I started my LLM in January as part of a career change after working for 25 years in the arts. I’d explained to friends and family and the course leaders that I had no intention of going into practice. Rather, I was specialising in human rights and international law with the intention of working on climate litigation, or human rights more broadly, with NGOs. So why am I here, at a Meet & Greet for law firms, eager to speak to barristers about their work and potential routes to the bar? I blame Lawbore.

I’ve found Lawbore a wonderful resource for finding out about events. Earlier this year, it alerted me to a day of conversations between lawyers, NGOs and activists working on climate justice that was hosted by Leigh Day, just a five minute walk down the road from the City Law School. It was free to attend and was truly inspirational, especially when Estelle Dehon KC of Cornerstone Barristers made her closing remarks, tying everything up at the end of day. She meaningfully referenced every contribution while making a cheerleading ‘call to arms’ that through collaboration between activists and lawyers, we could change the world. It was immaculately structured, contained an uplifting message, there were jokes (!), and her performance was better than many actors I’ve worked with – even after weeks of rehearsals. And she’d written and delivered it totally in the moment. I wanted to be her!

Fast forward 6 months and here I am. Standing in front of a table covered in branded pens and notebooks and socks, about to engage in conversation with some barristers. Not because I want to be one any more (I can’t afford the time to do a GDL and then a BVS and I certainly can’t afford the money I’d need to pay for those courses – I need to get back to work and paying the mortgage), but because I’ve been assigned this task by our editor. And maybe, with my experience as a playwright, writing about law is a more viable career path. So this is “Good Experience” for me. Writing about stuff.

Saisha and Kate (of the Bristol based Guildhall Chambers) are immediately my new BFFs. They listen attentively to my backstory and want to know what questions I have. I have so many questions. They are incredibly generous and honest with their answers. They are sincere and funny and insightful. They clearly love their work and their Chambers, and encourage me to explore scholarships and Mini Pupillages and to pay attention to the itch that I am scratching. Kate, like me, came to the idea of training for the bar after a ‘first’ career and, also like me, because so many of her friends and colleagues were telling her she should do it. Oh, god. I want to be them!

So today’s experience, which was only supposed to be a “Good For Me” assignment, has actually been incredibly helpful and energising. Not only because of my conversation with Kate and Saisha, but also because of my equally inspiring conversation with Louise from the University’s Employer Engagement Team. Thanks for the encouragement and advice, Louise! 

So here I am again. Doing the (overwhelming) calculations of time and money and scratching this persistent itch. If you’re feeling itchy yourself, I recommend looking out for future events like these. Inspiring conversations AND free socks. What’s not to like?

Many thanks to J for this terrific piece. J Spooner is currently studying for an LLM specialising in International and Human Rights Law. They are “career-changing” after a successful first career as a writer, performer and theatre director, travelling the world creating projects that help change the world for the better. Check out their LinkedIn for more.

For an aspiring solicitor view on the Meet and Greet, take a look at Jack’s post.