We were delighted to welcome Michael Goodridge, Director of Clerking & Business Development at Deka Chambers, to speak with our Sixth Form students about careers in Law and Criminology. Deka Chambers is a nationally and internationally recognised set of barristers’ chambers, and Mr Goodridge brought a valuable real‑world perspective that complemented students’ academic studies.

Drawing on his extensive experience in the legal sector, Mr Goodridge offered an engaging overview of:

• Routes into legal careers, including the pathways to becoming a solicitor or barrister, and the key differences between these roles.
• The work of a modern 21st-century barristers’ chambers, highlighting how legal practice operates today as both a professional service and a business.
• The range of specialisms within law, including criminal law, family law, civil litigation, and commercial work, and the unique “nuances” that define each area.
• The importance of transferable skills such as communication, organisation, resilience, and analytical thinking.

Students particularly benefited from understanding how the legal profession has evolved, including the business and operational side of legal services—an area not always covered in traditional curricula.

Student Interests & Curriculum Links

In preparation for the visit, students shared questions aligned with their criminology studies. These demonstrated strong engagement with the justice system and included topics such as:

• The criminal trial process, including pre-trial procedures, bail, plea bargaining, and appeals.
• The structure of the UK court system, covering different courts and the roles of professionals working within them.
• The rules of evidence in criminal cases, including admissibility, relevance, disclosure, and the use of hearsay.
• External influences on trials, such as media coverage, witnesses, expert evidence, politics, and the role of the judiciary and legal teams.

Mr Goodridge acknowledged these thoughtful questions and outlined how they connect directly to real-life legal practice. While some of the more complex procedural topics will be explored further by specialist criminal advocates, his session provided an excellent foundation and context.

A Broader Perspective

One of the highlights of the session was Mr Goodridge’s discussion of:

• The day-to-day reality of legal work, beyond what is often portrayed in the media.
• The collaborative network behind legal cases, including clerks, chambers staff, and legal teams.
• The balance between legal expertise and business management, particularly relevant in chambers such as Deka.

This gave students a holistic understanding of how the legal industry operates and the variety of roles available within it—not just as a lawyer, but in supporting and strategic positions too.

A Valuable Experience

The visit was an enriching experience for our students, helping them to:

• Connect their academic studies to real-world applications.
• Gain first-hand career advice from a senior professional in the field.
• Develop a clearer understanding of the diverse opportunities within law and criminology.

We are extremely grateful to Mr Goodridge for his time, insight, and enthusiasm. Opportunities like this are invaluable in helping students make informed decisions about their futures and inspiring the next generation of legal professionals.

If your child is interested in pursuing a career in law or criminology, we encourage continued discussion at home and exploration of further reading, work experience, and enrichment opportunities.