Durham Law School’s Dr Can Eken hosted a lunchtime event on breaking into the legal profession. Second year LLB student Georgia Hollett interviewed Joel Donovan KC (BA Law St Aidan’s, 1986) on top tips for aspiring solicitors and barristers in the context of unprecedented competition for training contracts and pupillages.
Drawing on his experience as a pupil supervisor and recruiter at Cloisters chambers in London, Joel highlighted the desirability of a top-class degree and real-world experience. He pointed out that relatively few Cloisters pupils and new practitioners in recent years had come straight out of university and the Bar Practice Course. Many had higher degrees; a significant number had left successful careers in other fields order to train for the Bar.
Joel is a generous provider of the Joel Donovan KC scholarships and a Founder Member of the Durham Law School Alumni Association.
The event was organised with the assistance of Dr Claire Molloy, Senior Manager, Development and Alumni Relations, as part of a programme of Law alum visits and presentations.
More about Joel Donovan KC here
More about the Joel Donovan KC scholarships here
More about Dr Can Eken here
More about Georgia Hollett here
More about the Durham Law School Alumni Association here
