Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Websites
References
Timeline
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Lalla Merlin

Barnstaple,Devon

Summary

I am a career-changer, pivoting from journalism to law.

I have a first-class law degree, and am currently looking for opportunities in the legal sector so I can obtain qualifying work experience as I study (part-time, online) for the LLM Legal Practice (SQE1 and 2) with the University of Law.

As a freelance journalist, I have spent a decade working on a commission basis as lead features writer with a leading global resource for professionals in the attractions sector. I interview industry leaders and write feature articles across the leisure industries, from Dubai Expo through zoos, aquariums, and conservation initiatives to galleries, museums, theme parks, ‘artainment’ initiatives (including Meow Wolf US and teamLab Tokyo) and FECs.

My work has been instrumental in driving the publication’s reach to over 250,000 unique views per month. I have written news articles based on topical cases for Samuels Solicitors LLP. As a freelancer, I have written regularly for several publications, notably MSLEXIA, the AMORIST, PERSPECTIVE Magazine, PONY Magazine, Literarie, and Living Poets. I proof-read PhD theses for law students, and throughout 2019 wrote a blog for Electrosonic, a thought-leader in the global AV technology sector. I was commissioned to write the Case for Support currently being used by the Royal British Legion. I completed a law degree in my spare time with the Open University, gaining a First. I feel my skills as a writer, interviewer, and communicator will be applicable in my new career.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work history

Head Features Writer

Blooloop
01.2015 - Current
  • Responsible for approaching and engaging subjects (global attractions, leisure and culture industry professionals) for interview
  • Responsible for researching and compiling questions which I use as a springboard for discussion in interviews
  • Writing articles to tight deadlines and word-counts
  • My work has contributed to a significant increase in traffic and readership.
  • Defined and understood project boundaries to determine scope of work.
  • Tracked the culture and attractions industry to stay current on trends and best practices.

Director

Lumiere Productions, Sculpting Light Films
  • Co-founded and ran a small film company producing promotional films, book trailers, and corporate videos
  • Our community arm ran drama, storytelling, film, and animation workshops for children and young people
  • Coordinated workshops, produced scripts and content, and put on a successful film festival as part of a small team.

Education and Outreach Officer

South Molton Museum
  • Wrote content for the museum, including visitor access materials, press releases and articles
  • Worked with schools and retirement homes to take the museum into the community
  • As part of a team, I wrote a successful HLF funding application to renovate the museum’s interpretation.

Education

LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2) -

University of Law

LLB Hons -

The Open University

English Language and Literature -

Oxford University
Oxford

Skills

  • I have spent my journalistic career delivering high-quality content to tight deadlines, interviewing global luminaries across the industry, and writing compelling feature articles
  • I can work both in a team, and on my own initiative
  • People-skills
  • Negotiating and problem-solving
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Commercial awareness
  • Attention to detail
  • Teamwork
  • Information analysis and research
  • Organisation
  • Creative problem solving

References

  • Rowan Pelling, Daily Telegraph writer, Co-Editor Perspective Magazine, broadcaster, 38, Oxford Road, Cambridge, CB4 3PW, pelling.rowan@gmail.com, 07747144766
  • Catherine Flint, Barrister at Queen Square Chambers, Associate Lecturer at The Open University, catherine.flint@open.ac.uk
  • Maddy Redmond, Lecturer in Law at The Open University, Maddy.redmond@open.ac.uk

Timeline

Head Features Writer

Blooloop
01.2015 - Current

Director

Lumiere Productions, Sculpting Light Films

Education and Outreach Officer

South Molton Museum

LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2) -

University of Law

LLB Hons -

The Open University

English Language and Literature -

Oxford University

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Lalla Merlin