“To defend dreams. Many people have dreams but cannot actualise their dreams because there are no platforms like this”.
On the 31st of May 2024, at the prestigious Law Society, Law City hosted "The Law Network" event.
Since 2019, Law City has provided thousands of aspiring lawyers from low socio-economic backgrounds with access to the legal industry. However, this year, Law City recognised that access alone was not enough and decided to address the low retention rates for diverse talent within the legal field. One practical initiative to tackle this issue was the Law Network event. This event aimed to create a supportive environment where aspiring legal professionals could connect with industry leaders across various sectors, gaining invaluable insights and forming key relationships. Additionally, it focused on teaching essential soft skills, particularly networking, to help propel their careers forward.
The event had over 200 registrations, with legal enthusiasts travelling from as far as Glasgow and Leicester, demonstrating their profound dedication to mastering the art of networking. Amidst the vibrant atmosphere, participants had the invaluable opportunity to connect with seasoned legal professionals. Among them were Ola Popoola from Clifford Chance and Leo Edekere from Deloitte, as well as lawyers from diverse sectors including Technology, Family Law, Commercial Law, and more. This gathering served as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring legal minds.
A highlight of the event was the panel discussion, hosted by Beverley Martins, Law City’s Student Liaison Officer, featuring distinguished legal professionals who shared their experiences and expertise on Networking. Among the notable speakers were Clarissa Rodio, Barrister at Great James Street Chambers; Samuel Bailey, Associate at Boies Schiller Flexner LLP; Isabella Tee, Trainee at Squire Patton Boggs; and Ope Oreyemi, Associate at Clifford Chance. Each panellist offered a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective, making the insights shared useful for all.
We also had the honour of hearing from Dorothy Adu-Mfum, the visionary and founder of Law City. She spoke passionately about the importance of Law City being created "by the people for the people" and articulated her ambitious vision for 2030. By 2030, Law City aims to empower over 100,000 aspiring lawyers from disadvantaged backgrounds, partner with up to 100 law firms and educational institutions to create unique opportunities and invest up to £10,000,000 into mentorship, scholarships, and ongoing training and development for aspiring lawyers. Dorothy’s address emphasised the long-term goals and aspirations for fostering a more inclusive and supportive legal profession, highlighting the evolution beyond just providing access to increasing the retention of diverse talent within the legal sector.
The Law Network aimed to create a supportive environment for aspiring legal professionals to connect with industry leaders across various sectors, providing invaluable insights and relationships to propel their careers forward. Building on this, we introduced our new initiative Legal Links, bringing legal professionals together in a relaxed setting to share insights, network, and build connections, further enhancing growth and collaboration opportunities within the legal community.
Tunmise (Head of Communications) concluded the event, expressing gratitude to all attendees for their participation in making the event a success.
Overall, The Law Network was a resounding success, providing a safe place for the attendees to learn about Networking, and develop this skill with a room full of lawyers, recruiters and their peers.
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