Law Talks

Ellie

A career in law can seem daunting and arduous when first starting out. Join aspiring lawyer Ellie as she discusses the extensive world of law with legal professionals. With one clear mission - to inspire, educate, and empower - Law Talks strives to bridge the gap for those who may lack direct access to professional connections.  Our monthly episodes delve into enlightening conversations with professionals in the legal field, aiming to demystify the complexities of law and provide valuable insights to help listeners understand what it takes to thrive in this field.  Law Talks is a podcast for aspiring lawyers, by aspiring lawyers. Whether you’re just starting to consider a career in law or you’re well on your way, listen in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Inside the Role of a Barrister’s Clerk with Priya Greig

    APR 28

    Inside the Role of a Barrister’s Clerk with Priya Greig

    In this episode of Law Talks, Priya Greig, a practice manager and barrister’s clerk at Twenty Essex Chambers, describes her career path from paralegal to junior clerk and progression through assistant practice manager roles.  She explains the clerking recruitment process, typical duties such as fee negotiation, diary management, court listings, and business development, and highlights the job’s variety and strong focus on networking, including hosting and attending events. Priya discusses how chamber structures vary, the importance of building personal working relationships with barristers to tailor workloads, and notes that clerking remains largely paper-based.  She outlines career progression and earning potential, movement between practice areas, and opportunities for international travel through arbitration work. Priya also shares her involvement with the Female Fraud Forum and offers advice for aspiring clerks and barristers on networking, shadowing, and mini-pupillages. 00:00 Career Journey and Getting Into Clerking 04:51 Week in the Role 08:00 Working With Barristers 10:54 Earnings and Growth 13:54 Advice for New Juniors 17:40 International Travel Opportunities 18:26 Female Fraud Forum 20:15 Outside Initiatives 21:30 Applying for Clerking 23:08 Clerking Before Pupillage Recruitment agencies contacts: Priya Greig Matt Curness, GRL Elliott Rogers, Briefed This episode is sponsored by LawPods, a podcast marketing agency that services some of the biggest brands in law. Enjoying Law Talks? Sign up for our Linked In Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram and TikTok to receive all our latest news. Want to read the episode transcription? Sign up to receive our monthly episode transcriptions.   Want to feature on Law Talks? We're always happy to hear from legal professionals keen to share their insights and experiences with our listeners.Contact us.    Our intro music is adapted from 'Sprightly' by GarageBand Apple Loop and 'Sprightly Remix' by Adamo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    26 min
  2. Elizabeth Huang on Competition Law, Digital Regulation, and Applying to Slaughter and May

    MAR 31

    Elizabeth Huang on Competition Law, Digital Regulation, and Applying to Slaughter and May

    Join me for this episode with Elizabeth Huang, an associate in Slaughter and May’s Competition and Regulatory team, who discusses her path from studying law and completing the BCL (focused on law, technology, and society) to joining the firm as a trainee in 2021 and qualifying into the Competition group in 2023.    She shares advice for vacation schemes and training contract applicants, emphasising seeking university careers support, prioritising quality over quantity, tailoring applications, and giving personal, genuine reasons for “why law” and “why this firm.” Elizabeth explains Slaughter and May’s multi-specialist approach, her varied training contract seats (including a secondment to the firm’s Hong Kong office), and how seat changes build skills.   She outlines competition work across merger control, antitrust/behavioural matters, and the emerging field of digital regulation, describing the work lawyers do in advising clients on regulator-facing strategy, investigations, and compliance.    She addresses work-life balance realities, noting it can get easier after qualification, and highlights a major project advising a big tech company in the UK’s first investigation under the new digital markets regime.   00:12 Legal Career Journey and Choosing the BCL 04:07 Vacation Scheme Advice 07:33 Why Slaughter and May 10:10 Vacation vs Training Contract 11:41 Training Seats Explained 17:16 Competition Law Overview 22:54 Why Competition and Project Variety 25:50 Client Relationships Over Time 27:46 Work Life Balance Reality 32:18 Memorable Digital Markets Case 35:27 What Prepared Me Most This episode is sponsored by LawPods, a podcast marketing agency that services some of the biggest brands in law. Enjoying Law Talks? Sign up for our Linked In Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram and TikTok to receive all our latest news. Want to read the episode transcription? Sign up to receive our monthly episode transcriptions.   Want to feature on Law Talks? We're always happy to hear from legal professionals keen to share their insights and experiences with our listeners.Contact us.    Our intro music is adapted from 'Sprightly' by GarageBand Apple Loop and 'Sprightly Remix' by Adamo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min
  3. Law Talks x Monckton Chambers Mini-Series Part 3: International Women’s Day with Khatija Hafesji

    MAR 10

    Law Talks x Monckton Chambers Mini-Series Part 3: International Women’s Day with Khatija Hafesji

    Join me for this episode of Law Talks with Khatija Hafesji, a barrister at Monckton Chambers. Khatija describes moving from studying history into legal practice, finding her passion via advocacy for children in care, using the Children Act 1989 and judicial review to challenge unlawful local authority decisions.  She explains why she pursued a mixed practice spanning public, competition, procurement, and information law and describes her role as editor-in-chief of the Human Rights Law Reports. In an International Women’s Day context, she discusses the Women and Diversity in Law Awards 2026, her pro bono work with the Centre for Women’s Justice on data protection issues, and reflects on what public law reveals about women’s lives, finally explaining her trustee role at the Public Law Project and how aspiring barristers can get involved and prepare for the Bar. 01:32 Discovering Law in Care Work 04:04 Building a Mixed Practice 06:07 Choosing Practice Balance 07:45 Editing Human Rights Reports 10:48 Women and Diversity Awards 14:17 Centre for Women's Justice Panel 16:23 Law Reform for Mothers 18:59 Women's Lives Through Public Law 24:52 Trustee at Public Law Project 29:12 Advice for Aspiring Barristers Links to content mentioned in the episode: Human Rights Law Reports Women & Diversity in Law Awards 2026 Centre of Women’s Justice Public Law Project This episode is sponsored by LawPods, a podcast marketing agency that services some of the biggest brands in law. Enjoying Law Talks? Sign up for our Linked In Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram and TikTok to receive all our latest news. Want to read the episode transcription? Sign up to receive our monthly episode transcriptions.   Want to feature on Law Talks? We're always happy to hear from legal professionals keen to share their insights and experiences with our listeners.Contact us.    Our intro music is adapted from 'Sprightly' by GarageBand Apple Loop and 'Sprightly Remix' by Adamo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min
  4. Law Talks x Monckton Chambers Mini-Series Part 2: Navigating Pupillage and Tenancy: Insights from Charlie Coverman at Monckton Chambers

    FEB 17

    Law Talks x Monckton Chambers Mini-Series Part 2: Navigating Pupillage and Tenancy: Insights from Charlie Coverman at Monckton Chambers

    Navigating Pupillage and Tenancy: Insights from Charlie Coverman at Monckton Chambers Join me on this episode of Law Talks as we sit down with Charlie Coverman, a new tenant at Monckton Chambers. Charlie shares his journey from obtaining a degree in History and Politics to pursuing a legal career and securing his pupillage. He delves into the rigorous pupillage application process, his motivations for choosing Monckton Chambers, and his experiences throughout the pupillage. The discussion also covers the transition from pupil to tenant, the breadth of competition law practice, and valuable advice for aspiring barristers. Tune in for an informative and candid conversation about the challenges and rewards of starting a legal career at the bar. 00:00 Introduction and Career Overview 00:41 Deciding to Become a Barrister 01:58 Applying for Pupillage 03:17 Choosing Monckton Chambers 04:41 Pupillage Experience at Monckton Chambers 06:36 Starting Pupillage: Challenges and Advice 09:33 Transition from Pupil to Tenant 15:51 Practicing Competition Law 22:44 Building a Broad Practice 25:56 Final Reflections and Advice This episode is sponsored by LawPods, a podcast marketing agency that services some of the biggest brands in law. Enjoying Law Talks? Sign up for our Linked In Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram and TikTok to receive all our latest news. Want to read the episode transcription? Sign up to receive our monthly episode transcriptions.   Want to feature on Law Talks? We're always happy to hear from legal professionals keen to share their insights and experiences with our listeners.Contact us.    Our intro music is adapted from 'Sprightly' by GarageBand Apple Loop and 'Sprightly Remix' by Adamo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min
  5. Law Talks x Monckton Chambers Mini-Series Part 1: Applying for Pupillage at Monckton Chambers with Charlotte McLean

    FEB 10

    Law Talks x Monckton Chambers Mini-Series Part 1: Applying for Pupillage at Monckton Chambers with Charlotte McLean

    Join us for an insightful episode of Law Talks featuring Charlotte McLean, who shares her journey from studying classics to becoming a tenant at Monckton Chambers. Charlotte discusses her diverse career experiences, ranging from journalism to working in the charitable sector, and how these influenced her decision to pursue law. She provides valuable advice on applying through the Pupillage Gateway, preparing for interviews, and gaining both written and oral advocacy experience. Charlotte also emphasises the importance of pursuing a job you enjoy and not putting your life on hold while applying for pupillage. 00:00 Introduction and Career Overview 02:18 Current Practice Areas 03:35 Transition from Solicitor to Barrister 07:37 Applying Through the Pupillage Gateway 15:23 Advocacy Experience and Tips 19:04 Pupillage Interviews: Preparation and Experience 23:24 Accepting Pupillage and Initial Adjustments 29:18 Final Advice for Aspiring Barristers This episode is sponsored by LawPods, a podcast marketing agency that services some of the biggest brands in law. Enjoying Law Talks? Sign up for our Linked In Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram and TikTok to receive all our latest news. Want to read the episode transcription? Sign up to receive our monthly episode transcriptions.   Want to feature on Law Talks? We're always happy to hear from legal professionals keen to share their insights and experiences with our listeners. Contact us.    Our intro music is adapted from 'Sprightly' by GarageBand Apple Loop and 'Sprightly Remix' by Adamo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min
  6. From Accidental Lawyer to Advocate: A Journey in Housing and Discrimination Law

    JAN 27

    From Accidental Lawyer to Advocate: A Journey in Housing and Discrimination Law

    Join us for an illuminating episode of Law Talks featuring Gary Steel, a solicitor specializing in housing and discrimination litigation at Derbyshire Law Centre. Gary shares his unconventional journey into the legal profession, detailing how he transitioned from an initial interest sparked by a university lecture to becoming a passionate advocate for social welfare law. He discusses the unique challenges he faced along the way, including overcoming bullying and the impact of the cost of living crisis on his clients. Gary offers valuable insights into the realities of working in legal aid, emphasising the need for better remuneration and urging aspiring lawyers to gain diverse work experiences. This episode is a candid exploration of the demands and rewards of a career in housing law, filled with practical advice for those interested in this impactful field. 00:00 Introduction and Career Beginnings 01:30 Discovering a Passion for Housing and Discrimination Law 03:11 Navigating Education and the Open University 05:50 Applying for the Diversity Access Scheme 12:01 Overcoming Challenges and Bullying in the Legal Profession 15:58 A Day in the Life of a Housing Solicitor 24:15 The Impact of Cost of Living on Housing Law 28:41 Reflections and Advice for Aspiring Lawyers This episode is sponsored by LawPods, a podcast marketing agency that services some of the biggest brands in law. Enjoying Law Talks? Sign up for our Linked In Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram and TikTok to receive all our latest news. Want to read the episode transcription? Sign up to receive our monthly episode transcriptions.   Want to feature on Law Talks? We're always happy to hear from legal professionals keen to share their insights and experiences with our listeners.Contact us.    Our intro music is adapted from 'Sprightly' by GarageBand Apple Loop and 'Sprightly Remix' by Adamo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min
  7. 11/30/2025

    Life as a Paralegal: Insights and Advice from Chloe Marie Bloor

    Join us for an insightful episode of Law Talks featuring Chloe Marie Bloor, a paralegal who shares her unconventional journey into the legal profession. Chloe discusses her start at the Open University, her volunteer work at a law centre, and her transition into a paralegal role in homelessness prevention. She provides invaluable advice for aspiring paralegals, emphasizing the importance of work experience, volunteering, and persistence in job applications. Chloe also offers a detailed look at the day-to-day tasks of a paralegal and the challenges and rewards of working in social welfare law. This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a career as a paralegal. 00:00 Introduction and Guest's Unconventional Legal Journey 01:49 Volunteering at the Law Center 02:54 Pathway to Becoming a Paralegal 03:47 Work Experience and Volunteering Opportunities 06:34 Role and Responsibilities of a Paralegal 09:34 Challenges and Advice for Aspiring Paralegals 12:32 Applying for Paralegal Positions 22:40 Interest in Social Welfare Law and Legal Aid 30:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This episode is sponsored by LawPods, a podcast marketing agency that services some of the biggest brands in law. Enjoying Law Talks? Sign up for our Linked In Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram and TikTok to receive all our latest news. Want to read the episode transcription? Sign up to receive our monthly episode transcriptions or visit our website.   Want to feature on Law Talks? We're always happy to hear from legal professionals keen to share their insights and experiences with our listeners. Contact us.    Our intro music is adapted from 'Sprightly' by GarageBand Apple Loop and 'Sprightly Remix' by Adamo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 min
  8. 10/31/2025

    Empowering Aspiring Lawyers with Daria Levina

    Empowering Aspiring Lawyers with Daria Levina Join us for an engaging episode featuring Daria Levina, an international arbitration lawyer and academic based in Berlin. Daria provides guidance and support to aspiring lawyers, assisting them in building their careers through educational opportunities. Daria has been featured on platforms such as The Student Lawyer and Legally Speaking podcasts, as well as the Forbes Education and LLM-Guide. In this episode, Daria offers valuable guidance and support to aspiring lawyers, sharing her insights into building a successful legal career through educational opportunities and personal development. This episode provides an in-depth look at how aspiring lawyers can navigate their career paths with the right resources and mentorship. 00:00 Introduction and Career Journey  03:20 Educational Opportunities for Aspiring Lawyers  07:45 Importance of Mentorship in Legal Careers  12:10 Overcoming Challenges in the Legal Field  18:30 Building a Professional Network  23:55 Tips for Maintaining Work-Life Balance Read Daria's productivity guide that is mentioned in this episode.  Visit Daria’s website for further personal insights and practice guidance on applying for legal education opportunities.  Enjoying Law Talks? Sign up for our Linked In Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram and TikTok to receive all our latest news. Want to read the episode transcription? Sign up to receive our monthly episode transcriptions or visit our website.   Want to feature on Law Talks? We're always happy to hear from legal professionals keen to share their insights and experiences with our listeners. Contact us.    Our intro music is adapted from 'Sprightly' by GarageBand Apple Loop and 'Sprightly Remix' by Adamo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min

About

A career in law can seem daunting and arduous when first starting out. Join aspiring lawyer Ellie as she discusses the extensive world of law with legal professionals. With one clear mission - to inspire, educate, and empower - Law Talks strives to bridge the gap for those who may lack direct access to professional connections.  Our monthly episodes delve into enlightening conversations with professionals in the legal field, aiming to demystify the complexities of law and provide valuable insights to help listeners understand what it takes to thrive in this field.  Law Talks is a podcast for aspiring lawyers, by aspiring lawyers. Whether you’re just starting to consider a career in law or you’re well on your way, listen in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.