That Very Bad Law Podcast

Ep 1: Charting the Course: Navigating Your Law Degree with Dr Cliona Kelly, Associate Dean UCD Sutherland School of Law
In Episode One of That Very Bad Law Podcast, join Sophie McDermott (That Very Bad Law Student) for an illuminating conversation featuring Dr. Cliona Kelly, the Associate Dean of UCD Law School. Delve into the myriad ways to pursue a law degree, from different access routes to expectations during your college years. Gain valuable insights into the support systems available at universities and discover the array of opportunities awaiting you on campus.
Click here for more information on the different admissions pathways to studying law at UCD. Please note, that for some of these options you may have to choose specific modules or courses to study law.
About This Weeks Guest:
Dr Cliona Kelly is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean of the Law School, as well as the Chair of the Law Taught Programmes Board.
Cliona is a graduate of University College Dublin, where she graduated top of her class with a first class honours degree. She also completed her PhD, funded by the Irish Research Council for Humanities and Social Sciences, in University College Dublin. Cliona also has a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education from the National University of Ireland, Galway. Before returning to UCD Cliona was a lecturer in law at the National University of Ireland, Galway and Senior Lecturer in Cardiff University, Wales. She has also lectured in Trinity College Dublin (2006 - 2007) and worked in the Irish Law Reform Commission where she wrote the Report on Privity of Contract and Third Party Rights. Cliona joined the Sutherland School of Law in September 2015.
About The Host:
Sophie McDermott completed her undergraduate degree in History and Politics at Newcastle University in 2018, after which the embarked on a somewhat diverse early career path. From serving as a Sabbatical Officer at Newcastle University, to joining a graduate program at a design engineering firm in London in 2019, Sophie's experiences provided her with a unique perspective and a passion for exploring new horizons.

Amid the uncertainties of the pandemic in 2020, Sophie found herself in Ireland, where she discovered her unexpected calling in law. Encouraged to pursue further studies, she enrolled in the Masters in Common Law program at UCD, graduating in 2023. It was during this transformative period that Sophie launched her TikTok channel "That Very Bad Law Student." Through engaging and light-hearted videos, she shared her journey of navigating the complexities of legal education, including conquering the FE1 exams, navigating internships and traineeships, and offering invaluable advice to fellow law students.

Artwork: Helena Egri
Music: Keith Fennell
If you find this episode informative, please consider leaving a rating on your preferred listening platform to help others discover us!

Find out more about the podcast at www.thatverybadlawstudent.com

EP 2: First Strides in Law: Mastering Firm Applications with Sophie Ward, Early Careers Lead for Mason Hayes & Curran
In this episode of That Very Bad Law Podcast, we dive into the world of internship and training contract applications with Sophie Ward, Early Careers Lead at Mason Hayes & Curran. Building on our previous discussion about pursuing a law degree, Sophie shares invaluable insights into crafting a standout CV, writing compelling cover letters, and mastering the interview process. Whether you're a current law student, a recent graduate, or someone considering a career change, this episode offers practical tips and advice to help you navigate the competitive world of legal applications. Join us as we explore the essential steps to kick-starting your legal career journey.
About This Weeks Guest:
Sophie Ward is the Early Careers Lead for Mason Hayes & Curran. Along with MHC’s graduate committee, she runs the student placement, intern and trainee programmes for the firm, as well as learning and development programmes for solicitors and NQs. Sophie holds a BA in Psychology from Trinity College Dublin.
About The Host:
Sophie McDermott completed her undergraduate degree in History and Politics at Newcastle University in 2018, after which the embarked on a somewhat diverse early career path. From serving as a Sabbatical Officer at Newcastle University, to joining a graduate program at a design engineering firm in London in 2019, Sophie's experiences provided her with a unique perspective and a passion for exploring new horizons.

Amid the uncertainties of the pandemic in 2020, Sophie found herself in Ireland, where she discovered her unexpected calling in law. Encouraged to pursue further studies, she enrolled in the Masters in Common Law program at UCD, graduating in 2023. It was during this transformative period that Sophie launched her TikTok channel "That Very Bad Law Student." Through engaging and light-hearted videos, she shared her journey of navigating the complexities of legal education, including conquering the FE1 exams, navigating internships and traineeships, and offering invaluable advice to fellow law students.

Artwork: Helena Egri
Music: Keith Fennell
If you find this episode informative, please consider leaving a rating on your preferred listening platform to help others discover us!

Find out more about the podcast at www.thatverybadlawstudent.com

About The Host:
Sophie McDermott completed her undergraduate degree in History and Politics at Newcastle University in 2018, after which the embarked on a somewhat diverse early career path. From serving as a Sabbatical Officer at Newcastle University, to joining a graduate program at a design engineering firm in London in 2019, Sophie's experiences provided her with a unique perspective and a passion for exploring new horizons.

Amid the uncertainties of the pandemic in 2020, Sophie found herself in Ireland, where she discovered her unexpected calling in law. Encouraged to pursue further studies, she enrolled in the Masters in Common Law program at UCD, graduating in 2023. It was during this transformative period that Sophie launched her TikTok channel "That Very Bad Law Student." Through engaging and light-hearted videos, she shared her journey of navigating the complexities of legal education, including conquering the FE1 exams, navigating internships and traineeships, and offering invaluable advice to fellow law students.
Artwork: Helena Egri
Music: Keith Fennell

If you find this episode informative, please consider leaving a rating on your preferred listening platform to help others discover us!

Find out more about the podcast at www.thatverybadlawstudent.com

Ep 3: In the Thick of It: An Inside Look at Trainee Life with Emma O'Hara
Join us in this episode of That Very Bad Law Podcast as we delve into the world of trainee solicitors with our guest, Emma O'Hara. Emma, a trainee solicitor at a top 10 Irish law firm, shares her journey from academia to the legal profession, offering invaluable insights into the life of a trainee solicitor in Ireland. Emma provides a candid and informative look into what it takes to navigate the early stages of a legal career.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards of life as a trainee solicitor, and discover practical tips for success in the legal industry. Whether you're considering a career in law or already on the path to qualification, this episode offers valuable insights that will resonate with aspiring solicitors at every stage of their journey.
About Emma:
Emma is a trainee solicitor in a top 10 Irish law firm, due to qualify in January 2025. She graduated with a First Class honours LL.B from Manchester Metropolitan University and then completed an LL.M from Trinity College Dublin, specialising in human rights-related subjects.

Outside of work, Emma vlogs on TikTok, showing her daily life and what it's like to be a trainee in Dublin.
About The Host:
Sophie McDermott completed her undergraduate degree in History and Politics at Newcastle University in 2018, after which the embarked on a somewhat diverse early career path. From serving as a Sabbatical Officer at Newcastle University, to joining a graduate program at a design engineering firm in London in 2019, Sophie's experiences provided her with a unique perspective and a passion for exploring new horizons.

Amid the uncertainties of the pandemic in 2020, Sophie found herself in Ireland, where she discovered her unexpected calling in law. Encouraged to pursue further studies, she enrolled in the Masters in Common Law program at UCD, graduating in 2023. It was during this transformative period that Sophie launched her TikTok channel "That Very Bad Law Student." Through engaging and light-hearted videos, she shared her journey of navigating the complexities of legal education, including conquering the FE1 exams, navigating internships and traineeships, and offering invaluable advice to fellow law students.

Artwork: Helena Egri
Music: Keith Fennell
If you find this episode informative, please consider leaving a rating on your preferred listening platform to help others discover us!

Find out more about the podcast at www.thatverybadlawstudent.com

Ep 4: From Firm to In-House: Legal Career Transitions with Jennifer O'Sullivan
In this episode, we'll delve into Jen's career path, her decision to move in-house, and what that transition entailed. She'll share insights on job applications, the nature of her current role, and how it compares to her previous experience in a law firm. We'll also discuss the benefits and potential downsides of working in-house, career progression, and how she balances her professional responsibilities with her personal interests.
About Jen:
UCC Law and German, and Law and Finance (Goethe University) Grad. Senior Legal Counsel with VW Group Ireland and Financial Services. Winner, Women in Business Law Rising Star In House 2023 EMEA. Founder of Law Hero, a way to help prospective lawyers into the legal profession (Start Up Awards 2023 Runner Up and Shortlisted Legal Educator of the Year 2023, Irish Law Awards). Member of the In House, and the Guidance and Ethics Committee, the Law Society of Ireland. Part time semi professional athlete in triathlon, Hyrox and bouldering.
About The Host:
Sophie McDermott completed her undergraduate degree in History and Politics at Newcastle University in 2018, after which the embarked on a somewhat diverse early career path. From serving as a Sabbatical Officer at Newcastle University, to joining a graduate program at a design engineering firm in London in 2019, Sophie's experiences provided her with a unique perspective and a passion for exploring new horizons.

Amid the uncertainties of the pandemic in 2020, Sophie found herself in Ireland, where she discovered her unexpected calling in law. Encouraged to pursue further studies, she enrolled in the Masters in Common Law program at UCD, graduating in 2023. It was during this transformative period that Sophie launched her TikTok channel "That Very Bad Law Student." Through engaging and light-hearted videos, she shared her journey of navigating the complexities of legal education, including conquering the FE1 exams, navigating internships and traineeships, and offering invaluable advice to fellow law students.

Artwork: Helena Egri
Music: Keith Fennell
If you find this episode informative, please consider leaving a rating on your preferred listening platform to help others discover us!

Find out more about the podcast at www.thatverybadlawstudent.com

Find out more about the podcast at www.thatverybadlawstudent.com