Lawsy Originals

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Conversations with lawyers about the real stories behind their careers.

  1. 3h ago ·  Bonus

    Future Trainee Series: Assessment Centres

    Future Trainee Panel Series - Succeeding at Assessment Centres Guests: - Robert Gafarov, White & Case - Noor Farid, RPC - Jada Cupid, HSF Kramer In this episode, three future trainees share their experiences and practical advice on preparing for assessment centres, tackling unfamiliar exercises and building the confidence to perform at your best. Key topics include: • Understanding what law firms are really assessing, from how you interact with people to whether you would thrive in the firm's working environment. • Preparing for different assessment centre exercises, including case studies, partner interviews, written tasks and technical assessments. • Making the most of mock assessment centres, university law societies and mentorship to practise articulating your motivations and answering questions. • Building a sound understanding of the firm's practice areas and the commercial processes behind its work, including how M&A transactions operate. • Developing commercial awareness through everyday observations, connecting the businesses and services around you to the legal and commercial issues behind them. • Learning from unsuccessful assessment centres by taking feedback seriously, seeking mentorship and using each experience to improve. • Finding useful resources to build commercial knowledge, including personal handbooks, legal guides, law society materials and online programmes. • Managing nerves on the day through preparation, familiarising yourself with the firm's offices, arriving early and making use of any adjustments that help you perform. The key takeaway is that assessment centres are not something you need to get perfect first time. Preparation, commercial understanding and learning from each experience can make a significant difference. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:34 What to Expect at an Assessment Centre 01:14 Common Assessment Centre Exercises 01:40 Practising With Mock Assessment Centres 02:27 The Most Challenging Exercises 02:40 Preparing for Technical Assessments 03:31 Handling Unfamiliar Technical Interviews 04:40 Building Commercial Awareness Day to Day 04:55 Learning From Unsuccessful Assessment Centres 06:03 Taking the Pressure Off 06:33 Improving With Each Assessment Centre 07:11 Resources for Building Commercial Awareness 07:18 Creating Your Own Commercial Law Handbook 08:02 Using University Law Societies and Other Resources 09:01 Assessment Centre Rituals and Practical Tips 09:47 Making Use of Adjustments 10:17 Getting Comfortable in a Law Firm Environment 10:50 Travel, Timing and Final Advice

    Future Trainee Series: Assessment Centres

  2. Oct 28 ·  Bonus

    Future Trainee Series: Interviews

    Future Trainee Panel Series - Acing Training Contract and Vacation Scheme Interviews Guests: - Julian Wang, Clifford Chance - Aristides Hall, Travers Smith - Manav Sharma, Morrison & Foerster In this episode, three future trainees share practical advice on preparing for training contract and vacation scheme interviews, overcoming nerves and making a strong impression. Key topics include: • Approaching interviews as friendly conversations, understanding what interviewers are looking for and staying calm when discussing commercial concepts. • Structuring competency answers using the STAR method, telling clear and engaging stories that demonstrate skills such as leadership, communication and collaboration. • Avoiding common mistakes, including rambling, exaggerating achievements and failing to reflect honestly on situations that didn't go to plan. • Thinking on your feet when faced with unexpected questions, taking time to consider your answer and explaining your thought process rather than rushing into a response. • Handling interviews with multiple interviewers by treating them as opportunities for a more engaging discussion rather than an intimidating grilling. • Preparing thoughtful questions for the end of an interview by researching your interviewers, exploring the firm's work and asking about topics that genuinely interest you. • Standing out with specific, well-considered questions about the firm, its culture, practice areas and what has kept interviewers there throughout their careers. • Demonstrating self-awareness, authenticity and flexibility, including the ability to recognise when you need to reconsider an answer or acknowledge a mistake. The key takeaway is that successful interviews are about more than memorising answers. Candidates should communicate clearly, think critically, show genuine curiosity and let their personality come through. *Clifford Chance is organised through Global Product Groups (GPGs). References to practice areas in this content are used in a general sense to describe areas of legal practice.* Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:40 What to Expect From Interviews 01:53 Competency & Motivation Questions 02:18 Using the STAR Technique 03:07 Common Interview Mistakes 04:25 Handling Unexpected Questions 05:11 Thinking Out Loud & Showing Flexibility 06:13 Interviews With Multiple Interviewers 07:47 Asking Questions at the End of an Interview 08:09 Researching Interviewers & Preparing Questions 09:27 Turning Questions Into Conversations 09:56 Questions to Avoid 10:53 Asking Specific Questions About the Firm 11:22 Questions About Firm Culture & Retention 11:34 Demonstrating Commercial Awareness 12:06 Final Advice & Closing Remarks

    Future Trainee Series: Interviews

  3. Oct 21 ·  Bonus

    Future Trainee Series: Work Experience

    Future Trainee Panel Series - Making the Most of Work Experience in Applications Guests: - Ash Shetty, White & Case - Josh Kelly, Ropes & Gray - Caius Ramsden-Board, Gibson Dunn In this episode, three future trainees share practical advice on how to use work experience to strengthen training contract and vacation scheme applications, stand out in interviews and demonstrate the skills law firms are looking for. Key topics include: • Identifying transferable skills from non-legal roles and explaining how they apply to being a trainee solicitor. • Demonstrating your impact by describing what you did, how you contributed, what you learned and using tangible examples or metrics where possible. • Connecting work experience to the role of a trainee solicitor by drawing parallels between your responsibilities and the work lawyers do. • Gaining experience without relying solely on formal legal placements, including commercial awareness competitions, pro bono clinics and virtual work experience programmes. • Using firm-specific virtual work experience to understand trainee tasks, explore practice areas and prepare for interviews. • Making your experiences stand out by reflecting on what you learned, how it shaped your interests and what it taught you about working with clients. • Explaining why commercial law by drawing on a range of experiences, including those outside commercial practice, to develop a genuine and personal motivation for the career. • Communicating clearly with clients by showing how you can explain complicated information in accessible, practical terms. The key takeaway is that work experience is about more than where you worked. It is about what you contributed, the skills you developed and how convincingly you can explain their relevance to a legal career. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:30 How Work Experience Helps Secure a Training Contract 01:23 Transferable Skills From Non-Legal Roles 02:32 Demonstrating Your Impact 03:09 Using Tangible Examples and Metrics 04:05 Is Legal Work Experience Essential? 05:20 Commercial Awareness Competitions 06:27 Pro Bono Clinics & Virtual Work Experience 07:39 Making Hospitality Experience Relevant 08:22 Experiences That Stand Out in Interviews 09:56 Using Different Experiences to Explain Why Commercial Law 10:20 Learning Commercial Skills Through Business Experience 11:57 Finding Personal Motivation for a Legal Career 12:38 Key Takeaways & Final Advice

    Future Trainee Series: Work Experience

  4. Oct 14 ·  Bonus

    Future Trainee Series: Written Applications

    Future Trainee Panel Series - Writing Strong Training Contract Applications Guests: - Davina Nalwadda, Dentons - Nour Samman, Gibson Dunn - Harry Swift, HSF Kramer In this episode, three future trainees share practical advice on writing stronger training contract and vacation scheme applications, from researching firms and developing convincing answers to avoiding common mistakes. Key topics include: • Researching firms beyond rankings and practice areas, using conversations with trainees, open days and mentors to develop specific reasons for applying. • Making the most of the word count by describing work experience, using tangible examples and metrics and highlighting relevant skills. • Getting a second pair of eyes to review applications, catch mistakes and identify unclear arguments before submission. • Checking spelling, grammar and firm names carefully, while keeping answers concise, direct and free from unnecessarily flowery language. • Answering “Why commercial law?” with a genuine understanding of the role and a convincing explanation of why the career appeals to you. • Building persuasive arguments that connect your experiences, interests and skills to the specific firm, rather than simply listing similarities. • Standing out through authentic motivations, detailed firm research and specific insights into the firm's work and initiatives, including its approach to AI and legal technology. The central message is simple: strong applications require detailed research, clear writing, careful proofreading and a convincing explanation of why you want to become a commercial solicitor and why that particular firm is right for you. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:45 Number One Tips for Written Applications 01:21 Making the Most of the Word Count 02:12 Researching Firms Effectively 04:14 Finding Mentors & Getting Feedback 05:26 Common Application Mistakes 06:44 Spelling, Grammar & Attention to Detail 07:16 Writing Clearly and Concisely 08:17 Avoiding Generic Answers 09:04 What Makes a Strong Application? 09:46 Answering “Why Commercial Law?” 11:23 Building a Persuasive Argument 12:24 Connecting Your Experience to the Firm 12:49 Going Beyond the Question 13:52 Key Takeaways & Final Advice

    Future Trainee Series: Written Applications

  5. Oct 7 ·  Bonus

    Future Trainee Series: Balancing Applications with Life

    Future Trainee Panel Series - Balancing Training Contract Applications With University, Work and Life Guests: - Gulsum Qane, Clyde & Co - Josh Medina, A&O Shearman  - David Wallis, Freshfields In this episode, three future trainees share practical advice on one of the biggest challenges facing aspiring solicitors: balancing training contract and vacation scheme applications with university, work and everything else going on in life. Key topics include: • Prioritising applications alongside exams, essays, seminars and part-time work, using systems such as priority lists, weekly reviews and application trackers. • Quality versus quantity when applying to firms and why focusing on fewer applications can sometimes produce stronger results. • Staggering applications to avoid multiple psychometric tests and assessment stages landing at the same time as university deadlines or exams. • Using Notion, Google Docs, spreadsheets and dedicated email accounts to organise firm research, application progress, interview preparation and important deadlines. • Preparing for psychometric tests by allowing time for practice rather than relying solely on the estimated completion time provided by firms. • Deciding between winter, spring and summer vacation schemes and direct training contracts based on your year of study, academic commitments and existing legal experience. • Managing the pressure of vacation schemes alongside university exams, including the importance of protecting your academic performance. The episode finishes with practical advice for aspiring solicitors: understand your own schedule, prioritise strategically, keep applications organised, leave enough time for later assessment stages and don't feel pressured to apply for every opportunity if it comes at the expense of your academics. 🎧 Listen: Apple or Spotify, @Lawsy Originals Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:42 Meet the Future Trainee Panel 01:00 Balancing Applications With University & Work 01:43 Prioritising Tasks & Managing Time 03:05 Building an Application Strategy 03:29 Tracking Applications With Notion 03:58 Quality vs Quantity 05:28 Staggering Applications & Psychometric Tests 06:04 Managing Assessment Deadlines 07:00 Planning for Every Stage 07:44 Reusing Research & Applications 08:56 Managing Application Emails 10:51 Winter, Spring & Summer Vac Schemes 11:46 Choosing the Right Scheme 12:26 Balancing Vac Schemes With Exams 13:35 Key Takeaways & Final Advice

    Future Trainee Series: Balancing Applications with Life

  6. Sep 2

    Bruno Bertrand-Delfau, co-Head of Secondaries at Proskauer — On Secondaries, Private Capital and One of the Fastest-Growing Markets in Finance

    In this episode, Bruno explains the rapid evolution of the secondaries market and why it has become one of the most important areas of private capital over the past two decades. Bruno begins by explaining what secondaries actually are, breaking down how the market provides liquidity for investors in private equity, infrastructure, real estate and private credit funds. He explores why secondaries have evolved from a niche product into a critical part of the private capital ecosystem as investors increasingly seek greater flexibility over long-term investments. The conversation explores the factors driving explosive growth in the secondaries market. Bruno explains how slower M&A activity, weaker IPO markets, higher interest rates and geopolitical uncertainty have all reduced traditional exit opportunities, increasing demand for alternative liquidity solutions. Bruno reflects on how he entered the market almost by accident. Beginning his career as an M&A lawyer before secondaries even existed, he explains how working on one of France's first major secondary transactions introduced him to a sector that would ultimately define his career. The episode also examines how perceptions of secondaries have changed dramatically. Bruno recalls how early transactions were often viewed negatively, with investors worried that selling fund interests signalled financial distress. Today, he explains, sophisticated institutional investors actively use secondaries as a portfolio management tool to rebalance investments, manage relationships with fund managers and optimise capital allocation. A major focus of the discussion is continuation vehicles. Bruno explains how these increasingly popular structures allow fund managers to retain high-quality assets for longer while simultaneously offering existing investors the choice between liquidity today or continued participation in future value creation. The conversation explores why continuation funds have become a mainstream exit route alongside traditional trade sales and IPOs, and how the market continues to innovate through increasingly sophisticated transaction structures, including continuation vehicles built on previous continuation vehicles. Bruno also discusses why London has become Europe's leading secondaries hub and reflects on his decision to relocate from Paris more than a decade ago to be closer to the centre of this rapidly growing market. Beyond legal practice, Bruno shares his commitment to social mobility through programmes helping young people access international opportunities through sport. He also reflects candidly on his own experiences as a gay lawyer, discussing how the legal profession has changed throughout his career and why creating genuinely inclusive workplaces remains one of the most important responsibilities of senior leaders. Finally, Bruno shares why he believes secondaries will continue growing for many years to come. As private markets expand and investors seek greater flexibility, he argues that secondaries will become an increasingly essential part of the global financial system while continuing to generate new opportunities for lawyers, investors and fund managers alike. 00:00 Introduction   00:20 Meet Bruno Delfau   01:00 What Are Secondaries?   03:00 Why the Market Is Growing So Quickly   05:00 How Bruno Entered Secondaries   07:00 Early Misconceptions About the Market   08:30 Why Investors Sell Fund Interests   10:00 How Secondaries Changed Private Capital   11:00 Moving to London & Joining Proskauer   12:00 The Future of Secondaries   14:00 Continuation Vehicles Explained   16:00 Why Liquidity Matters More Than Ever   18:00 The Growth of Private Markets   20:00 Why Secondaries Could Reach $1 Trillion   22:00 Social Mobility Through Sport   24:00 Diversity, Inclusion & Leadership   30:00 Final Reflections

    Bruno Bertrand-Delfau, co-Head of Secondaries at Proskauer — On Secondaries, Private Capital and One of the Fastest-Growing Markets in Finance

  7. Aug 26

    Will Normand, Head of Asset Management at Travers Smith — On Private Capital, AI and Building the Next Generation of Lawyers

    In this episode, Will explains how the private capital industry has evolved over the past two decades and why the most successful law firms are rethinking how they advise clients, develop talent and differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market. Will begins by demystifying asset management, breaking down the different types of investment funds and explaining why private capital has become one of the fastest-growing areas of the legal industry. He explores the rise of private equity, private credit, infrastructure and real estate funds and why global investors continue to allocate increasing amounts of capital to alternative assets. The conversation examines how law firms structure asset management teams and why specialist expertise has become essential as clients demand increasingly sophisticated advice. Will explains why no individual lawyer can master every discipline, making collaboration across tax, regulation, finance, risk and fund formation more important than ever. A major focus of the discussion is how Travers Smith has deliberately positioned itself differently from many competitors. Rather than attempting to be everything to everyone, Will explains why the firm focuses on providing tailored advice across different types of fund managers, from emerging boutiques to established global investment houses, matching services to each client's specific needs. The episode also explores the future of legal careers. Will argues that junior lawyers should avoid becoming trapped performing repetitive work for too long, instead seeking broad exposure across different matters to develop judgement, commercial awareness and adaptability. He explains why learning to identify opportunities and keeping career options open will become increasingly important as the legal profession continues to evolve. The conversation turns to artificial intelligence and the profound impact it will have on legal practice. Rather than replacing lawyers, Will believes AI will accelerate routine work while making judgement, communication and trusted adviser relationships even more valuable. He also discusses the challenge facing law firms: ensuring junior lawyers still develop the depth of experience needed to become exceptional advisers in an AI-assisted world. Will also reflects on how the business of law has changed over the past twenty years. He discusses increasing international competition, changing partnership models and the growing pressure on firms to prioritise short-term financial performance, while arguing that long-term investment in people, client relationships and sustainable growth remains the strongest foundation for success. The discussion explores broader trends shaping private capital, including industry consolidation, expanding investment strategies and the growing democratisation of private markets. Will explains how increasing access for wealth managers and individual investors is reshaping fund structures and creating new opportunities across the industry. Finally, Will shares practical advice for aspiring lawyers: think carefully about every career move, keep learning, avoid becoming pigeonholed too early and remember that the lawyers who thrive over the long term are those who continually adapt while building trusted relationships with clients and colleagues alike. 00:00 Introduction   00:20 Meet Will Normand   01:00 What Does an Asset Management Lawyer Do?   03:00 Understanding Private Capital   05:00 How Asset Management Teams Are Structured   07:00 Choosing the Right Clients & Work   09:00 Why Specialists Beat Generalists   10:30 Training Better Junior Lawyers   12:00 AI & The Future of Legal Practice   14:00 Why Judgement Still Matters   16:00 Building Trusted Advisers   18:00 The Changing Law Firm Model   21:00 Long-Term Careers vs Short-Term Thinking   24:00 Trends in Private Capital   27:00 Consolidation & New Investment Strategies   31:00 Democratising Private Markets   35:00 Final Reflections & Career Advice

    Will Normand, Head of Asset Management at Travers Smith — On Private Capital, AI and Building the Next Generation of Lawyers

  8. Aug 19

    Russell Warren, Head of Tax at King & Spalding — On Private Capital, Tax Law and Building a Personal Brand

    In this episode, Russell Warren, Tax Partner at King & Spalding, explains why tax sits at the heart of private capital transactions and shares how the role of a modern tax lawyer extends far beyond advising on legislation. Russell begins by explaining his practice, advising private equity, private credit, infrastructure, real estate and other alternative investment funds throughout the entire investment lifecycle. From raising capital and structuring funds to acquisitions, portfolio management and exits, he explains why tax lawyers play a central role in helping private capital businesses achieve their commercial objectives. The conversation explores the rapid growth of private capital over the past decade, including the expansion of private credit and the increasing number of investment strategies available to institutional investors. Russell explains why long-term confidence in private markets remains strong despite short-term liquidity challenges and economic uncertainty. A major focus of the discussion is how tax lawyers collaborate across law firms. Rather than working in isolation, Russell explains why tax specialists sit alongside corporate, funds and finance lawyers, becoming involved from the earliest stages of transactions to identify risks, improve structures and deliver better commercial outcomes for clients. Russell also reflects on the culture at King & Spalding and why collaboration was one of the main reasons he joined the firm. He discusses how successful legal teams depend on genuine cooperation between different practice areas and why clients increasingly expect integrated advice rather than isolated technical expertise. The episode also explores one of the biggest recent developments in UK tax law: the reform of carried interest taxation. Russell explains how government consultations shape legislation, why tax rules continue to evolve and how advisers help clients navigate complex regulatory changes while remaining firmly within the boundaries of acceptable tax planning. The conversation examines the changing nature of tax advice over the past two decades, including the increasing focus on anti-avoidance legislation, commercial substance and the responsibilities placed on professional advisers. Russell explains the difference between legitimate tax planning, aggressive avoidance and criminal tax evasion, highlighting how the profession has changed significantly throughout his career. Beyond technical law, Russell shares why personal branding has become an increasingly important part of professional life. After joining King & Spalding, he began writing consistently on LinkedIn to demonstrate expertise, maintain relationships and show clients the human side of legal practice through stories, humour and practical insights. The discussion explores why building a network should begin from the earliest stages of a legal career. Russell argues that today's trainees, junior associates and clients often become tomorrow's business leaders and work providers, making long-term relationship building one of the most valuable investments any lawyer can make. Finally, Russell shares practical advice for aspiring lawyers: start building your personal brand early, nurture genuine relationships throughout your career and remember that technical excellence may win respect but authenticity, collaboration and trust are what build lasting client relationships. 00:00 Introduction   00:20 Meet Russell Warren   01:00 What Does a Private Capital Tax Lawyer Do?   03:00 Private Equity vs Private Credit   04:00 Liquidity & Long-Term Investment Trends   05:00 Where Tax Fits Within a Law Firm   06:00 Why Collaboration Matters   08:00 Tax Lawyers as Commercial Advisers   10:00 King & Spalding's Collaborative Culture   12:00 Carried Interest Explained   15:00 Tax Planning vs Tax Avoidance   18:00 How Tax Law Has Changed   20:00 Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn   22:00 Why Lawyers Should Post Earlier   24:00 Long-Term Relationship Building   27:00 Final Advice for Aspiring Lawyers

    Russell Warren, Head of Tax at King & Spalding — On Private Capital, Tax Law and Building a Personal Brand
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About

Conversations with lawyers about the real stories behind their careers.

Information

  • Creator
    Hugo
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Lawsy Originals
  • Show Website
    Lawsy Originals

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