Top five podcasts for every law student

One of my most popular posts over the last few weeks has been my favourite TED talks for law students. If you're anything like me, the lockdown has given you the opportunity to do some research and focus on personal development and commercial awareness, so I thought today I'd share my top five podcasts which are particularly helpful for law students, although also a great listen for any of my followers who don't fit into that category.

1. The Hearing.
This comes in top as my favourite podcast. Hosted by Kevin Poulter, this is a series which explores legal innovation, as well as historical landmarks in law and hosts some truly captivating guests. Two of my favourite episodes so far have been discussions with Dame Fiona Woolf (hence my previous post) and Rt. Hon. Kenneth Clarke. Make sure to give this one a listen, I'm definitely looking forward to seeing who is the next guest to appear!

2. Law Pod UK.
I never thought I'd say I miss my long train journeys into work... but one element of my routine I have truly missed is listening to a great podcast throughout my journey. One  of my favourites to choose would always be from Law Pod UK. Produced by the barristers of One Crown Office Row, and bringing a wonderful selection of guests, this fascinating series delves into all aspects of law and never fails to give you something to think about.

3. BBC Radio 4- Best of Today.
I'll admit, I've cheated a little bit here. Having set myself the task of narrowing the list down to five, I'm using number three to squeeze in two of my favourites. Because who can have too many podcasts to listen to, right!? BBC Radio 4's Beyond Today and Best of Today are guaranteed to keep you up to date with key topics in the news, and listening to these is a great way to ensure you keep up that all important commercial awareness, the phrase every law student dreads hearing at an interview. These two are also a great listen for anyone not looking for intense legal discussions, they're just an informative way to keep up with the world around us.

4. Herbert Smith Freehills Podcast.
Before I landed my first job in a law firm, I think one of the most daunting things about studying law was knowing how to discuss contemporary issues with fellow legal professionals, and not sound like you're reciting your favourite assignment from last year. This podcast is great for learning how experts in their field discuss current issues, and an excellent focus in recent times on corona virus and the law.

5. First 100 Years Podcast.
As a woman in law, I couldn't write this post without including this wonderful exploration of the first 100 years of women in law. Each episode is a dedicated to a different decade, telling a story of how women have changed the face of law. Perhaps my favourite one of this series would be the final one, where it is discussed what has been learnt from the project, and the work that continues to be done to gain full equality in the legal sector. A truly fascinating eye opener into the history of law.

As easy as it is in this time to switch on Netflix and forget about the rest of the world, I do hope you'll consider listening to these insightful podcasts to aid your own self development. We truly are lucky to live in an age where we can learn so much from the comfort of our own homes.

Please do get in touch and let me know if you get the chance to listen to any of these, or if you have any favourites I should know about!

Stay safe everyone.

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