Coronation Street for corporate lawyers
A new internet soap opera claims it will bring to life all the “dramas” that unfold behind the doors of modern-day law firms.
The weekly episodes, which will be published on a new interactive website called lawstory, “provide readers with an insider view of office politics, gossip and managerial misdemeanours” at some of the country’s leading, fictional, law firms.
The new legal-themed soap features four key characters: Rob, Natasha, Hamish and Manisha.
Rob, who studied law at the University of Exeter, completed his training contract at a “commercial London firm” called Hebberd & Trewick, before joining outfit Forbes Frobisher Styles (FFS). Natasha, a partner at LB Law, enjoys the finer things in life and, when her hectic job permits, can be found Greek Island-hopping or lounging by a pool in Ibiza.
Then there is Hamish. Having trained with a magic circle firm, the rugby enthusiast is now an associate within FFS’ corporate team. Last but not least is Manisha. Like Natasha, the University of Sheffield law graduate — who trained at national outfit Brock Thomas UK — is a partner at LB Law.
lawstory, which has already published its first few episodes, allows readers to “vote and comment on the dilemmas and challenges that the characters face”, such as workplace bullying. Fans are able to select what they believe is the appropriate course of action for the characters to take from a multiple choice list.
The series has been created and developed by Bristol-based solicitor Lise Seager, ex-lawyer turned management guru Simon McCall, and Kevin Poulter, an employment law partner at Knightsbridge outfit Child & Child. Commenting on the soap’s official launch, Poulter revealed that the idea for lawstory stemmed from “shared experiences” between his co-creators, and “the desire to improve the way law firms are managed”.
Continuing, former Legal Cheek podcast host Poulter said:
Paralegals, trainees, newly-qualifieds, associates and young partners will hopefully recognise the issues in the episodes as they arise, and be motivated to vote and comment on them. They may have little experience of good practice, and lawstory provides them with an invaluable opportunity to learn from others, anonymously, and in their own time. Unfortunately, a few partners may recognise some of their own bad behaviours too.
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