
Reimagine Law
A podcast exploring legal education and the many career path choices available to students. It aims to help listeners build a lifelong-learning mindset through conversations with experts and current students. The show promotes innovative education and diverse workforces by making career advice more accessible.
Episodes

What is Advocacy?
This episodes discusses what we mean by advocacy and how you can develop your skills. Our episode guests are Dr Audrey Cook and Theresa Lynch, both academics from The University of Birmingham. Both specialise in teaching advocacy to Law students in a variety of ways. This episode explores what we mean by advocacy including the full range of formal court advocacy opportunities such as moo

Verbal Behavioural Intelligence
Communication is the basis of many aspects of legal practice. This episode looks at the science behind what we say and how we can use this to improve our communication for best effect. Full description / show notes including links etc Matt works with the Verbal Behavioural Intelligence system to help people look at the science behind what they say. In short, all conversation content can

Getting past the ‘bot’: the great AI job market challenge
In this special episode we are joined by Simon Reichwald, Rohan Kingwall and Seamus Nangle – who share perspectives on the increasing use of AI in the recruitment market, considering both the recruiter (employer) and student (applicant) perspective. The guests discuss a range of topics relating to the use of AI as part of the job-seeking and hiring process. How are employers using AI to

Being client-focused as a lawyer – what does that mean?
In this special episode we are joined by Andrew White – who shares his learning of how to be “client-focused” from more than 20 years as a partner at a City law firm – with many years of experience spent delivering client advisory projects, and also client-facing learning programmes. Andrew discusses what are the “perennial truths” of client service, things which have not changed, and al

Quantum Technologies: the legal angles
In this special episode we are joined by Anne Chitan and Dan Tench, Partners at CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP, and experts in the legal issues related to the fast-developing area of Quantum Technologies. The team discuss what “Quantum Technologies” are, and why they are becoming increasingly important to lawyers and their clients now. In this special episode we are joined by A

Commercial Awareness in 2025 (Part 2)
In Part 2 of this special episode we are joined by Louise Carreras, Simon Reichwald, and Nigel Spencer, talent development experts in the legal sector. The guests share their insights on how students and early career lawyers can best develop – and demonstrate – “commercial awareness”. The team discuss what “commercial awareness” means in 2025, what employers are now looking for when yo

Commercial Awareness in 2025 (Part 1)
In Part 1 of this special episode we are joined by Louise Carreras, Simon Reichwald, and Nigel Spencer, talent development experts in the legal sector. The guests share their insights on how students and early career lawyers can best develop – and demonstrate – “commercial awareness”. The team discuss what “commercial awareness” means in 2025, what employers are now looking for when yo

How to start your first job … brilliantly!
In this special episode we are joined by Adam Allegri and Flavio Cultrera Muñoz, Legal Counsel in the In-House legal team at Gensler, a global architecture, design, and planning firm. The guests share their insights on how students can succeed best in their first workplace experiences. We discuss how best to prepare, and then succeed in a first work role: questions you can ask, and the

A Law student’s guide to AI in practice
Law students and trainee solicitors need to understand how AI interacts with legal practice. This includes how it works, which tools are best for which tasks and the ethical implications. This episode explores all these issues and more! Law students and trainees will need to be able to use different AI tools ethically, efficiently and competently. Learning how to do this should start i

An Introduction to Legal Design
This episode welcomes Karen Watton (QMUL) and Prof. Emily Allbon (City St Georges University) to talk us through what is meant by legal design and how it can benefit both law students and the public. The law is for everyone but structures can make it hard for everyone to access the legal system. Legal design is an increasingly popular methodology, helping to improve the mindset and output

Innovation & Legal Tech: Inside CMS’s Forward-Thinking Approach
In this episode of ReImagine Law, we sit down with Peter Walsh and Pravina Pathmanathan from CMS to explore how one of the UK’s leading law firms is redefining the future of legal services through innovation and legal technology. Peter and Pravina bring fresh perspectives from outside the legal sector and share how their roles are reshaping a traditionally conservative industry—one idea,

Understanding “Mediation”: an alternative route to settling disputes: Part 2
In Part 2 of this special episode we are joined by Dr Georgina Tsagas, a UK Accredited Mediator and Consultant Solicitor in England & Wales, expert in company law and sustainability, based in London and working across Europe. Dr Tsagas gives a fascinating insight into the use of “mediation” as an alternative legal route to settling disputes. We discuss what mediation is (and isn’t),

Understanding “Mediation”: an alternative route to settling disputes: Part 1
In this special 2 part episode, we are joined by Dr Georgina Tsagas, a UK Accredited Mediator and Consultant Solicitor in England & Wales, expert in company law and sustainability, based in London and working across Europe. Dr Tsagas gives a fascinating insight into the use of “mediation” as an alternative legal route to settling disputes. We discuss what mediation is (and isn’t), w

Public Legal Education and Street Law
This episode welcomes Linden Thomas (University of Birmingham) and John Lunney (Law Society of Ireland) to talk us through Public Legal Education and how lawyers can have a big impact in helping the public to improve their legal literacy. The public are all bound by the law but many individuals and groups do not know how the law impacts them and interacts with their every day life. Publi

Practising law in the Big 4: a trainee’s perspective
In this special episode we are joined Savvas Skordellis, Trainee Solicitor at Deloitte Legal, who talks about how he developed in interests for technology and its application in legal practice. Savvas speaks about how he sought out a degree and Masters course which would allow him to specialise in this area, and also the importance of finding opportunities to apply one’s learning in prac

“Climate Justice”: what can lawyers do?
In this special episode we are joined by Dr Angela Sherwood and Monika Sobiecki to talk about the role lawyers can play in achieving “Climate Justice”. We talk about what “Climate Justice” means, how both guests became so committed to working in this area, and the urgent need for all lawyers to consider the environmental impact of their work. Also, we discuss Angela’s new (and unique) u

“Law in Practice”: the benefits of degrees with work placements
In this special episode we are joined by two final year QMUL Law students, Simran Patel and William Green, who took up the option of embedding a year of paid work experience into their law studies. We talk about how the opportunity to apply one’s academic learning in the workplace is powerful, the skills they built, the different private practice and in-house work environments, and the

AI and the impact on the legal sector
In this podcast we hear from the CEO of Clarilis, a market leading technology platform in the sector, who shares insights into:The different ways technology and Generative AI are impacting the sector, including how technology is making the most of the best legal minds The different elements of legal technology and how for example, large language models are being usedThe pace of change &am

Visiting A Public Gallery in Court
This episode encourages, and guides, students on the nuts and bolts of how to go to court and watch a court case from the public gallery. Most courts in the country have public galleries where members of the public over the age of 14 can attend and watch hearings. Watching a court case whether a trial, hearing or an appeal is a wonderful way to learn more about the legal profession. T

In conversation with… criminal lawyers
This special episode records a live stream panel event with criminal lawyers discussing their work and views. The episode has audience contributions from aspiring lawyers. In this special episode Fran welcomes three criminal lawyers to join her on a panel discussing the nuts and bolts of working in criminal practice. Barristers Beth Crocker and Sonal Dishani and solicitor Harun Matin

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

The world of Corporate Law
If you want to learn about the world of Mergers and Acquisitions, Private Equity and Venture Capital – then this is the show for you! Kerry Jarred speaks with Sam Smith and Raghav Vohora of CMS to explore the current corporate market activity and its drivers, what investors look for when making investment decisions, and how corporate lawyers support their clients in this sector. It is

The future world of legal services
In this special episode we are joined by Tamara Box. Tamara is a partner, and Head of Structured Finance at global law firm Reed Smith and, in the immediate past, was the firm’s Managing Partner for Europe and the Middle East. We “horizon scan” with Tamara on how she sees the legal services sector changing in the coming years, and what that means for the careers, skills and opportuniti

Trowers and Hamlin: Affordable Housing
Ever wondered what a career in Real Estate Law, and in particular affordable housing entails? This podcast will give you real insight into how law firms like Trowers and Hamlin provide services within this sector. Kerry Jarred is joined by Rob Beiley, Emma Kirby and Nikita Asher from Trowers and Hamlin, one of our sponsors here at ReImagine Law. The show is packed with advice and guida

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

The Justice First fellowship
Growing the next generation of social justice lawyers is vital for a well-rounded legal system. This episode explores the brilliant Justice First Fellowship programme which provides training opportunities within a range of charities and social justice law firms to create graduate roles to qualification. In this episode Fran welcomes Deborah Acquaah (who manages the Justice First Fellowsh

Understanding in-house Legal Careers
In this special episode we are joined by Barry Matthews, Group Deputy General Counsel at the Pennon Group Plc, and Holly Moore, Legal Advisor in the in-house legal team at broadcaster ITV. We explore how you can develop a career path as an in-house lawyer, how the role differs from other types of legal practice, the opportunities such pathways offer, the skills which help you to succeed a

Careers in Legal Project Management
In this special episode we are joined by Mark Karnowski and Tom Evans, who hold senior roles in delivering Legal Project Management services for international law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, and Robert Dudley, Head of Employability & Engagement at The BARBRI Group. We explore the expanding career opportunities in “Legal Project Management”, the skills needed, and why this is a fast-gr

Trowers and Hamlins on Hybrid working
This episode explores working life in the hybrid world, it’s effect on the skills apprentices and trainees need to develop and the impact on employers, staffing and legal issues. Kerry Jarred is joined by Imogen Reseigh, a managing associate and trainee supervisor in the Employment and Pensions team at Trowers & Hamlins; and Elisha Wilson a trainee solicitor at Trowers, in her third

Diversity and the SQE – featuring Aspiring Solicitors
This podcast explores the SQE regime and the impact it is having on diversity in the legal profession. We have recently seen another SQE 1 intake sit their exam, Kerry Jarred talks with Chris White (Founder of the leading legal diversity platform "Aspiring Solicitors ) and Jonny Hurst (Head of Outreach and the Law Marketing lead at BPP) about what are the stats telling us about the succe

Becoming a Barrister: the data
Are you interested in becoming a barrister? This episode discusses how to get there, the data around it and has other useful tips on what to read. Becoming a barrister can feel overwhelming and difficult. This episode aims to de-mystify the process and gives an important steer for how you can find out more information. Fran welcomes Kian Goodall and Caroline Entwistle from the Bar Coun

Lessons in Law from Indigenous communities
Zaneta Sedilekova is a lawyer and director of climate and biodiversity risk consultancy firm Planet Law Lab. Ryan (Ra) James is a trailblazer at the intersection of cross-cultural wisdom & worldview and modern business. He draws upon the profound insights of his personal journey, travelling and working in over fifty-five countries on six continents with indigenous mentors and culture

Working for an “Alternative Legal Service Provider”
In this special episode we are joined by Sylvain Magdinier, Senior Vice-President, Legal and Compliance, at Integreon, a leading Alternative Legal Services Provider (ALSP). We explore how ALSP businesses developed, the types of work they do, the use of technology in the work, and the roles and career paths available – highlighting the skill-sets which can help you to succeed in these bus

SQE Pass Rates
In this podcast Jonny Hurst (Head of Outreach and Law Marketing at BPP) and Kerry Jarred talk about SQE pass rates, how they are published, and the things students should consider when deciding on the type of SQE training which would suit them best. Some useful resources, supporting this podcast are: https://sqe.sra.org.uk/exam-arrangements/sqe-reports https://www.youtube.com/@SQETV htt

The VR Court Room
Academic Francine Ryan guides listeners through a virtual reality court room which is being developed by the Open University. The Open University provides a unique place to learn with students dispersed around the UK and internationally. This has spurred academics to be specialists in online legal education. In this episode Solicitor and Senior Lecturer Francine Ryan describes a new vi

Family Law and Private Client work: helping clients to navigate “life events”
In this special episode we are joined by two guests to talk about the area of Family Law and Private Client work as a solicitor. Paul Antoniou, Family and Private Client Solicitor, Taylor Rowe MW Solicitors, and Abigail Wadlow, Final year LLB student, Queen Mary University of London, who spent her third year on a work placement at a London Family Law practice. In this episode, Paul and A

Pensions Law – a career ‘best kept secret’
In this special episode we are joined by two guests. Dominika Gasiorowski and Ibinabo Osasona, who are both Associates in the Pensions Law Team at CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP. Dominika is based in the Manchester offices of CMS and Ibinabo is based in the firm’s Glasgow offices. In this episode we aim to “de-mystify” pensions law, explaining why it is an important and intere

Special Episode: The Pupillage Fair 2023
This special roving episode goes around the Pupillage Fair 2023. Hosted by the Bar Council this annual event brings together different organisations at the Bar. In this episode Fran and Sassy attend the Pupillage Fair 2023 in London (Pupillage Fair 2023 (barcouncil.org.uk)). They rove around the different stalls and learn more about life as a barrister and how to get there. This epis

“How to truly stand out when interviewing at law firms”
In this podcast we share:Insights into programmes offered by law firms before you applyHow to deal with those tough questions What interviewers look for in the answers they hear - the good ones and poor ones!Some great tips on how best to use LinkedInWhat is and what makes a good elevator pitchUseful links for listeners:DLA Piper Early Careers - Early Careers - DLA Piper Early CareersTh

The role of a Barristers’ Clerk
In this special episode we are joined by three guests. William Harris, who was a barristers’ clerk for 35 years, with 25 years of those being as a Senior Clerk at a London set of chambers. Also, Poppy Maddison and Kazia Myrie, who are both Assistant Practice Managers at 15 New Bridge Street Chambers – a barristers set in London working in the area of criminal law. Our guests begin by out

Environmental law: finding your “voice” to create positive change
Flora Curtis, barrister and member of the UK “Legal Voices for the Future” initiative. Camila Bustos, Assistant Professor of Law at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Pace University (NY), and co-founder of the US body “Law Students for Climate Accountability”. In this special episode we are joined by two guests. Flora Curtis, a London-based barrister specialising in environmental law,

Seeing law with a “Business Mind” … to build your unique career path
in this special episode we are joined by Katie Benedickter, Trainee Solicitor at D2 Legal Technology. Katie discusses her career path to date, and how exploring different areas of law, and other disciplines, in her studies led Katie to roles where there was a broad, international and commercial focus where she could look at law with a “business mind”. Katie talks about the importance of

Solving business problems with law, data and technology: and the importance of asking “Why…?”
Our guest today is Akber Datoo, CEO and Founder of D2 Legal Technology, and both technologist and private practice lawyer, adviser to financial institutions on how process re-engineering, use of legal technology and data can optimise business decisions and provide solutions to challenges. In this special episode we are joined by Akber Datoo, who discusses his career path as well as the f

‘More than just the law’ – the skills and mindsets of successful lawyers
There is more to being a lawyer than knowing the law. More and more firms are recognising the importance of ‘how’ lawyers approach working with colleagues and clients. The business of law is the provision of a service, and the people buying that service, want to work with people they enjoy working with. They want to feel connected and understood. Irrelevant of how well someone does ac

Why apprenticeships are a good career choice – the parents perspective
In this podcast we hear from a 2nd year solicitor apprentice, Darcey, and her mum, Lindsey, on:The importance of seeking input from different people and teachers on the university & apprenticeship routes, and the impact good research has into making the best decision on which of those options is right How to set up for success in the recruitment processWhy as a parent the solicitor a

Secondments as part of a solicitor apprenticeship
In this episode you'll hear:What are they, how long do they last?What do you learn and how do they benefit the apprentice and the firm? Useful links:· Benefits of secondments (in general): https://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/law-careers/secondments/benefits-of-secondment· Benefits of secondments for early career stage lawyers (as trainee): https://www.shoosmiths.co.uk/careers/ca

Solicitor apprenticeships – how are you assessed
In this episode you'll hear:How the different forms of assessment work and tips to do wellHow best to manage work and study, with some great tipsHow the different forms of support sets you for the SRA competenciesUseful links:· Solicitor assessments – the SQE: https://sqe.sra.org.uk/about-sqe/who-is-the-sqe-for/apprentices· Burges Salmon apprentice – balancing work/life: h

Career Changers
Career changersHear three different journeys to becoming a solicitor, from those who has different careers previously.In this episode you'll hear:How the support needed to becoming a solicitor can be shaped to make the most of the previous experiences, as well as the benefits past experiences bring. How to manage imposter syndrome and lots of top tips for career changers.Useful links:·

The role of a Supervisor
What is the role of a supervisor, as part of your rotations within your solicitor apprenticeship? Hear advice from Taiya about how she is making the most of her supervisor & what to expect from them, as well as the best mindset to take for your rotations. Plus some tips from Molly for other rotation supervisors! Useful links:Supervision: good practice for remote supervision of junior

The role of a Coroner
There are many different types of courts and one less discussed, is the Coroners’ Court. We are joined by Nadia Persaud, a Coroner for East London to unpack this interesting area. This area discusses the role of a Coroner, the powers of the Coroners’ Court and how this type of inquisitorial judicial role is unique in the English legal system. We always encourage listeners to undertake

Understanding litigation and arbitration: the art of dispute resolution
In this special episode we are joined by Gordon Tsang and Amelia Mah who discuss their work in dispute resolution at international law firm CMS. Gordon and Amelia explore the different approaches to working with their clients to settle disputes, including litigation through the courts and the alternative dispute resolution process of arbitration and mediation. Gordon and Amelia explain

Real Estate Law
In this bumper episode we explore Real Estate Law, including areas such as what it really is, what a typical day looks like, the types of clients and work involved, as well as career path options within this area of law. We also find out about ESG in the context of property and the impact of ESG advice for Real Estate clients. We are joined by Cheryl Gurnham (partner), Amit Unadkat (par

Writing the law: a career in legislative drafting
In this episode we speak with Roy Lee, a Legislative Counsel at the Law Officers of the Crown, Guernsey, who has worked across the world in many jurisdictions, consulting to governments for over 25 years to draft legislation in a range of areas. Roy explains how his formative years led him to become passionate about Human Rights and Governance issues, and why the law became his chosen car

Solicitor Apprenticeships
We hear from two apprentices, Amy and Hamza, one in house and one in private practice, sharing their own and different journey into a solicitor apprenticeship & why is was right for them.They also share the skills and behaviours you need and will develop to succeed, including why you need to be brave, the importance and power of building networks and accessing mentors, as well as thei

Tech in Law
Kerry (Jarred Consulting) explores this topic with Julie Harris (Head of Law BPP University South East) and Kathleen O’Reilly (Head of Law BPP University South West), in order to bring to life examples of the type of tech used in the sector, and what this means in the context of the role of a future facing lawyer. We also hear from Julie and Kathleen about the kind of tech skills needed

The Future of the Legal Sector
Nicholas Cheffings who was Global Chair at Hogan Lovells, and was also until recently Chair of the Prime Commitment shared his insights as to how the legal sector has changed in the last 10 years, with more law firms focusing more on their wider purpose and creating more routes into the profession for people from all backgrounds.On the skills needed, strong technical legal skills are key

How to fund legal education?
It is no secret that studying Law can be expensive. This episode explores all the ways that you can look for support and assistance to help pay for your studies. Hilary Chadwick and Vicky Walden from BPP take an in-depth look at the options available for undergraduate Law courses, apprenticeships and post graduate studies. They share their tips and tricks and outline the breadth of fun

Professional Legal Ethics Unpacked!
Our guests this week are Mary Westcott, an extradition Barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, Rosemary Rollason a Solicitor who specialises in regulatory law (including the regulation of barristers and solicitors) and Lisa McClory an independent consultant who set up Fractal Knowledge advising businesses on ethics. This panel discussion considers what we mean by legal ethics and why it i

Diversity and Inclusion in the Solicitors Profession
Today we are talking about diversity and inclusion within the Solicitors Profession. This episode considers the progress in the profession to date and the vital need to keep momentum going to drive further change. This week our guest is Chris White from Aspiring Solicitors who talks frankly about the work still to do and the importance of data to progress diversity initiatives. One of

Climate and Biodiversity Risk Law
How is law and regulation being used to support the world’s attempt to slow climate change and achieve environmental sustainability? In this episode Zaneta Sedilekova, Associate in Climate Risk at global law firm Clyde & Co, and Biodiversity Risk Consultant at the Commonwealth Climate and Law Initiative explains to listeners how current climate issues are being implemented into inter

A Look at Pro Bono
The ReImagine Law team are joined by Jane Cotton (Pro Bono Manager at Eversheds Sutherland) and Rebecca Wilkinson (CEO of LawWorks) to join in the discussion and unpack all things pro bono.This episode gives listeners an in-depth look at the definition of pro bono and some practical examples of how it works in practice. Current issues in the pro bono sector are discussed, as well as ways

Intuitive Career Decision-Making
How should we approach making career decisions? What should be the balance of logical analysis versus our “intuition”, and how can one guide the other? Also, are there lessons from how we make decisions in other contexts which we can apply to our career planning? In this episode, Roger Parker, former EMEA Managing Partner at global law firm Reed Smith, adviser to leaders and mentor to t

From solicitor, to consultant in data, AI and ethics
In this episode we speak with Lisa McClory, who talks about how she developed her career from practising as a solicitor in large firms to running her own consultancy advising businesses on Knowledge Management, data, AI and ethics. Lisa reflects on her career path choices and what she particularly enjoyed about the different phases of her early career as a solicitor: ranging from working

Everything you need to know about legal apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a paid job and a programme of study funded by your employer. Within Law firms, Public Sector and In House, there are apprenticeships be to become a Solicitor or Paralegal, and there is a growing volume of Digital, Finance, Business Admin, HR, Project Management opportunities too In this bumper episode we hear from some of the experts at BPP, on the hugely important top

Skill-kit revisit - part 3
As a final revisiting of our “Skill-Kit” episode for listeners, we think about the related areas of communication and project management. What does “good” look like when we are managing a project in terms of our communication? What choices of communication do we need to consider in general? And how have things changed as we emerge from the pandemic into a world of hybrid working, where

Skill-kit revisit - part 2
CollaborationWe are all told to collaborate and be good at team work, but what does it actually mean? To launch our mini-series looking at different skills, Nigel and Simon from the ReImagine Law team discuss the practical realities of collaboration. This episode discusses how to develop your creative mind-set in ways you might not have considered. Nigel and Kerry discuss the fact that

Skill-kit revisit - part 1
Resilience and agilityWe often talk about the importance of resilience, but what does it actually mean in the workplace and how can you build this key attribute?Nigel, Simon and Fran from the ReImagine Law team discuss the interconnectedness of resilience and agility, as well as giving some key tips to listeners to help them develop these skills. Most of us learn most from when we fail a

Early career experiences in legal innovation
In this episode we speak with Lucy Dillon, senior Legal Knowledge and Innovation Consultant, and Michaela Hanzelova, trainee solicitor at Reed Smith who has worked on a number of projects in the firm’s “Innovation Hub”. Lucy speaks about how innovation in the delivery of legal service needs to be a key focus for law firms now, and also talks about the positive impact this can have in term

From Whitehall lawyer to freelance legal consultant
In this episode we speak with Deborah Lawunmi about the different elements of her career path. We discuss how Deborah first became interested in law, in particular her interest in civil liberties and Human Rights. Deborah explains how her career developed, her specialisation in employment law, and the roles she held working across different Whitehall departments in the Government Legal S

Corporate social responsibility part 2: how it works in practice.
Our guests this week are Carole Mehigan the Responsible Business Manager at Reed Smith and Robert Barnard-Weston the ‘grandfather’ of sustainability who is also the Co-Founder of Transform ESG and a Member of the Board of Directors at the Association of Sustainability Practitioners. We learn about the importance of both the ‘environmental’ and ‘social’ aspect of governance, and discuss ho

Building resilience and avoiding burn out.
In this episode Dr Mike Drayton looks at the area of “burn-out” and the risk to the mental health of those working in high-pressure industries such as the legal sector. Mike begins to defining what “burn-out” is, and what the impact can be, both on individuals and their organisations. How does one notice it, and when it is most likely to impact us? Mike then goes on to discuss some stra

Innovation in the legal sector
In this episode, the ReImagineLaw team are joined by Cathy Goodman, Lead Practice Innovation and Knowledge Counsel, Paul Hastings LLP. Cathy speaks about her own career pathway from qualifying as a solicitor to teaching law, and then developing expertise in the new technologies which law firms are adopting to deliver service to clients in a more efficient and effective way. Cathy explain

A look at legal aid
Legal aid is the mechanism whereby public funds pay for a client to be represented by a lawyer. Cuts have been in place or decades and the areas of law covered by legal aid have changed. This episode welcomes legal aid solicitors; Harun Matin (National Legal Services) and Vivien Cochrane (Sherman Bowen) who discuss some issues from all sides. They talk eligibility for legal aid, the imp

One thing for 2022...
From lost work bags, to news echo chambers! In this episode Nigel, Kerry and Fran discuss what one top tip they each have to aspiring lawyers as we head into 2022.

Solicitors Qualifying Exam Part 2: Qualifying Work Experience.
There are four parts to the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination, the SQE1 and SQE2 assessments, satisfying the character and suitability requirement and gaining 2 years’ worth of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). In this episode the team are joined by Lucy Blackburn (University of Central Lancaster) and Lisa Slater (A-maze Consulting) to discuss what this means in practice. This episo

Solicitors Qualifying Exam Part 1: What is it?
In this episode, ReImagineLaw’s Nigel Spencer is joined by special guests Liz Ritter and Lisa Slater to discuss the change in how you qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales, the move to the new “Solicitor’s Qualifying Examination” of “SQE”. Liz and Lisa looks at a number of areas to de-mystify the new examination:· What is the SQE, and why is the profession’s regulator, the Sol

The Rule of Law and its impact
The Rule of Law covers four key principles; accountability, just law, open government, and accessible and impartial justice. In this episode Nigel and Fran are joined by lawyer James Harper from Lexis Nexis who is an expert in this area to discuss how we can see the Rule of Law all around us. The team challenge James to link news stories of the day to the principle and discuss how it lin

A spotlight on Simon Reichwald
This special episode shines a light on co-host Simon Reichwald. Simon started his career in a start-up organisation, supporting graduates to both secure a role in sales and develop skills to succeed. Building on this experience, he went on to be involved in several other start up businesses, all focussed around his passion for supporting young people to take ownership of developing thei

Corporate social responsibility part 1: what it is?
This week ReImagineLaw’s Nigel Spencer and Kaylee Campbell are joined by special guest Sadhvi Dar who shines a light on the complex area of CSR. Sadhvi defines the tensions present between the state, business and society, and provides a brief overview of the development of this area of activity. We discuss also how CSR has come to be not only a board-level agenda issue, but one which bus

A spotlight on Fran Ridout
Continuing our series about each of our four co-hosts, this episode takes a look at Fran’s career to date. Fran was a Middle Temple scholarship student and then undertook pupillage and tenancy at the criminal bar. She talks about the realities of how she got to the independent criminal bar, her shift in career eight years later, and what it all taught her along the way. Fran moved rol











