Allen & Overy Launch: The Careers Podcast

Episode 4 – When written applications and skills tests start making sense

In this episode of Launch, our host, Bianca Vasilache, a final-seat trainee, is joined by Emma Barker, a graduate recruitment specialist, and two trainees, Lee Turner, a law graduate, and Laurence Ridgway, a non-law graduate, in discussing how to approach written applications and prepare for skills tests. Going further than generic advice, they break down the most common types of questions found in application forms and draw from their own experiences to identify the usual pitfalls as well as ways of avoiding them and making your application stand out.

Episode 3 – Partnership 101: The journey is what you make it

In this episode of Launch, our host, Bianca Vasilache, a final-seat trainee, is joined by Will Samengo-Turner, a newly-appointed partner in the corporate group, who shares his journey to partnership and sheds some light on the challenges that come with it. From figuring out whether this was the career he wanted to pursue to building up his experience and network and eventually throwing his hat in the ring for promotion, Will gives an invaluable insight into the legal profession and how it has started to change.

Episode 1 - There is more than one way into law

In this episode of Launch, our host, Bianca Vasilache, a final-seat trainee, is joined by MaameYaa Kwafo-Akoto, a senior associate in the funds and asset management group, who shares her unconventional journey into law and the valuable lessons she has learnt along the way. From doing a part-time GDL due to her full-time job and making cakes for Wrap It Up! to cover her LPC living expenses, to working as a paralegal for a few years and having her training contract delayed because of the financial crisis, MaameYaa’s story is an inspiring example of how to make your own opportunities.

Episode 2 – How can I make the most of my pre-application experience?

In this episode of Launch, our host, Bianca Vasilache, a final-seat trainee, is joined by Ben Moult, a graduate recruitment specialist, and two trainees, Maria John, a law graduate, and Joe Fallon, a non-law graduate, in discussing the different types of work experience, academics and extracurriculars that law firms are looking for, how to choose between the numerous options and, most importantly, how to make the most of them.