It seems that scams are on the rise in the New Year! Most scams don’t rely on clever technology. They rely on urgency. If you feel rushed, threatened, or embarrassed into acting quickly, stop!. Legitimate organisations don’t force immediate decisions without time to verify. If you have been cold-called, chances are it's a scam. Ask them how they obtained your details, ask them for their name and address, then ask for a number to call them back on. You can then make further enquiries yourself or with our help - feel free to post if you think you are being scammed (or if you have already!).

I was never “academic”. Growing up, I struggled through exams while my friends seemed to sail through with ease. I genuinely thought something was wrong with me and assumed I was average at best when it came to learning. Even my own parents didn’t think I’d be cut out for a professional career. Encouragement was limited, but what I did have was determination. I told myself I would prove them wrong. I enrolled on a law conversion course and failed. I resat the exams over the summer while my friends were out enjoying life. I eventually passed, which allowed me to progress to the practical course — advocacy, drafting, the real skills. I passed that too. Not with a commendation or distinction, just a pass. But it was enough!. In 2005 I landed my first job as a paralegal on £12,000 a year. I couldn’t believe they hired me. It wasn’t a Magic Circle firm where trainees command six-figure salaries — it was a high street firm. But for me, it was the stepping stone that mattered..... As I climbed that slippery pole to promotion, I quickly realised that being a lawyer isn’t just about legal knowledge. You need people skills. You need to negotiate. You need to know when not to be an asshole. You need humility, kindness, and perspective. I met many lawyers who were technically brilliant but lacked those essential human qualities — putting clients first, communicating clearly, treating people with respect. Some still climbed the ladder because they knew the right people or mastered the art of kissing up. I saw that pattern again and again. I saw some lawyers who clearly had no clue - but they had a way with people and they got promoted much to my annoyance!. I also saw many people reach the “top” only to burn out from stress or leave the profession entirely. The law for the most part is not glamorous, there are targets to reach, nine to fiver's are frowned upon, your boss may be difficult to deal with, you always think "are you doing this right" - it's one of the most heavily regulated industries so many lawyers have real concerns of being sued or falling foul of the Regulator....