Explore every episode of the podcast Legal 500: Brief Encounters

This week, we sit down with Chrissie Wolfe, legal influencer, content creator, and Partner at Nexa Law, to talk about her unique route into law. We talk about:

• The importance of building your network and broadening your horizons
• Learning resilience through rejection and redirection
• What it’s really like working in medical negligence & cosmetic injury law

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 of work to build a sustainable legal career. We go into detail about the specifics of her role as an arbitration associate, from drafting submissions and conducting cross-examinations to what it's really like to manage long-running cross border disputes.

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 career.

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, staying adaptable in your career, and finding purpose through variety, collaboration, and a passion for public service.

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.

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.

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.