This week, pupils and parents from Bromley High School, local state schools and GDST schools attended our Careers in Law Insight Evening, giving attendees a taste of life working in law.

Our Careers Insights Events are part of the Future Focus programme at Bromley High School; a programme of talks and events which prepares pupils for university, apprenticeships or employment in addition to personal development and well-being.

The panel of speakers consisted of experienced professionals working in diverse areas of law, who discussed their careers and shared advice and tips on preparing for the competitive admissions process.

First to speak was Parisa Wright, Senior Business Affairs Manager at ITV and alumna of Bromley High School, who provides legal support to a variety of TV shows and development projects. She discussed the variety of her everyday job, such as helping Production with commissioning agreements and commercial deals, to contracting talent and dealing with disputes.

Next, attendees heard from Leon Kazakos, a barrister specialising in financial misconduct at 2 Hare Court, the chambers of Jonathan Laidlaw QC; one of the country’s leading sets of chambers. Leon is the father of one of our Junior School girls and was shortlisted for ‘Crime Junior of the Year’ by Chambers and Partners last year.  He regularly provides advice and advocacy in demanding and complex cases, representing individuals and companies who are either under investigation or facing prosecution for serious financial wrongdoing.

“Not one day goes by without learning something new in law” Leon Kazakos, Barrister at 2 Hare Court

The final speaker was Imene Hamdi-Cherif, a trainee solicitor at Ashurst LLP; a leading multinational law firm and a trusted adviser to corporates, financial institutions and governments worldwide. Imene discussed her journey into law, from visiting The Hague at the age of sixteen to studying law at the University of Warwick. As a trainee solicitor she fights for women’s and immigration rights.
Imene added “Pro bono cases should be done by all lawyers to help the community and to provide great work experience for young lawyers.”

A Q&A session, and informal networking followed the presentations, allowing the pupils to have one-to-one discussions with the speakers.

Many thanks to our speakers for their time and for supporting Bromley High School.

Main photo (left to right): Parisa Wright, Toyin (Year 12 pupil), Leon Kazakos, Imene Hamdi-Cherif