On February 23, 2025, the England and Wales Chapter held a virtual pre-law event for individuals interested in learning more about the practice of law. Chapter Chair Christian Taylor organized the event, which included 19 participants in Britain, made up of attorney panelists who shared their experiences working in various legal fields, along with students and others interested in a career in the law. There was also an opportunity for students to ask questions.
Charlotte Steinfeld spoke about her desire to practice as a barrister from a young age and her path to the profession as a woman. She also explained that barristers are self-employed at the English bar and how this system has allowed her the flexibility to put her family first.
Scott Ashton, a U.S. qualified lawyer, spoke about his work in corporate finance at a large international law firm with an office in London. During his presentation, he shared that he had the privilege of representing many different clients, including a Duchy of King Charles.
David Hutber, a solicitor, spoke about his journey into a well-established commercial property firm and some of the miraculous steps that led him there. He also happily informed the group that he met his wife at the inaugural annual conference of the Law Society’s United Kingdom Chapter!
Josh Stevens spoke about his journey to the English Bar via a leading U.S. law firm in London, where he specialised in tax as a solicitor. He later cross-qualified and moved to the self-employed English Bar where his practice is mostly advisory. He addressed the benefits and differences of practicing as a solicitor versus as a barrister.
Alex Orndal kindly recorded a video for participants to view where he gave his perspective of working as a criminal barrister at the self-employed bar. He also spoke about how his switch to working with the Crown Prosecution Service has given him and his family more stability.
Christian Taylor gave a passionate outline of what he particularly enjoys about the self-employed bar as a practitioner in the field of clinical negligence, working on high-value claims with individuals, experts and other medical professionals. He also shared his love of public speaking, helping those in significant need, and the stability the profession brings to family life.
This event highlighted the broad range of legal practice available to legal professionals and how their faith and legal practice are intertwined in meaningful ways as they serve clients and seek to serve God.