Polly Botsford looks at legally trained PMs of the past and the potential impact of Starmer in No.10

With betting odds at an astonishing 1/33 that Labour will win the election on July 4 and Sir Keir Starmer our next PM, the UK looks set to have a barrister in Downing Street. It’s not clear, however, whether this will be a boon for the legal profession.

A review of the Labour Party’s manifesto launched yesterday is a mixed bag. There are pledges for increased policing and more and better prosecutions, particularly in relation to violence against women. Legal aid gets a passing mention (for victims of disasters or state-related deaths), but nothing on a more general increase for criminal or civil cases, and no details on how the next government might deal with the court backlog apart from allowing associate prosecutors to work on cases. There are, however, specific pledges around historic injustices: such as responding to the Grenfell Inquiry and appointing a Windrush Commissioner.

It might be that Starmer, a barrister and KC from Doughty Street Chambers and once head of the Crown Prosecution Service, isn’t talking too much about these issues because they don’t win votes. But the shadow justice secretary and other labour leaders have repeatedly stated that they won’t commit to policies that they can’t afford in order to maintain a profile of being fiscally responsible rather than spendthrift.

There may yet be reason to cheer, however. Lawyers tend to indirectly benefit from a heavy legislative agenda: clients need advice in times of changes in the law. And in its most recent period in office, the Labour Party has tended to bring in more new legislation than the Conservatives — by some margin. A rough comparison of the total pieces of primary legislation passed between 2000 and 2010 (Labour) and 2010 and 2020 (Conservative) was 345 to 285. That’s 20% more under Labour. Many of the ideas in the Labour Manifesto could lead to legislative change such as in immigration, employment, housing, and so on. There are even minor reform proposals for the House of Lords that will engage constitutional lawyers’ brains. All in all, the chances are lawyers will be much busier if Labour are successful (particularly if they have a whopping parliamentary majority). All in all, the chances are lawyers will be much busier if Labour are successful (particularly if they have a whopping parliamentary majority).

Starmer the charmer?

Starmer’s legal career has been nothing less than wig-droppingly impressive. He has already had a stellar career at the bar as a human rights barrister and was a founder member of Doughty Street — a top human rights set that boasts members including Kirsty Brimelow KC and Amal Clooney. During this time he won an award from for his outstanding contribution to pro bono work. His career then took a surprise turn when he accepted the post of director of Public Prosecutions where he oversaw the prosecution of MPs for misuse of expenses, amongst other high profile issues. He won his knighthood for services to criminal justice. In terms of past PMs’ legal backstory, there is no comparison in history.

There have, of course, been quite a few past Prime Ministers that have been legally trained. In the 18^th and 19^th centuries, Britain had leaders like William Pitt the Younger, Henry Addington and Lord Grenville, who were trained at the bar (all at Lincoln’s Inn) and practiced for a brief time until politics took over. At the time, the Bar was one of the few ways that an aristocrat could, respectably, earn a living. But this was not about having a supercharged legal career.

It is not until the dawn of the 20^th century that practising lawyers make their appearance at No.10, with the likes of Asquith (called to the bar in 1876 — Lincoln’s Inn — and took silk in 1890) and Clement Attlee (Inner Temple). Famously, Margaret Thatcher was, very briefly, a tax barrister, and Tony Blair studied jurisprudence at Oxford, and then became a barrister (Lincoln’s Inn again). He was pupil-master to Lord Irvine, who set up a new chambers, 11 King’s Bench Walk, where Blair met his wife, Cherie. (Irvine would go on to become Blair’s Lord Chancellor.) David Lloyd George (PM from 1916-22), who ran his own practice, remains the only solicitor to become prime minister.

Former practising lawyers also feature on the back benches of parliament. Research estimates that as much as 8% of MPs (for Labour and Conservative) were members of the legal profession immediately prior to winning a seat in 2019.  Indeed, one brave City lawyer, the current head of pro bono at Mayer Brown, Mehreen Malik, is standing as the Conservative candidate against Starmer in the London seat of Holborn and St Pancras. The odds are very much stacked against Malik; just ask the bookies.

Polly Botsford is a freelance law and current affairs writer.

What would Elle Woods do?

Exciting news has recently surfaced: the one and only Elle Woods will be making a comeback in a prequel to the cult-classic Legally Blonde. The prequel will focus on her teenage years, long before her admission to Harvard Law School.

Here are some of the best life lessons that Elle Woods taught us.

Never judge a book by its cover

At first glance, it looks like Legally Blonde is about a ditzy blonde sorority sister that wears copious amounts of pink, attempting to get her ex-boyfriend back after he broke up with her for being more ‘beauty than brains’. However, upon closer inspection, the protagonist, Elle Woods, has more to teach us than meets the eye.

The scene that introduces us to Elle teaches us that appearances can be deceiving, and it’s important not to make assumptions about someone’s capabilities based on how they choose to present themselves.

Aspiring lawyers can learn valuable lessons from her about embracing femininity and remaining assertive when being underestimated or maltreated in a male-dominated space. Similarly, the Barbie movie showcased the power of self-belief and challenging stereotypes, inspiring women to pursue their dreams unapologetically, as Barbie herself is historically an unmarried woman of varied pursuits who does not limit herself to any one career or stereotypes, encouraging young girls to aim for the stars.

The concept of ‘girlhood’

Despite not understanding her need to go to law school, Elle’s sorority is nothing short of supportive of her new-found legal dream. The movie doesn’t just promote higher education for women but encourages tolerance and healthier relationships between women. In the movie, Elle gets into Harvard and wins her trial.

In today’s media landscape, celebrating girlhood is more prevalent than ever, with Barbie-inspired TikTok trends on #girlhood and #girlcore sweeping our ‘For You’ pages. Legally Blonde offers a glimpse into the bonds of friendship, support, and empowerment among women, and it reminds us that it takes a village.

Not everyone comes from a legal background

Aspiring lawyers often feel discouraged if they didn’t do law during A-Levels, university or don’t have lawyers in their family. However, Elle Woods didn’t have an existing law background; she had a degree in fashion merchandising and still got into Harvard Law School! She does so successfully, breaking the glass ceiling.

Her character highlights the importance of bringing unconventional, unique, and non-legal experiences into legal education or employment, and emphasises the importance of transferable skills and distinct knowledge in the legal profession, especially in the final scene where she solves a case using her knowledge about hair perms. Sometimes, what makes you a good lawyer has nothing to do with law. This also goes a long way to improve diversity and inclusivity in the legal profession.

Work hard for what you want

Despite being discouraged by everyone around her, including her own parents, Elle Woods puts all her effort into reaching her goal. She spends endless hours studying to get into Harvard Law School and, once there, works hard to keep up with her peers, ultimately solving the major legal case of her year.

Elle shows us how law students must take themselves seriously but also know when to let their hair down and have fun, demonstrating the need for a healthy work-life balance.

Law students can learn from Elle’s character that training contracts and pupillages don’t come easily, but with enough determination, you can achieve your goals against all odds. Her journey also highlights the importance of meritocracy and having a strong work ethic in the legal profession.

What’s wrong with wearing pink?

Elle is undoubtedly a ‘girly girl’ with her love for pink pedicures, pink convertibles and a cute dog. Similarly to Barbie, she shows us how femininity can define strength. Her character is an example of a woman who achieves success without sacrificing her principles or identity.

We see Elle’s watershed moment when she strides into her first courtroom appearance (wearing pink, of course) and outsmarts a witness to win the trial. Elle is unapologetically herself, demonstrating that authenticity and self-confidence are crucial for success in the legal field.

Believe in yourself

The final lesson that Elle teaches us throughout the whole movie that she reiterates in her graduation speech, is to “always have faith in yourself.” We all know the stresses of law school; never-ending training contract rejection emails can get the best of us. However, when this happens, we must turn to Legally Blonde for motivation and ask ourselves, What would Elle Woods do?

Christianah Babajide is a legal marketing expert. She can be found on LinkedIn and her Instagram handle is @christianahb_.

From protecting rights to cold hard cash

Legal Cheek readers have been sharing their true motivations for pursuing careers as lawyers, with factors such as job status, the ability to help people, and the opportunity to earn lots of money featuring highly.

In a flash survey conducted among our 100k Instagram followers, we asked the question: “Law students: why do you really want to be a lawyer?”.

Many of the 70 plus responses flagged the ability to assist others as a major career motivator. “I genuinely want to help people,” one student wrote. Similarly, another follower told us they “want to be able to help people navigate a system that wasn’t necessarily built with them in mind”.

“I want to help asylum seekers and refugees like myself feel protected and have someone who can speak their language while helping them access the law,” added a third student.

For others, perhaps not surprisingly, cold hard cash was a significant pull.”Money and helping people,” said one aspiring lawyer. “But mostly money.” Several others simply responded, “Money!”

The Legal Cheek Firms Most List shows that student pursuing careers in the City can earn a salary of £50,000 or more as a trainee, with pay typically jumping to six-figures upon qualification. However, salaries in publicly funded areas of law are much (much!) lower. The Law Society currently recommends a minimum salary of £26,068 for trainees in London and £23,122 outside London.

Money aside, other responses included students expressing a desire to follow their parents’ career paths and pursue a profession they perceive as “prestigious”. Additionally, some students mentioned the pride that comes with being able to refer to yourself as a “lawyer”.

Some offered what we hope were more jokey responses. “I don’t [want to be a lawyer],” one career confused student told us. “I’m bad at maths xx,” another quipped. A further student added: “So that I’m the only one in the room that knows what ‘actus reus and mens rea’ are lol.”

What are you motivations for pursuing a career in law? Let us know in the comments

God complexes, gatekeeping and more

On Instagram, Legal Cheek recently posed a (controversial?) question to its nearly 100k followers: what are the worst law student traits? It’s no secret that law students don’t tend to be the most beloved on campus, but we were curious to know how law students really feel about each other; *sips tea*.

Outside of the more far-fetched complaints in the comments, (apparently law students “can’t park for sh”) we’ve created a list of the five top peeves as decided by Legal Cheek’s Insta followers.

1) Ego

Coming up trumps in the comment section was law student narcissism. We can tell how much this bugs Legal Cheek followers, because one student comment stating “superiority complex” gained over 130 likes. Others joined in griping about law students thinking they’re “superior [to] others”, having “inflated egos” and “NOT BEING HUMBLE”. Ouch

Another picked up on the classic law student nepotism, bemoaning the “ego filled people … who think they know everything cause their mummy or daddy are lawyers, it’s harsh but it’s trueeeee”. Maybe the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree?

2) Gatekeeping

Surprisingly high on the list of peeves, many on social media griped about law student stinginess. “Gatekeeping everything”, from the “smallest bits of information when you need help” to “references” and “study notes”, were amongst the biggest complaints.

And this appears to extend to physical spaces, too. One commenter goes in on law students who are “weirdly territorial over the law library”. Clearly, sharing is not caring for this esteemed bunch!

3) Competitiveness

Third on the list for law student bugbears was competitiveness, a classic facet of the law student persona. Students bemoaned legal scholars “constantly competing with fellow students”.

One commenter griped about law students “making everything a competition!! like damn some of us just wanna get the degree and get out lmao it’s not that deep”.

Maybe the law student “perfectionism” that one commenter complained about goes hand in hand with competing with everyone around them. Can you really have one without the other?

4) Being argumentative

We all know that you’re not a law student unless you know how to argue; it comes with the territory. Pulling out that “it depends” can defeat any lesser opponent, but this is not always a characteristic looked on too favourably. One commenter gets annoyed by law students who are always “arguing because they have to be right, even if they’re wrong”. It’s annoying when they “have to have the last word, and [don’t] acknowledge their mistakes”. Objection, your Honour.

5) Being fake

Last but not least, commenters on Insta complained about law students being disingenuous, bemoaning “obnoxious” would-be lawyers who “view everything as a networking opportunity”,  saying “just be yourself sometimes!”.

One law student hates “having that one friend that only talks to you to ask purely law related things. I am also a human like ask me about my day or smth”.

For one commenter, these gripes were “probably the reason [she] abandoned law for 11 years after the LPC!”

What are your biggest law student pet peeves? Give us your thoughts in the comments

Make yourself a Harvey Spectacle

Law students are jumping on the Stanley cup bandwagon, seeking their perfect match from Legally Blonde’s fuchsia to Harvey Specter’s green divine Stanley.

These iconic cups have flooded our social media feeds, from TikTok’s #WaterTok community to Instagram reels and YouTube haul videos. It’s no wonder aspiring lawyers want in on the trend — just picture the Insta-worthy aesthetic it’ll bring to your law library desk! If you haven’t snagged a Stanley cup yet but want to join the hype, this article is for you.

The fuchsia Stanley: The student who makes Legally Blonde their whole personality

Vibrant and outgoing, this student adds a pop of colour to their outfits, be it at an interview or an assessment centre. Their love of colour can also be seen in their Instagram feed, their Pinterest vision boards, down to how they organise their pastel highlighters. While they openly love and admire Elle Woods, beneath the surface lies a sharp mind ready to tackle any legal problem questions.

The iris Stanley: The ‘I have wanted to be a lawyer since I could talk’ student

Much like the deep shades of the iris, this law student is determined on securing that vacation scheme and subsequent training contract. They’ve known their career path since childhood and approach their studies with unwavering focus. They naturally stand out from their classmates and they don’t even bother to hide it. They are also the student that shares long form updates on LinkedIn about how many training contracts they’ve bagged, instantly making you question your intellectual ability and rethink being on LinkedIn.

The heather Stanley: The ‘I came through clearing’ student

Polar opposites to the ‘I have wanted to be a lawyer since I could talk’, this student possess a quiet confidence and a thirst for knowledge. Resilient and adaptable; they are always looking to expand their horizons and push their limits. Whilst they appreciate the finer things in life, they do so with humility by avoiding flashy displays of wealth. Their journey to law school might have had a few twists and turns, but they embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, ultimately emerging stronger and more determined than ever.

The orchid Stanley: The student whose parents are lawyers

Being born and raised by lawyers, they are naturally well-versed in legal jargon and courtroom etiquette. While they may carry the weight of needing to have secured more than one magic circle training contract in their first year of university, they also possess a passion for the law. They are determined to carve out their own path and leave their mark.

The green divine Stanley: The Harvey Specter wannabe

Confident and charismatic like Harvey, this law student exudes an aura of power and authority. They navigate law school with a blend of charm and ambition, leaving people wondering just how they do it so effortlessly. With a sharp wit and a natural at negotiation, they are determined to conquer the legal world one case at a time.

Overall…

Law students are like the Stanley trusty flasks — a mix of style and substance and always up for a challenge. Just as the flask went from work gear to a trendy must-have, law students roll with the punches, whether they’re channeling Elle Woods or Harvey Specter.

Christianah Babajide is a visiting lecturer at The City Law School. She can be found on LinkedIn and her Instagram handle is @christianahb_.

Legal Cheek readers call for cheaper fees, better exam rooms, past papers and more

Since Legal Cheek exclusively revealed last week that law firms were rescinding training contract offers from students who failed the SQE on their first attempt, social media has been flooded with criticism of the solicitors’ assessment.

With this in mind, Legal Cheek took to its busy socials to ask its law student and lawyer followers: how do you think the SQE can be improved?

It’s evident from the responses we received that the cost of the exams is a source of annoyance. One lecturer and solicitor took to LinkedIn to write: “… the costs of the examinations bear no relation to reasonable expense and are clearly out of step with agendas of widening participation, diversity and open access.”

Another unhappy follower also called for a reduction in exam fees and suggested students with a law degree be exempt from SQE1. The “whole system needs revising!” they wrote. “Nothing accessible about it unfortunately.”

Currently, exam fees for SQE1 amount to £1,798, and for SQE2, £2,766. However, self-funded students must additionally bear the expenses of a preparation course, which can vary from a couple of thousand pounds to well over £10,000. Students are also required to pay the full exam fees again for resits.

“The exams, introduced to improve accessibility indisputably make the profession less accessible,” another follower wrote on Instagram. “Candidates are fumbling in the dark without clear direction, have to take annual leave to study for the exams, and I met a few candidates who had to take a bank loan to fund the endeavour. As well as this, City law firms are still internally peddling the view that TC’s are the superior method to qualification whilst SQE + QWE is spoken about as being inferior.”

Making changes to the exam venues, the IT and the practicalities of sitting the SQE also seem high on the agenda when talking improvements.

“[The] centres are categorically not the right venue for these exams,” claimed one SQE student. “I personally experienced a protracted distraction during one of the written exams… while other candidates I know experienced outages, frozen screens and delays.”

Another commenter went as far as to suggest that the SRA “needs to sack” SQE assessment provider Kaplan. “The SQE has been plagued with issues since its launch in 2021,” they said. “Considering the cost of the exams, the IT platforms simply aren’t fit for use.”

Another reader suggested the “locations and [exam] rooms should be appropriate,” before claimng that their oral exams were conducted in a “re-arranged hotel bedroom”. Continuing, they said “given you’re in a closed room with only one examiner this can be uncomfortable for some people. A meeting room or classroom is more appropriate”.

Along with adding more (appropriate) exam locations, they go on to say that “exam day rules should be reasonable to reduce on-the-day stress” and “it’s not necessary to ban water during the exams”.

Other readers also raised concerns with the pass rate. “Right now it is clear that the numbers of those successfully completing the SQE exams is far too low,” one concerned follower wrote. “When students with extensive and high-level experience from within legal practice are unsuccessful then it is clear that there is a worrying disconnect between training provider outcomes and the final examination requirements.”

They continued: “A first step would be ensure that a more open dialogue exists between the SRA, Kaplan and training providers to ensure that the high expense of taking on formal training is directed towards best preparation.”

“The use of an MCQ/best answer format is clearly at odds with the actual requirements of the job role in practice,” they continued. “We are looking for analytical and creative minds who can provide the best service to clients — we do not need people with eidetic memory — although I did quite enjoy watching Mike Ross in Suits.”

Improving the study materials was also a suggestion that featured heavily across Legal Cheek’s socials. This comment on Insta summed up the mood:

“A more specific specification or a textbook [should be] provided by Kaplan so that different providers can standardise the information required to be taught. Split the exams to smaller chunks by subjects. Provide a few past papers (the sample questions on the website are not an accurate representation of the level of difficulty).”

Many commenters went as far as calling for the SQE to be scrapped and replaced with its predecessor the Legal Practice Course.

How do you think the SQE can be improved? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Take note…

On Instagram, Legal Cheek recently posed a question to its paralegal, trainee and junior lawyer followers: what are the most annoying things partners do? Whilst many juniors may be keen to learn from the brightest and best in their fields, we were eager to uncover those annoying partner traits. Loads of followers joined the comment section sharing their top partner peeves …

When it comes to their biggest gripes, commenters were keen to suggest that partners may not be so clued up on managing time when it comes to their juniors. One commenter complained about getting e-mails “at 3am” from the partner in their team. Another gets the grump when a partner asks them “to return something by cop or next day and then not looking at it until the week after”.

“Not replying to e-mails” from juniors was also a big annoyance that featured heavily in the comment section.

When it comes to management, those partners that “micromanage” were also called out. One comment griped about partners that have “special rules that apply to how they want things done that are entirely different from office best practices and what the other lawyers want”. Tut-tut!

Although, some weren’t so keen on adding their comments to the post for fear that “*law firms [are] watching *, saying “lol you’re not getting me like this ”.

Others were more eager to complain in the comment section about partners in their team who “ask you to print something for them when they are sat equidistant to the printer”, and who “don’t know how to convert to pdf ”! With hot-desking becoming increasingly popular among City firms, one commenter gripes about partners “not booking a desk and then sitting at the desk you’ve booked”.

What annoys you the most about partners in your firm? Let us know in the comments below

From lectures to law firms, Grace Makungu details her experiences

My journey into the legal industry didn’t follow the typical trajectory of immediately securing a training contract after university. Instead, after graduating from Kingston University, I worked as a paralegal at several City law firms whilst completing my Legal Practice Course part-time.

During this, I secured a training contract at a full-service South-East law firm. I am currently in my second seat in the firm’s lending (finance) department having completed my first seat in dispute resolution. The transition from studying law to working in a law firm environment proved to be incredibly different. Although the experience varies significantly depending on the area of law, I draw out some of the key distinctions that emerged during my transition.

Theoretical vs Practical

Studying law largely involves diving into theoretical concepts and understanding the ins and outs of legal principles. However, when it comes to putting that knowledge into practice, you quickly realise that there is often not a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Each case is unique and requires a thoughtful and tailored approach as outlined below.

As a law student, you spend a lot of time absorbing and memorising cases and statutes alongside some obscure Latin phrases. While this knowledge is important, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Once you start working in a law firm, it’ll be a given that you at least have an understanding of the basic principles in whatever area of law you’re working in. As a trainee, you are unlikely to be expected to be an expert in any specific area. The true test arises when you need to apply your knowledge to real life scenarios. This is where your research skills become important, as you may be tasked with conducting research and presenting your findings to your supervising partner or another lawyer who requested the work.

In practice, it’s not always about following the letter of the law. Sometimes, you need to think outside the box and find practical solutions that may not be obvious from textbooks. At university, it is often about identifying and applying the correct legal principles and reaching conclusions, whereas in practice, it’s about being creative in finding solutions that work for the client.

Working in a law firm will mean you’ll be faced with real life issues involving real people and / or companies with problems. Being empathetic is key, especially in sensitive areas like family law where emotions often run high. Understanding your client’s concerns can make a big difference in how you help them and while it is essential to focus on what your client hopes to achieve; this doesn’t mean mindlessly following instructions. Sometimes, it means having honest conversations with the client even though it may be something they do not want to hear. It’s about guiding the client towards the best possible outcome, even when it’s not easy.

Disclaimer: you are unlikely to be expected to have these difficult conversations as a trainee!

Although your law degree lays the groundwork, it’s the practical experience that truly shapes you as a lawyer. It’s about being able to blend the theoretical knowledge with real world problem-solving to find the best solution that meets client needs.

Time recording

Understanding and effectively managing time recording is a skill in itself, yet this part of legal practice is often not taught at university. Mastering this skill early in your career can greatly benefit you once you qualify as a lawyer as time recording is standard at many private practice law firms.

Time recording serves multiple purposes within legal practice. Primarily, it allows firms to accurately assess the cost of the work being undertaken to bill clients accordingly. Additionally, it provides insights into productivity levels, helping to determine if targets are being met while also assessing workloads; for example, by identifying individuals who may require more work or those who may require more support, amongst other reasons.

Different law firms use various time recording platforms, such as Intapp, Carpe Diem, and others. Regardless of the specific platform, the fundamental importance lies in ensuring that all billable and non-billable hours are accurately recorded. This includes not only time spent on case related tasks but also non-chargeable activities like marketing and Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Business development

Your supervisors won’t be expecting you to generate business as a trainee — but it’s never too early to start building your own network and get a handle on business development. It’s important to recognise that being a lawyer is more than just completing your work at your desk and leaving at the end of the day. A “clock-in, clock-out” mentality is not the best attitude.

LinkedIn is a great starting point. You may have noticed individuals frequently sharing events they’ve participated in, for instance, and these often serve a career development purpose. Whether it’s building client relationships, professional connections, or promoting your firm and its work, it all contributes to business development.

In today’s digital age, professional platforms like LinkedIn provide opportunities to engage with wider audiences, offering a wealth of knowledge through published articles and posts. If attending events in-person feels daunting, you can still participate by commenting on LinkedIn posts or sharing your own commentary on relevant news articles relating to your firm’s practice areas. Being active on LinkedIn boosts your visibility and expands your networking opportunities, which makes it a valuable tool for professional growth.

Grace Makungu is a second-seat trainee solicitor at TWM Solicitors and is based in London. She completed her LLB at Kingston University and worked as a paralegal in a range of City firms alongside undertaking her LPC.

Annabel Field, a graduate in history and currently pursuing her PGDL studies, shares her thoughts

One of the most overwhelming things for new law students is the sheer number of cases they are expected to learn. The idea of having to memorise what feels like a million cases for an exam is incredibly daunting. Understanding both facts and principles is only half the battle with applying them to questions, incorporating statutes and understanding exceptions a separate battle. It is important therefore to make committing cases to memory as easy as possible.

One of the best ways to understand case principles (and subsequently remember them) is to also know the facts. The phrase, “the dead snail in the bottle which led to liability,” is a lot easier to commit to memory than, “Donoghue v Stevenson, you must take reasonable care to avoid acts which you can reasonably foresee would be likely to injure your neighbour”. To attempt to understand facts and principles, I decided to make short videos ‘acting out,’ the facts of legal cases, and subsequently stating the vital principles. I kept these on my phone to watch back during less formal study days and after passing my exams I posted a number of these clips on the social media platform TikTok.

@annakbek Trying to finish all the basic cases #law #lawstudent #fyp #study #lawrevision #tortlaw #alevellaw #pgdip ♬ original sound – Annabell

The response to my videos has been amazing, lawyers, students, teachers and even those with no connection to the legal profession have expressed interest in my content. Whilst the original reason for making these videos was to make case law more memorable for my own personal studies, it has been amazing to see that I am both helping other students and providing entertainment. It was the responses from others which made me understand the true value of using social media as a tool for networking. The chance to speak to students with similar interests and share advice has been invaluable. A number of those with more established legal careers have also reached out offering advice and expressing support for the content I am creating.

Most people are familiar with LinkedIn, with many firms branching out onto Instagram to share information regarding job positions, insight days and relevant news topics that can be consumed in a more welcome and user-friendly way. Many students follow firms’ social media pages to get a better understanding of what the firm does. The informal nature of social media encourages interactions which perhaps would have been omitted during an in-person interaction.

It is true that many are sceptical of apps like TikTok — with its famous algorithm known for causing hours of scrolling. However, the often-overlooked part of not only TikTok, but social media as a whole, is the positive impact it can have.

Although it is true that the apps we use nowadays can harbour content to feed our procrastination (because who doesn’t love a cat video), they can also help people learn. From languages and skills to acting out legal cases, the positive potential is large.

In a society where most people are consumers of social media there is potential to use this as a tool. Many students, firms, and lawyers are aware of podcasts and an increasing number of law firms are now producing their own. As the population becomes increasingly online there is merit in utilising social media.

From the engagement I have experienced as a result of using social media I have connected with dozens of like-minded individuals. Many of whom aren’t law students themselves but are still engaging with the content and wanting to learn more. Despite the original purpose of my account being to assist in my own understanding of cases, I am excited that my content has reached more students like me and helped them on their own studies. This is a genuine example of how utilising the potential of social media apps is beneficial to consumers, and creators.

Annabel Field is a first-class History graduate from the University of Kent. She is currently a PGDL student and her TikTok handle is @annakbek.

Recognising achievements on International Women’s Day

This International Women’s Day, Legal Cheek is paying homage to women icons in law — both past and present. It marks the perfect moment to spotlight the women that have disrupted, pioneered and blazed a path for women in the law in 2024. We’ve created a list of the most inspiring and decorated ladies in the law, from the early 20th century through to today.

Lady Hale

No women in law piece could ever be complete without the inclusion of the former “Beyonce of the Supreme Court” herself, Baroness Brenda Hale. This legal pioneer is the first in many respects. Not only was she the first woman to be appointed a Supreme Court judge in 2009, she was also the first woman to be appointed to the Law Commission in 1984, and the first woman president of the Supreme Court in 2017. Whilst her incredible achievements solidify her role as woman trailblazer in law, she has not shied away from vulnerability.

In her 2021 biography Spider Woman, an ode to her iconic spider brooch, she talks in length about how imposter syndrome affected her throughout her shiny career. Fundamental to the infamous R (on the application of Miller and another)(2017) judgment, Hale cemented her legacy in the Supreme Court as a guardian of the British constitution. Reaching the mandatory retirement age, Hale retired from the Supreme Court in 2020. 

Amal Clooney

A child refugee arriving in the UK with her family from Lebanon during the Lebanese Civil War, Amal Clooney is now a renowned international human rights and criminal lawyer.

Clooney advocates for clients in front of the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, and the European Court of Human Rights. Specialising in representing victims of mass atrocities, including genocide and sexual violence, she currently acts as legal counsel for a group of Iraqi victims from the Yazidi community. The Yazidi community, including Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nadia Murad, are seeking justice for crimes committed by ISIS.

An iconic and heroic figure for many aspiring lawyers worldwide, Clooney co-founded the Clooney Foundation for Justice in 2016 with her actor husband, George Clooney.

Dame Linda Dobbs

As the first non-white person to be appointed to the senior judiciary, Dame Linda Dobbs is an irrefutable British woman icon in law. Appointed as a High Court judge in the Queen’s Bench Division in 2004, Dobbs served for nine years in the role until 2013.

These days, Dobbs is actively involved in various boards and advisory panels, and she has been awarded six honorary doctorates in law. Currently, Dame Linda holds the position of Senior Fellow in the Law Department at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and serves as the Pro Chancellor at the University of Surrey.

Raffia Arshad

Paving the way for diversity in the judiciary, Raffia Arshad became the first Hijab-wearing judge in Britain. Appointed in 2020, Arshad practices family law in the Midland Circuit with a professional focus on areas such as child law, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, and cases involving Islamic law issues. A mother of three, Arshad is an inspiration to mothers everywhere and an iconic figure paving the way for Muslim representation on the bench.

Georgia Dawson

The first ever woman to take the lead at a Magic Circle firm, Georgia Dawson is a heroine of City law. She was elected senior partner at Freshfields in 2020. While Dawson holds the distinction of being the first woman to lead a Magic Circle law firm, she is not the initial female leader in a prominent City role. Notable predecessors include Lesley MacDonagh, who achieved the milestone in 1995 by becoming the first woman elected as managing partner at a top-ten City firm, Lovell White Durrant (now Hogan Lovells). Additionally, Penelope Warne currently serves as the UK chairman and senior partner at CMS, contributing to the legacy of female leadership in major City players.

Speaking to Legal Cheek in 2023, Dawson offered her advice to women lawyers everywhere.

“I would encourage women seeking a career in law to be brave and seize opportunities as they present themselves. The profession has made progress with representation, but we know there is still much to do; a major part of that stems from younger generations driving the momentum. Be an ally and support each other.”

I. Stephanie Boyce

Making British history as the first Black president of the Law Society of England and Wales’ in 2021, I. Stephanie Boyce is cemented as Black woman icon in the law. A criminal KC by trade, Boyce now acts on the Board of Trustees for Justice following her departure from the Law Society in 2022.

Lubna Shuja

Following on from I. Stephanie Boyce, Lubna Shuja became the first Asian and Muslim president of the Law Society. A qualified solicitor and mediator, Shuja is a keynote speaker and chair of various committees following the end of her Presidency.

Madge Easton Anderson

It would be remiss, in spotlighting British iconic women in the law, if we failed to mention those who paved the way for women in the legal industry. Madge Easton Anderson is without a doubt one of those icons. A Scottish lawyer, Anderson was the first ever woman to be admitted to practise, qualifying as a lawyer in Scotland in 1920, following the introduction of The Sex Disqualification Removal Act (1919). This Act officially provided that no woman should be disqualified from entering into the legal profession, overruling the infamous Court of Appeal judgment of Bebb v Law Society (1914) which upheld the position of the Law Society in refusing to allow women to take qualifying law exams.

Helena Normanton QC

The first ever woman to practise as a barrister, Helena Normanton QC was admitted to the Middle Temple the day after the passing of The Sex Disqualification Removal Act (1919). An advocate for women’s rights and suffrage, Normanton also achieved the milestone of becoming the first married woman in Britain to possess a passport in her maiden name. She was strong in her belief that men and women should maintain separate ownership of their money and property.

Spice up your feed with these social media pros

‘Lawfluencers’ are bringing the law to the people. Whether it’s application tips or days-in-the-life Reels, these online stars are taking legal socials by storm.

To help refresh and brighten up your scrolling sessions, we’ve picked out a selection of the lawfluencers creating unique and original legal content on social media in 2024.

Check out the full list below

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Mary-Grace Olu

Bio: LSE grad and Clifford Chance trainee Mary-Grace Olu shares hilarious satirical TikToks of uni students across the UK alongside tips for law students and aspiring solicitors.

Platform: TikTok

Username: @marygraceolu

Follower count: 93.2K

@marygraceolu Replying to @𝑪𝒂𝒎𝒔 WHAT OTHER UNIS DO YALL WANTTTTT SKSKSKSKSK #manchester #university #uni #student #study #lse #kcl #kings #kingscollegelondon #oxford #cambridge #alevels #resultsday #gapyear #manchestermet #oxbridge #russellgroup #college ♬ original sound – Marygraceolu

Mia Siddique

Bio: Solicitor at Womble Bond Dickinson, Mia Siddique shares everything from her day-in-the-life as a corporate lawyer to commercial awareness and careers tips.

Platform: Instagram, TikTok

Username: @legallypossible (Insta), @legallypossible (TikTok)

Follower count: 17.2K (Insta), 15.3K (TikTok)

 

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Ali Obeid

Bio: White & Case trainee Ali Obeid regularly vlogs about his life and shares tips on university applications as well as productivity hacks.

Platform: TikTok, YouTube

Username: @aliobeid_1 (TikTok), @AliObeid_1 (YouTube)

Follower count: 145.3k (TikTok), 16.6K (YouTube)

@aliobeid_1 How much you spending bigman? oh yeah, that YT vid? ITS LIT, check it out #traineelawyer #lawyer #corporate #law ♬ original sound – Ali Obeid

Charley-Travis Brennan

Bio: Up and coming on the TikTok scene is Charley-Travis Brennan, a trainee at Irwin Mitchell. He shares his key tips on getting a training contract, tackling applications and commercial awareness.

Platform: TikTok

Username: @ctbrennlaw

Follower count: 5.1K

@ctbrennlaw Replying to @Daisy why I wanted to become a Lawyer #law #lawyer #legal #lawschool #lawstudent #lawfirm ♬ الصوت الأصلي – THE_MILLIONAIRE_SUCCESSFUL

Amelia Platton

Bio: Trainee at Clifford Chance, Amelia takes to Instagram (and TikTok) to share her experiences as a neurodivergent person entering the world of corporate law. As an autistic and dispraxic trainee, her platform, the ND Lawyer Project, provides everything from her personal experiences as a neurodivergent trainee to widening awareness of neurodivergence in the legal profession.

Platform: Instagram, TikTok

Username: @ndlawyerproject (Insta), @ndlawyerproject (TikTok)

Follower count: 20.1K (Insta), 2K (TikTok)

 

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Maab Saifeldin

Bio: Maab Saifeldin, an in-house trainee solicitor and a black practising Muslim, uses her Instagram page to capture her legal journey. She gives aspiring solicitors her advice on topics such as emotional resilience, mental health, and being underrepresented in the legal sector.

Platform: Instagram

Username: @lifewithmaab

Follower count: 11.6K

 

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A post shared by LIFEWITHMAAB | Law Career Lifestyle Wellness (@lifewithmaab)

Megan Hulme

Bio: Mishcon de Reya solicitor Megan Hulme provides free advice and application tips for those aiming to get a training contract in the UK.

Platform: Instagram

Username: @itsallhearsay

Follower count: 11.2K

 

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A post shared by Meg | Law Mentor & Litigation Solicitor (@itsallhearsay)

Vera Mayzel

Bio: A trainee at Hogan Lovells, Vera Mayzel takes to Instagram to share aesthetic POV reels interspersed with case studies on different practice areas.

Platform: Instagram

Username: @legallyvera

Follower count: 23.7K

 

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A post shared by Vera Mayzel (@legallyvera)

Farzana Abdullah

Bio: Founder of the Muslim Lawyers Hub and trainee at Clyde & Co, Farzana Abdullah takes to Instagram and LinkedIn to share current legal trends, application deadlines and how to conquer revision as a law student.

Platform: LinkedIn, Instagram

Username: Farzana Abdullah (LinkedIn), @muslimlawyershub (Insta)

Follower count: 4.5K (LinkedIn), 3.4K (Insta)

 

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A post shared by Muslim Lawyers’ Hub, By: Farzana (@muslimlawyershub)

‘That corporate lawyer’

Bio: This corporate TikTok’er — real name Henry Nelson-Case — is best known for his light-hearted posts about legal life. A much needed laugh for exhausted lawyers everywhere.

Platform: TikTok

Username: @thatcorporatelawyer

Follower count: 84.4K

@thatcorporatelawyer IN A MEETING #corporate #millennial #9to5 #workfromhome #workfromhomejokes #workfromhomelife #workfromhomecomedy #wfh #officejokes #officecomedy #officehumor #officelife #workjokes #workcomedy #worklife #relatable #workhumor #fyp #trending #funny #comedy ♬ Microsoft teams remix by candy moore – Candy Moore

Liam Porritt

Bio: Clifford Chance lawyer and vlogger Liam Porritt uses his YouTube channel to provide lifestyle hacks, careers advice and productivity tips.

Platform: YouTube

Username: @liam.porritt

Follower count: 246K

Paul Gascoyne

Bio: Senior recruitment manager at Shearman & Sterling, Paul Gascoyne is fast becoming a LinkedInfluencer, using his LinkedIn platform to share useful application tips for aspiring lawyers.

Platform: LinkedIn

Username: Paul Gascoyne

Follower count: 12.5K

Annabel Field

Bio: Up and coming TikTok sensation, Annabel Field, ingeniously takes to the platform to provide hilarious clips of her acting out case law. Very useful content for those wanting a quick giggle whilst doing their law revision!

Platform: TikTok

Username: @annabek

Follower count: 10.6k

@annakbek #crime #criminallaw #law #lawstudent #revision #alevel #uni ♬ original sound – Annabell

Tomas McCabe

Bio: Future pupil barrister at Hailsham Chambers, heads to his own virtual newsroom on TikTok to give his audience the downlow on the latest headlines. His most watched clip sees him analyse whether Ross and Rachel from Friends were really on a break.

Platform: TikTok

Username: @imtomasmccabe

Follower count: 127.1K

@imtomasmccabe Do you think they were on a BREAK?? #friends #relationship #rossandrachel #relationshipadvice ♬ original sound – Tomas McCabe

Legal Cheek explains…

After jumping through the hoops of written applications, aptitude tests, video interviews and assessment centres, your phone finally pings with that phone call or email you’ve been awaiting for months: “We are delighted to offer you a place on our 2024 [spring/summer] vacation scheme…” You’re over the moon and share the news excitedly, but a few hours later, you realise that you’ve actually now got to do the vacation scheme. Eeeeeeek!

With many of the Legal Cheek team having been in those very shoes, we’ve put together a brief guide covering what you can expect on a vacation scheme and how to get the most out of it.

Talks and presentations

On most vacation schemes, you will likely only get the chance to sit in one or two practice areas. So, in order to give participants a broader idea of the practice groups on offer, firms will often organise talks and presentations which feature lawyers from a range of different areas which you might otherwise not encounter during your time on the vac scheme. Some of these talks will also introduce you to the social clubs, D&I and pro bono initiatives that are on offer at the firm.

It’s always a good idea to go to these having done a little bit of prep, particularly if it’s a practice group you’re especially interested in. Have a look at the profiles of the speakers who are going to attend, and see if there’s any aspect of their career you’re interested in learning more about. There will usually be a Q&A session at the end of the talks, which gives you a good opportunity to ask any questions you might have.

If you’re after a more detailed conversation, don’t hesitate to shoot your shot and ask a speaker to go for a coffee chat. It’s probably best to ask this of a trainee or associate than a partner, in terms of availability, but they will most often be happy to oblige. If you have an exit interview, bringing up these instances is a good way of demonstrating your initiative and genuine interest in the firm.

Networking drinks and dinners

There’s likely to be a couple of these to give vac schemers the chance to meet trainees, associates and partners at the firm in a more relaxed setting. Often at the end of the day, you may find that your social battery is completely drained by this time and networking is the last thing on your mind. Try and take a few minutes for yourself before these events start, and it always helps to have some questions to hand that you can ask to get the conversation rolling. Even a simple “How’s your week been, what’ve you been working on today?” is a good way to start things off.

This next point is probably obvious, but it must be said — don’t get carried away by the free-flowing drinks! It’s especially easy given you’re likely nervous and tired, but you are, at the end of the day, in a professional environment.

Fun activities

These are a good way of bonding with your fellow vac schemers, and sometimes, the firm’s trainees will also join based on their availability. You’ll likely go to a bowling alley or an arcade or something similar. It’s a good way to fill each other in on your experiences over the week(s), have a bit of a laugh and unwind.

Getting work

Your primary point of contact for this will likely be your supervisor or trainee buddy, so if you find yourself twiddling your thumbs, just ask to get more involved! Nine times out of ten, they will definitely have something on hand for you to get stuck into, or direct you to someone who does have something to give you.

It’s also worth pointing out that vacation schemes can differ quite significantly in terms of how they are structured. Some have its attendees sitting in allocated seats for the duration of the scheme, while others are more free-flowing, allowing candidates the choice of which areas they want to seek out work in. You will likely know this in advance of the scheme starting as graduate recruitment will be in touch with details, so you can be mentally prepared for what to expect.

When you’re being briefed on a task, it’s always a good idea to have a pen/paper or your laptop on hand to make some quick notes. You might think that you’ll remember it all, and that may well be the case — regardless, making those notes shows that you’re organised and proactive, and it never hurts to be perceived as such.

Assessed tasks

Depending on the structure of the vacation scheme, this might either be written or oral; individual or in a group setting; and have just one or multiple components. Perhaps the biggest thing is to make sure you leave enough time to complete this. It might be easy to get carried away with going for coffees, sitting in on calls and doing research for lawyers, but the assessed task is a crucial part of determining whether you convert your vac scheme to a training contract.

Once you get your assessed task, make sure you ask questions to clarify any doubts you might have. It’s important to know the structure you’re expected to follow, the level of detail you should go into and the topic areas to cover, and it’s not a bad thing to get these cleared up before you start. If anything, it only goes to show that you’re thinking carefully about your work.

Time management and communication are crucial. Think carefully before going for coffee with that associate or taking on a new piece of work so that you’re not left scrambling for time to complete the assessed task. It’s better to say “Thanks for giving me this, it’s really interesting and I’ll try my best to get it done by [insert deadline]. But just a heads up that I am also working on my assessed task and it might be that it takes longer than I expect”, than overcommitting and leaving a lawyer in the lurch at the end of the vac scheme.

Exit interview(s)

Some vac schemes have one or more exit interviews at their conclusion, and some don’t. If you do have one at the end of your vac scheme, a top tip would be to keep a record of all the work you did on the scheme, and some thoughts on what you enjoyed the most and what you found most challenging. Perhaps the night before your final day, take an hour or so to reflect on your time on the vac scheme. These are often super busy with each day packed to the brim, so it’s easy to forget what you might have done just a couple days ago.

Of course, the usual “why do you want to be a solicitor?” and “why [insert firm name]” are also likely questions, so have your responses to these primed. It’ll probably be easier at this stage, given you’ve just spent a week or more at the firm, doing the work of, and being around, solicitors. Also — if you’ve done, or will go on to do, more vacation schemes, be prepared to discuss these. How your experiences compared, why you chose these firms in particular and if you’ve got a decision back from them.

Word of warning

While applying for vacation schemes, it’s easy to get so caught up in that being the end goal that you might feel slightly overwhelmed by how much there is to do once you do actually make it onto the scheme. You might feel pressured by feeling like you have to constantly put your best foot forward or feel quite drained by the networking aspects of it if that isn’t something you enjoy. Your fellow vac schemers are in the same boat, so try using them as a sounding board if you’re worried about a certain task or just to have a bit of a laugh and decompress.

Good luck!

Legal Cheek explains…

Graduating from a law degree can feel a little paradoxical. On one hand, you’ve finally achieved that lauded goal you’ve been working towards for three plus years. But, on the other hand, if you don’t have a training contract offer or any clear next steps, it can feel a little disorientating. Those few years after uni can feel like floating around in the ether trying to figure out what you want to do next.

Fortunately, there are many ways to add to your legal CV before you’ve successfully secured a training contract or a pupillage, and one of the best ways is to paralegal. Working in the “engine room” of a legal team can give you a huge insight into what it’s really like working in law. This can be great for garnering legal experience for your CV as well as giving you a heads up on where you might want to go next. Working in a law firm from the bottom up can give you incredible opportunities to move up in the legal world (if you so desire).

But, what does being a paralegal really entail? And, how can you best prepare yourself for channelling your inner Rachel Zane? Here’s an explainer to answer your burning questions.

What is a paralegal?

A paralegal is a key role in the functioning of a great legal team. Paralegals sit at the bottom of the fee-earning hierarchy; lowly but no less mighty. The top of the tree of each legal team is usually commanded by a partner or a senior partner overseeing the associates, trainees and paralegals. Skirting on the outside of the legal work are the administrative assistants and non-fee earning roles, such as the secretarial and legal administrative staff. In many ways, the paralegal role straddles the role of a legal assistant and trainee in the sense that many paralegal tasks will overlap both whilst sitting comfortably in the middle.

What does a paralegal do?

“What does this mean?” you may be thinking. Well, a paralegal in essence, will take on legal administrative work that can be charged back to the client. This means that, in many teams, a paralegal may be called up to, for example, draft e-mails (yes, when you first start out, e-mails will need to be drafted and checked by a supervisor before being sent out to a client!). They will also need to become very familiar with two areas of the office: the printing station, and the tea and coffee machines. Making copies and scans won’t be the main meat of the paralegal role, but will definitely find a regular appearance on to-do-lists.

Paralegals will also find themselves well served by more trainee-level tasks, too. This means getting involved in drafting; be that particulars of claim, witness statements or board minutes. Getting stuck into the meatier trainee tasks is fantastic law interview fodder, as well as a handy heads-up on whether life at a law firm is for you.

Outside of the legal work, a paralegal will also be called upon to get involved in “business development” initiatives. To explain, each firm will have a non-legal team in business development (or ‘business services’) which helps the firm in its marketing, risk and compliance, and diversity and inclusion. The size of these teams can vary greatly between each firm, depending on its size. But, paralegals will be sure to get to know the faces of their business-orientated colleagues. As a paralegal, you may be drafted into initiatives such as events organisation. This means organising events for your team: team drinks anyone? Paralegals may even be drafted onto the firm’s social committee to help with organising those big firm events or junior colleague nights-out.

Does a paralegal always do the same thing?

Just like a trainee, a paralegal will find that their role and responsibilities vary greatly from firm to firm and from team to team. Unlike a trainee, though, a paralegal will sit in the same team for the duration of their employment. A paralegal at a larger firm with more resources may find themselves seeing less of the juicy legal work as opposed to their small or mid-sized firm counterparts. Nevertheless, working in a large firm with a fast-paced environment may similarly suit an ambitious career starter looking to rise the ranks in the City.

Paralegal work also varies greatly team by team. A paralegal sitting in residential property may find themselves with a high volume of work that is quick to complete, whereas a corporate paralegal may find that their work follows the general trend of famine and feast. And, it’s not just the volume or pace of work that differs departmentally. A litigation paralegal will find themselves with very different to-dos than a non-contentious paralegal – think trips to court and drafting witness statements rather than creating land registry documents or board minutes. So, for the aspiring paralegal, it is paramount to be sure of both your legal interests as well as your own style of working before embarking on the application process. To quote the much over-used graduate recruitment proverb: “do your research!”

What does it take to be a great paralegal?

Organisation and time-management are key. Often taking tasks from multiple members of the team, a powerhouse paralegal will need to be adept at keeping their to-do list tip top. This means carving out time in their calendars for each task, and keeping a healthy level of communication with colleagues. More often than not, starting a paralegal position can be the first foray into the legal industry for many aspiring lawyers. So, feelings of anxiety and self-doubt are normal. But, being a great paralegal means soaking up your surroundings like a sponge and being quick to bounce back from those early blunders.

Given that many paralegal tasks will be more on the administrative side, paralegals also need to have a sharp eye when it comes to detail. That means reading, then rereading then rereading again. Before handing any piece of work to a supervisor or an associate, a paralegal should be sure to give it a thorough prove to save themselves from the embarrassment of a missed typo. Keeping great time, and handing in quality work is guaranteed to get you to gold as a paralegal in a new legal team.

Finally, enthusiasm is fundamental. Even though it may sometimes feel laborious, it’s key to keep in mind that the work of a paralegal is vital to the operation of the team. Great work being done at the bottom ensures the success of the work that’s being done at the top. So, being a go-getter and always being ready to get involved is a key way to ensure that as a paralegal, you’re not just a cog in the wheel, but a key player in your legal team.

Sophie Dillon joined Legal Cheek as a writer and researcher in September 2023. She studied law at Newcastle University before becoming a corporate paralegal at a regional firm. She went on to complete the Bachelor of Civil Laws (BCL) at the University of Oxford.

Tinder Studier, Hinge Highlighter, Bumble Bee and more

For Valentine’s Day 2024, Christianah Omobosola Babajide explores the digital dating app scene tailored specifically for law students.

The Tinder Studier

Much like navigating through Tinder, this law student effortlessly balances multiple tasks, gliding through tedious case law reports with ease. Quick-thinking and adept at multitasking, they’re always on the lookout for new opportunities. If you’re seeking a partner who thrives on spontaneity and keeping things light, this multitasking maestro might just be the perfect match for you!

The Hinge Highlighter

Resembling the meticulous crafting of a standout Hinge profile, this law student has meticulous attention to detail. They possess an uncanny ability to recall case summaries effortlessly and prioritise forging meaningful connections. Genuine and thoughtful, they value authenticity in relationships, seeking a partner for deep conversations and shared interests.

The Bumble Bee

Meet the law student who exudes more confidence than Harvey Specter from Suits. Unafraid to take charge, they lead conversations at assessment centres and legal events with assertiveness and charm. They have the ability to seamlessly post on LinkedIn boasting about their multiple training contracts, whilst inserting a humble brag line. With persuasive communication skills, they’re sure to leave a lasting impression.

The League Luminary

Similar to the high-quality dating and social networking app The League, this law student prioritises exclusivity. They live and breathe the law. They are usually quite formal and professional at all times, even when you bump into them at a bar. They are always dressed smartly and claim they don’t really understand what casual wear is. Driven and ambitious, they seek partners who share similar goals and aspirations to them.

This Valentine’s Day let’s celebrate the diversity of lawyer-like love. You never know, your perfect match might just be waiting for you in the legal world!

Christianah Omobosola Babajide works in legal marketing at a leading barristers’ chambers in Central London. She has a degree in law and over five years of legal writing experience.

From arguments to superiority complexes — the reasons are many

It might be true that a law student is considered one of the most desirable catches on campus. A sense of prestige and entitlement often accompanies these legal scholars, making catching one seem like the ultimate status symbol. (Ok, I might be biased).

However, while there may be plenty of reasons to pursue a relationship with one of these esteemed students, Legal Cheek is here to offer a sobering dose of reality on why dating a law student might NOT be the best idea.

Here’s a tongue in cheek list of eight reasons to sashay away this Valentine’s Day.

1. Always losing the argument

Normally, arguing is a sign of a healthy relationship. It’s a great opportunity to get those everyday groans and grumbles out in the open and release a healthy dose of stress. But with a law student, an argument is a game of warfare; a game of linguistic strategy that can only end with one winner — and it will never be you (even if they’re wrong!). It feels like every well-intentioned bicker will be met with the dreaded “that depends”: a formidable opponent that can’t be countered without professional legal training. You’re screwed; you just wanted to have a grumble about them leaving crumbs in the bed and now you’re having a heated discussion about the definition of a “crumb”.

2. Superiority complex

You’ve seen them around campus, with their Harvey Specter-esque aura. The ego of the law student is an unstoppable force of nature with its own palpable gravitational pull; a fantastical creature to behold, but not so fantastical when it comes to romance. “What do you study?” they’ll ask innocently at any social event, before hitting you with the line: “I’m a law student by the way.”

3. They have literally no time for you

Working around the clock starts at uni for aspiring lawyers, especially around deadline season. If you’re unfortunate enough to date one, prepare for a life of solitaire and M&S meals for one. Or, if you’re really lucky, you might get to tag along with them to a law firm open day.

4. Having to hang out with their lawyer friends (yawn)

Going to the pub with their friends becomes a waking nightmare. Even if you could navigate the acronyms (LLB, LPC, SQE, LLM, NQ !?) you invariably find yourself nodding through a barrage of boring legalese. R v Brown might be an interesting topic for a while, but sitting through lengthy discussions on the differences between fixed and discretionary trusts is enough to put you to sleep. Caveat emptor? Caveat emptBORE.

5. Playing second fiddle to a pile of reading

Every law student’s second priority will always be their work — second only after themselves of course. Even when there are no deadlines due, the required reading of lengthy journal articles and 100-page cases will keep your paramour perpetually preoccupied. They’re likely to be more committed to a Lord Denning judgment than they are to you.

6. The drama, the stress

A law degree is HARD. So, even when your law student beau can finally prise themself away from readings and essays, they will bring their stresses with them. It’s unavoidable that the looming figure of their next deadline will be an invisible third party in your relationship. Prepare to be a human therapy animal providing consistent support through the inevitable late-night tears and frustrated law student rants.

7. Being the dumb one in the relationship

Oh, you thought you were smart? A law degree can be fiercely competitive and it’s likely that your legal amore fought off plenty of competition for their spot. “Oh, you don’t know any Latin?” they ask, disappointed. You immediately feel stupid. Another reason why any law student should be persona non grata in your dating life.

8. Having to spend time in the ugliest building on campus

“Come and study with me in the law building, babe,” they said. So, you find yourself studying in a dark and dingy outpost in the most brutalist building on the whole of campus. If reading law comes with so much prestige, why is the law building always the ugliest space in the city?

Highs and lows

Many wannabe lawyers can relate to the thrill of announcing their status as a law student (at least twice a day) to everyone they meet. Yet the chaotic journey of obtaining a law degree and securing a training contract is perhaps even more relatable.

Whether you are beginning your first application cycle or are well acquainted with rejection emails, the hurdles that wannabe lawyers tackle in their attempts to secure TCs are ones all prospective lawyers share. And yet the hardest part of all is juggling this alongside a law degree — from the endless chapters of reading to the never-ending assignments, being a wannabe lawyer is not for the faint-hearted.

These 13 Instagram Reels below breakdown a wannabe lawyer’s journey from law school to applications and is perhaps the most relatable article a TC hunter will read. (Please refresh page if Instagram posts aren’t showing).

1. Starting law school

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2. Writing the first assignment (or attempting to)

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3. Realising a law degree requires hard work

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4. Winging it

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5. Entering the first exam season completely unprepared

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6. Discovering newly qualified salaries

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7. Facing rejection

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8. Making it to interview

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9. Messing up the interview

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10. Calculating the chances of securing the TC

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11. Facing rejection (again!)

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12. Securing the vac scheme

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13. And eventually converting it into a TC!

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Law school success through self-improvement

As the Jan 1^st hangover (hopefully) abates with the start of a shiny new day in 2024, here’s a list of Legal Cheek’s top resolutions to kickstart the new year.

1. Don’t leave lecture and seminar prep to the night before

You might say you’re a crammer and that you thrive under pressure, but let’s face it, no one wants to be holed up in the library with the clock ticking. It’s time to bite the bullet and get organised, studying regularly in chunks, rather than all at once.

2. Finish/start those TC and vac scheme applications

With vac scheme application season well upon us and pupillage season starting soon, it can be daunting to come back to things after the holidays or to finally make a start. Fret not — the first one is always the hardest, so bite the bullet and get going.

3. Attend events and build connections

It might seem like another thing on the endless list of things to do, but it’s totally worth it. You’ll learn about something new and hear from interesting people who you likely would not otherwise come across. Legal Cheek’s virtual events are a great opportunity to do this.

4. Ask questions

It seems scary, but it’s a great way to learn, and most of the time, people are happy to engage and help you out.

5. Stay organised

It’s easier said than done, with essays, dissertation and applications likely all piling on at the same time. Setting yourself deadlines and staying consistent can go a long way and help minimise worry when there’s the inevitable spanner in the works.

6. Take care of yourself

Eat well, sleep well and be active. Sometimes a quiet night in with a cozy movie is exactly what your body and mind need to relax.

7. Talk to your law peers

It’s competitive and stressful and sometimes, you might not want to talk about how your modules or applications are going. But it’s more likely than not that everyone is feeling a similar way and it usually helps to share and learn from experiences.

8. Learn how to learn from rejection

Resist the urge to move that rejected application to a faraway folder on your laptop, and try to figure out what went wrong. Hindsight is 20/20, so it’s likely that something will stand out to you, and you’ll be sure not to make that mistake again.

9. Join a (dare I say non-law?!) society

It’s easy to get caught up in a law bubble. Joining a society is a great way of meeting new people, learning something new and taking a break from your books.

10. DISSERTATION

Enough said.

Mega-mergers, law firm collapses, TikToking lawyers and more

It’s been another eventful 12 months for legal news.

The profession’s bumpy transition to the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) continued to gather pace, while City lawyer salaries climbed ever higher, despite a dip in working hours amid a slowdown in some markets.

Elsewhere, Legal Cheek covered everything from TikToking lawyers to law firm collapses, and global mega-mergers to barristers behaving badly.

But which stories have our readers enjoyed most? Here are our 15 most-read stories of 2023…

15. Junior barrister goes viral after bumping into dad at court

[Read the story in full]

14. Law ranks second for graduate earning power

[Read the story in full]

13. Money focus: What law firms pay their newly qualified lawyers

[Read the story in full]

12. Trainee lawyer besties give TikTok fans a look at life inside a US firm in London

[Read the story in full]

11. Exclusive: Baker McKenzie lawyer quits citing ‘lack of diversity’ in email to colleagues

[Read the story in full]

10. Top lawyer goes public with decision to walk away from ‘BigLaw partnership’ offers

[Read the story in full]

9. Trainee City lawyer shares his top TC ‘shocks’

[Read the story in full]

8. Barrister, 34, becomes youngest ever minority ethnic Crown Court judge

[Read the story in full]

7. Newly qualified London lawyer goes public with working hours as she warns of burnout risks

[Read the story in full]

6. Kirkland & Ellis London partner drops £31 million on Malibu mansion

[Read the story in full]

5. Civil servant who finished LLB in 2021 becomes country’s youngest judge at 29

[Read the story in full]

4. A&O and Shearman set to create new global mega firm

[Read the story in full]

3. Francis Taylor Building barrister hits back at Jeremy Clarkson after TV star told him to ‘learn to spell’ during tense council meeting

[Read the story in full]

2. Lawyer who joined OnlyFans makes six-figure MoneyLaw salary in three months

[Read the story in full]

1. ‘You are online 24/7’: Paul Hastings associate goes viral with list of ‘non-negotiable expectations’

[Read the story in full]

They have more in common than you think

Have you ever sat down for a tasty Christmas dinner, looked across your plate at the various foods, and seen the resemblance of your favourite, or least favourite, law modules? No? Well, we have…

Turkey = contract

The centrepiece of any Christmas/legal dinner. Really, it’s difficult to imagine a festive feast without it, the other components just don’t work on their own. However, there is the potential for it to be dry in parts, so caution is advised.

Brussels sprouts = EU

Strongly divides opinion – loved by some, hated by others. It’s in the name…

Roast potatoes = constitutional

A classic, something that everyone can and will have an opinion on, regardless of their culinary or legal knowledge. At their best, crispy and solid looking on the outside, however, the centre is typically very fluffy and falls apart easily.

Carrots = criminal

Something that you know you can’t get away from in order to make it through your dinner. Some really enjoy it, others find it a little too heavy and hard to deal with. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but not too bad either.

Parsnips = jurisprudence

An odd mix of carrots and roast potatoes. Slightly confused as to what it is, and nobody else really understands either. Nevertheless, can add something different and new to the mix, or just leave you questioning why you bothered in the first place.

Peas = tax

Impossible to tackle all at once. If you have any hope of success here, you have to take it piece by piece and slowly work your way through. Even then, there’s no guarantee of success.

Stuffing = land

Potential for exceptional levels of dryness and a texture more akin to sand than sausage. If executed well, can be an excellent addition to the meal, but high risk, high reward.

Bread sauce = trusts

To most people a foreign concept and appears unwelcoming, and tastes even worse. Some would disagree and slather their dinner with the concoction – but we’ll never understand them.

Chocolate yule log = family

One for all the family to enjoy – plain and simple. If you try and eat too much at once, you could end up feeling a little queasy, but pace yourself, and (almost) nothing can go wrong.

Chocolate selection box = tort

It’s the bit that everyone is actually looking forward to. No stress, no mess, just pure, sweet enjoyment. There’s something in here for everyone, even if you like bountys!

’Tis the season for Christmas rizz

Unsure of how to delight your favourite law student this festive season? Panicking with Christmas just around the corner? Fear not, here are a selection of Christmas gifts ideas for the law student or lawyer in your life.

But first, cawfee

No law student can survive without their caffeine fix. How else will they be able to stay up until midnight, make their early-morning lecture, and still have the energy to tell everyone they study law? Any law student would save a ton of money if they had their own coffee machine or Moka pot, making it the perfect gift for Christmas. If you don’t want to splash out on a machine, a law-themed reusable cup or mug is a thoughtful alternative. For the Suits fan in your life, why not try this:

Available on Etsy for £11.11

Or, for the true legal fanatic:

A worthwhile purchase at £11.99 on Etsy

Be techy

Studies prove that high noise levels make it harder to concentrate. Think like a law student and consider what tech gifts would enhance their study sessions and block out distracting background noise. Noise-cancelling earphones? Yes please! A high-quality laptop stand? On my list. A portable charger? How could I say no? Or, if you’re looking for something sweet and simple, why not just take care of their precious phone:

Under the tree and ready for your law bestie for only £15.33 on Etsy

Diffuse the stress away

Law school is like a triple-decker stress sandwich—physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting! And hey, sometimes, that regular caffeine fix just won’t cut it when stress is on the rise.

I used a diffuser during my law degree, and it was the perfect pick-me-up when I was feeling sluggish or tired of land law. To go the extra mile, why not throw in an essential oil to help keep your law buddy relaxed? Besides, who wouldn’t want to fill their room with the smell of… a library book?

“Library Book Fragrance Oil” is a bargain at any price, although especially worthwhile at £3.25 from Scent Perfique

Booklight

The average law student reads hundreds of texts every day. All the reading and writing can lead to eye strain or worse. With a small portable light, they can read anywhere, be it in a poorly lit law library, or in bed at night without disturbing others. And to go with it, what could a law student love more than a legal bookmark?

Yours for just £5.89 on Etsy

Legal attire

We all know at least one law student that spends the majority of their time telling other people about their degree, rather than actually studying. To help this friend, why not get them something that can tell others about their degree for them, saving valuable time to crack on with some actual work. Perhaps this would work?

Available in eight colours on Etsy for £12.31

Or, for the romantic:

Available in a bumper 16 colours for £12.46+ on Etsy

And finally…

As you wrap up your Christmas shopping for your favourite law student, consider these thoughtful gifts that cater to their unique needs. From the caffeine boost to tech-savvy study aids, stress-relieving aromatherapy and convenient reads; these prezzies are sure to make this holiday season a special one.

Happy holidays!

Christianah Omobosola Babajide works in legal marketing at a leading barristers’ chambers in Central London. She has a degree in law and over five years of legal writing experience.

Who has the best baubles and top tinsel?

Once more, it’s that festive time of the year! As the holidays approach, certain sections of the legal profession have revealed their more festive side by setting up Christmas trees to celebrate the imminent arrival of old Saint Nick.

In typical Christmas custom, the team at Legal Cheek has once again scoured the internet’s vast spaces to gather a collection of the legal profession’s most exceptional festive trees.

Have we missed one? Drop a link in the comments and we will be sure to add it to our list!

Freshfields

TLT (Bristol)

Slaughter and May

Gowling WLG (Birmingham)

RPC

1 Crown Office Row

Trowers & Hamlins

CMS (London)

Gray’s Inn

HFW

Mishcon de Reya

Russell-Cooke