In this episode of The Student Lawyer Podcast, host Camilla Uppal sits down with Natalie Jones, a prominent employment partner at DLA Piper based in Dubai. Recently ranked as a “Next Generation Partner” in the Legal 500 for UAE’s employment category in 2024, Natalie shares her inspiring career journey and provides valuable insights into the world of employment law. Natalie kicks off by giving an overview of her career to date, shedding light on what inspired her to specialise in employment...

Join us in this insightful episode of The Student Lawyer podcast, where we explore the dynamic career journey of Matthew Letts, a Restructuring and Insolvency Solicitor at Isadore Goldman. Recognised as a Key Lawyer in Legal 500 for Insolvency and Corporate Recovery in the Southeast shortly after qualifying as a Solicitor in 2023, Matthew has quickly made a significant impact in his field. In this episode, we delve into: Matthew's unique career path, transitioning from a Chemistry graduate to...

In this episode of The Student Lawyer podcast, we're excited to welcome Elizabeth Sam, a qualified solicitor (non-practicing), who shares her inspiring journey and invaluable insights into conquering the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE2). Elizabeth opens up about her career history, the decision to undertake the SQE2, and how it paved the way for her dream of qualifying as a solicitor. Her story is a testament to dedication and resilience, offering motivation for aspiring legal...

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Student Lawyer Podcast! This week, we are thrilled to have Rob Hanna, Founder and Managing Director of KC Partners, join us for an engaging discussion on how to secure an NQ solicitor role in the legal industry. KC Partners is renowned for providing legal talent solutions and content creation, focusing on community and specialising in recruitment for Newly Qualified (NQ) Lawyers, Associates, Senior Associates, Legal Directors & Counsels, and...

In this episode, Camilla Uppal interviews Peter Watson, commercial awareness expert who is an ex-stockbroker, to find out the key themes that lawyers and aspiring lawyers should know about. Peter discusses the rise of investment in the Middle East, the potential M&A boom we could see in the UK, the rise of AI, and why companies are changing their expansion plans to take into account the US-China tensions. Peter also provides his top tips for developing commercial awareness and impressing...

Join us for an insightful episode as Camilla Uppal delves into the career journey and LinkedIn expertise of James Quarmby, Partner and Head of Private Wealth at Stephenson Harwood LLP, and a renowned voice in the legal and professional community. In this conversation, James shares his experiences, insights, and valuable tips for career advancement and building influence on LinkedIn. We start by exploring James's career trajectory, from his early days to becoming a partner in private wealth...

In this episode, Camilla Uppal is joined by Tania Singla, international arbitration lawyer and author of the LinkedIn series 'What Your Partner Wants You To Know’. In this episode, Tania provides her advice to junior lawyers on a range of topics such as how to make a good impression at work, how to avoid making the mistakes that junior lawyers typically make, how to transition from a law school mindset to a professional mindset, and Tania’s top tips for business development. Tania’s book...

In this episode, Camilla Uppal is joined by Macella Wan, Underwriting Manager at Harbour Underwriting. Macella shares insight into her career journey from private practice to Harbour Underwriting, one of the leading providers of commercial dispute insurance for both claimants and defendants. Macella explains what type of cases that litigation insurers can help with, provides career advice to those who are interested in a career in law, and also shares networking tips. Macella’s LinkedIn:...

In this episode, Camilla Uppal is joined by Baljit Kaur Chhokar, Solicitor and Yoga and Meditation Teacher to discuss how yoga and meditation can benefit current and aspiring lawyers. Baljit explains why she decided to qualify as a yoga teacher, discusses how yoga and breath-work can help with stress management, and provides tips on how to prioritise self care for busy professionals. Yoga Instagram: www.instagram.com/bascending Please share with anyone who might enjoy this episode, and leave...

In this episode, Camilla Uppal is joined by Hannah Beko, author of the bestselling book The Authentic Lawyer. Hannah provides insight into the key issues with the culture in many law firms, and her opinion on how law firms could help tackle the issues that lawyers face. Hannah also explains what it means to be an authentic lawyer, the benefits of being authentic, how lawyers can maintain a work/life balance, and much more.  As well as being a best-selling author and successful business owner,...

In this episode, Camilla Uppal is joined by Anders Nilsson, Managing Partner and Head of Middle East at Bird & Bird. Anders provides insight into his career journey from Sweden to Abu Dhabi, the key opportunities for lawyers working in the region, and what he enjoys most about working in the UAE. Anders also provides career advice to aspiring and junior lawyers and provides his advice on how to win and retain business. Please share with anyone who might enjoy this episode, and leave us a...

In this episode, Stephanie Anais is joined by Charles Jeffery, Director of Litigation at Harbour, the largest privately-owned litigation funder in the world. **WARNING: the sound quality is a little fuzzy for the first 4 minutes. But don’t worry, it becomes fine from then onwards!** During this episode, Charles speaks about the Supreme Court decision in PACCAR, the decision that ruled many litigation funding agreements unenforceable, and also the UK governments vow to protect the industry due...

In this episode, Camilla Uppal is joined by James O’Connell, Partner at Mayo Wynne Baxter. James specialises in assisting businesses and anyone wanting to start a business, with a particular interest in the fascinating area of cryptocurrency and blockchain. James provides insight into his career history, insight into what being a blockchain and crypto lawyer involves, the challenges he faces, and what listeners can read if they are interested in learning more about crypto and...

In this episode, Stephanie Anais is joined by Emma Matebalavu, Global Head of Global Financial Markets at Clifford Chance who specialises in Real Estate Finance, securitisation and all types of structured debt. During this episode, Emma explains what her role as global head of global financial markets and practicing solicitor both involve, the global events impacting the global financial markets, and shares the details of one of the most memorable deals that she has advised on. Emma also...

In this episode, Stephanie Anais is joined by Finella Fogarty, Head of Restructuring & Insolvency at RPC, who specialises in advising banks, insolvency practitioners, funds, corporates and all stakeholders of insolvencies on both contentious and non-contentious restructuring, formal insolvency and turnaround situations. During the episode, Finella explains the reason she became a restructuring and insolvency solicitor, what is meant by ‘restructuring’ a company, and the main roles and...

In this episode, Stephanie Anais is joined by Dan Neidle, founder of Tax Policy Associates and former tax lawyer and Head of Tax at Clifford Chance (London). During this episode, Dan explains the roles and responsibilities of a corporate tax lawyer, reveals the realities of the job, and explains what makes a good and not so good trainee solicitor. Dan also explains the difference between respectably legitimate and lawful tax avoidance schemes and negligent ones and talks about Uber’s and...

In this episode, Camilla Uppal speaks with Charlotte Riley, Director at CSS Assure, an organisation that provides information security consultancy services in areas including cyber security, cyber resilience and GDPR. Charlotte has supported the MOD, MOJ, UK Government, NATO, and leading Fortune 200 organisations in a broad range of security programs. In this episode, Charlotte explains the importance of cyber security, why cyber security is a concern for law firms, and what firms and...

In this episode, Camilla Uppal speaks with Milan Pandit, trainee solicitor at Leathes Prior Solicitors. Milan was a double training contract offer holder before he decided to commence his training contract with Leathes Prior Solicitors, and now provides insights into life as a trainee solicitor and tips for aspiring lawyers to his 8,000+ connections on LinkedIn. During this episode, Milan shares insight into his journey into law, and provides his top tips for securing a training...

In this episode, Stephanie Anais is joined by Daniela Russell, Head of UK Rates Strategy at HSBC.  During the episode Daniela talks about her role at HSBC, explaining what it involves, what she enjoys most about it and revealing just one of her many work highlights.   Daniela also explains what can cause inflation and deflation, how the pandemic and geopolitical tensions have affected the economy, and provides her opinion on when the interest rate may return to 2%. Finally, Daniela reveals...

**For 10% off your first month with BetterHelp, convenient and affordable therapy anytime, anywhere, click here (www.betterhelp.com/tsl) (Ad)** In this episode, Stephanie Anais is joined by Taz Aldeek, future pupil barrister at the Crown Prosecution Service, YouTuber, and entrepreneur. During the episode, Taz explains why he chose to pursue a career at the Bar and reveals everything there is to know about securing a pupillage. Specifically, Taz explains the method he applied to secure...

**For 10% off your first month with BetterHelp, convenient and affordable therapy anytime, anywhere, click here (www.betterhelp.com/tsl) (Ad)** In this episode, Camilla Uppal is joined by Philippa Davies, a Senior Associate who specialises in the areas of Court of Protection matters and family law. Philippa explains what her work involves, the skills that aspiring Court of Protection and/or family lawyers should look to develop, and how to stay up to date with developments in Court of...

**Interested in learning more about the University of Law, who are the sponsors of this podcast episode? Click here to view the courses on offer (https://bit.ly/3xhsefp) (Ad)** In this episode, Camilla Uppal speaks with Ava Zadhorvash, in-house counsel at a higher education institution.  In this episode we will be discussing Ava’s career history, how and why she moved from private practice to an in-house role, and the biggest challenges that she faced. This episode is packed with fantastic...

**Interested in learning more about the University of Law, who are the sponsors of this podcast episode? Click here to view the courses on offer (https://bit.ly/3xhsefp) (Ad)** In this episode, Stephanie Anais is joined by Kevin Hellard, Partner, Offshore Delivery Leader, and UK Insolvency and Asset Recovery Practice Leader at Grant Thornton UK LLP. During the episode, Kevin explains the role and responsibilities of insolvency and asset recovery practitioners, the type of cases that...

In this episode, Stephanie Anais is joined by Prav Reddy, Insolvency and Restructuring Partner in the UK office of US law firm, Katten Muchin Rosenman. During the episode, Prav and Stephanie discuss the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank US and use it as a commercial case study to help Student Lawyers understand the technicalities involved in the acquisition of a distressed bank. Specifically, Prav explains the various procedures that the Bank of England can take when dealing with a bank on the...