

Ahead of her appearance at tomorrow’s in-person student event in Bristol, she sat down with Legal Cheek to discuss what life on campus is like, the kind of legal work on offer in the south west and her top application tips.

Can you tell me a little bit about your role as Campus Dean at ULaw Bristol?

ULaw Bristol offers undergraduate programmes in Law and postgraduate programmes for those converting to law or who wish to train as a barrister or solicitor.  ULaw has many campuses across England, so as the Bristol Campus Dean, I have responsibility for the overall student experience at our two campuses in the South-West (Exeter and Bristol).

What would you recommend to prospective students about living, studying and working in the South West?

Bristol is a fantastic city with a fantastic harbourside, free festivals and a friendly vibe.  You can easily escape to the seaside at weekends and there are loads of fantastic green spaces to explore around the city.  There is really good quality work and training in the South-West and there is a varied and innovative legal community.  Exeter is also a lovely city with a thriving legal community.

Are there any features of campus life at ULaw Bristol that you think students particularly enjoy?

ULaw’s Bristol campus is a city-centre campus which is very close to the Courts, Chambers and law firms and Temple Meads station. A recent remodelling of our café and informal study areas on campus have made it a much more flexible space for working and socialising and it is great to see the buzz on campus as students make use of that collaborative space.

What kinds of academic and pastoral support can students expect to have access to at ULaw Bristol?

Students have academic coaches and subject lecturers to support progress academically, as well as a range of more specialist pastoral support teams.  We have onsite careers, pro bono, wellbeing and library support as well as our friendly Student Information team.  Lecturers’ main focus is teaching and student support and having previously worked as lawyers, they are well placed to be able to support students in the early stages of their career.

Having spent time in both private practice and legal education in the South West, how would you characterise the legal scene in Bristol, and how has it changed over time?

The legal scene offers really high-profile and innovative work. At ULaw Bristol we have had the benefit of fascinating talks given by people developing innovative legal tech, working on the legal aspects of driverless cars, renewable energy and on cases such as the defence of the Colston Four.  It just shows the huge variety of legal work there is.  There is also a very supportive and collaborative approach within the region, supported by the work of Devon and Somerset Law Society and the Bristol Law Society.  There are lots of events arranged by the Junior Lawyers Division and plenty of networking opportunities.  In terms of change, one of the changes in recent years which has impacted on lawyers’ daily lives is the fact that many firms have embraced hybrid working and refreshed workspaces to adapt to demand.

What is your advice for students who are trying to build up their commercial awareness in a targeted way in preparation for assessment centres?

Ellen Marsh, our ULaw Careers Manager for the South-West, recommends attending as many events as you can to build understanding of how law firms operate as a business, wider issues impacting the legal sector and issues facing clients in the sectors relevant to the law firm you are researching.  It is vital for an assessment day that you understand the difference between the law firm’s sectors and practice areas.  Be able to demonstrate your knowledge of the type of the client of that law firm and confidently be able to discuss the firm’s sector approach.

Also, I would say you should try to understand your role as a junior lawyer in making sure the law firm functions well as a business in terms of time recording, billing and providing excellent client service.

Given that the legal industry is becoming increasingly competitive, how can students strike a good balance between studying for degrees or professional courses and applying for training contracts?

Make the best use of the careers service wherever possible.  The careers team may offer practice interviews, CV reviews and information on potential employers.  If you are taking the time to research employers and fill out application forms, you are putting yourself in the best position possible if you also plan the time to review and use the careers resources available to you to finesse those applications.  Try to go to talks and events, particularly if there are potential employers in attendance.  Often the deadlines for applications are at quite busy times in the academic year, but you could make it easier for yourself if you take the time prior to the course start date to review your own CV and start compiling examples where you have demonstrated some key lawyer competencies.

Ellen Marsh also adds, you should always make targeted applications.  Choose law firms where you are able to understand their USP and confidently talk about this in your applications.  A good balance between applications and studying is vital.  For applications you should prioritise quality over quantity.  If you are dedicating too much time towards applications to the detriment of study, you may need to step back and refocus.  Passing your course is the absolute priority – there are many ways to pursue a career in law.

What is one piece of careers advice you think everyone should hear?

Law firms receive hundreds of applications.  Try to maximise your chances by applying to a range of selected law firms and go into the process with an open mind.

Zoe King will be speaking at ‘Secrets to Success Bristol — with Osborne Clarke, TLT, Ashfords and ULaw’ an in-person student event taking place TOMORROW. Apply now to attend.

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Harriet Pearce, ULaw Nottingham Campus Manager, dives into commercial awareness, career tips, and the city’s legal allure

Speaking to Legal Cheek Careers, Harriet Pearce tells us that she started out in legal practice as a dispute resolution lawyer. After spending some time doing this, she decided to make the move into legal education, realising that it offered the perfect mix of mentorship and legal analysis — what she enjoyed most in her job.

Now Campus Manager at The University of Law’s Nottingham outpost, Harriet Pearce discusses life on campus, legal careers in Nottingham and application tips, ahead of her appearance at this Thursday’s in-person event.

Can you tell us a little bit about your career so far?

I am currently the Campus & Academic Manager and a Senior Lecturer at ULaw Nottingham. I teach predominantly on the LPC (dispute resolution and advanced commercial dispute resolution) and conversion courses (tort and EU law), as well as managing our academic team and overseeing the day-to-day running of the Nottingham campus. Prior to this, I worked as a dispute resolution solicitor at Rosling King, where I worked on a range of commercial and insolvency disputes. I trained at PwC Legal, where I was fortunate enough to spend time on secondment in Dubai.

You previously worked as a dispute resolution lawyer. What prompted you to make the shift from practice to legal education, and what skills or lessons have you been able to tap into in your current role from your time as a solicitor?

I enjoyed practice most when I was (a) mentoring paralegals or junior solicitors and (b) when I was researching a complex area of law for a case I was working on. I realised that both skills would help me be an effective lecturer and I wasn’t wrong. I have absolutely loved teaching, particularly on the conversion course, where I get the opportunity to reflect critically on the law in discussions with students. I have also enjoyed mentoring students who are applying for jobs in London firms and have taken the opportunity wherever possible to connect them with my peers who are still working in practice.

Having spent time in both London and Nottingham during your career, how would you say the two cities compare? What advice do you have for aspiring lawyers who are trying to decide where they would like to start their career?

Nottingham is a really friendly city and working here gives you the opportunity to be part of a really tight-knit legal community. There is also some very high-quality work available and, particularly at the smaller practices, you get the opportunity to take responsibility early on in your career. That being said, if you’re looking for more international opportunities then there are probably more on offer in London. Personally, I loved my time working in London, but now that I have a family, I’m much happier living in a smaller city where my commute is simple and life is a bit calmer!

Can you tell us about campus life at ULaw Nottingham — what societies or pro bono opportunities are available for students to build their legal and non-legal skills base?

ULaw Nottingham offers a variety of pro bono opportunities.  The most “hands on” of these opportunities are the in-person and virtual legal advice clinics which allow students to take an active role and work alongside legal professionals and real clients. Other opportunities allow students to create presentations, draft factsheets and answer legal queries, all whilst under the supervision of a practicing solicitor. We also partner with a number of external organisations such as the National Justice Museum, Schools Consent Project and HM Courts Service to offer opportunities to our students.

Is there a standout feature of the student experience at ULaw Nottingham that you are particularly proud of?

The Nottingham campus has a very collegiate environment where most of the staff know the students and vice versa. As a result, the students often remark on how comfortable they feel asking the lecturers for extra support and/or careers advice. One of our lecturers recently started a table-tennis and pool league between students and staff, which demonstrates that we also have fun, alongside working hard!

Although the SQE has been in force for just over a couple years now, there is still a lot of confusion and worry around it. What resources does ULaw Nottingham provide to support students in relation to revision and weaker topic areas?

Our students have access to Synap, which is very helpful as they have access to weekly practice tests and mocks, as well as spaced learning and self-practice quizzes. Synap contains analytics that help our students (and lecturers) see progress and identify and address potential weaknesses in different subject areas. We also have a suite of ULaw SQE1 Manuals, written new and specifically for the SQE regime, supplemented by Bitesize revision videos for the academic law subjects. On the SQE2, in addition to scheduled workshops and mock materials, we supply a self-study workbook that gives additional practice in several skills across relevant practice contexts.

With assessment centres coming up for spring and summer vacation schemes, what commercial awareness topics should be on students’ radars?

Students often forget that commercial awareness isn’t just about following what’s happening in the news (although this is very important). CA is also understanding how law firms operate as businesses, so if students can think about the types of firms they’re applying for and find links between what they’re reading in the news and how this will impact specific firms, this will reflect positively on the student. In terms of hot topics, I think it’s important for students to understand the impact that AI is having on the legal profession and how this can be harnessed by firms to give them a competitive advantage.

In your experience, what is one crucial bit of careers advice everyone should hear?

Be authentic. There is no point interviewing for jobs pretending to be something you’re not. Although this might help to secure you a job in the short term, it won’t make you happy at work in the long term and if you’re not happy at work, it’s difficult to be successful. I would therefore recommend that you ask questions at interviews to help you figure out if the job you’re applying for is the right job for you. For example, if you ask: “What type of personality would fit in well at your firm?” then if the answer is the exact opposite of your personality, this might be indicative that you’re not well suited to that firm!

Harriet Pearce will be speaking at ‘Secrets to Success Nottingham — with Gateley, Shoosmiths and ULaw’, and in-person student event taking place THIS THURSDAY (29 February). Apply now to attend.

ULaw Moorgate, London Dean Aruna Verma discusses campus life, transferable skills and commercial awareness hot topics

Former solicitor Aruna Verma has been Campus Dean at The University of Law’s London Moorgate, London campus since April 2023. She tells me about the multiple clubs and societies that have been set up on campus. “The University encourages students to share their skills by taking the initiative of hosting events and building clubs and societies. This creates a sense of community at the campus and polishes the transferable skills of those students taking the initiative”, she explains.

Verma points out that these transferable skills can help one succeed in any career they go into, elaborating on this with an example. One of the most important transferable skills she gained from her time as a solicitor which helps her in her current career in legal education is public speaking. “Having the experience of being in a courtroom and arguing a case really helped me when I started teaching – I was often in front of large groups of students numbering over 100”, she details.

Verma shares that these skills can drastically increase the chances of students securing a coveted training contract. “Setting up a society takes initiative. Running it alongside full-time studies takes commitment and it demonstrates a student’s time-keeping skills which is very important for lawyers”, she says.

Using the example of setting up a football society, Verma explains that theses social groups do not need to have a business or legal context to build valuable skills. “It takes planning and teamwork to get the kits together. Getting permission from the University to use its logo requires the students to look at the regulatory infrastructure. These are competencies that they can demonstrate during their interviews,” notes Verma.

In terms of pro bono opportunities, she shares that the Moorgate campus hosts several projects that allow students to obtain valuable insights into different practice areas like family and employment law. “Students have shared their experiences with me about interviewing real clients, listening to the advising solicitor, making notes of the meeting and undertaking legal research”, she highlights, noting that the skills students are able to develop in these clinics are crucial building blocks of a legal career.

I went on to ask Verma about the advice she would give to students about transferrable skills they can demonstrate from non-legal roles to law firms. “What I’ve always done is I make notes of anything new I’ve done within my role. I can then use these as examples to demonstrate core competencies in either applications or interviews”, she suggests. Verma elaborates that in addition to her role as Dean, she also chairs a tribunal, which often confronts obstacles. “I constantly write down how I deal with these situations and what competencies I use — it’s an ongoing process and it means you demonstrate competencies in everything that you do,” she points out.

Her advice to students who are preparing for interviews is to have a bank of experiences that they can turn to. “Remember to use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method when you answer interview questions. Research the law firm that you are interviewing for and most importantly, know your CV so that you can instantly tell the interviewer about a particular experience when asked”, Verma advises. She goes on to highlight the importance of taking action after an interview. “This is your opportunity to leave a good impression. Always send a follow-up note thanking the panel members for their time. It shows that you have a holistic approach from start to finish.”

Touching on vacation schemes, I ask Verma about how students can convert these short placements into training contracts. “The whole process should be seen as a live interview. You should immerse yourself in every opportunity. The firm has worked hard to give you a good experience with its work. You should make the most of it and ask insightful and relevant questions”, she suggests. Verma urges students to also engage with the work, be proactive and make connections both with the people there as well as their fellow vacation scheme students. “Hopefully, you’ll be in a cohort together”, she points out.

On the topic of commercial awareness, Verma explains that the Moorgate campus offers different opportunities for developing this elusive skill through guest speaker sessions, networking events and mentoring sessions. These have the added long-term benefit of building up a professional network. “Students should think about how businesses and industries around the globe are being affected by current events. They should be critical while doing so, considering the benefits and drawbacks of these current events for the businesses”, she explains.

Commercial awareness is also an important component of learning at ULaw Moorgate. “All of our papers and materials teach students at the cutting edge of law and business. We try to get students opportunities for work shadowing and encourage students to bring topics they have read in the paper to class so that they can discuss it and share their views, which leads to fruitful discussions. We also hold commercial awareness competitions”, Verma details.

I then ask her about key commercial awareness topics for students to follow for 2024. “The law is constantly changing – in addition to that, business developments in one part of the world can affect another region quite significantly, so it’s always important to keep track of geopolitical implications”, she says. Verma also reassures students that AI will not replace lawyers but instead help them shine within law firms. “There is an opportunity in this generation for law firms and businesses to automate processes through AI and you need to jump at that opportunity. You can lead this innovation and bring changes to law firms in the way things have been done for years”, she encourages.

Verma also states that despite 2023 being a big year for AI, it will continue to get even bigger in impact and popularity in 2024. She characterises it as a snowball effect — the technology used in AI will continue to build upon its success with more resources dedicated to it, is Verma’s prediction.

Aruna Verma will be speaking at ‘Secrets to Success London — with Ashurst, CMS, Osborne Clarke, Willkie and ULaw’ an in-person event taking place on Tuesday 20 February. This event is fully booked, but secure your place at one of our upcoming events.

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Sarah Pooley, talks to Legal Cheek Careers about her move into education, MC lawyering and hot career tips for trainee hopefuls

Having trained and qualified as a solicitor at Magic Circle law firm Slaughter and May, Sarah Pooley then decided to make the move into legal education, starting out as a lecturer at The University of Law (ULaw)’s Guildford campus. Fast-forward to today, and Pooley heads up ULaw’s Reading, Southampton, Egham and Guildford campuses.

Ahead of her appearance at Legal Cheek’s in-person event in Southampton, Pooley speaks to us about the Southampton legal scene, her time as a solicitor and CV tips.

Can you tell us about your career journey to date, and what your day-to-day looks like as Campus Dean for ULaw?

I studied history but as my time at university drew to a close, I knew that I wanted a profession not a job, and that profession was going to be law. The first step in my career was to undertake a conversion course (called the common professional examination at that time) with the College of Law at the London Bloomsbury campus. I was then part of the last year group to take the law society finals as the Legal Practice Course (LPC) was introduced the following year. I was lucky to be sponsored through all of that by Slaughter and May. After my training contract, I qualified into banking compliance.

When the opportunity arose to move into higher education, I started my career at the Guildford campus of the College of Law as a lecturer on the LPC specialising in business law and the corporate electives (mergers and acquisitions, banking and debt finance, public companies and equity finance). I also taught equity & trusts on the conversion course. After a few years I was promoted to programme lead for the conversion course at Guildford and then Head of Students, overseeing all programmes and the student experience at the campus. In 2012, I moved to London Moorgate as Head of Lecturers and then in 2014 back to Guildford as Campus Dean. I now look after the campuses at Reading, Southampton and Royal Holloway (Egham) as well as Guildford.

What I enjoy most in the role of Campus Dean is working with a great team of colleagues at all four of the campuses I am responsible for. The collegiality of the team makes working with them a pleasure.

In terms of my day-to-day, the Campus Dean role is busy and incredibly varied. I spend a good deal of my time working with the management team planning the delivery of the programmes and the wider student experience across the campuses at Guildford, Reading, Southampton and Egham. I teach business law on the LPC as well as equity & trusts on the LLB and conversion courses. I am also involved in ULaw-wide initiatives. I am chair of the ethics committee and have been working on a restructure of how ULaw manages research conducted by staff and/or students and I have just completed a project focusing on devising training to help students avoid the pitfalls of plagiarism and other academic misconduct.

You trained and qualified at Magic Circle law firm Slaughter and May. What did you enjoy most about your time as a solicitor?

I enjoyed the high quality of the work and the liaison with blue chip clients on matters which warranted coverage in the broadsheets or the FT. Some of the matters at the time turned out to be quite newsworthy for the shock waves they created, like a bank being brought to insolvency by a rogue trader.

What inspired your move into education, and what lessons did you bring with you from private practice?

Being married to someone who was making their career in education was a key driver. I could see very clearly that the ability he had to help students reach their full potential was incredibly rewarding. Having studied the law society finals, which was not at all practical, I was keen to bring practical examples to lectures and workshops. I remembered being taught about shelf companies but having no concept of what that might actually look like until I was sent to Jordans on City Road to buy one when I was in a corporate department at Slaughter & May. Being able to give tangible examples of process and procedures and a few “war stories” from practice can really bring a subject to life and foster a deeper understanding.

What advice would you have for students looking to obtain a training contract?

Always remember that legal practice is ultimately a client service industry and whilst it demands knowledge of the law, most students have that technical ability. What makes the difference is a proven ability to communicate effectively – on paper and in person – and develop and maintain good working relationships with clients and team members alike. Any evidence of those key skills from past work experience, whether in law or not, will be very attractive to a future employer.

What support does ULaw provide for students looking for a training contract, and looking to qualify as a solicitor?

ULaw has an outstanding employability team which has years of experience helping students to secure vacation schemes, paralegal position and training contracts.

The pro bono team provide opportunities for students to get involved with advising clients at our legal advice clinics which gives students excellent hands-on experience. The careers team also arrange a wide range of employer talks and workshops as well as law fairs exclusive to ULaw students. The team themselves offer one-to-one appointments to review a student’s CV or applications forms. They will conduct mock interviews and mock assessment centres, to develop those crucial employability skills.

What makes Southampton a competitive location for students looking to begin a career in law?

Southampton is a large city which boasts a vibrant legal profession, including a plethora of well-known firms such as Shoosmiths, Irwin Mitchell, BDB Pitmans, Blake Morgan, Womble Bond Dickinson, Paris Smith and Moore Barlow. Southampton is also well placed for accessing firms further along coast in Portsmouth and Bournemouth and well as those on the M3 corridor. Firms in the area have proven to be agile in the face of the significant changes to the training regime and many have adapted to provide many routes to qualification by, for example, offering apprenticeships, paralegal positions, training contracts and Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) simultaneously.

Getting a training contract is becoming increasingly competitive, with applicants often having to go through multiple cycles to be successful.

What sorts of things can they do in the interim to keep improving their CV?

Firms are increasingly using paralegals to “try before they buy”. In many firms now, we are seeing those starting their careers with one or more years of paralegal work behind them, so any time spent doing that type of work is never wasted – and is almost a prerequisite for some firms.

If paralegal work is not available, then any paid employment which develops key transferable skills and knowledge like problem solving, time management, communication skills and commercial awareness will be invaluable in answering the competency questions that firms tend to pose at interview.

What has been a highlight of your career so far?

I have been fortunate to be the Dean of the Guildford campus for ten years. During that time the campus secured a 100% overall satisfaction rate from its law undergraduates in the National Student Survey twice. Those were very proud moments. I am also lucky to have been at the heart of the teams setting up and running our three new campuses in the area – Reading, Southampton and Royal Holloway. It has been a real highlight to be personally involved in the establishment and launch of all three campuses and then to see them flourish and grow to the size they are today.

To finish off, can you tell us a little about ULaw’s campus in Southampton, particularly the facilities and social scene?

ULaw is fortunate to have an excellent location for its Southampton campus. It is based on the ground floor of the Law Department of the University of Southampton’s (UoS) Highfield campus. This has allowed ULaw and UoS to work together very effectively and develop strong links, for example around their employability offerings.

ULaw students can attend the UoS law fair and UoS students are welcome at ULaw employer talks and workshops. ULaw has its own teaching space and its tutors are also based in the same location giving students easy access to academic and pastoral support. There is a Student Information Hub and Employability suite, the latter providing one-to-one appointments to discuss the format and content of a CV or an application form or to attend a mock interview. The employability team also have wide-ranging pro bono offering including the opportunity to advise clients though our Legal Advice Clinic. ULaw students become Associate Students of UoS and can use the facilities at the Highfield campus such as the many cafes and bars, the gym and the extensive library. They are also able to join both the ULaw and UoS Students’ Union, and in the case of the latter join societies and go along to social events.

The Legal Cheek in-person event ‘Secrets to Success Southampton’, run in partnership with The University of Law (ULaw), takes place Thursday 15 February. Apply now for one of the final few spots.

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Dean of ULaw in the North, Matthew Tomlinson offers his careers advice for trainee hopefuls

Ahead of this Thursday’s Secrets to Success Newcastle in-person event, in partnership with The University of Law (ULaw), we sat down with ULaw’s Dean of Newcastle, Sheffield and Leeds, Matthew Tomlinson to discuss skills, commercial awareness and more.

You’ve had a varied career, working at both global and regional outfits before taking on a career in education. What catalysed your move away from private practice into education, and what do you find is the most rewarding aspect of working in education?

Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed my time in practice, I ultimately wanted to pursue something that enabled me to be more creative. Legal education is an exciting space that is constantly evolving, and it felt like an exciting opportunity to be able to help shape and support the next generation of aspiring lawyers. ULaw has had an incredible journey of success over the past 10 years, and it has been a real privilege to have been part of that.

What do you miss the most about working in private practice, if anything?

I think my favourite aspect of practice was when a new instruction came in; I always found it interesting to learn about new businesses and their needs. As a transactional lawyer, you could commonly work on the same transaction for six months or more which meant working with the same colleagues. So, there was a real sense of teamwork up until the point of completion — which was always a cause for celebration!

What sets The University of Law (ULaw) apart from other universities?

ULaw has a rich heritage as a leader in postgraduate legal education. I personally came through this institution when it was the College of Law, and I had a first-class student experience that prepared me exceptionally well for practice. The University programmes all offer a practice based learning experience, that focuses on applying the law to real-life scenarios. In whatever context of law you are studying, the lecturers delivering the programmes in the main are experienced practitioners. So, students are led by lecturers who are able to draw upon their experiences in practice to enrich the learning experience of ULaw students and to provide expert employability advice.

You must have seen many students come and go throughout your time at ULaw, progressing onto careers in the law. What are your key tips to students hoping to obtain a training contract?

My best advice to students is not to be fixated on one particular area of law to the extent of narrowing applications down to only a few firms who deal well in that practice area. Whilst it is great to have areas of practice that you find particularly interesting, there will be lots of areas that students have never thought about or have had no previous insight into. Therefore, I’d always encourage students to think about the type of firms that they’d like to work for and to explore a variety of firms. Maximising opportunity and being open minded is in my view key when it comes to securing a training contract.

What would you say is a standout feature of the Newcastle legal market, and why would you encourage students to explore the possibility of starting their career in this city?

Newcastle boasts an impressive legal sector for a city of its size. You have a real spectrum of firms, from the full-service corporate to smaller high street and boutique outfits. There are also numerous in-house teams as well. This all means that you can find a great quality training where you’ll be exposed to varied work, whilst getting to enjoy the benefits of living in a really vibrant city with an abundance of stunning countryside and coastline on its doorstep. In my opinion, this lends itself to achieving a true work/life balance. Further, the cost of living is undeniably cheaper than London and other large cities in the UK which presents an attractive opportunity for those looking, perhaps, to get on the property ladder.

What commercial awareness topics do you believe applicants should have on their radar ahead of potential training contract and vacation scheme interviews?

I think AI and the future of technology in law has become a particularly hot topic. Having an understanding of how technology is being used within legal services is an important aspect to research ahead of interviews, particularly in the areas of law practiced by the firm to which students are applying.

To finish off, what advice would you give to law students considering a move into academia or education?

If a student is interested in a career in academia, my advice would be to get some experience guest lecturing throughout a postgraduate degree or part-time whilst working in the legal industry. This will give an insight into whether academia is the right fit as well as providing valuable experience to draw upon if they do decide to make a wholesale move later down the line.

The Legal Cheek in-person event ‘Secrets to Success Newcastle’, run in partnership with The University of Law (ULaw), takes place this Thursday (1 February). Apply now for one of the final few spots.

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