#11 UK Legal Podcast: Mishcon de Reya Trainee Solicitor Journey: McKelvin on Networking, Branding & Strategy
Description
Emerging legal talent and future trainee solicitor McKelvin Debrah shares his journey into commercial law — shaped by resilience, strategic self-development, and a passion for opening doors for others. A must-listen episode of The Lawyer Files.
—🎙️ In this episode of The Lawyer Files, I sit down with McKelvin Debrah — Future Trainee Solicitor at Mishcon de Reya, Warwick graduate, and a standout advocate for access, mentorship, and building a personal brand that reflects ambition and purpose.
From stepping into the legal world through Latham & Watkins’ PRIME scheme to refining his path with Rare Recruitment and Aspiring Solicitors, McKelvin’s journey reflects the power of staying consistent, learning from rejection, and showing up intentionally.
We talk about:
✅ How early insight schemes helped him discover commercial law — and what sparked his interest✅ The leap from academic study to practical legal training at the University of Law✅ Bouncing back after not securing a TC in second year — and how that season built resilience✅ Standing out in applications through personal branding and networking✅ The impact of Rare, Aspiring Solicitors, and Dentons' mentoring programs✅ His future ambitions at Mishcon de Reya and passion for Real Estate, Corporate, or Sports Law
Whether you're navigating the TC cycle, exploring commercial law, or finding your voice in a competitive profession — McKelvin’s journey is proof that preparation, persistence, and community make all the difference.
👉 Follow The Lawyer Files on Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.📰 Subscribe on Substack to receive written interviews, insights, and legal career content straight to your inbox.
United States
