Emerging legal talent and future trainee solicitor Kiyala Matanga shares her inspiring journey into law — shaped by resilience, faith, and a commitment to leaving spaces better than she found them. A must listen episode of The Lawyer Files. 🎙️

In this episode, I sit down with Kiyala Matanga — Future Trainee Solicitor and Vice President at The University of Law — whose legal path bridges leadership, public speaking, and standout experience with leading firms such as Clifford Chance, Slaughter and May, Latham and Watkins, and White and Case.

From curating TEDx projects and pioneering networking events, to managing operations at DPD UK and delivering talks for HSBC, Kiyala’s journey challenges the idea that impact only begins after qualification. With honesty and purpose, she shares how faith, confidence, and people-focused leadership have shaped her growing legal voice.

We talk about:
✅ What inspired her to pursue law, and how her early life in the Democratic Republic of Congo shaped her perspective
✅ How leadership roles at The University of Law built her confidence and community impact
✅ Lessons from top law firm internships, including insights into greenwashing and the role of a commercial lawyer
✅ How she overcame fear at her first networking event and went on to host groundbreaking conferences
✅ Why putting God first anchors her career decisions and keeps her aligned with purpose
✅ The importance of networking across levels, building LinkedIn presence, and positioning yourself for success
✅ Advice for aspiring solicitors from non traditional backgrounds on how to thrive authentically

Whether you are applying for internships, finding your place in law school, or building resilience for a competitive profession, Kiyala’s story is filled with practical lessons and encouragement that remind you your legal career begins with how you show up today.

👉 Follow The Lawyer Files on Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music
📰 Subscribe on Substack for written interviews, legal career tips, and behind the scenes insight from the next generation of legal professionals.

Contact/Enquiries:

IG: @1Denice.x

Email: thelawyerfiles@outlook.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denice-o/