Becoming a Lawyer

S2 EP5: The Future of Law: Apprenticeships, Social Mobility & Gen-Z Lawyers

In this episode of Becoming a Lawyer, we’re joined by Oli Ascott—solicitor apprentice at Dentons and one of the rising voices in the movement reshaping how young people enter the legal profession. Oli shares his journey into law through the apprenticeship route, offering aspiring lawyers and legal educators an inside look at how non-traditional pathways are transforming the profession.🚀 Whether you’re weighing up university vs. an apprenticeship, mentoring junior lawyers, or curious about the next generation of legal talent, this episode is full of practical insights on career choices, social mobility, and the strengths Gen-Z lawyers bring to the table.🔎 In this episode, we cover:✅ Why Oli chose the solicitor apprenticeship route and what it’s really like✅ The evolution of apprenticeships—from rare pilots to mainstream pathways✅ What it’s like being a young fee-earner in a major law firm✅ Social mobility, diversity, and breaking down barriers to entry in law✅ Advice for aspiring lawyers considering alternative routes into the profession🎧 Timestamps:00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKUMOvd9Noc] – Welcome to Season 2 Episode 501:46 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKUMOvd9Noc&t=106s] – Introduction02:25 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKUMOvd9Noc&t=145s] – Starting from Scratch: Why the Apprenticeship Route?07:12 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKUMOvd9Noc&t=432s] – Why Dentons?09:25 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKUMOvd9Noc&t=565s] – Life as an Apprentice17:18 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKUMOvd9Noc&t=1038s] – Industry views on Apprenticeships20:23 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKUMOvd9Noc&t=1223s] – Apprenticeships and University32:22 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKUMOvd9Noc&t=1942s] - Social Mobility & Inclusion42:35 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKUMOvd9Noc&t=2555s] - Quick Fire Round55:00 – Looking Ahead & Quick Fire Round💡 Key Takeaways for Junior Lawyers:🔹 The apprenticeship route is a valid, respected alternative to university🔹 Gen-Z lawyers bring fresh perspectives and adaptability to the profession🔹 Social mobility and inclusion are reshaping the future of law—be part of it🎙️ Subscribe to Becoming a Lawyer for more insights from pioneers shaping the legal profession💬 What do you think about apprenticeships as a route into law? Share your thoughts in the comments!👉 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & hit the 🔔 to stay updated on future episodes!

S2 EP6: Training Contracts & Mentorship with Ayaz Saboor

In this episode of Becoming a Lawyer, we’re joined by Ayaz Saboor—former solicitor, coach, and founder of The Commercial Law Pathway. From working part-time jobs at McDonald’s and supermarkets to qualifying at DWF, Ayaz’s journey is anything but conventional. He opens up about resilience, redefining success beyond titles, and building a platform to support aspiring lawyers through mentorship and resources he wished he had.🚀 Whether you’re facing training contract rejections, questioning your place in traditional practice, or seeking inspiration for a career built on purpose and impact—this episode is packed with insights on navigating setbacks, finding alignment, and supporting the next generation of legal talent.🔎 In this episode, we cover:✅ Ayaz’s early jobs and how they shaped his mindset in law✅ The training contract journey and lessons from rejection✅ Why he left practice to pursue mentorship and coaching✅ Building The Commercial Law Pathway and sharing free resources✅ Real talk advice for aspiring lawyers on applications, mindset & resilience✅ Redefining career success around values, purpose, and impact🎧 Timestamps:00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP4MHkcy8Zs] - Welcome to Season 2 Episode 601:35 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP4MHkcy8Zs&t=95s] – Introduction01:55 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP4MHkcy8Zs&t=115s] – Early Career: From Part-Time Jobs to Qualification06:15 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP4MHkcy8Zs&t=375s] – Dealing with Rejections11:41 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP4MHkcy8Zs&t=701s] – Implementing Positive Change22:19 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP4MHkcy8Zs&t=1339s] - Life as a Trainee25:22 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP4MHkcy8Zs&t=1522s] - Why Ayaz Left Practice?37:37 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP4MHkcy8Zs&t=2257s] – Bonus Questions44:14 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP4MHkcy8Zs&t=2654s] – Quick Fire Round💡 Key Takeaways for Aspiring Lawyers:🔹 Your path into law doesn’t have to be linear to be successful🔹 Rejections are part of the process—resilience is key🔹 Mentorship, mindset, and community can transform your journey🔹 Redefining success means building a career aligned with your values🎙️ Subscribe to Becoming a Lawyer for more conversations with pioneers reshaping the legal profession.💬 What does success in law mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments!👉 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & hit the 🔔 to stay updated on future episodes!

S2 EP4 - From Law to Legal AI: A Journey with Philip Young, Co-Founder of Garfield AI

In this episode of Becoming a Lawyer, we’re joined by Philip Young—former solicitor, co-founder of boutique litigation firm CYK, and now co-founder of legal tech startup Garfield AI. Philip shares his bold career journey from Big Law to entrepreneurship and legal innovation, offering junior lawyers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to shape the future of legal practice.🚀 Whether you're just starting your legal career or curious about legal tech, this episode is packed with practical insights on leadership, risk-taking, innovation, and the evolving role of AI in the law.🔎 In this episode, we cover:✅ Life inside Big Law and what Philip learned at Baker McKenzie✅ Why he co-founded CYK—and how to lead outside the traditional path✅ What inspired his move into AI and how Garfield is reimagining legal services✅ Legal tech, small claims, SRA compliance, and what’s next for the industry✅ Advice for junior lawyers who want to stay relevant in an AI-powered future🎧 Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome to Season 2 Episode 401:32 – Introduction03:14: Early Career: Why Law?14:46 – Big Law Lessons from Baker McKenzie24:27 – Starting CYK: Building a Boutique Firm36:05 – Garfield AI: Entering the Legal Tech World54:10 – Future of the Legal Industry01:01:06 – Quick Fire Round💡 Key Takeaways for Junior Lawyers:🔹 Legal careers aren’t linear—bold moves can lead to a big impact🔹 AI isn’t a threat; it’s a tool—learn how to work with it, not against it🔹 Understanding innovation is becoming as important as understanding the law📌 Resources & Links:🔗 Learn more about Garfield AI: https://www.garfield.law/ 🎙️ Subscribe to Becoming a Lawyer for more insights from legal pioneers💬 What part of Philip’s journey inspired you the most? Let us know in the comments!👉 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & hit the 🔔 to stay updated on future episodes!

S2 EP3 - Building a Future-Ready Legal Career: Patrick McCann (CEO, City of London Law Society)

In this episode of The Legal Loop, we’re joined by Patrick McCann—legal leader, mentor, and founder of City Century, an initiative dedicated to supporting junior lawyers with values-driven guidance and future-focused tools. Patrick brings a wealth of experience from across the legal sector, offering deep insight into how young lawyers can build resilient, ethical, and innovative careers in a changing profession .🔎 In this episode, we cover: ✅ Patrick’s legal journey—from early career challenges to shaping legal culture ✅ Why values, people, and ethics are foundational to long-term success in law ✅ How City Century is helping the next generation of lawyers thrive ✅ Legal innovation beyond just tech—mindset shifts, mentorship, and sustainable growth ✅ Equality, diversity, and mental health in legal workplaces ✅ Rapid-fire questions, including: What’s one habit that’s changed Patrick’s work life? And what legal trend is he most excited about? 🎧 Timestamps: 0:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0-jz5dQWTo]–Welcome to Season 2 Episode 3 02:37 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0-jz5dQWTo&t=157s] – Introduction: Meet Patrick McCann 05:33 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0-jz5dQWTo&t=333s] – Legal Journey & Lessons Learned 12:11 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0-jz5dQWTo&t=731s] – People, Value & Ethics in the Legal Profession 24:36 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0-jz5dQWTo&t=1476s] – City Century & Legal Innovation: 31:20 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0-jz5dQWTo&t=1880s] - EDI, Mental Health & Career Sustainability 38:57 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0-jz5dQWTo&t=2337s] - Navigating the Legal Industry in 2025 and beyond 44:26 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0-jz5dQWTo&t=2666s] - Rapid Fire Questions 💡 Key Takeaways for Junior Lawyers: 🔹 Values aren’t optional—they’re essential to sustainable legal success 🔹 Innovation in law is about mindset, not just tech 🔹 Inclusivity and wellbeing are the future of legal culture 🔥 Don’t miss this thoughtful and forward-looking conversation with Patrick McCann—perfect for junior lawyers, legal educators, and anyone shaping the next chapter of the profession. 📌 Resources & Links:🔗 Learn more about City Century: [https://citycentury.co.uk/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2tXd0RiQndPWFBlUGpUZF9pTWt0UVRxTTZEZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsOHhTb1drYjRIeXFLV0xxYWRITlJhS3ZzVjBESDFIOXVnVHBuWE1veWFsSGNHT0VuSzlSaEN3TjlyaTZsVHZfYXhZRUJQOUxrYnBvNFd6M3gtakZKUC0tdjlVSi03Q1Jva0FwZjdSRDFNY2RHRTAtVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcitycentury.co.uk%2F&v=a0-jz5dQWTo]] 🎙️ Subscribe to Become a Lawyer for more insights from legal change makers!💬 What values guide your legal journey? Drop a comment below! 👇👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit the 🔔 to stay updated on future episodes!

S1 EP31: Big Law Revenue, AI Risks and Legal Etiquette

In this episode of "The Legal Loop," we explore the latest legal headlines. Hogan Lovells nears a $3 billion revenue milestone, while Clifford Chance reports an 80% trainee retention rate, signaling strong competition in the legal market. Meanwhile, the legal super-regulator's chair steps down unexpectedly, raising questions about future leadership. We also cover the Ministry of Justice’s call for public feedback on private prosecution reforms and a High Court ruling reinstating a negligence claim against a family law firm. On the international front, BHP denies liability in Brazil’s Fundão Dam collapse trial, a case involving over 600,000 claimants. Technology in law is also under scrutiny, as a barrister warns about the risks of litigants-in-person using AI tools like ChatGPT for legal advice. And in a lighter moment, email etiquette is in the spotlight after a junior lawyer faced backlash for addressing a hiring manager by their first name. Tune in for these stories and more, and don’t forget to subscribe for your weekly legal insights!