Talking Law with Dr Sally Penni MBE (Women in the Law UK)

Talking Law this week is Professor Felicity Gerry KC, a passionate legal expert who has worked internationally, including in the UK, the Hague, Australia and Asia.

Her extensive career has seen her work on cases such as terrorism, homicide trials and sexual offending. She’s also worked to enact changes to the law on Modern Slavery, FGM and Reproductive Rights. Felicity shares how her passion, ambition and desire for change have shaped her and her career.

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK

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This episode is supported by Wesleyan Financial Services

Presented by multi-award winning barrister Sally Penni, Talking Law profiles leading figures in UK law as they discuss the highs and lows of their career plus the challenges and realities of the legal profession.

From Women in the Law and Business UK

First Epsiode arrives January 7 2019

On this month’s episode you'll meet Baroness Helena Kennedy KC.

Helena is a Scottish barrister, broadcaster, and Labour member of the House of Lords. She served as Principal of Mansfield College, Oxford from 2011 to 2018

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK.

Today Sally Penni is Talking Law with Amanda Pinto KC.

Amanda was called to the Bar in 1983 and practices at 33 Chancery Lane, London. She specialises in business wrongdoing, international fraud, corporate crime, bribery and money laundering.

In this episode you can hear Amanda discuss her passionate love for Advocacy, her role as Chair of the Bar Council, as well as her views on the possibility of trials taking place remotely post-covid.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

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or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

On this month’s episode you'll meet Spanish International Trade Lawyer Miriam González Durántez, Lady Clegg.

Miriam is also vice chair of UBS Europe, a company that  provides investment advisory services. and founder of the international charity Inspiring Girls.

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK.

This month, you’ll meet James Brown from Hall Brown family Law. 

He specializes in divorce involving complex family issues, with cases involving up to £100 million and some very high profile clients.

James is named as a Leading Expert in the independent directory Chambers and Partners and a leading individual in Legal 500. He regularly appears across television and radio as well as giving regular lectures.

Presented by barrister Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK.

On this episode I’m excited to bring you an interview from Sean Jones KC

Widely regarded as one of the leading Employment lawyers in the UK, Sean has built a leading practice focused on complex and high profile cases. He acts for both claimants and defendants in claims covering the wide range of Employment, Commercial Employment and Sport-related disputes.

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK

Gary McIndoe is an immigration solicitor and founder of Latitude Law, a firm that specialises in business immigration, refugee and human rights.

Gary is also the Chair of the Electronic Immigration Network, and a trustee of human rights charity RAPAR, which provides online information in the field of immigration and asylum law

Presented by barrister Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK.

Today Sally speaks with Professor Leslie Thomas KC, a barrister who specialises in claims against the police and other public authorities, civil litigation, human rights, data and privacy claims.
 
Leslie recounts an extensive career tackling racism, discrimination and police brutality, including his work on the case of Christopher Alder. He also reveals how he looks after his wellbeing through music and languages. 

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK

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This episode is supported by Wesleyan Financial Services

On this episode I’m pleased to bring you an interview from Joanna Hardy

Joanna is widely regarded as one of the UK's leading junior criminal barristers, practicing from Red Lion Chambers in central London

She is ranked in both the 2019 and 2020 editions of the Legal 500, as well as the Evening Standard’s Progress 1000, a list of the most influential people in London.

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK

Today Sally speaks with Andrew Powell, a barrister who specialises in all aspects of family law; the international movement of children, surrogacy and fertility law as well as adoption and child protection.

Andrew reflects on his illustrious career in family law and recalls some of the most memorable cases he’s worked on. As an advocate for feminism and diversity, he also considers equality in the bar and his experiences of discrimination in society.

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK

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Follow us on twitter @sallypenni1 @womeninthelawuk

This episode is supported by Wesleyan Financial Services.

On this episode I’m excited to bring you an interview from The Secret Barrister.

A phenomenon on twitter and the author of a best-selling book, of course nobody knows the true identity of the Secret Barrister – no, not even me!

They were kind enough to answer a series of questions for Talking Law – here voiced by an actor.

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK

Until the next episode, do check out the latest Women in The Law UK book

It’s a look at how far the profession has come in the last 100 years, featuring career and wellbeing advice from women and men.  It’s available now on Amazon, just search for Talking Law with Sally Penni.

In this episode, Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Leroy Logan. Leroy was a highly-decorated Superintendent with the Metropolitan Police – a career that culminated with his work on the Olympic Security Team overseeing the London 2012 games. He was a member of the Black Police Association for over 30 years and was 1st National Chair 1998-99 and London Chair 2000-04, as well as being a founder member for both the London and National BPAs.

Leroy reveals how Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen came to make a BBC TV drama about his life as a police officer, and how Leroy even helped with scripting the show. Leroy also reflects on his life-long career with the police and the positive influence his parents had on his life.

Now, Leroy’s next ambition is to become a children’s author. Currently less than 5% of children's books are from black and minority ethnic backgrounds and even fewer are from a male perspective so Leroy intends to offer an alternative discourse in children’s literature.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

Baroness Hale of Richmond’s illustrious career includes becoming Britain’s first female Law Lord, the first woman to serve on the UK Supreme Court and its first woman President.

In this episode of Talking Law Lady Hale discusses the very high-profile case of the Proroguing of Parliament in 2019, how it feels to be an icon, and even her trademark spider broaches.

This episode is supported by Kenworthys Chambers and Leigh Day.

Kenworthy’s Chambers are a progressive set of Chambers, striving to ensure access to justice for all, with professionalism and excellence as the driving force to everything we do. Ranked in the Legal 500 Chambers and Partners, our Practice Areas include Crime, Immigration, Commercial, Costs, Civil, Family and Employment. Miss Sally Penni MBE is a Tenant of Kenworthy’s Chambers since 2006. Find us LinkedIn and Twitter at Kenworthy’s Chambers.

Leigh day is a national law firm specialising in the more complex aspects of personal injury and human rights law. They are committed to achieving access to justice for all by providing first-rate legal advice.

Presented by barrister Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

This week Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Alison Fagan. Ali is a Construction Disputes Partner and the Head of the Infrastructure Funds Sector Group at DLA Piper UK LLP. Ali provides risk management advice on distressed, high value or strategically critical infrastructure projects for a wide ranging pool of clients, from private sector partners to  delivery contractors. 

Alison talks about her organisation which, despite being in a male-led industry, is demonstrating a wealth of female talent and shares what they are doing to promote diversity and equality in the workplace. She also talks about the challenges the organisation faces when promoting diversity, including staff retention, and how businesses can adapt to better retain good people.

Alison reflects on her experiences of imposter syndrome at work, and offers some fantastic advice for anyone who may be feeling similar in how to challenge those thoughts and misconceptions.

This episode is supported by DLA Piper.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

This week Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Bernard Richmond KC.

Called in 1988, Bernard is now head of Chambers at Lamb Building and is an active member of Middle Temple where he has been a bencher since 2005. He has also been Honorary Professor of Law at University of Kent since 2020.

Bernard discusses some of the most memorable cases he’s worked on, including the high profile case of Baby P. Bernard also details his passion for advocacy and explains the work of Xoom school, a project he founded to offer training to professionals. His weekly ‘Case Club’ allows participants to analyse the details of a case and explore the legal and social implications of a decision.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

Gerard McDermott is an international barrister, working extensively in the USA and specialises in the most complex personal injury cases. Amongst his most high profile cases Gerard was Lead Counsel for the Health Authority in the Shipman Inquiry and is presently instructed to jointly lead the claims for compensation for over 800 victims of the Grenfell Tower Tragedy.

As well as sharing memories of some of the cases he’s worked on, Gerard is passionate about supporting and developing the legal profession and outlines his thoughts how the bar can, and should, change into the future.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

This week Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Joeli Brearley.

Joeli is the Founder and CEO of Pregnant Then Screwed, a campaigning charity that strives to improve equality, fairness and representation for pregnant women and mothers.

In this episode Joeli reveals her own experience of pregnancy discrimination prior to starting the organisation, and discusses the impact of the pandemic on women and women’s rights.

Joeli is the author of Pregnant Then Screwed: The Truth About the Motherhood Penalty and How to Fix It.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

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or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

Harold Brako

This episode of Talking Law is brought to you by Addleshaw Goddard

Today you’ll be hearing from Harold Brako, a Finance Litigation and Disputes Partner at Addleshaw Goddard.

An experienced litigator, Harold works with clients across the UK, Africa and the Middle East.

He also leads his firm's inclusion and diversity strategy and was shortlisted for the Diversity Champion Award in 2019.  

He talks about the lead his firm is taking on tackling racial, gender and class diversity and reveals the racism he has dealt with in his career.

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK

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Thanks again to Addleshaw Goddard for supporting this episode.  

This week Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Dinah Rose KC, who is a barrister and member of Blackstone Chambers. Dinah was also appointed President of Magdalen College, Oxford in September 2020. She is the 43rd President of the College since its foundation in 1458, and the first woman to hold the post.

Dinah describes how she juggled her career at the bar around raising two children. She also recalls one of her most memorable cases; an employment tribunal on behalf of Jane Couch also known as the Fleetwood Assasin, who wanted to become a female boxer but was denied a licence on the grounds of being a woman.

Dinah explains why she loves the Supreme Court, but admits there is work to be done to improve diversity within the Court and to improve transparency in the appointment process.

Dinah has some powerful thoughts on wellbeing too. A particularly stressful time in her life led her to take some time off work sick, and she reflects on this period in her life and how it proved to be a turning point in her career, for the better.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

This month on the podcast you will meet criminal barrister and television personality Robert Rinder, also known as Judge Rinder.

He was called to the bar in 2001, working on numerous cases before specialising in international fraud, money laundering and other forms of financial crime.

He has appeared on televison on many occasions, hosting both Judge Rinder and The Rob Rinder Verdict.

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK.

This week Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Chris Kehoe.

Chris Kehoe is an in-house lawyer with a police force by day and an award winning stand-up comedian by night. He is unashamedly Northern and working class.

Chris shares some insights into what it’s like day-to-day working on the legal team for a police force, and talks about his podcast Mondeo Law which aims to de-mystify the law.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

Alison Lobb

On this episode you’re going to hear my conversation with Alison Lobb, Managing Partner at Morecroft’s Solicitors in Liverpool.

Alison is one of only a few female managing partners in the country and she also won Woman Solicitor of the Year at the Law Society Excellence Awards in 2019.

She discusses her experiences as a young solicitor and reveals why she never considered law to be a long term career prospect!

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK

This week Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Margaret Casely-Hayford. Margaret was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Honours list in 2018, for services to charity and for promoting diversity upon ending her term as trustee and Chair of international development Charity ActionAid UK.

She was Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary for the John Lewis Partnership for nine years. Before that she worked for twenty years with City law firm Dentons where she had been a partner and jointly led an award-winning team in planning and development work. She’s now retired from executive roles.

Hear Margaret reflect on how she shaped her portfolio career, sitting on a number of boards, all with a commitment to improving society for others and creating opportunities. Her portfolio includes advising young entrepreneurs, and supporting and advising organisations on governance and advising those, in particular women and BAME or LGTBQ+ people, who wish to embark upon board careers.  She is passionate about establishing diversity on boards and is an ambassador of Board Apprentice.

As Chancellor for Coventry University Margaret also shares some fantastic advice for anyone wanting to enter the law including the importance of being multidisciplinary, as well as the essential need for resilience.

 Watch Margaret’s TED Talk – Face into the Darkness of our History

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

In this episode, Sally Penni is Talking Law with Oluwapelumi Amanda Adeola, a Solicitor and partner from BHP Law. She works extensively in private law matters such as divorce, finance, separation, pre and post nuptial agreements and private law children matters. 
 
Oluwapelumi Amanda is a keen advocate and represents clients at court in most proceedings. In this episode she explains why she is so passionate about this area of law work. She’s also a member of the Resolution Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and reveals why she believes diversity to be so important in society and the legal profession.

This episode of Talking Law is supported by BHP Law.

BHP Law is a full service from based in the North East of England with offices across the North East. The firm is proud of its fresh approach to legal services. traditional values and local expertise. Access to Justice is at the heart of the work they do and they have continued to serve their local community tirelessly over the years.

Presented by barrister Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK

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or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

This week Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with  Paul McFarlane.

Paul is a partner at Capsticks and manages a team of lawyers providing the full range of employment law advice to health, police and emergency services clients.

In this episode Paul reveals why he was always fascinated by employment law and shares his motivations for being a Board Director for the Black Solicitors Network. He also discusses the various work of the BSN and its role within the profession and wider society. 

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

This episode is supported by Capsticks LLP

In this episode of Talking Law Sally Penni MBE interviews MP and Door Tenant at Doughty Street Chambers, David Lammy.

David trained at Harvard Law School and has worked as a lawyer and a barrister. He reflects on his career in law and reveals why he ultimately made the switch into politics. He also shares his take on the Black Lives Matter movement and the ramifications of the death of George Floyd on society in the UK.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

This week Sally Penni is Talking Law with Frances Swaine.

Fran became a Partner at Leigh Day in 1996 and Managing Partner in 2011. She was also the founding partner of the Human Rights Department.

Fran is a role model for women both in and outside of the profession. She has been dismantling barriers and overcoming adversity throughout her career. She has done this through ground-breaking casework and has blazed a trail for women looking to take up top positions in the profession as one of the few female managing partners of a Top 100 law firm.

Fran shares with us the highs and lows of her career as well as some inspirational management advice, particularly in relation to managing a business remotely during the pandemic.

This episode of Talking Law is supported by Leigh Day.

Leigh day is a national law firm specialising in the more complex aspects of personal injury and human rights law. They are committed to achieving access to justice for all by providing first-rate legal advice.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

This month, you’ll meet Jamie Hamilton QC 

Jaime Hamilton has practised for more than two decades. He has been a pupil supervisor to three pupils and is now the Deputy Head of his Chambers

Throughout his career in criminal law, he has undertaken both prosecution and defence instructions.

He is also known as "View From the North" due to his blog about legal matters. 

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK.

This week Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Max Hardy.

Max is a barrister practicing from 9 Bedford Row. Called in 2004, Max has worked on everything from murder trials at the Old Bailey to speeding cases at Romford Magistrates' Court!  

Max reveals his motivation for joining the Bar Council and The Kalisher Trust, which works to inspire advocacy and help people from diverse backgrounds to join the bar.  He also talks about the time he participated in the prosecution of Goldilocks, to as a means of teaching legal concepts in primary schools.

Max also shares some fantastic advice for anyone wanting to join the bar – to really utilise social media to immerse yourself in the profession and develop your contacts.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

Sally is Talking Law with Consultant, Motivational Speaker and Author Simon McCrum. Having run the UK's fastest-growing law firm, he now helps law firms and teams to become The Perfect Legal Business.

Simon shares some fascinating insights into how to run a successful law firm – providing a great service for clients, whilst at the same time being financially sound. He also speculates about how he thinks COVID may change the legal sector in the future.

Simon’s book ‘The Perfect Legal Business’ is available now.

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

This episode is supported by Wesleyan Financial Services

This week Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Donna Scully.

Donna is an exceptionally experienced lawyer having won several awards and has been active in shaping both legislation and best-practice across the personal injury and insurance sectors for nearly 25 years.

Donna talks about her unusual route into the law, and why gender diversity has been so crucial to the success of their business.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

This episode is kindly sponsored by Carpenters Group. 

Carpenters Group are one of the UKs leading providers of insurance and legal services, delivering a variety of claims solutions to insurers, brokers and policyholders, with 1000 employees across five locations.

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

Nigel Poole is head of Kings Chambers in Manchester and is ranked as a leading KC by Chambers UK and the Legal 500. He sits as a Recorder and a chair of the Bar Tribunal and Adjudication Service and has appeared in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. He also writes the successful blog Learned Friend

Nigel discusses why he thinks barristers should no longer wear wigs, why hourly rates reward inefficiency and why some politicians are endangering the future of clinical negligence.

Plus, news of forthcoming Women In The Law events and details of how you can get involved.

Presented by barrister Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK.

On this episode I’m thrilled to be talking to Kevin Withane.

Kevin qualified as a lawyer in the UK, but has worked all over the world and is currently the Group Ethics and Compliance director for TI Fluid Systems in Michigan in the USA.

Kevin specialises in international law and corporate governance and also provides consulting to companies on diversity and inclusion.

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK

This week Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Christina Blacklaws, a former President of the Law Society of England and Wales who now runs her own consultancy business providing strategic advice particularly in the areas of transformational change, technological developments and diversity and inclusion.

Hear Christina reflect on a fascinating portfolio career with roles ranging from advising government on the use of Artificial Intelligence in the law, to helping the The Co-operative Group set up an alternative business structure.

Christina shares her advice for women, and those suffering from Imposter Syndrome; she considers the causes of imposter syndrome and how we should look to overcome it.

Christina also discusses what it was like to be awarded the International Leaders Lifetime Achievement Award at the Justicia Awards, and to have her trophy personally hand-delivered from Europe.

This episode is supported by Salford Business School.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

Courtenay Griffiths KC

On this episode I’m absolutely thrilled to be Talking Law with the legendary barrister Courtenay Griffiths KC

Currently based in London at 25 Bedford Row (recently voted Crime Set of the Year) Courtenay practises predominantly in criminal defence, in hugely complex murder cases as well as fraud and drug offences.

He discusses what it was like to defend Charles Taylor, accused of war crimes and the incredible challenges he faced working on the Damilola Taylor murder trial.

He also revealed the racist treatment he received as a young man and how that led him into law.

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK

This month on the podcast you will meet activist and business woman Gina Miller

Gina’s cases over the last couple of years have led to her being considered a role model to many of us, both inside and outside of the law. Especially her passion for the importance of the rule of law.

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK.

In episode two, meet Cherie Blair CBE QC, barrister, lecturer, writer and founder of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women.

Cherie talks candidly about the challenges she faced when she first qualified as one of only a few female barristers in the country and also highlights the changes she feels need to happen within the legal profession to ensure its future relevance.

Plus, news of forthcoming Women In The Law events and details of how you can get involved.

Presented by barrister Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK.

On this episode I’ll be talking law to Chris Daw KC

After being called to the bar in 1993. Chris built his reputation acting in high profile trials dealing with serious organised crime and commercial fraud.

He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2013 and now acts in a broader range of matters, whist maintaining a substantial criminal practice

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson

On this episode of Talking Law, I was really excited to sit down and talk to multi-medal winning Paralympian, politician, coach and presenter Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson

One of Britain’s, greatest Paralympic athletes, Tanni has had a varied career across so many sectors. She now sits as an Independent Cross-Bench Peer in the House of Lords and we discussed her life-long love of the law.

Find us on LinkedIn

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK

This week Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with John Croft.

John is president and Co-Founder at Elevate, a legal services company which provides legal expertise to clients all over the world. 

In today’s episode hear how John champions diversity and inclusion at Elevate as well as how he manages work-life balance, particularly amongst colleagues who are working across multiple time zones.

This episode is supported by Elevate.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Lord David Pannick KC, a Barrister at Blackstone Chambers who specialises in public law and appellate advocacy. He is also a Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford and a Crossbench Peer in the House of Lords.

David talks over his 40 year career and some of his most memorable cases including the case for Gina Miller on the unlawful prorogation of Parliament in 2019, he tells Sally all about the experience of dealing on such a public and politically significant case. 

Advocacy is one of David’s many interests within the law and is known for being one of the best on the subject, and he gives a masterclass in advocacy in the episode.

Hear why Lord Pannick says he is “constantly surprised” by what is going to happen in the court, the cases that have made him nervous and his advice to barristers at the start of their career.

This episode is supported by CBRE. Find out more about their work here.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 and Instagram @sjsallypenni

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Chad Doellinger. Chad is the Senior Vice President; Deputy General Counsel, and Chief Operations Officer for CBRE's global legal department.

Chad balances his day job with a teaching position at Chicago Law School, alongside life with four children and four dogs. He tells Sally all about his career history and his route to becoming Deputy General Counsel.

Sally and Chad share their views on Diversity, Equality and Inclusion. They come to the conclusion that it’s no good being at the table, if you don’t feel welcome there. 

Hear Chad’s top tips for those looking to make a career in the field of law, but also for those who’ve been practicing law for some time and are looking to progress or change their career. 

This episode is supported by CBRE. Find out more about their work here.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 and Instagram @sjsallypenni

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Dr Shaun Wallace and Tom Lyas

Dr Shaun Wallace is a Barrister at Great James Street Chambers and is also well known to the public as a celebrity quizzer. He was the first black man to win Mastermind and is now a permanent staple on ITV’s The Chase.

Dr Wallace tells Sally about how he’s been driven to be a lawyer since the age of 11, but he hasn’t always been regarded as intelligent. Dr Wallace shares how you should never rest on your laurels, as each new milestone is “the starting line to a new challenge.”

Tom Lyas is the Head of Resourcing at Browne Jacobson. He passionately believes that diverse hiring leads to the best talent. Tom shares with Sally how the work he’s done in DEI at Browne Jacobson has taken the firm from one success to another.

Tom also gives applicants some lucrative tips when applying for positions. 

This episode is supported by Browne Jacobson. Find out more about their work here.

Talking Law is presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 and Instagram @sjsallypenni

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Lord Jonathan Sumption

Lord Sumption is a former senior judge who sat on the Supreme Court of England and Wales.

Sally and Lord Sumption reflect on his career, the cases he enacted on as a barrister, including the Abramovich case, and why Lord Sumption once said it will take 50 years to achieve true equality at the bar. Sally and Lord Sumption also discuss the 2019 prorogation case, although he did not act on this case he shares his perspective.

During the pandemic Lord Sumption spoke out against the lockdowns when asked to comment by the BBC programme “The World at One”. He explains to Sally the reasoning behind his views and where he believes the government went wrong.

A former academic, Lord Sumption has authored several books and specialises in history. Sally speaks to him about his life outside of his work and his passion for the arts.
 

This episode is supported by Salford Business School. Find out more about their work here.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 and Instagram @sjsallypenni

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Nik White.

Nik has been the Managing Partner of Brabners since 2018. With a background in commercial law, he has devoted his working career to the firm, having joined as a trainee solicitor in 1995. 

Brabners is a leading independent law firm which helps private, public and third-sector organisations, as well as private individuals.  They recently worked on the now infamous “Wagatha Christie” case for their client Colleen Rooney.   Sally discovers what it was like to work on such a high profile case, with so much media attention. 

Brabners have a focus on sustainability, not just in the environment but in the workplace too. Sally hears about their work to encourage employees back to the office post-pandemic and also about the “Brabners Bog”, a peat bog they’ve invested in to help tackle carbon emissions. 

Nik describes himself as an “accidental lawyer”. He and Sally discuss his journey to become Managing Partner; the skills and values he has carried with him and why he’s never moved on to another firm. 

This episode is supported by Brabners. Find out more about their work here.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 and Instagram @sjsallypenni

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Nicola Williams. 

Nicola is the author of the hit novels Without Prejudice and Until Proven Innocent. She’s also a part-time Crown Court Judge and one of the 100 most influential black people in the UK.

Nicola shares with Sally her journey to the bar, and how the skills she learnt there took her to the Cayman Islands.

Nicola shares her insights into the life of a legal professional, as she tried to balance her career as a part-time Crown Court Judge and as an author. 

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 and Instagram @sjsallypenni

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Michael Mansfield KC

Michael was called to the Bar in 1967. In 1984, he established Tooks Chambers and became Queen's Counsel in 1989. He has represented defendants in criminal trials, appeals and inquiries in some of the most controversial legal cases the country has seen, particularly where issues of Civil Liberty have arisen.

Sally and Michael discuss some of the high-profile cases Michael has worked on, including Stephen Lawrence and the Grenfell Inquiry. 

He also shares his experience of chairing inquiries for mistreated groups and providing equal opportunities for black practitioners. 

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 and Instagram @sjsallypenni

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Susanna McGibbon

Susanna McGibbon is His Majesty’s Procurator General, the Treasury Solicitor and the Permanent Secretary of the Government Legal Department, or GLD.  She is the most senior civil servant who gives legal advice to the government of the day. 

Susanna and Sally discuss the important distinction that whilst she and the GLD act in their client’s best interests, they are politically impartial.  

They reflect on Susanna’s passion for ensuring that the Government of the day is advised by people who live and work all over the country.  It’s vitally important to Susanna that the Government is advised by people who reflect the society that they serve.  

Susanna also shares with Sally why her most significant case was actually a defeat, when the High Court ruled that MPs must be given a vote on whether to trigger Article 50.
 
Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 and Instagram @sjsallypenni

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Sarah Foster. 

Sarah is a Partner in Restructuring at Addleshaw Goddard, where she provides advice on all aspects of restructuring; including business support, turnaround and insolvency. 

Sarah shares her journey from studying history and history of art at university, through to taking a conversion course and training in the firm. They also discuss Addleshaw Goddard’s approach to encouraging diversity in their law careers, including their apprenticeships; the Flourish network for female solicitors and their latest initiative, working with young people in schools.  

This episode is supported by Addleshaw Goddard. Find out more about their work here.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 and Instagram @sjsallypenni

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Lisa Abrahams & Emma Wilson. 

Lisa and Emma both work in insurance at ARAG, which provides legal insurance products on a global scale. 

Lisa and Emma both discuss how they came to their careers via alternative routes, and stress that it’s never too late to start. They also discuss the improvements they’ve seen in diversity in their roles. 

Emma shares the role that ARAG has played in some high-profile medical negligence cases in the UK.

This episode is supported by ARAG, click here to learn more about their work.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 and Instagram @sjsallypenni

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with The Rt Hon Victoria Prentis.   Victoria has served as Attorney General for England and Wales since 2022.  She is also a Government Minister, and the MP for Banbury.  

Sally and Victoria discuss the day to day role of Attorney General and what that entails.  

Victoria also shares insights into how the crossover between law and politics in her career came about.  They discuss the importance of increasing diversity when it comes to government legal careers; what’s been achieved so far and what more needs to be done. 

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 and Instagram @sjsallypenni

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Joanna Hughes.

Joanna is the creator of Joanna Hughes Solicitor Apprenticeships and Advisor to the City Century career creating collaboration of 50+ City of London law firms which identifies, attracts, recruits, onboards, educates, networks, develops and qualifies significant numbers of talented and committed solicitor apprentices.

Joanna and Sally discuss why Solicitor Apprenticeships are an attractive route into the law for employees and employers alike, and why Joanna is so passionate about them.

Joanna shares insights into ways that the legal profession can be diversified, and the different forms diversity can take. Plus Joanna shares her top tips for those starting out in the legal profession.

This episode is supported by Joanna Hughes Solicitor Apprenticeships. Find out more about their work here. You can also find out more about City Century here.

You can now support Talking Law on Patreon. Donate £3 a month to support the podcast.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 and Instagram @sjsallypenni

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Ann Francke OBE

Ann Francke is the CEO of the Chartered Management Institute, the UK's leading professional body for management and leadership.

In this interview, Ann talks about equality in the workplace and how all organisations, including law firms, can do more to promote women to leadership positions. 

Plus, Ann and Sally discuss why a good relationship with your line manager is one of the most important things at work.

You’ll hear some of the well being initiatives that have been implemented at CMI and why they’re crucial for all organisations to foster a healthy working environment.

You can now support Talking Law on Patreon

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on X @SallyPenni1 and Instagram @sjsallypenni

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Natasha Chahal

Natasha is an associate in Addleshaw Goddard's London office. She advises on a range of complex commercial disputes including claims for breach of contract, competition claims and business protection proceedings.

Sally and Natasha discuss the different routes that can be taken into law, including Natasha’s experience with a law conversion course. 

Natasha tells Sally about creating the Ethnic Business Growth Programme at Addleshaw Goddard, which supports businesses that have ethnically diverse owners to receive legal services. 

This episode is supported by Addleshaw Goddard. Find out more about their work here.

You can support Talking Law by making a small monthly contribution on Patreon. Click here to find out more.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 and Instagram @sjsallypenni

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Figen Murray OBE

Figen shares her journey following the tragic loss of her son, Martyn Hett, in the Manchester Arena attack on May 22, 2017.

Figen and Sally discuss her relentless campaign for 'Martyn's Law,' which mandates that venues implement security measures to protect against terrorism.

Figen discusses the challenges she faced in lobbying for legislation and her personal struggles along the way. 

This episode is sponsored by the University of Salford’s Business School, home of the SILKS pro bono law clinic, a free community legal advice service. 

The advice from SILKS is given by qualified lawyers, alongside the University’s Law students, on a range of areas including, housing, family and employment.

 Find out more about them here. 

You can support Talking Law by making a small monthly contribution on Patreon. Click here to find out more.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on X @SallyPenni1 and Instagram @sjsallypenni

Sally Penni MBE is talking law with Sam Cottman.

Sam is a Partner and Head of Pro Bono at Travers Smith. He’s also the founder of the Domestic Abuse Response Alliance (DARA) and the Cottman Foundation. 

Sam shares his unconventional path into law, transitioning from studying languages to pursuing a legal career. He discusses his extensive pro bono work, particularly with survivors of domestic abuse and human trafficking, and his role in establishing the Domestic Abuse Response Alliance (DARA).

They also discuss his involvement in racial justice investigations; his approach to leadership and diversity within the legal profession, and the mission of his personal foundation, which supports a wide variety of charitable causes globally.

Additionally, Sam reflects on the importance of mentorship, strategic career decisions, and maintaining a balance between professional and personal life.

In the UK, The National Domestic Abuse Helpline can be contacted on 0808 2000 247. Services outside of the UK can be found here. 

This episode is supported by Salford Business School. Find out more about them here. 

You can support Talking Law by making a small monthly contribution on Patreon. Click here to find out more.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on X @SallyPenni1 and Instagram @sjsallypenni

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Nadia Chiesa.

Nadia is a litigator at Stanbrook Prudhoe where she specialises in complex commercial litigation and multi-jurisdictional disputes.

In this interview, Sally and Nadia discuss her journey from studying journalism in Canada to practising law in the Caribbean.

Nadia details her involvement in impactful LGBTQ+ constitutional challenges across the Eastern Caribbean and offers advice for aspiring lawyers.

You’ll also hear why Nadia emphasises the importance of self-advocacy in a male-dominated profession.

This episode is supported by Stanbrook Prudhoe. Find out more about their work here.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 and Instagram @sjsallypenni

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Sam Townend KC

Sam is the chairman of the Bar Council and he tells Sally about the diverse roles and responsibilities of the Bar Council, the challenges of his chair year and his journey to becoming a barrister.

You’ll also hear Sam talk about the importance of advocacy experience, and the significance of addressing diversity, equality and inclusion within the legal profession.

Plus, Sam offers his advice on succeeding in the profession for new and progressing barristers.

You can support Talking Law by making a small monthly contribution on Patreon. Click here to find out more.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 and Instagram @sjsallypenni

Mary Prior KC

On this episode I’ll be talking law to Mary Prior KC

An eminent silk at 36 Bedford Row, Mary practices exclusively in serious and complex criminal offenses, specialising in historic allegations of institutionalised sexual abuse.

As you will hear, Mary comes from a Northern working-class background and had an unusual journey to the bar via a sponsored pupillage with the CPS. 

She now also sits as a recorder and is involved in numerous organisations including Women In Criminal Law.  She shares some superb advice for a successful career in law.

Find us on LinkedIn

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK

Mary Bonsor is the CEO and co-founder of Flex Legal and is passionate about making the law more inclusive and more agile.  

Mary talks us through her legal career, and explains why she believes all legal professionals should pursue other interests or hobbies alongside their work. Mary also shares details of her ‘Hello Stranger’ project to combat loneliness, as well as speculating on how Covid could impact the legal profession in the future.  

This episode of Talking Law is supported to by Flex Legal, a platform that connects law firms and in-house legal teams to lawyers and paralegals on a flexible basis. Flex Legal is the UK’s fastest growing legal services provider and prides itself on being positive, human and responsive.  Find out more at flex.legal

Presented by barrister at law at Kenworthys Chambers Manchester Sally Penni, MBE founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

This week Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with KC Jolyon Maugham. Jolyon is an Honorary Professor at Durham Law School as well as founder of the Good Law Project, which brought a number of legal challenges to the Brexit process to court.  

In this episode Jolyon shares highlights from his hugely varied career, as well as how the Good Law Project came about and some of its successes so far.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

This month, you’ll meet Ros Bever, a partner in the London and Manchester offices for Irwin Mitchell and also the  National Head of Irwin Mitchell's Divorce & Family Law team.

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK.

This week Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Alice Stephenson, Founder & CEO of Stephenson Law.

Hear how Alice struggled with progression in the law whilst being a young Mum, and became so disillusioned with the profession that she even decided to quit. Inspired by her entrepreneur husband, she then started her own law firm to see if she could carve her own path within the industry.  

Alice and her firm are extremely creative in their use of social media and Alice says authenticity is the key to success. She’s also very proud of her many tattoos – something which she thinks reveals her personality in a way rarely seen in the legal profession, but that actually is something many clients warm to.

Alice also talks about juggling work and family life, and the importance of having a strong support network around you. She also tells the story of how she recently relocated along with her family and now works remotely from Amsterdam.

This episode is supported by CBRE.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

In episode one, meet Jodie Hill, Managing Director & Solicitor at Thrive Law.

Shortlisted for Law Society Excellence Awards "Personality of the Year" 2018.

Jodie's passion for fair treatment of people living with mental health issues led her to set up a revolutionary law firm.

Plus, news of forthcoming Women In The Law events and details of how you can get involved.

Presented by barrister Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK.

Welcome to a brand new season of Talking Law with Sally Penni MBE!

This week Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Banke A. Odunaike,  Head of Legal in EMEA at CBRE. CBRE is a real estate firm that offers a range of services to help companies with all their property needs. With over 100k employees across 100 different countries, they are the largest company of their kind in the world.

Banke shares how her love of the judiciary began at an early age, earning her the nickname ‘The Shortest Judge’ or SJ for short.

Banke looks back upon the hard time she went through when securing a training contract; the multiple rejection letters she received and offers some advice to anyone starting out on that journey.

Banke also reveals the initiatives that she is working on at CBRE to champion Diversity and Inclusion, and also considers how the industry can do more to futher D&I within the GC space. Hear a fascinating story  of how Banke dealt with a situation where her daughter had experienced racism at school, using an analogy of a rainbow.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

This month, activist and author Helen Pankhurst talks about the legacy of her surname and how the law still needs to work harder for women.

Helen is an activist, an author, granddaughter of Sylvia and great granddaughter of Emmeline.  She is currently a senior advisor at relief agency CARE international, working across the UK and Ethiopia where she was brought up.

This episode also features a specially commissioned song to commemorate 100 years since women were allowed to practise law in the UK.  Written and performed by Claire Mooney.

Presented by barrister Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK.

In this episode of Talking Law, Sally Penni is joined multi-award-winning business lawyer and Managing Partner Tamara Box.

An American citizen, Tamara is dual-qualified to practice law in both the US and the UK and is an internationally recognised expert in strategic financial advice, management and team building.

Tamara recalls how her career has seen her travel all over the world, and shares her insights as to the skills and traits required to be a good leader. She has fantastic advice too, for anyone thinking of entering the legal profession.

This episode is supported by Reed Smith.

A dynamic international law firm, Reed Smith is dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward.

With more than 1500 staff in over 30 offices across the world, Reed Smith specialises in complex litigation as well as high-stakes disputes, cross border transactions and crucial regulatory matters. They have a leading reputation in sectors ranging from transportation and healthcare to entertainment.  Find out more at ReedSmith.com

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

Dame Laura Cox, The Hon. Mrs Justice Cox, took to the bench in 2002 and was an English High Court Judge of the Queen's Bench Division.

She was formerly a barrister, who specialised in employment law, equality, discrimination and human rights.

She recently carried out the enquiry into bullying and harrassment within the House of Commons.

Presented by barrister Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK.

For this special episode of Talking Law, you’ll hear from Paulette Mastin, counsel in the Capital Markets practice at Linklaters in London, where she advises corporate trustees, other service providers and companies on a wide variety of capital market transactions, including Islamic finance.

She is also the chair of the Black Solicitors Network.

Paulette discusses best practice for increasing diversity within law firms and shares her excellent advisce for anyone seeking longevity in the profession.

Presented by barrister Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK.

Brie Stevens-Hoare

On this episode I’m thrilled to talk to Brie Stevens-Hoare KC

Brie is a highly experienced property barrister, dealing with all aspects of property litigation and she recently won Barrister of the Year at the Modern Law Awards 2019 and Chambers UK’s Real Estate Silk of the Year Award 2017.

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK

Sally is Talking Law with Helena Samaha; the President & CEO of Lex Mundi, the world’s leading network of top-tier independent law firms in 160 jurisdictions, working together seamlessly to deliver consistent, high quality, advice to clients for solving cross-border legal challenges. 

Helena shares her global perspective on the legal profession, from gender equality and diversity to remote working and increasing efficiency.

She also recalls what it was like working as an in-house lawyer for the Virgin Group; steering the company through a period of rapid expansion into new markets and products.

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

This episode is supported by Lex Mundi

Today Sally Penni is Talking Law with human rights barrister Adam Wagner.

Adam practices at Doughty Street Chambers, is a visiting professor at Goldsmiths University of London and founded a multi-award winning charity, EachOther which aims to increase public support for human rights.

Adam has developed a loyal following on social media, and shares his insights on how to become a trusted source.  He also discusses his take on diversity on the bar; the progress so far and the work still to be done.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

This week Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Shelley McGivern, partner in the Corporate team at Addleshaw Goddard and co-head of the Firm's SciTech sector. Shelley has a wealth of experience advising both corporate and institutional clients across a number of sectors with a particular focus on acquisitions and disposals and joint ventures in the real estate sector.

Shelley talks about ‘flexing’ her career; progressing professionally whilst juggling a busy home life with her children – something that her firm have been particularly supportive of. She even recalls how she never worked during school holidays, and handing over of work to another team member often meant that the length of time away was largely irrelevant to the progression of the workload.

Shelley and Sally discuss the role of forums for women, such as Women in the Law, and how equality and understanding of women’s issues will only progress if men are included in the debate. Shelley also has some fantastic advice for women – to be brave and speak up for yourself, as barriers and stresses can often be self-created.

This episode is supported by Addleshaw Goddard.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

This week Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Martin Shaw.

Martin is an English actor famous for many roles, including that of Judge John Deed in the BBC legal drama.

Martin talks passionately about his role and why he’s so proud to be a patron of the Kalisher Trust, an organisation which works to inspire and inform the next generation of legal professionals through advocacy training, internships and so much more. 

Martin reflects on the acting work he was able to continue doing during the lockdowns, and reveals the legal roles that he would love to play.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

This week Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Iain Simkin.

Iain Simkin is renowned for his expertise across the range of regulatory cases and he also specialises in serious crime.

Iain recalls the extreme determination it took to begin his career and reflects on some of the most memorable cases of his career, including his work as prosecuting counsel in the case of Reynhard Sinaga, and the difficulties he faced in presenting evidence in that case.

Iain also shares his experiences of being a transplant patient, and talks about his work in encouraging people to become organ donors.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

This week Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Sandie Okoro.

Sandie was born and raised in London, but currently lives and works in Washington DC.  She qualified both as a barrister and a solicitor and is currently the senior vice president and general counsel at the World Bank Group. Among her many awards and accolades she has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Black Solicitors Network, and has been named as one of the top twenty global General Counsels.

In this episode Sandie reveals the prejudice she faced from an early age and how that motivated her to pursue a career in the law. She also outlines the qualities that she believes make a strong team leader and details how she looks after her wellbeing alongside her work.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

Sally Penni is Talking Law with Samantha Hillas KC, an esteemed family lawyer who works across complex financial remedy cases. A Northerner and the first of her family to go to University, Samantha shares the history of her career including the challenges she faced in achieving Pupillage.

Sam has some fantastic tips for the future generations of lawyers, and she also describes how she combines her legal expertise with one of her life-long passions: Rugby.

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK

Find us on Twitter
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

This episode is supported by Wesleyan Financial Services

This week Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Daniel Winterfeldt. Daniel is a Managing Director and the General Counsel for EMEA and Asia at Jefferies. He is a senior corporate and securities lawyer with over 22 years of experience in London and New York.

Daniel reveals what it was like arriving in London as an openly gay man at a time when sexuality was not discussed, and how his experiences led to him starting the Interlaw Diversity Forum as an LGBT+ network for legal professionals.

Daniel also reveals some of the findings of the Model Diversity Survey and explores how the legal profession could adapt to be more inclusive, diverse and attune to societal issues.

This episode is supported by Interlaw Diversity Forum.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

This month you’ll meet Rachel Roberts, who is Managing Partner at Stowe Family Law in Leeds and Huddersfield.

Rachel specialises in all aspects of family law but has particular expertise in dealing with the financial aspects of a marriage breakdown, as well as issues regarding children and the arrangements following a relationship breakdown.

This episode is sponsored by Stowe Family Law in Leeds and Huddersfield.

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK.

This week Sally is joined by Dr Tunde Okewale MBE; a hugely successful Barrister at Doughty Street Chambers. Tunde is the founder of ‘Urban Lawyers’, a charity that aims to educate, engage and stimulate discussion amongst young people about their attitudes towards criminal law, policing and personal responsibility.

Tunde shares the story of his successful journey into Law; from a council estate in East London he recalls how even his experience working at Sainsburys provided him with valuable life experience that he uses to this day.

Tunde and Sally discuss the Black Lives Matter campaign, and the effect it is having on society and the bar, as well as the effect COVID could have on the legal profession, especially new entrants.

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK

Find us on Facebook
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

This episode is supported by Wesleyan Financial Services

This week Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Erin Shoesmith, partner at Addleshaw Goddard where she leads the health and safety practice. She is regularly instructed by the firm's leading corporate clients and individuals facing prosecution or investigation by the Police, HSE, Local Fire & Rescue Service. Her practice also covers inquests and public inquiries, including most recently the Grenfell Tower and Manchester Arena Inquiries.

Erin reflects on one of the most poignant cases of her career – the inquest and subsequent inquiry into the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017. It was a pro bono case, and Erin explains why she loves pro bono work and why she often finds it so fascinating.

Recorded ahead of the Lionesses final game in the Womens Euros 2022, Erin has a keen interest in Women’s football and considers what the Lionesses victory will mean for gender equality in sport going forward.

This episode is supported by Addleshaw Goddard & Salford Business School.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

This week Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Jason Pitter KC.

Called to the bar in 1994, Jason took Silk in 2014 and is a member of New Park Court in Leeds, where he practices with a focus on serious and complex criminal litigation, professional misconduct and regulatory law. He is also a Bencher of Gray’s Inn and a Crown Court Recorder.

Jason discusses his upbringing and how that inspired his career in Law. He also shares one of his most memorable cases that really demonstrated to Jason  the difference lawyers can make in people’s lives.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

Stephanie Boyce

On this episode I’m excited to bring you an interview from Stephanie Boyce, deputy Vice President of the Law Society of England and Wales

An experienced general counsel, Stephanie became the Vice President of The Law Society in 2020 and President in 2021 – the first ever black woman to hold that post.

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK

In this episode of Talking Law Sally Penni is interviewing actor Maxine Peake, famous for many roles including that of Martha Costello in BBC drama ‘Silk’.

Maxine looks back over her career, including highlights such as working with Victoria Wood on sitcom Dinnerladies, as well as how she prepared for roles in legal procedural dramas. She also shares why she believes actors and lawyers have much in common, and why she is so passionate about access to justice.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

This week Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Jo Sidhu, a criminal barrister who is widely regarded as one of the leading criminal trial lawyers in the UK and has appeared in some of England’s most serious prosecutions. Jo served as the Chair of the Criminal Bar Association in 2021-22.

Jo explains what motivated him to become a criminal barrister, and tries to explain why many in the profession are protesting; a response to what he describes as a ‘process of attrition and by neglect from successive governments’ leading to insufficient funding for the criminal justice system. Jo explains that criminal barristers have received a 28% reduction in real earnings over the last two decades, further compounded by the effects of the pandemic.

As the leader of the criminal bar association, Jo has made it his mission to bring the plight of barristers into the public domain so the wider public can understand the severity and complexity of the challenges facing the criminal legal system. Jo highlights the root cause of the backlog in cases being heard; a problem which was substantial and growing even before the arrival of the pandemic.

Jo also reflects upon one of his most memorable and traumatic cases, the murder of mother-of-four Saima Khan by her own sister. He reveals the story behind the case, and why it left its mark him. The case is explored in a TV documentary called ‘The Lady Killers’ .

This episode is supported by Salford Business School.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 

Find us on LinkedIn
or at WomenInTheLawUK.com

Gillian Long

On this episode I’ll be talking law to solicitor Gillian Long.

Gillian was the company solicitor or general counsel for Nichols PLC, for nearly 20 years and at the time of recording, she was still in the post.

She talks about the role of a general counsel and what led her into the law.

Find us on LinkedIn

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK

Anesta Weekes KC

On this episode I’m delighted to bring you an interview with one of the most inspiring women at the bar, Anesta Weekes KC

Called in 1981, Anesta is recognised for her work internationally, both prosecuting and defending serious criminal offences. She regularly appears in the Court of Appeal, as well as being appointed Recorder in 1999 and has many years of sitting in the Crown Courts as the judge in serious criminal trials.  

She discussed her passion for advocacy and how her love of music helps her wellbeing.

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Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK

On this episode I’ll be talking law to Kirsty Brimelow KC

An expert in International Human Rights Law, Kirsty is a very senior barrister, part of one of the most eminent sets in the world  Doughty Street Chambers

She was also elected the  first female Chair of the Bar  for the Human Rights Committee of England and Wales and completed a six year term in December 2018.

Presented by barrister  Sally Penni, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK

This week Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Ayo Onatade who is a personal assistant to judges based at the Supreme Court. Ayo describes her many roles and responsibilities, and details what it’s like to work at the highest court in the United Kingdom.

Ayo is also a freelance commentator on crime fiction, writing articles and featuring on panels about the genre. Ayo explains how she found her love of crime fiction, and shares some of her favourite novels.

Ayo also reflects on what it was like to work for Lady Hale at the Supreme Court. ‘She was so inspiring. She used to make me laugh and to be brutally honest, I miss her terribly’ Ayo says.

This episode is supported by CBRE.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1