Now you might remember that a few months ago I shared with you the amazing RCJ jug that I have at home, so it only seemed fitting to share with you another piece of RCJ art that truly makes my room feel like home.

The incredible Ruben James created this piece for me, of UK stamps, and managed rather spectacular to get them in my brand colours (yes, that is purple and pale green!). 

This piece of art is always above or opposite my bed and I couldn’t love it any more if I tried.  I will share some photos of it in situ another time.

To me it is just spectacular as a work of art, but it also means more than that – it highlights one of my favourite buildings in one of my favourite cities but also my dreams and aspirations. 

Ruben has the most amazing collection of works, so please do check him out – and he also does commissions, just like this. His world maps and country settings are stunning, he even finds super rare or unusual country focused stamps too!  I have a Ruben James commission wish list for the future. 

If you needed any more reason to check him out, his talented sister is a Barrister – so when I suggested this piece to him, he was more than happy to accommodate and his sister even delivered it to me as she had been working the RCJ Justices at the time before starting pupillage!

Rebecca x

This book really doesn’t need too much of an introduction does it? It has Best Seller written all over it and it has already amassed a lot of publicity.

The second book written by The Secret Barrister, and with a slight delay in publication due to Covid – this will no doubt be on many people’s Christmas Wish Lists… it is on mine!

I will be putting up a review as soon as I get my hands on a copy!

Happy Reading.

Rebecca x

It is no secret that I am truly a mega fan of the wonders that is To Kill A Mockingbird… the book, the film, and even the theatre! Yes I was fortunate enough to see it on Broadway a week before Broadway closed for Covid.
p.s. when it opens in London (post Covid), I will be there to watch – and encourage you all to do the same!

Here are 9 quotes from the incredible novel, that have stood the test of time!

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view … Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”

To Kill A Mockingbird

“Things are never as bad as they seem.”

To Kill A Mockingbird

“The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.”

To Kill A Mockingbird

“I think there’s just one kind of folks. Folks.”

To Kill A Mockingbird

“I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do.”

To Kill A Mockingbird

“People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for.”

To Kill A Mockingbird

“Atticus, he was real nice.” “Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them.”

To Kill A Mockingbird

“It’s never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name. It just shows you how poor that person is, it doesn’t hurt you.”

To Kill A Mockingbird

“Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”

To Kill A Mockingbird

If you haven’t yet read To Kill A Mockingbird, then please do – you won’t be disappointed.

Rebecca x

So as you all know, I am a massive legal geek… and that won’t be a surprise to many of you. 

Equally if you follow me on social media you will forever see a stream of photos of the RCJ, whether that be during the day, at night, inside (but more often than not outside), it is truly one of my favourite buildings in London.

What I did want to do though is show you this incredible jug I received last summer (yes, 2019!).

It is amazing and makes me smile whenever I look at it – and the detail is incredible.

Yes… I know, it has taken me over a year to share it online, but I went to town sharing it in person with people when we were able to have people over. 

So here are some more photos highlighting just how talented Sarah is, but what a beautiful building the RCJ is and how lucky I feel to have this momento with me everyday!

Sarah has some amazing pieces on her website (link below!) and her social media – whether it is existing pieces such as mugs or candle holders, incredible mandalas, and Christmas accessories, or commissions – do check her out!

Rebecca x

You can’t escape the various campaigns, posters, social media messages and content being shared this week, reminding every time that it is Time To Talk.

Time To Talk about your mental health, any struggles, any problems you are facing.

One thing stands out to me, and whilst I am fully supportive of campaigns such as these… people need to feel like they can talk anytime. They need to feel like they have a person (or group of people) that they can reach out to anytime when things just aren’t that great, when life just gets that little bit too much, when they just need a chat.

Sometimes it isn’t about laying out all of your problems and troubles, sometimes it is just having a chat about the weather, Love Island, the latest Harlan Coben series on Netflix. A time to switch off from your troubles briefly and remind yourself that the world is still spinning, and will continue to spin when this problem, phase, wellbeing state passes or changes.

Sometimes there aren’t quick fixes to our problems or feelings, and in the moment that can be hard to understand, but there is a huge community out there, ready and willing to help you muddle your way through them, even if they don’t know what is going on.

My DM’s on social media accounts are always open, as our my emails! I am always happy to meet up with students (and lawyers) for a chat about anything.. life, work, studies.. or even the best hot chocolate, crime documentaries and holidays and everything in between.

I am always checking my message folders and emails as I frequently get messages from students who are struggling (not just with their studies, it could be life, family etc.) and whilst I am no expert and can’t always help resolve things, I am happy to listen!

Please do reach out to people, and don’t suffer in silence.

Your feelings or any problems you are facing can always be made a little easier, and don’t think there isn’t any one to just chat to. I have found the online legal community to be one of the most friendly and supportive communities. You can’t fail to spark up a conversation or join in with one on anything from law, to the best ways to cook roast potatoes, crime dramas on TV through to the best flavour of crisps (if you want my vote, it is always plain/ready salted).

So please send that DM or message. Please just have a chat with someone. You owe it to yourself as well!

There has never been a more important Time To Talk, but know that you can message me anytime, not just on one day a year!

Rebecca x