Legal 500: Brief Encounters

Legal 500 Future Lawyers Podcast is all about information for aspiring solicitors and law students looking to train and study in the UK. Join Legal 500 Future Lawyers, a comprehensive guide to the UK solicitor training and legal education, and its co-editors, Bertie Ford and Iman Tribak, for quality discussions with industry leaders, universities and students on trends in current and future training and legal education - as well as anecdotes you don’t hear or read in legal marketing. Whether you are just starting to think about becoming a lawyer, making a career change, or already on a training contract, this podcast is for you.

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Episodes

Brief Encounters: Isabel Lightbody

Isabel Lightbody - International Arbitration Associate at Freshfields We catch up with Isabel, an arbitration lawyer at magic circle firm Freshfields, as she shares her international journey into law, from studying abroad and working as a lawyer in Germany to qualifying in the UK through a unique cross-border training setup. Isabel reflects on finding confidence and balance in her professional life, developing self-assurance as a junior lawyer and the importance of maintaining interests outside ...

Jun 30, 2025•20 min

Brief Encounters: Maris Ologeh

In this episode of Brief Encounters, we speak to Maris Ologeh, a trainee solicitor at HSBC. Maris shares journey from growing up in Nigeria to starting her legal career in the UK. We discuss how working part-time jobs and doing extracurricular activities gave her a competitive edge when applying for training contracts, the realities of working in-house for one of the world's biggest banks, and the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and getting an early start in building a successful legal ca...

Jun 17, 2025•19 min

Brief Encounters: Thorrun Govind

Joining us this time is Thorrun Govind - The Legal Pharmacist - a dual-qualified pharmacist and solicitor at law firm Brabners . Thorrun is a former Chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and a powerful advocate for diversity in the profession. In a wide-ranging and thought-provoking discussion, we cover: How Thorrun's healthcare background enhances her legal practice and advocacy. The myth that law is only for those with perfect grades or traditional backgrounds. The importance of mentorship...

Jun 03, 2025•21 min

Brief Encounters: Walker Syachalinga

Sharing his journey with us is Walker Syachalinga - An associate at Leigh Day . Walker talks to us about growing up in Zambia and witnessing first-hand how the law can be a force for justice, why trying out different practice areas during your training contract is key to finding your best fit, and the importance of staying focused on your own path - and not falling into the comparison trap....

May 27, 2025•38 min

Brief Encounters: Asiyah Randera

Asiyah Randera - Trainee at Staffordshire County Council and emerging LinkedIn influencer. On the brink of qualification, Asiyah spoke to us about training at a council as opposed to a law firm, the importance of perseverance and self-belief on the long (and daunting!) road to getting a training contract, and her top tips for deciding what area of law you want to work in.

May 20, 2025•18 min

Brief Encounters: Jon Gregson

Jon Gregson - Partner at Weightmans' Employment practice and popular LinkedIn Legal Influencer. A longtime partner and prolific LinkedIn poster, Jon spoke to us about demystifying the process of getting a training contract, how to know when you've found the right firm, and about the challenges, both personal and professional, that he faced throughout his career.

May 13, 2025•37 min

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