Stepping Stones: Episode 2 – Breaking into Law with Kathleen Lai
20 May 2026 - Academic
This term, the Law Society produced the second episode of its podcast series, ‘Stepping Stones’, which traces the lives of Seniors at different stages of their legal careers. The latest instalment features Kathleen Lai (Barry, 2022), an accomplished Oxford graduate who read Jurisprudence and has recently secured a training contract at a corporate law firm. Having just completed her Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) in London, Kathleen offers a candid look at the transition from high-level academic study to the practical realities of entering the legal profession.
The episode provides practical insights into the competitive job market, where success rates for training contracts can be as low as 1% to 3%. Kathleen emphasises the importance of building commercial awareness, the habit of staying informed through the Financial Times and market trends and starting the networking process early.
A particularly resonant moment in the interview highlights the enduring strength of the Wycombe Abbey network; Kathleen recounts how a university mentoring scheme unexpectedly paired her with a Wycombe Abbey Senior who provided invaluable guidance on the impact of class action law.
By sharing these candid reflections, the Law Society continues to demystify the legal world, offering current pupils the confidence to navigate their own ‘stepping stones’ with curiosity and a steadfast refusal to be deterred by any challenges along the way.
Listen to the whole podcast episode below:
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