Raising the Bar

In this episode, Lily Olliver talks to Saara Idelbi about the growing role of generative AI in the legal profession.  They explore what tools like ChatGPT actually are, how they work and why they are becoming increasingly common in everyday legal tasks.  Other topics covered include access to justice, the rise of litigants in person and how AI may shape the future of advocacy training. A fascinating look at the opportunities, risks and realities of AI in the legal world.   Saara is a barrister specialising in Administrative Law and Human Rights at 39 Essex Chambers. As a Certified International Privacy Professional (CIPP/E), she also advises on data privacy, cybersecurity, AI ethics, and emerging tech regulations. Lily is part of the AGIS (Association of Gray's Inn Students) committee 2025-2026. She is a Gray's Inn Bar Course and Residential Scholar, living at Gray's Inn whilst completing the vocational component of Bar training. 

In part two of this two-part series, Finnian, Ava and I are joined by Joe Tarbert: the Head of Programmes at a criminal justice charity known as Standout. Join us to continue the conversation about prisoner rehabilitation and the criminal justice system.    If you would like to get involved with StandOut, you can sign up to volunteer at Volunteer — StandOut. You can also get in touch by sending any inquiries to: [email protected]

In part one of this two-part series, tune in to hear about Vocalise: a student-led prison debating initiative that was founded in 2010 by two members of Gray's Inn. In this episode, I speak with two of the current co-directors, Ava Chowdhury-Turner and Finnean Robinson. Join us to learn about Vocalise through their reflections and experiences! If you are interested in getting involved with Vocalise, you can register your interest at https://www.graysinn.org.uk/education/students/career-development/vocalise/ You can also get in touch by sending any inquiries to: [email protected]

Welcome to Raising the Bar! My name is Hafsa, and in this two-part series, I will introduce you to your representatives on the 2024-2025 AGIS committee. Join me in Part 2 as I speak to Molly, Thomas, Ewan and Tanya, and learn more about their experiences as Bar students. You will find out about how you can get involved with Gray’s Inn: from participating in moots to joining the AGIS Run Club.  We also want to hear from you! Please get in touch through the AGIS social media or via email at [email protected].

Welcome to Raising the Bar! My name is Hafsa, and in this two-part series, I will introduce you to your representatives on the 2024-2025 AGIS committee. Join me in Part 1 as I speak to Jennifer, Funmi, David and Kamilla, and learn more about their experiences as Bar students. You will find out about how you can get involved with Gray’s Inn: from writing for the AGIS Law Journal to an exciting partnership with Tutor the Nation.  We also want to hear from you! Please get in touch through the AGIS social media or via email at [email protected].

Thinking of changing careers and coming to the Bar? This episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking of retraining as a barrister. In this episode, I speak with barrister Nicola Sully who has a common law practice, about her journey to the Bar as a career-changer.  We discuss transferable skills, how to challenge assumptions, to articulate your motivation for changing careers and to demonstrate your professional compatibility with your target chambers.  Listen in for tips on how to overcome limiting beliefs, recognise the opportunities that your previous career offers and tackle pupillage applications to achieve success at the Bar as a career changer.

Applying for a GDL scholarship? Tommy, a GDL scholar, discusses how he approached his GDL interview and prepared to demonstrate his advocacy, drive and determination, problem solving skills and motivation to succeed to the panel.

Interested in getting published? The Gray's Inn Student Law Journal is an ideal way for students to engage academically with the law, learn about legal writing and get published. It's an inclusive publication with support available for first-time legal commentators. In this episode, Nora speaks to Hazel Bannerman, editor of the Student Law Journal, to discuss how you can begin your legal writing career. Find out more on how you can contribute: Call for Papers - Student Law Journal - graysinn.org.uk

If you're preparing for a scholarship interview, you won't want to miss this episode!  Hear from Christian, a residential scholar, on how he prepared for his Gray's Inn Bar Course Scholarship interview and secured one of the coveted Residential Scholarships. Gray’s Inn awards at least £1.4 million in scholarships each year. In 2024, the Inn intends to award at least 85 Bar Course Scholarships to support students undertaking the Bar Course. Gray's Inn also offers residential scholarships that enable students to live at the Inn while they study the Bar Course. Applicants shortlisted for a Bar Course scholarship interview will be interviewed this March. The next application period for Bar Course Scholarships will open in September 2024. Find out more about Gray's Inn scholarships.

"Show, don't tell" is just one of the many tips for applicants preparing for Gray's Inn Bar scholarship interviews in Episode 1, Season 5 of Raising the Bar. Gray's Inn students Matty, CK, Ioanna and podcast host Nora Nanayakkara discuss how they prepared for scholarship interviews, approached the legal topic interview exercise and answered the dreaded question, "Why do you want to be a barrister?" Don't miss future episodes, which feature more advice and insights from Gray's Inn scholars, students and members to help you on your journey to the Bar.