Know Your Rights? Record-Breaking Divorce Applications PLUS How to Become a Chartered Legal Executive? ⚖️🧐

Did you know that you don’t have to become a solicitor or a barrister to qualify as a lawyer….

It is still a common misconception that you must have attended University and completed your LPC to be able to guarantee a job in law but it's not the ONLY way you could also become a Chartered Legal Executive!

So…

How do you become a Chartered Legal Executive?

What does a Chartered Legal Executive do?

What are the benefits of Chartered Legal Executive status?

To answer these questions and more we welcomed the welcomed the wonderful Gemma Adams to our Legally Speaking Podcast ™️ powered by Clio - Cloud-Based Legal Technology.

Gemma is a Chartered Legal Executive Advocate, specialising in criminal law. She is also the proud Founder and Director of Women in Law Kent (WILK). ⚖️👏🏼

It was not until 2011, when she obtained a role as a Legal Secretary, that she was bitten by the criminal law bug.

She studied part time at University, whilst working and raising her daughter, graduating in 2017.

Gemma enrolled at CILEx Law School, completing further studies, graduating as a Chartered Legal Executive in 2022.

This year, she has obtained her rights of audience and is now 'on her feet' in court, as well as attending clients at the police station.👏

Gemma is the first member of her family to attend University. She has no lawyers in her family. She has no connections in the legal field, but have used her own initiative to network and build relationships.

This is one of the main reasons why she founded Women in Law Kent. The mission is to build a community for women to empower, support and connect women in Kent.

She has loved (and sometimes hated) her journey into law, and she wouldn't have changed it for the world.

Gemma really feels like she has achieved her dream and she is now building a legacy!

In this episode, Gemma and I discussed:

👮 Why the CILEx route worked best for her

👮 Women in Law Kent and their longer-term goals

👮 The impact of being first member of her family to attend University and specialise in the legal industry

👮 Gemma's career to date and the inspiration behind her career highlights

👮 Raising a family and studying in the current age and through the pandemic

👮 Why Gemma has loved her journey into law and why building a legacy is important to her

🎧 Where can I listen to this episode? 🎧

The podcast is available to listen to on the Legally Speaking Podcast website and all major platforms (Spotify, Apple etc.)

⚖️🎙️How to Support the Legally Speaking Club Community ⚖️🎙️

1) Join our Discord 👉 HERE

2) Leave us a Rating & Review on 👉 Spotify, Apple 

Season 6 of the Legally Speaking Podcast is powered by Clio, a legal case management software that works in partnership with The Law Society of England and Wales and is an approved supplier of the Law Society of Scotland.

Earlier this week I attended the first ever #ClioCon London at the Everyman Cinema 🎥👌

I enjoyed watching Jack Newton, CEO of Clio - Cloud-Based Legal Technology deliver his keynote speech.

He shared how we can ALL make an impact on this world 👊

Clio are committed to transforming the legal experience for ALL.

He focused on a “ANTIFRAGILE LAW FIRM” in order to survive & thrive.

Let's face it we have all been through a LOT these past few years!

Stating some things benefit from shocks and by being placed in stressful environments we can emerge STRONGER!

He stated 3 ways to build a successful antifragile firm:

1. CONNECTION

2. CREATIVITY

3. TECHNOLOGY

When these work in harmony and you leverage technology you can build for a better tomorrow.

However, it’s not always about doing more but adapting the systems and processes you already have to get MORE DONE!

He stressed the need to keep moving forward with creativity.

The ability to keep agile is key and to remember to think globally but act locally...loved that!

The whole event was brilliant it was great to meet so many valued members of Clio’s community.

Each year Clio releases a Legal Trends Report, they look in-depth at the industry trends that are shaping the market for legal services.

The 2022 Legal Trends Report analyses data from tens of thousands of legal professionals to learn more about the future of work in legal, and what it means for your firm.

As the world’s leading provider of #LegalTech, they are committed to raising the bar for the legal profession, using technology to make law firms more efficient, effective, and enjoyable to work for.

Weekly Alumni Guests Shoutouts

1) Alice 🦩 Stephenson Founder of Plume 🦩

Kudos to Alice for hosting the first ever Lawscape this week; an event designed to help those running a law firm or thinking about setting up one!

Erika Concetta Pagano, Gareth Malna 🧙🏻 ♂️ & Jay Smith shared wisdom on transforming legal services through emerging technologies.

Lea 🌈 Turner, Chrissie Wolfe, Jess Saumarez and Sahar Farooqi then talked about why law firm marketing doesn't have to be...meh.

Finally Ed Turner, Lindsay Healy - Aria Grace Law CIC and Serena Wallace-Turner and my buddy Jodie Hill (there in spirit...those bloody trains!) finally talked about why law firms need a PURPOSE that extends beyond making money.

During Alice's time on the Legally Speaking Podcast we discussed:

🙌 Alice’s ‘unconventional’ journey into law

🙌 Gender inequality in the legal industry

🙌 Why the billable hour should be scrapped

🙌 The role of a CEO

🎧 You can listen to Alice's Entrepreneur, Lawyer, Investor episode HERE🎧

2) Amelia Platton - Future Trainee Solicitor at Clifford Chance & Founder of The ND Lawyer Project

Amelia will be taking part in a FREE webinar hosted by the Solicitors Regulation Authority . Inclusive workplaces are really important. There are steps you can take to achieve meaningful inclusion.

In this webinar, 18 October at 12:00, Amelia Platton, Founder of The Neurodiverse Lawyer Project will discuss barriers to inclusion for neurodivergent lawyers and tips on achieving meaningful workplace

Link to register is👉 HERE

During Amelia's time on the Legally Speaking Podcast we discussed:

🙌 What neurodiversity is in the legal profession

🙌 The motivation and community behind The Neurodiverse Lawyer Project

🙌 Exploring mental health in the workplace, university and employment processes

🙌 How to promote inclusivity in acknowledging neurodiversity in law

🙌 The role of social media and content creation is changing and shaping the legal profession

🎧 You can listen to Amelia's The Neurodiverse Lawyer episode HERE🎧

3) Steve Lawlor - Managing Director of Lawlor's Law Limited

On Monday this week we had World Mental Health Day!

Since day one from the Legally Speaking Podcast we have held honest conversations surrounding those that entered the dog-eat-dog industry which is famously known for intense situations, high-profile cases, pressure, and expectations. 🌎

In our episode back in season four "Understanding Mental Health Law" Steve Lawlor discussed the importance of setting boundaries between clients and lawyers and despite the obligation that lawyers feel to constantly be a source of support, their own well-being needs should be met first.

In an industry stereotypically seen as full of powerful personalities, I am so grateful to have guests like Steve and many others that unapologetically dive into these conversations of mental health and refuse to allow the stigma in the law industry to continue.

During Steve's time on the Legally Speaking Podcast we discussed:

🙌 How and why he specialised in mental health law

🙌 The experience of setting up his firm in lockdown Britain

🙌 How some parts of the media create unhelpful narratives on mental health

🙌 The contrasting attitudes to psychological issues internationally

🙌 How the pandemic has impacted mental health awareness

🎧 You can listen to Steve's Understanding Mental Health Law episode HERE🎧

4) Jason Feng - Senior Associate at Herbert Smith Freehills

How to stand out as a junior lawyer.

Many junior lawyers find themselves blending into the background. But it's important for your career development to find ways to get noticed and leave an impact.

Last week, Jason chatted with The College of Law Australia and Meihua (Mei) G. to put together some practical tips for junior lawyers.

Here's a summary version - link to full article on the last page here

During Jason's time on the Legally Speaking Podcast we discussed:

🙌 What is construction law and what does a construction lawyer do?

🙌 How secondments added value to his legal career and how they’re different from typical practice

🙌 How the current training process for junior lawyers is flawed and why

🙌 Why Jason creates how-to guides for junior lawyers to help aide their training

🙌 Why you should become an ‘authority’ in your team

🙌 The importance of being a ‘nice’ lawyer

🎧 You can listen to Jason's How-to Guides for Junior Lawyers episode HERE🎧

5) Jacqueline Harounian, Esq. 🪬 Managing Partner at Wisselman Harounian Family Law

Divorces at Record High!

Statistics for April to June 2022 show there were 33,234 divorce applications, the highest number of applications in a decade.

Jackie is an influential New York divorce attorney and mediator, with degrees in both law and behavioural forensic psychology, she’s worked in family law for over 25 years.

Wisselman Harounian Family Law is a proud sponsor of Mondays at Racine Cancer Care foundation.

Jackie has been invited to join the Board of Trustees for the foundation.

The annual Beauty Ball is coming up on October 24th.

Click here to find out how you can support the event and make a difference in the life of someone going through cancer treatment. 

During Jackie's time on the Legally Speaking Podcast we discussed:

🙌 How domestic violence, economic power imbalances and religion intersects, further fuelling the contemporary divorce epidemic

🙌 Why religion remains a key complication in modern divorces

🙌 How divorce law has changed in recent decades

🙌 Her tips on getting into family law as a career

🎧 You can listen to Jackie's The Powerful Role of Religion in Family Law episode HERE🎧

6) Electra Japonas - CEO & Founder of TLB

Congratulations to Electra and all the TLB team who have partnered up with Linklaters and CreateiQ to provide a combo of market leading legal advice, user-centric design and streamlined tech & operations to deliver to clients a full solution for their needs.

What’s even more exciting is what this collaboration means for the wider industry, marking a significant shift away from traditional legal services delivery and a move towards the pragmatic, holistic legal solutions that we're seeing our clients demand. 

During Electra's time on the Legally Speaking Podcast we discussed:

🙌 TLB's journey with a clear vision of connecting Legal with the rest of the business

🙌 Fascinating insights into legal operations, what they mean and how to really do them

🙌 All things ‘legal design’ and how contracts can be made more engaging for the masses

🎧 You can listen to Electra's The Law Boutique episode HERE🎧

7) Alex Su - Head of Community Development at Ironclad

CONGRATULATIONS to Alex who has made it into LinkedIn ’s Creator Accelerator Program this year. You can learn more about Alex's LinkedIn journey here

During Alex's time on the Legally Speaking Podcast we discussed:

🙌 Alex’s recent book, ‘The Unauthorized Guide to Getting Into Law School With Bad Grades’.

🙌 The future of legal tech

🙌 The Meeting of the Minds podcast

🙌 Alex’s monthly networking sessions

…and much more! 

🎧 You can listen to Alex's Getting into Law School with Bad Grades and Utilising AI for Contracts episode HERE🎧

📣 IP, Web3 & Law with Shana M. Thomas, Esq.

🗣 Web3 Insanity Co-Hosting with Francesca M. Witzburg⚖️™️®©, Mitch Jackson, Esq. & Caleb Pfohl

📅 Monday 17th October

⏰ 8pm UK / 3pm EST

👉 Click to Register HERE

📣 Top tips on how to change jobs and combat the cost-of-living crisis 

🗣 Recruitment & Careers Club Co-Hosting with Johnny Nash

📅 Wednesday 19th October

⏰ 5.30pm UK / 12.30pm EST

Johnny & I have been in the recruitment & careers space for over 4 decades combined.

We have helped thousands of people across the globe propel to career success in the good, bad, and ugly markets.

👉 Click to Register HERE

In Other News

Jake Schogger & I will be delivering an in-depth masterclass on how to network and use LinkedIn effectively.

TOPICS COVERED

• The purpose of networking
• What networking involves (it’s broader than you think!)
• How to build the necessary confidence and resilience to network effectively
• How to effectively approach networking in different contexts
• Practical tips for “in person” networking (including at employer events)
• Practical tips for networking through LinkedIn
• Key benefits of networking
• An insight into how networking in a number of contexts helped Jake to build flexible careers in law and beyond.
• Live Q&A

Link to register HERE

Myself & Mitch Jackson, Esq. will be discussing all things Business, Web3 and The Metaverse today.

Give us both a follow and click the bell 🔔 to be notified when we go live on LinkedIn Live Audio!

Restructuring & Insolvency Associate - Top US Law Firm - 0 - 6 PQE (London)

Projects Associate - Top Tier Energy Boutique Firm - 1 - 4 PQE (London)

International Arbitration Associate (Arabic Speaking) - Top Arbitration Firm - 2 - 5 PQE (London)

Cyber Security Associate - Top 15 UK International Firm - 2 - 7 PQE (London)

Crypto Lawyers - Top 10 UK International Law Firm - 2+ PQE (London)

Leveraged Finance Associate - White Shoe Law Firm - 2 - 7 PQE (London)

Corporate & Commercial Associate - Boutique Law Firm - 2 - 6 PQE (London)

Private Equity Associate - Top US Law Firm - 2 - 6 PQE (London)

Capital Markets Associate - Top US Law Firm - 2 - 4  PQE (London)

Litigation & Arbitration Associate - Top US International Law Firm - 2+ PQE (London)

IP/IT/Commercial and Data Protection Associate - Top US Law Firm - 4 - 5 PQE (London)

Real Estate Associate - Top 10 UK International Law Firm - 0-4 PQE (London)

Fund Finance Associate - Top US Law Firm - 2 - 6 PQE (London)

Investment Funds Associate - Top US Law Firm - 1 - 4 PQE (London)

If you cannot see a job suitable for you, but are interested to hear about more jobs at KC Partners, please send your CV to info@kcpartners.co.uk to be considered.

At KC Partners, we are committed to promoting diversity and equality of opportunities across organisations and we welcome applications from suitable candidates regardless of race or racial group, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender re-assignment and gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy, maternity and paternity.

For now folks...OTTO taking a nap & OUT :)

——

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