5 minute read
Inside the World of Legal Journalism
Inside the World of Legal Journalism
Christianah Babajide, a legal journalist and Editor of The Student Lawyer explains to Legal Women how she started her career in writing and sets out top tips for those interested in a similar path.
What led you to pursue a career in legal journalism, and what attracted you to this unique intersection of law and media?
I’ve always loved writing—it’s just how I process my thoughts and make sense of the world. When I was little, I wrote stories, and my Dad even helped me turn them into a “book.” Later, after moving to the UK at the age of six, I entered a national competition and had some poems published, which made me realise the power of words.
During my law degree at City, University of London, I got involved with City’s Future Lawyer blog, interned at Legal Cheek and wrote blogs for LawCareers.Net; this sparked my interest in writing about the law. Legal journalism has given me a way to stay connected to the legal field without practising, and I get to help aspiring lawyers understand complex topics in a way that’s relatable and useful. It’s a bit like being on the other side of the legal news I used to read as a student!
Just start writing. Get your thoughts out there
The Role of a Legal Journalist
Could you share what your role as a legal journalist entails? How does your work contribute to the broader legal profession?
My work is a mix of editing, writing, and interviewing. As Editor for The Student Lawyer’s Diversity and Inclusion team, I manage a group of 20 law students from around the world. This includes brainstorming article ideas, coordinating writing schedules, editing their work, and publishing it. I also interview key figures in the legal community, with a particular focus on shining a light on Black lawyers and amplifying the stories of those who might otherwise go unheard. It’s incredibly rewarding to amplify these voices and contribute to a more inclusive legal profession. Aside from my role at The Student Lawyer, I also freelance for platforms including Legal Cheek, The Lawyer, Law360, LexisNexis and The Bar Council.
Career Progression
How has your role evolved over the years, and what opportunities for growth have you encountered in the field of legal journalism?
My role has grown in ways I didn’t expect. Moving into editing has been a big change—now I’m not just writing but helping others develop their voices. Working with writers to shape an article is so satisfying, especially when we finally land on something that feels just right.
What advice would you give to those looking to develop a career in legal journalism?
Just start writing. Get your thoughts out there, whether it’s through a blog or articles on topics you care about. Once you’ve got that foundation, you can start pitching to established publications. The more you write, the more you’ll find your voice—and that’s what people will remember you for.
Tips and Advice
What skills do you think are essential to succeed in this field, and how can aspiring legal journalists develop them?
To succeed as a legal journalist, a mix of solid writing skills, critical thinking, and meticulous attention to detail is essential. Practising regularly and reading widely are invaluable, but equally important is being open to feedback. Feedback is vital in helping you grow as a writer, as it offers fresh perspectives and highlights areas of improvement. It’s easy to become attached to your work, but constructive criticism helps refine your voice, clarify your arguments, and make your writing more impactful. Learning to accept and act on feedback not only makes you a better writer but also teaches you how to adapt your style to different audiences and publication standards.
Having a legal background (or at least understanding the basics) is also helpful because it allows you to explain complex issues clearly and confidently – bridging the gap between law and everyday understanding.
Feedback is vital in helping you grow as a writer
Any practical tips for networking within the legal industry or for breaking into prominent publications?
Don’t be shy about reaching out! Attend events, join LinkedIn groups, and connect with editors who work in legal journalism. When pitching, tailor your ideas to fit the publication and be clear on how your piece will add value. And don’t get discouraged—every “no” gets you closer to a “yes,” and each connection you make will help you down the road.
As Sylvia Plath puts it, “Everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”
Making Connections – Client-Facing Opportunities
In your experience, how important is it to maintain connections within the legal industry?
It’s huge! Law is so relationship-driven—it really is about who you know as much as what you know. Building and maintaining those connections can open doors, keep you informed, and help you find new opportunities, whether that’s in journalism or other areas in the legal field. ■
