Alumni Interviews: Something A Bit Different

Get a snapshot of what some of our alumni have been getting up to via this selection of video interviews. Originally filmed for Lawbore Future Lawyer, we're sharing them on Learnmore too!

These demonstrate how following a traditional law path to solicitor or barrister isn't for everyone...

Hear from Thomas Mogford,

Thomas Mogford

Thomas Mogford published his first novel, The Shadow of the Rock, in August of this year. Described by The Times as 'evocative, engrossing and entertaining', Mogford's work has also been praised by the great Susan Hill as 'original, pacey, a great writing debut'. This crime thriller is based in Gibraltar where the book's central character tax lawyer Spike Sanguinetti gets embroiled in a murder case whilst trying to save the accused, old friend Solomon.

Thomas has worked for many years as a translator, both for the European Parliament and the UEFA Champions League and completed his CPE (now the GDL) at City between 2003-2004. It's fantastic to see his first book doing so well (I'm reading it at the moment...) and for anyone who gets hooked, the next one Sign of The Cross, will be out next year.

Tom has been hugely in demand, with recent interviews on JazzFM and Radio 4's Front Row, you can read other interviews via Crime Always Pays and the website of Canadian writer Ethan Jones. Tom writes about the challenges of being the writer of a new crime series on Crime Time. Lots of reviews online by bloggers: It's a Crime!, Criminal Element. Follow Tom on Twitter for Spike news!

Marie Louise Orre

Marie-Louise Orre is a City LPC graduate. She talks us through her life as a shipping lawyer, covering what drew her to law, offering interview tips, discussing commercial awareness and the importance of a great academic record with interests outside of law.

Ben Challis

Ben Challis, an entertainment lawyer and City alumnus, tells us how he made it into the field, about his current and most recent roles (one of 2 lawyers for the Glastonbury Festival, lecturer in law, specialist in live events and television, General Counsel for 3A Entertainments AND editor for the great Music Law Updates). A pretty inspiring guy.

Julia Hicks

Julia is a Classics graduate, who then came to City for her GDL and LPC courses. The video was recorded just before she took up her post as a trainee solicitor at Kingsley Napier, and it covers training contract interview tips as well as her insights into surviving the academic and professional legal training.