Not All Lawyers Have Law Degrees

In this season 3 bonus, we re-release a popular episode from series 1: our check in with Vaibhav Adlakha - solicitor and diversity & inclusion trailblazer. Vaibhav tells us what he thinks makes a work place inclusive, why mental adjustments can be more important than physical ones and what’s ironic about his current role.

Not All Lawyers Have Law Degrees series 3 episode 4 is a re-release of our discussion with Dr Victoria Roper, Associate Professor at Northumbria University and Chair of the National Education and Training Committee of the Law Society. Victoria clarifies the finer points of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (or SQE) which was introduced in September 2021 and will eventually replace the current Legal Practice Course (LPC). She also answers crucial questions like – How much will it cost? What happens if I fail an exam? And what to do if you’ve already started the LPC?More information about the SQE:https://www.sra.org.uk/students/sqe/ https://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/law-schools/solicitors-qualifying-examination-sqe https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/career-advice/becoming-a-solicitor/solicitors-qualifying-examination-sqe

The third instalment in our legal apprenticeships series re-visits the previous chat with Rianna Powponne of Rare Recruitment. Rianna shares essential advice about CVs, applications and interviews, including what to put in, what to leave out, how to tell your story and dealing with tough interview questions.National Careers Service:https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/

In this re-released episode, Georgie and Ella discuss legal apprenticeships with Ceri Evans, National Programme Director for Apprenticeships at the University of Law. Listen in to get the facts about legal apprenticeships - which organisations offer them, how much you get paid and the importance of finding the right place for you.Further info about apprenticeships: https://allaboutapprenticeships.co.uk/https://www.ucas.com/understanding-apprenticeships

The legal-apprenticeship-themed third series of Not All Lawyers Have Law Degrees begins with BBC’s very own legal apprentice Georgie Yates and former apprentice Ella Lycett leading a lively and enlightening conversation with Maia Crockford and Teagan Williams. In this episode from the first series, Maia (DAC Beachcroft LLP) and Teagan (Severn Trent Water) explain why they turned down university places to take up legal apprenticeships. They share some of the challenges and rewards of starting work at 18, balancing work with studying and how their apprenticeships have grown their skills and confidence – as well as their bank balances!Find us on Instagram @notalllawyerspod

Pauline Campbell is our final career changer in our mini series – she qualified as a lawyer at the age of 41 after a successful career as a housing benefits officer. She went on to work at Hackney Borough Council and now she’s a senior lawyer for the prosecution team at London Borough of Waltham Forest. She talks about how the Steven Lawrence case spurred her on to finally taking the leap into law and how she made it by building on the skills she’d gained along the way. Pauline has written a book about race, identity and belonging titled ‘Rice and Peas and Fish and Chips’.  Useful links:https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/en/topics/in-house/working-in-house-local-governmenthttps://llg.org.uk/  (Lawyers in Local Government) https://www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/https://www.hmcts-trainee-legal-advisers.co.uk/

Suzanne Hutton offers practical advice to students on a daily basis in her role as careers manager for online students at The University of Law. Suzanne works with lots of mature students and people moving into law so in this episode our very own career changer Joanna Prior, trainee solicitor at BBC Legal, asks those key questions that every career changer needs the answers to. From practical tips about funding to finding your narrative, Suzanne is here to help anyone wanting to transition into law.  Useful links for career changersFees and Funding: https://www.law.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/course-fees-and-funding/ULaw career change scholarships: https://www.law.ac.uk/study/scholarships-bursaries/Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA): https://www.sra.org.uk/become-solicitor/

Rachael Bell worked as a company director in the construction industry. Now she’s a paralegal, qualifying as a solicitor and supporting other career-changers through her social media network and podcast. She talks to us about the realities of becoming a lawyer when you already have children, a job and a maxed-out credit card.Rachael's instagram is @legalbelleUseful links:ULaw career change scholarships: https://www.law.ac.uk/study/scholarships-bursaries/Flex Legal paralegals: https://flex.legal/Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA): https://www.sra.org.uk/become-solicitor/Social welfare solicitor qualification fund: https://www.citysolicitors.org.uk/social-welfare-solicitor-qualification-fund/ (deadline 17th January 2022)