The Hearing – A Legal Podcast: Recent Episodes

Thomson Reuters

The Hearing is a legal podcast from Thomson Reuters.

Listen to insightful discussions with interesting people who have a connection to the law. We delve into anything and everything – trailblazers within the industry, the latest insights in legal innovation, and we explore how the profession is evolving.

We also produce a regular spin-off called The Cross-Examination. These are documentary episodes where we do a deep dive into current issues and examine them through a legal lens.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Fasten your seatbelts – technological advances in legal work are about to hit warp speed, thanks to the possibilities unlocked by artificial intelligence and large language models.

This episode’s guest, Ideshini Naidoo was, until very recently, Head of Engineering, Legal Workflow, at Thomson Reuters. Just before Ideshini left the company to pursue new challenges, she sat down with Becky Annison to discuss the changes that are coming.

Ideshini offers her views on making it easier for lawyers to adopt and use new technologies, why the combination of AI and expert content is so powerful, and how legal tech can help improve access to justice.

This is Becky’s second episode focusing on AI, ChatGPT and the legal profession. If you missed the first, you can listen to that episode here: https://pod.fo/e/186180

TWLL TAKEOVER – Cue the fireworks: it's the grand finale of our TWLL Takeover mini-series, and our closing guest is suitably dazzling.

Rashida La Lande, Global General Counsel of the Kraft Heinz Company, joins host Janelle Wrigley to chat about her stellar career, from M&A partner at a global law firm to general counsel of one of the most recognizable brands in the world.

Rashida spills the beans on the rewards and challenges of overseeing a global legal team across 130 countries, offers advice to junior lawyers on how to stand out from the crowd, and explains why she’s optimistic about the future of the legal profession for women and people of color. Rashida left us feeling empowered, awe-struck… and a little peckish (listen to the end of the episode to find out why).

As the curtain falls on this series of the TWLL Takeover, we hope you are feeling empowered too. You can learn more about TWLL (Transforming Women's Leadership in the Law) here: https://legalsolutions.thomsonreuters.co.uk/blog/transforming-womens-leadership-law/

Meditation. Gratitude. Exercise. Successful lawyering. At first glance, one of these may seem out of place. But for this episode’s guest, Jeff Bast, these are all inextricably tied together.

As co-founder of the Miami law firm Bast Amron, Jeff is no stranger to the stresses of being a managing partner. Yet, as you'll hear, Jeff has known something for a while now that the greater legal profession has taken longer to figure out: in order to really do our jobs well, we need to take charge of our mental and physical well-being.

Among other things, Lauren chats with Jeff about the connection between good lawyering and wellness, work-life harmony (not balance, as Jeff explains!), his views on the importance of in-office work and separating office and home life, and Jeff's passion for being vegan.

TWLL TAKEOVER – Call him a leader. Call him a mentor. Call him a supporter of human beings everywhere. Just don’t call him an ally!

Find out why Barry Matthews, Group Deputy General Counsel at Pennon Group and founder of the Social Mobility Business Partnership (https://smbp.org.uk), dislikes that term, as he chats with host Janelle Wrigley about supporting women leaders and breaking down silos in the legal industry.

If Barry’s name sounds familiar, that’s because he was a guest way back – on episode 15 (https://pod.fo/e/149f8e). We don’t often have return guests, so you know that when we do, there’s good reason for it.

Barry offers plenty of humour and plenty to think about, in addition to having an inspiring career journey of his own.

We feel honoured to have spent time in the presence of a true great for this week’s episode: Margaret Owen OBE. She’s a human rights barrister specialising in women’s rights, with a career spanning decades and a passion for justice that won’t stop.

Margaret and Yasmin talk about the start of her career – the things that have and sadly haven’t changed – how her practice evolved and how her family history influences the work she’s still doing today, including for the charity she’s founded: Widows for Peace Through Democracy (https://www.widowsforpeace.org).

At The Hearing HQ, we speak to cool and inspirational guests all the time and we love it. It’s easy to talk up our guests, so you’re welcome to take this with a pinch of salt (but you really really shouldn’t): Margaret Owen is a one-of-a-kind lawyer and everyone can learn something from her attitude to life and work. Enjoy!

TWLL TAKEOVER – Intellectual property lawyer, indigenous person, law firm leader, mother, and advocate. This week’s guest on the TWLL Takeover, Makalika Naholowa'a, speaks with host Janelle Wrigley about navigating the highest levels of the legal profession while representing all these identities and roles.

Charting her career journey from IP lawyer in a global tech firm to her current roles as executive director of the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation and President of the National Native American Bar Association, Makalika shows how diverse experience is critical to being a true leader in law. She also shares her ideas on how we can help ease the burden that people from underrepresented communities face within the legal industry.

Don’t miss the end of this episode, where Makalika describes a moving vision of what a truly inclusive legal profession could be, drawing on the lessons of the Native Hawaiian community.

Warning: this episode deals with adult themes.

Imagine discovering after a break-up that your significant other took nude photos of you without your knowledge. Your ex, who lives abroad, repeatedly threatens to publish the photos on the internet. And, when they finally make good on that promise, they also share the website with your family, friends, and business contacts. You are a victim of revenge pornography.

This is what happened to Emmy Award winning journalist and former television news anchor, Darieth Chisolm. In this episode, Darieth talks to Jennifer about how she overcame feelings of devastation and shame to navigate the legal system in two countries so she could get the photos taken down and bring her ex to justice.

Darieth shares her journey and the decision behind breaking her own story, which led to her founding the global social justice movement 50 Shades of Silence (https://50shadesofsilence.com). Its mission: to shine a light on revenge porn, give a voice to victims, and offer help to anyone affected by cyber harassment. Hear how Darieth has turned her "mess into her message" and how her healing journey has become her life's work.

For more analysis of the issues raised in this episode, listen to episode 83: Image-based sexual abuse and the law (https://pod.fo/e/ebe28).

TWLL TAKEOVER – Many lawyers love the challenge of the job but reach a point where the long hours of law firm life become untenable – often, after starting families. But what’s the solution?

In our second episode of the TWLL Takeover, host Janelle Wrigley chats with Florence Brocklesby, who solved that problem with creativity and courage in starting her law firm Bellevue Law. Florence has shown that top-tier legal work can flourish within a flexible working environment that truly supports working parents.

How did she do it? Can Big Law follow that model? Listen and find out!

You can learn more about TWLL (Transforming Women's Leadership in the Law) here: https://legalsolutions.thomsonreuters.co.uk/blog/transforming-womens-leadership-law/

TWLL TAKEOVER – Welcome to the TWLL Takeover of The Hearing! We’ve joined forces with Transforming Women's Leadership in the Law (TWLL) to bring you this special mini-series focusing on issues of women’s leadership, the stories of inspiring leaders, and the things we can all do to make the legal profession a better place for women – and for everyone.

Our first guest, Susan Crumiller, is the ultimate leader to kick off this series: a passionate advocate for change as the founder of feminist litigation firm Crumiller. Susan talks us through her personal journey – from spiky-haired teenage wrestler, to starting her own law firm when she faced mistreatment at work after having her second child. Along the way, she shines a light on what it looks like to use your own privilege to advocate for others.

Best of all, Susan spoke to us on the heels of a huge win in a race and sex discrimination trial with an all-woman trial team (you can read more about that here: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/26/nyregion/equinox-settlement-discrimination.html) – but also reminds us that there’s still plenty of work to be done.

We’d love to hear from you! Drop us a line at thehearing@tr.com to tell us your thoughts on the TWLL Takeover, to share your ideas for guests and topics, or just to say hi.

You can find out more about TWLL here: https://legalsolutions.thomsonreuters.co.uk/blog/transforming-womens-leadership-law/

ChatGPT is probabilistic and not deterministic, which has important implications for how lawyers might use it. Did you understand that sentence? If not, you will after listening to this episode.

How does the tech that’s launched a thousand think-pieces actually work? Should we be excited about the opportunities that large language models offer or scared of a robot revolution?

Whatever your questions or concerns, this episode's guest, Daniel Hoadley – Mishcon de Reya’s Head of Data Science & Analytics – has the answers. And apparently, yes – we should be a little worried about a potential robot revolution!

Daniel speaks with host Becky Annison and explains things ChatGPT, large language models and AI. They discuss the upsides and the risks, including how these technologies might impact the work that lawyers do.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

With the increased focus on ethics in the legal profession, we were interested to learn more about the work of Can't Buy My Silence (https://www.cantbuymysilence.com). This campaign group was set up in September 2021 by Zelda Perkins and Professor Julie Macfarlane. Their mission is to end the misuse of non-disclosure agreements to silence the victims of crime and wrongdoing.

Zelda was the first woman to break their NDA with Harvey Weinstein. In this episode, Zelda talks to Becky Annison about her campaign work and how its helping to bring the systematic abuse of NDAs to the attention of the international media and governments. They also discuss the practice of using NDAs from a lawyer's perspective, and how this interacts with underlying principles of the profession.

We imagine lots of you have experience of NDAs and we'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject. You can email us at thehearing@tr.com.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Law school. Supreme Court of New Jersey. Prison. Oval Office of the White House. These are just a few places where this episode's guest, John Koufos, has spent time. If you haven't heard John's story, then prepare yourself for a rollercoaster ride. A former criminal defense attorney who was no stranger to a high-pressure career, John's 15-year battle with alcoholism eventually caught up to him, with tragic consequences.

Join our new host, Lauren Sobel, as she chats with John about his former legal career, what it was like to leave the courthouse – where he once practiced – in handcuffs, his journey to becoming a recognized expert on re-entry into society after prison, and his remorse. Lauren and John also cover issues like substance abuse in the legal profession, how the criminal justice system impacts all of society, and the less obvious consequences of being a convicted felon.

John's story gives true meaning to the phrase second chances and, as Lauren says, making lemonade out of lemons. His candor and determination had us glued to this conversation, and we think you'll be too.

After listening to the episode, find out more about John’s work here (https://cottagefour.com). And if you want to reach out to us, please email thehearing@tr.com – we’d love to hear from you!

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

As you’ll know, if you want that dream job, you’ve got to nail the interview. And that’s just what Lauren Sobel and Jennifer Thibodaux had to do before taking up their posts as our new US hosts of The Hearing.

Join Yasmin as she gets to know our new pod-mates – finding out Lauren and Jennifer’s career journeys, their roles as Senior Legal Editors at Practical Law, and what makes them tick. It gets deep.

As Lauren and Jennifer both got the job(!) we can’t wait to join them for future episodes, as they introduce us to their own guests and topics. If you have any suggestions for who or what we should feature, please do get in touch.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

THE CROSS-EXAMINATION – In this episode, Becky explores the unique role the monarch plays in British government, and considers what changes may come now that King Charles III has ascended to the throne following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

Becky talks to Sir Jonathan Jones KC, a consultant in constitutional law at Linklaters, and Robert Hazell, a professor of government and the constitution at University College London. They discuss the formal and informal powers the UK monarch has to influence legislation, and how Queen Elizabeth approached the role during her historic reign.

What powers does the monarch really have? And which limits on the monarchy are based on convention rather than the constitution?

Guests:

– Sir Jonathan Jones KC, Senior Consultant in Public and Constitutional Law, Linklaters

– Professor Robert Hazell, Founder of the Constitution Unit, UCL

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

In this episode, Yasmin chats to Ranjit Sond – President of the UK’s Society of Asian Lawyers (https://www.societyofasianlawyers.co.uk).

Ranjit is a former personal injury lawyer and now works for the Government Legal Department. In this conversation, he talks candidly about his career and the motivations behind the decisions he’s made to shape it.

In his role as President for the Society of Asian Lawyers, Ranjit’s focus includes helping to foster more diverse talent in the profession. He’s also working hard to address the problem of sexual abuse and harassment within the industry.

It's clear that Ranjit's compassion for others has driven his work and been of great personal value to the people he's been able to help. His (borrowed) advice to keep your mind at its peak by giving it plenty of rest will stick with us at The Hearing. But there's plenty to be learned from Ranjit, so enjoy!

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

MY LEGAL JOB & ME – Next up in our series looking at the myriad roles across the legal profession, we have Fran Murray, a cross-qualified criminal law partner at Russell-Cooke. Fran talks about her day-to-day working life, the career journey that got her to where she is now, and her philosophy on the special relationship between a client and their lawyer.

Thank you for all the encouraging feedback we’ve had since we launched this new sub-series. We’d love to hear your thoughts on who would make a good guest for My Legal Job & Me. So please let us know!

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

In this episode, Yasmin sits down with employment law partner (and old university friend) Michelle Last. Michelle’s passion to see those who experience fertility issues of all types treated more fairly at work has informed both her practice and her public advocacy.

The pair have a wide-ranging discussion that covers IVF, miscarriages and the menopause – amongst other things – and the negative impact such major life events can have on someone’s career. It’s a complex facet of diversity and inclusion in employment law, and we’re grateful to Michelle for such an insightful look at this from both a personal and legal perspective.

To listen to the related interview with Joeli Brealey (Founder of Pregnant Then Screwed) which Yasmin refers to, head to episode 72 (http://pod.fo/e/c0129)

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

MY LEGAL JOB & ME – Behind the scenes at The Hearing we speak to so many people across the legal industry, around the world. So we hear countless interesting and inspiring career stories. And it feels selfish to keep this knowledge to ourselves. So we’ve decided to share these insights into the various different roles that together make up the legal profession.

We hope this series will help you better understand what your industry peers do. And also give you inspiration for your own career, as you discover what people love about their work and the aspects they find challenging.

This is: My Legal Job & Me. First up, we have Zaneta Sedilekova discussing her portfolio career as a solicitor and biodiversity consultant. Enjoy!

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

This episode examines the high prevalence of stress and burnout amongst lawyers, and what can be done to reduce it. Yasmin talks to Legatics CEO Anthony Seale and Lucy Shurwood from Pinsent Masons – one of the founding members of the Mindful Business Charter.

The trio discuss what burnout is, some common causes and what we can learn from the pandemic. Now that wellbeing conversations have come to the fore, firms are having to take an honest look at their corporate culture. But as well as focusing internally, it’s clear there are some brave conversations to be had about being equally as mindful to those we work with externally.

Guests:

– Lucy Shurwood, Partner, Pinsent Masons

– Anthony Seale, CEO, Legatics

Mindful Business Charter – https://www.mindfulbusinesscharter.com

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

WE'RE 100 EPISODES OLD! To celebrate, we decided to turn the spotlight (mic) on our beloved host, Becky. She had mixed feelings about it, but you're going to love getting to know her better.

Yasmin and Becky talk about where her passion for the law came from, her interesting career journey, and the work she does now to combat climate change. She's a hero and we're glad to dig deeper into what makes her tick.

It's been an awesome four years producing this podcast. So Kaley Botting and Ben Clayton (the behind-the-scenes nerds responsible) would like to say a huge thanks to you (yes, YOU) for voting with your ears and listening. It means a lot.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Yasmin is doing the heavy lifting for this latest episode: interviewing The Weight Lifting Lawyer, Troy Atkin – a trainee solicitor at Biscoes in Portsmouth.

The pair talk about Troy’s social media brand, his first career in hospitality and the incident that led him to the law. Troy's route to success is a testament to a profession that increasingly values other industry experience in its lawyers. Troy says his hospitality background is what fuels his unmistakable passion for client care.

Troy explains how he juggles a busy caseload with his training as a power lifter. He also shares his tips around mental health resilience and how he deals with any setbacks or lows . The pair also discuss ways that law firms can support those earlier in their careers, by providing an open forum and having managers that firmly steer juniors towards a healthy work/life balance.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

THE CROSS-EXAMINATION – This episode is a panel discussion where Becky and three guests – Dr. Larry Richard, Ann Rainhart and Michael Callier – examine the meaning of trust and how it relates to the perception of lawyers in their work.

As a lawyer, you rely heavily on interpersonal trust, but you also need to be sceptical. And is this scepticism – an essential lawyering skill – hindering your professional relationships?

Together, the group delve into the complex layers of these opposing necessities of trust and scepticism. They discuss the personality traits that can help lawyers succeed on behalf of their clients without compromising integrity, and they reveal a need for vulnerability that may surprise you!

Guests:

– Dr. Larry Richard, Founder & Principal Consultant, LawyerBrain

– Ann Rainhart, Chief Strategy Officer, Taft

– Michael Callier, Vice President & Global Head of Consulting, Factor

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

In this episode Yasmin catches up with a previous guest – Charlotte Proudman: feminist, family barrister and agent for change.

Charlotte talks about her work fighting for the survivors of sexual violence and what the problems are with our current justice system. The pair also discuss the introduction of no-fault divorces in the UK and why this change is long overdue.

This episode won’t disappoint if you’re a fan of straight-talking advocates. Do you agree with Charlotte – do we need a feminist revolution?

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Devoted listeners to The Hearing will be familiar with the work of The Chancery Lane Project – which helps lawyers use contracts to fight climate change. This episode is about using a similar concept to tackle modern slavery and other human rights abuses.

Becky speaks to Olivia Windham Stewart and Sarah Dadush about their work with the American Bar Association to help improve the human rights performance of contracts and supply chains. They talk about how supply contracts often inadvertently increase human rights and environmental risk, by being too onerous.

This episode shows how you can be an ally to this cause, and make a meaningful difference, simply by reviewing the supply contracts used by your firm.

Guests:

– Olivia Windham Stewart, Business & Human Rights Specialist

– Sarah Dadush, Professor of Law at Rutgers Law School

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Here at Hearing HQ, we love to hear the real life stories of the people who make up the legal industry. And it’s been a pleasure to speak to Julie Jaggin, from Howard Kennedy, about her career and experiences as a lawyer with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which wasn’t diagnosed until she was 41.

Julie and Yasmin talk about the power of labels and the myriad of positives that differently wired brains can bring to a firm. They also discuss the negatives – how a lack of understanding can really damage people's self-perception, as well as their careers.

Julie outlines how she has navigated her career to date. And she shares practical ways that neurotypical lawyers can be allies and champions for their neurodiverse colleagues.

Related links:

– The article Julie wrote for the Law Society - https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/en/topics/lawyers-with-disabilities/the-need-for-different-minds

– Law Society guidance on disability inclusion - https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/lawyers-with-disabilities/reasonable-adjustments-in-organisations-best-practice-for-disability-inclusion

– Legally Disabled: Career experiences of disabled people in the legal profession - http://legallydisabled.com

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

In the second instalment in our jury system mini-series, Becky Annison speaks to Audrey Cherryl Mogan, a barrister at Garden Court Chambers. The pair chat about Audrey's inspiration for her work and her recent case successfully defending one of six Christian Climate Change activists who obstructed a DLR train during an Extinction Rebellion protest in London.

They look at the facts of the case and why the judge believed a trial by jury was the right approach. They also discuss how jury trials support the legislative process, the ways in which our jury system can be criticised, and the challenges facing practitioners in this area.

With this mini-series receiving such positive feedback, we look forward to continuing our deep dive into the role of jury trials.

As always, if you have any feedback, guest suggestions or topic ideas, please get in touch.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

This is the first instalment in our special mini-series on the jury system. Following some recent cases, we decided to examine the integral role of jury trials in our justice system, and why it’s important that defendants have the opportunity to be judged by their peers.

In this episode, Yasmin talks to Liam Walker QC, who successfully defended one of the Colston Four. Liam appeared for Sage Willoughby who was tried at Bristol Crown Court, along with three others, for pulling down and damaging the statue of slaver Edward Colston during a Black Lives Matter protest in June 2020. The four defendants were acquitted by a jury, despite admitting they all played a part in the statue's removal.

In part two of our series, you can hear Becky interview Audrey Cherryl Mogan. Audrey successfully defended one of six environmental activists who obstructed a DLR train in London, during an Extinction Rebellion protest in April 2019.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

February is US Black History Month and to celebrate we have a special episode featuring the Law Firm Antiracism Alliance (LFAA). Our guest host, Thomson Reuters' Chief Legal Officer, Thomas Kim sits down with the LFAA's co-founders, Brenna DeVaney and Kiisha Morrow.

As you will hear, Brenna and Kiisha have had an inspirational journey. Thomas asks them what inspired them to set up the alliance and what drives them forward. They talk about the inception of the LFAA, as well as the challenges and successes they've had so far in their fight against systemic racism. The pair also explain why they believe lawyers are the key to bringing about effective change, and discuss their long-term ambitions for the LFAA.

We hope you're as inspired as us by this episode and invite all our listeners to reach out to Kiisha and Brenna to get involved with the LFAA's important work.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

In this episode, Yasmin goes back to school to meet the dean of BPP University Law School, Jo-Anne Pugh. They discuss what legal education is like for students who are at the beginning of their careers, and how the learning is evolving to fit (and indeed informing) the modern legal ecosystem.

The pair also chat about the concept and real life experience of 'o-shaped lawyers' – a term that’s likely to become more prevalent in industry thought leadership this year. And Jo provides an insight into the future of legal learning in a post-pandemic world.

Even if your university days are well behind you now, we think you’ll appreciate hearing about the new dynamic between educators and the legal profession, and getting an insight into the kinds of changes you can expect to see coming through the ranks. Enjoy!

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

During the last week of May 2021, significant gains were made in the battle against climate change. In this episode, Becky Annison talks to Mark van Baal, the founder of the international pressure group Follow This, about what happened. Was this the beginning of a sea-change that could save the world?

What some commentators bill as the start of the end of fossil fuel was driven in part by activist shareholders, as well as through the courts. The big oil companies are now being asked in very real terms by customers and shareholders to treat the Paris Climate Agreement seriously. Becky and Mark discuss the intricate ways that company law is being leveraged to drive this peaceful rebellion.

We sometimes hear from lawyers that they can feel disheartened that their work isn't always a force for good. Mark, a relatively unknown journalist before the advent of Follow This, talks to us about how we can all make a difference, and his belief that the legal industry in particular holds the key to a brighter future.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

We could try to make a witty or poignant comment about this year, but we respect you all too much for that. We all know what 2021 was – and it wasn't the antidote to 2020 we'd hoped for (oops, there's the comment).

We know what is was, however – it was another smashing year for The Hearing. We introduced two wonderful new hosts – Yasmin Sheikh and Becky Annison – to join Joe Raczynski. Each bringing their own perspectives and specialist legal backgrounds.

In this bumper episode, we're revisiting our favourite interviews. It's been another varied year and there was never a dull moment. But whether we were speaking to celebrity judges, lawtech innovators or examining current affairs through a legal lens, you’ll notice a common theme – fact and truth. Less common, but just as welcome, was the singing.

As always, please do get in touch with any comments or questions. And please rate and subscribe if you like what we do.

If any of these highlights whet your appetite for more, here’s where you’ll find the full conversations:

– Ep.69, Lady Hale
– Ep.71, COVID-19 vaccines: will they unite or divide us?
– Ep.73, Federico Ast (Kleros)
– Ep.74, Will Moy (Full Fact)
– Ep.76, Laura Bates (Everyday Sexism Project)
– Ep.77, The impact of AI and algorithms on the fairness of our justice systems
– Ep.78, Stevie Ghiassi (Legaler)
– Ep.79, Freddy McConnell
– Ep.84, Andy Wishart (Agiloft)

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

This is an episode that may resonate with many of you. Yasmin speaks to Trevor Sterling about the chance turn of events that led him to pursuing a career in law. And, in spite of Trevor’s unconventional route into the profession, in July 2021 he made history by becoming the first black senior partner at a top 100 UK law firm.

Trevor, a personal injury and clinical negligence practitioner, has been involved in lots of high profile and landmark cases – including acting on behalf of 60 Jimmy Savile abuse victims and families of those killed in the 2016 Croydon tram crash. Yasmin also chats to Trevor about his rise to the top and, more importantly, his determination to bring others from disadvantaged backgrounds with him. As you will hear, Trevor is a lawyer who cares passionately about improving diversity and social equality.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Yasmin's guest for this episode is something of an inspiration. I. Stephanie Boyce is the 177th president of the Law Society of England and Wales. But she’s the society’s first black office holder, and only the sixth woman to hold the presidency. And, as you will hear, she had to overcome lots of barriers to get there.

Yasmin and Stephanie talk about her route to becoming president and her mission to make the Law Society more inclusive and diverse. Growing up, she faced a unique set of challenges, but kept fighting and kept a revolutionary mindset that informs her work today.

Stephanie also discusses the campaigning she is doing on behalf of female legal professionals in Afghanistan and the efforts of the global legal community to help ensure the safety of our Afghan colleagues.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Bitcoin: bringing FOMO since 2013.

What would your scream sound like if you had dismissed Bitcoin as a joke in your law class in 2013 at $100 dollars – when it sits at $60,000 today? Joe's guest this week is Houman Shadab, the Director of the Innovation Center for Law and Technology at New York Law School. He's here to tell us how lawyers can navigate, benefit from and translate today’s new wave of rapid technological advances.

Houman talks us through the greenroom snacks at the US Capitol before he testified – what we really wanted to know. And, in a throwback to Mark Zuckerberg's uncomfortable testimony before congress ("Sir, we run ads"), he tells Joe about his experience of sitting in front of the US government explaining the implications of various securities laws on hedge funds.

We're a curious bunch at The Hearing, so we asked Houman to tell us what lawyers and legal students can do to better enable themselves for success. The answer seems to lie in no-code. Houman explains what the heck this is and why it matters to the legal ecosystem. So, get your notepad and digital wallet ready and press play!

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

In this episode, Yasmin sits down with a former Chief Crown Prosecutor and formidable force for justice, Nazir Afzal OBE.

Nazir, a practising Muslim, talks about the racism he endured as a child growing up in Birmingham and how this fuelled his determination to stand up for the most marginalised and victimised members of society. Nazir also chats about his illustrious career at the Crown Prosecution Service and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, and how these roles and his commitment to fighting for others have fundamentally affected his life.

This interview includes references to cases of sexual abuse and violence. So if these are sensitive issues for you, please listen with caution.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

This week, Joe takes a break from legal futurology and tries his hand at being a pub singer. We’re here for it. And so (much to his horror) is Andy Wishart – Chief Product Officer at Agiloft and all round technology guru.

Joe and Andy discuss the beginnings of Contract Express, Andy's 21 years in legal tech, and the changes and challenges he's seen along the way. They also chat about the power of document automation, how the legal industry has evolved alongside this technology and Andy's rather cool career journey.

If you're one for tech leaders in band t-shirts, Scottish accents (good and bad) or just want to know more about lawtech’s underground karaoke scene, this episode is for you. You’ll also hear some rather excellent efficiency advice too.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

THE CROSS-EXAMINATION – Back from our summer hiatus, in this episode Becky Annison examines the growing issue of non-consensual image sharing. Or, as it’s more commonly known, revenge porn.

Becky talks to Elena Michael, a campaigner and co-founder of #NotYourPorn, and Honza Cervenka, a lawyer at the women’s rights firm McAllister Olivarius. They discuss the prevalence of image-based sexual abuse and the huge challenges that survivors face when seeking justice against perpetrators.

In what ways are our legal systems failing to protect victims? And why are website operators so slow to protect people against this type of exploitation?

Contributors:
- Elena Michael, #NotYourPorn
- Honza Cervenka, McAllister Olivarius

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Breastfeeding is legal. Breastfeeding in public is legal. But did you know that taking intimate photos of a woman breastfeeding in public without her consent is also legal?

In this episode Yasmin talks to new mother, designer and now women's and mother's rights campaigner, Julia Cooper. She's another woman warrior using political process to change the way the law treats women. Julia speaks about the shock of being photographed by a stranger whilst breastfeeding her child outside, their confrontation and the steps she's taken since to help protect other mums.

Both Yasmin and Julia are new mums and care passionately about giving other mothers the confidence to breastfeed in public. The pair talk about Julia’s campaigning journey, the frustrations and early successes, and what it's like getting to grips with the legislative process.

You can find out more about Julia’s petition here: www.change.org/breastfeedinpeace

The achievements of this episode’s guest have been celebrated by the Council on Foreign Relations, Harvard Business Review, The Economist, The New York Times, Forbes and Wired. Joe is talking to the founder of P-TECH, and author of Breaking Barriers, Stan Litow.

They begin by discussing Stan’s early career – working for the mayor of New York City – which opened his eyes to issues in the education system. This stuck with Stan through roles in public service, the not-for-profit sector and into IBM – where he created “the private sector version of a Peace Corps”.

P-TECH is a global programme that blends high school with higher education and on-the-job learning. It bridges the gap between employment and academic systems that lack the provision of workplace skills. These opportunities are available to all students, regardless of race or financial status, in a way that benefits the private sector as well as society.

This episode is for lawyers who want to see change in the industry but aren't sure where to start.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

THE CROSS-EXAMINATION – In this episode Becky talks to Katie Fudakowski, a safeguarding specialist at Farrer & Co, and Sophie Beesley, a personal injury barrister from Old Square Chambers, to discuss the law around duty of care to sports people who suffer head injuries as a result of their profession.

Rugby World Cup winner Steve Thompson is one of eight rugby players who recently revealed they’re suffering from early-onset dementia. Steve says he can no longer remember winning that 2003 World Cup. The eight players are suing for negligence. They claim the sport’s governing bodies failed in their duty of care to players, despite risks of concussions being "known and foreseeable".

With some experts predicting the case will settle out of court, Becky, Katie and Sophie examine the legal rights our sporting heroes are entitled to.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

This episode's guest doesn't give up: he didn't give up being himself, he didn't give up his desire for children and he doesn't give up fighting for others, even when that means taking the government to court. Yasmin is speaking to journalist, trans activist and father, Freddy McConnell.

Freddy is a dad who gave birth. This story is excellently told in the film Seahorse, which documents his journey to becoming a single dad. Yasmin was also keen to talk to Freddy about his court battle to be named as the father on his son’s birth certificate. They discuss Freddy’s discovery of the legal realities for trans parents in the UK, and how the legal system views men who choose to give birth.

Freddy's journey through the courts isn't over yet and he’s taking his case to the European Court of Human Rights next. He's part of a global LGBTQIA movement trying to use the legal system to help every family be recognised as their everyday selves.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Question: What do the Iranian national football team, NFTs, Hotel Rwanda and Andy Murray have in common?

Answer: Stevie Ghiassi, Co-founder of Legaler and Legaler Aid. And Joe’s guest this week!

In this episode, Stevie chats to Joe about his unlikely journey from running a chain of souvenir shops to becoming a legal tech entrepreneur. He also talks about the important work that Legaler Aid is doing, and ways in which legal tech and blockchain have helped them pivot after Covid took away traditional fundraising streams.

Yet again we’re seeing innovative ways that cryptocurrency and blockchain are being used, and how they offer real opportunities for the legal industry.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

THE CROSS-EXAMINATION – We, along with the rest of the legal industry, have talked at length about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on our profession. But this time we concern ourselves not with the efficiencies of machine learning and automation, but instead with potential injustice and the need for vigilance in the face of seismic developments.

AI is already being used extensively in areas like recruitment, policing and the courts – as it's often assumed that machines, unlike humans, are objective and neutral. But, as this episode discusses, computer algorithms can easily perpetuate and amplify human biases.

Becky Annison and our three guests – who are each working to understand and fight against algorithmic injustice – discuss the causes as well as the cumulative and damaging effects of coded bias. The computer scientist and digital activist Joy Buolamwini describes this phenomenon as the "exclusion overhead" – the cost of systems that exclude and discriminate against those with experiential differences who are outside the code writing room.

CONTRIBUTORS:
- Sandra Wachter, Associate Professor & Senior Research Fellow, Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford
- Kristian Lum, Research Assistant Professor, Dept. of Computer & Information Science, University of Pennsylvania
- Ivana Bartoletti, Technical Director - Privacy, Deloitte; Visiting Policy Fellow, University of Oxford

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Yasmin's guest this week hardly needs introduction – we're speaking to feminist icon Laura Bates. Laura is founder of The Everyday Sexism Project, a catalogue of day-to-day instances of sexism and gender inequality.

Laura talks us through the events that led to her setting up the project – events that were so everyday, so commonplace, that she almost didn't notice. On her website, Laura describes these types of incidents as “so-used-to-it-you-almost-just-accept-it sexism”. But, as she explains to Yasmin, she couldn't just accept it – and so one of the greatest feminists of our time got going!

Yasmin talks to Laura about her work with the legal industry – an industry that often doesn't think it has a problem with sexism; that doesn't believe harassment and inequality can happen to lawyers. They also discuss her new book, Men Who Hate Women – a shocking exploration of extreme misogyny.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

To those listening in the future, the level of excitement about our brief Easter hiatus to see friends and family might seem strange. But, future listener, these are strange times indeed. We don't even have hoverboards yet. Our future podcast friends might also find it strange that we're still discussing whether lawyers actually need artificial intelligence.

Joe's guest this week is Andrew Fletcher, Director at TR Labs. He points out that the trust we place in our lawyers will soon begin to assume their ability to tap into a knowledge base far wider than can ever be gleaned from books. Lawyers will need AI and legal tech to tap into this information, interpret it and then join the dots on behalf of their clients.

Andrew talks to Joe about how TR Labs is taking curation of big data to the next level, how to make sure an AI can be trusted, and the kinds of innovations that are just around the corner. Spoiler: there's still no sign of robot lawyers, but we do have a Joe-Bot.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Did you know the moon landings were faked? Or that The Beatles never existed? And do you remember when conspiracy theories were much more innocent?

In this episode, Becky talks to Will Moy, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Full Fact, about the perils of misinformation in the digital age. Full Fact is a British charity that checks claims made by politicians, public institutions and journalists, and claims made by viral content circulating on social media.

Will believes “bad information ruins lives” by promoting hate, damaging health and hurting democracy. He and Becky discuss how the law and lawyers have been caught up in this problem, and what we can do to help tackle it.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Here at The Hearing HQ we've really missed travelling. So being whisked (virtually) to Buenos Aires for this week's episode was a real treat!

Meet Joe's guest, Federico Ast, the CEO and founder of Kleros. He's deeply intelligent, thoughtful and one hell of an aggravator in the world of justice. Federico has a philosophy-centred approach to improving judicial systems around the world, and talks to Joe about how deliberative democracy can fast-track access to justice.

Kleros is an online dispute resolution system based on blockchain, crowdsourcing and game theory. We hear how Federico has used his experience of the Argentinian economic collapse of the 90s to problem-solve dispute resolution for the internet age.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Imagine being fired, by voicemail, after telling your boss that you're pregnant. It seems like something from a different era, or at least, akin to a bad dating story. Yet this is exactly what happened to this week's guest, Joeli Brearley, the CEO and founder of Pregnant Then Screwed.

Joeli sits down with Yasmin to talk about how her high-risk pregnancy prevented her from taking legal action and how this lit the fuse for Pregnant Then Screwed. They talk about taking the government to court for discriminating against women in the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and the (very relatable) stress dreams that came with it.

Joeli is a powerhouse with a huge social media following, and this episode also looks at what it’s like dealing with trolls and how she wants to change the workplace for mothers, no matter how messy it gets or how many people it upsets.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

THE CROSS-EXAMINATION – The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines is giving many of us hope right now. But are vaccines about become the next divisive issue to affect our professional and personal lives?

Companies might well see vaccines as the golden ticket to getting staff back to a normal working environment, or indeed back to work full stop. But what happens when employees choose not to receive the vaccine, or refuse to disclose their vaccination status?

In this episode, Becky talks to Joe Nicholls, from Wards Solicitors, and GoodCorporation’s Debbie Ramsay about this new wave of legal and ethical issues that businesses, and society as a whole, must grapple with.

CONTRIBUTORS:
- Debbie Ramsay, Director, GoodCorporation
- Joe Nicholls, Partner & Head of Employment, Wards Solicitors

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

On The Hearing, we've talked to people at the top of their game about their experiences of lockdown. We've gained advice from experts on how businesses can best weather these unprecedented times. And this week Joe chats to Karim Sabbidine, an associate at Thompson Hine, about what COVID-19 means when you're at the legal coalface.

Pre-pandemic, life as a New York litigator was a heady mix of high pressure and excitement – tiring yet fun. But for Karim it quickly transitioned to being cramped in a small apartment with two equally busy flatmates, while trying to navigate a virtual trial.

Karim has an international and multicultural background, and has an enviable résumé of on-the-job training. He talks to Joe about the realities of being a litigator, the benefits of writing every day, and why it's important to always dress the part.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Join Yasmin, fresh from our short Christmas hiatus, as she gets to know Lady Hale – often described as the UK’s answer to the USA’s late, great Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Former President of the Supreme Court and an advocate for diversity in the legal profession, Baroness Hale of Richmond (as she’s formally known) can leave people rather starstruck. And Yasmin is no exception.

Lady Hale chats to Yasmin about the impact teachers can have on the lives their pupils, and what it's like being famous for so many firsts. The pair also discuss that headline-grabbing prorogation case, as well as some of the other landmark judgments that she is particularly proud of.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

You may have watched as Mark Zuckerberg explained the internet to Congress in a way that felt a bit unnecessary. Well, this episode is sort of the opposite of that. Joe Raczynski is joined by legal and mathematical macroeconomics genius Doug Pepe, to take us through blockchain, tokens and cryptocurrency in a way that’s genuinely enlightening.

The legal industry is sometimes accused of not keeping up, but we know that’s not true. Lawyers are occupying this space now. Their clients are very active and they have a crucial role to play in the serious policy issues being debated.

Doug, a partner at Joseph Hage Aaronson, started his blockchain journey by building gaming computers with his young children, and then teaching them how to mine bitcoin. Fast forward and Doug is now an expert on blockchain privacy, smart contracts and digital identity.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

THE CROSS-EXAMINATION – Although we're being playful with the title, there are some comparisons to be drawn between this episode and Gabriel García Márquez's classic novel Love in a Time of Cholera. We're covering issues of epic proportions, and it does feel like Brexit and Covid have both spanned several lifetimes. Our host Becky Annison isn't one to romanticise, but she does look at the positives and opportunities for legal teams with her guest experts, Moni Mannings and David Thorneloe.

At the time of recording, we're a few short weeks away from the final Brexit deadline. There's been good news globally about potential COVID-19 vaccines and many are looking forward to the end of the year that was 2020. This episode aims to help businesses bring the year safely into the Brexit harbour in the face of depleted resources and unknown challenges.

Contributors:
- Moni Mannings, FTSE100 Independent Non-Executive Director
- David Thorneloe, Legal Director, Pinsent Masons

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Star Trek gave us prototype mobile phones. In Back To The Future, Doc Brown and Marty McFly predicted voice recognition technology. And, as this episode discusses, it was Minority Report in 2002 that foresaw predictive policing.

This week, Yasmin chats to Christina Blacklaws – a strategic consultant and the 174th president of the Law Society. Christina is also an expert on legal technology and chair of the MoJ's LawTech Delivery Panel. She describes the transformation happening in the legal sector and how computer algorithms are already being used in profound ways that impact our justice system.

Legal tech aside, Christina and Yasmin discuss how a majority of women entering the profession becomes a minority of leaders, and the work being done to address this. They also examine how COVID-19's impact has made technology, flexible working and mental wellness even better companions.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

In this special US election instalment of The Hearing, Sanaz Asgharzadeh talks politics with Joe Raczynski. Sanaz used to be an attorney at a major firm and now heads her own practice, Atlas Law Firm.

With the caveat that at the time of recording a victor had not yet been chosen, and with the votes continuing to be counted in several swing states, Joe and Sanaz describe the current mood of the US as it waits to find out who will emerge victorious. Sanaz talks about her background as an Iranian immigrant in the US, and how that shaped her interests in the law and political process. She takes us on a deep dive of the US electoral college system and discusses the potential for post-election litigation and the impact it could have on the outcome.

Sanaz also takes us through hypothetical scenarios involving the incumbent that might once have seemed unlikely, but in these unprecedented times are worthy of consideration. Finally, she discusses the importance of counting all of the ballots and the need for transparency in the process.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

How is sexuality considered in the modern workplace? How has the LGBTQ+ community been affected by COVID-19? What practical steps can people take to be an active ally beyond Pride and rainbow lanyards?

This week Yasmin talks with Reed Smith Partner, Honorary QC, global thought leader on diversity and inclusion and founder of the InterLaw Diversity Forum, Daniel Winterfeldt.

Yasmin and Daniel talk about how the InterLaw Diversity Forum focuses on cultural change in the workplace to foster inclusion for diverse talent in the legal sector and promote meritocracy across all sectors.

They also discuss the need for law firms and businesses to follow through on their commitments to cultural change in the legal workplace and how this can lead to wider systemic change for all.

Find out more at TR.com/TheHearing

THE CROSS-EXAMINATION – On The Hearing, we hear from so many who have entered the legal profession with bold ambitions to change the world for the better. This week's guests may just do that.

Becky talks to three determined lawyers about their involvement in a legal pro bono project to fight climate change. The Chancery Lane Project brings together legal professionals to create practical solutions to help reverse climate change. Their vision is a world in which every contract and law enables and encourages businesses to have a positive impact on the environment.

They talk through perhaps one of the biggest issues when confronting the climate crisis: its scale. The effects of climate change are incredibly complex and somewhat abstract. Translating that into tangible solutions is a huge challenge that The Chancery Lane Project is addressing through legal hackathons and collaborative problem-solving.

Contributors:
- Matthew Gingell, General Counsel, Oxygen House Group
- Yasmin Waljee OBE, International Pro Bono Director, Hogan Lovells
- Dan Summers, Commercial Lawyer, Environment Agency

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

In this week's episode, we showcase a conversation between Ron Levine, General Counsel at Herrick, Feinstein LLP, and host Joe Raczynski.

Ron, a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, speaks as a thoughtful realist, proponent for good, and a practitioner of what he preaches. He bears witness as a 40-year litigator, discussing the fascinating dealings of what happens behind the class action suit scenes, describing a lack of transparency, and what he would do to improve the system.

Ron dives into the importance of technology, as a crusader for others in the field. Specifically, in the eDiscovery space he stresses the importance of tools, AI, and being smart about (of all things) the use of email. He also discusses what the future of litigation might look like with prediction modelling and big data.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

In this episode Yasmin chats to renowned equality and human rights lawyer Chris Fry. His Sheffield-based firm, Fry Law, represents people who have been treated unfairly by a service provider due to their disability, age, race, gender, sexual orientation or religion.

Chris talks about the landmark cases that have put him and his team of lawyers at the forefront of some profound changes, particularly for people with disabilities. He also outlines the huge impact the knock-on consequences of COVID-19 have had on certain groups; for example, by restricting their access to basic necessities like food.

Chris opens up about the work he and his fellow campaigners are doing to empower those people, and he reveals the fuel behind his unrelenting drive for justice.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

We've all heard of the tragic Harry Dunn case, and that's because of this week's guest, Radd Seiger. He took the case on simply because he was a concerned neighbour of Harry’s grieving family.

Radd talks to Becky about his motivations, and what's involved in working to get justice for a client, in this case, a family. For international legal cases, such as this, it can be easy to get mired in the complexity of the politics, diplomacy and international relations and forget that for the client, all they want is some form of justice and to find the best way to move forward.

A lot of lawyers enter the profession because they have a passion for justice, doing right and making the world better. Becky and Radd touch on how to reconcile that mission with the day-to-day tasks of being a lawyer and the impact it can have on mental health. They talk about the capacity and skills that lawyers have to open doors for their clients and to bring them on a journey.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

In this episode Joe is joined by David Brown, Legal Director of the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF). TLDEF is a transgender-led organisation fighting for transgender rights through litigation and other legal avenues.

Working with numerous law firms, David and his team bring lawsuits to demonstrate how statutes are unequal and discriminatory. David tells Joe how his family inspired him to want to fight injustice. And he explains how TLDEF strategically selects cases with the ultimate aim of moving the law and the equality agenda forward, while also ensuring they authentically represent transgender people's lives.

David talks about the importance of finding commonalities when discussing transgender people and the discrimination they face. Like anyone, transgender people want a nice place to live, a steady job and access to healthcare. But in many parts of the world, such fundamentals of life are often denied.

David and Joe also discuss intersectionality, and how transgender people of colour are even more likely to face discrimination due to greater distrust and fear.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

THE CROSS-EXAMINATION – In this episode Becky hosts a discussion on the role of lawyers as ethical leaders and their relationship with racial justice. She's joined by Abimbola Johnson, a criminal barrister, and Carlos Brown, a senior VP and GC, to examine racial issues from UK and US perspectives.

Lawyers have a unique position, enjoying a status as trusted professionals who give advice and provide solutions to an array of issues, yet they're not generally thought of as ethical leaders. And while lawyers frequently deal with various systems of justice, the connection between this work and justice can often be obscured by the detail of day-to-day tasks.

Carlos, Abimbola and Becky speak about the current relationship between the legal profession and racial justice, the fundamental nature of justice in society, how it differs from due process, and why the law is always running a few steps behind justice and ethics.

Contributors:
- Carlos M. Brown, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Dominion Energy
- Abimbola Johnson, Barrister, 25 Bedford Row

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

For this week's guest, threats to her life, staying away from restaurants and supermarkets and covering her face to go outside has been a reality since long before lockdown.

Yasmin sat down with justice campaigner, Gina Miller for a wide-ranging chat that covered the abuse of women of colour in the media, the importance of dialogue and empathy, and the lessons in resilience she's had from her father and daughter.

Since she entered the spotlight following landmark legal rulings over Brexit, Gina has faced incredible scrutiny and has become, as one newspaper put it, “an easy target” for abuse. However, she talks about how she has been able to use her position to speak to many of her critics and hopefully help to transform their opinions and prejudices.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

This week we’re taking you across the pond to talk privacy, piracy, and intellectual property. Before lockdown, Joe Raczynski sat down with Chris Mohr, VP for Intellectual Property and GC at Software and Information Industry Association.

Working at the heart of the US federal government in Washington DC, Chris tells us about life as a lobbyist on Capitol Hill and how he navigates the challenges posed by different global approaches to intellectual property. He also talks about the intersection between IP and privacy law and the Constitution, as most data is effectively speech for Constitutional purposes, there are fundamental conflicts when people’s privacy rights are at stake.

Ever the futurist, Joe and Chris talk about where AI might be taking us and what IP implications there may be, as they ponder whether machines are legally allowed to be inventors.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

THE CROSS-EXAMINATION – We looked at the business and economic impact of COVID-19 in the first Cross-Examination episode. This week we're turning to its impact on our working culture.

Becky speaks to an occupational psychologist, diversity consultant and a head of knowledge management, to find out more about how lawyer's working and personal lives are being affected by lockdown. Interestingly, she learns that many of us have become more efficient, more productive and more caring. But of course, there are exceptions.

She asks how lockdown has changed the way we look at mental health concerns in the profession, whether COVID-19 could derail the diversity and inclusion agenda, and what senior colleagues can do to assist trainees and junior staff at this time.

This is a fascinating discussion that touches on mental health, the disappearing veneer of corporate identities, and the pressing need to better understand all our colleagues regardless of their background or position.

Contributors:
- Jens Näsström, Occupational Psychologist & Researcher
- Geoffrey Williams, Diversity & Inclusion Consultant
- Caroline White-Robinson, Head of Knowledge Management & L&D, Shoosmiths

We'd love to hear your comments and suggestions! Follow us on Twitter @HearingPodcast.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

With Black Lives Matter protests taking place around the world once again, this week’s episode is a great opportunity to better understand the anger, grief and action of recent days.

We also have exciting news to bring you as we welcome our new host: a lawyer, disability advocate and founder of Diverse Matters, Yasmin Sheikh. Yasmin spoke to Hashi Mohamed, a barrister who first came to the UK as an unaccompanied child refugee, about his new book, ‘People Like Us’.

Weaving into his story, issues around race, class and identity, Hashi speaks of the importance of understanding one’s own context in defying an upbringing beset by poverty and hardship to gain the resilience, drive and confidence needed to radically transform his life.

We’d love to hear your comments and suggestions! Follow us on Twitter @HearingPodcast.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

We’re taking you Stateside this week as our very own legal futurist Joe Raczynski is joined by Reuters General Counsel, Gail Gove.

Gail takes us behind the scenes of the case that grabbed the world's attention in 2018: the incredible story of Reuters journalists, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, who were imprisoned in Myanmar while investigating reports of mass murder. Gail talks to Joe about the all-encompassing nature of the work and what it's like to work with one of the most famous lawyers in the world, Amal Clooney.

Starting out as a civil rights lawyer, Gail speaks of the importance of looking at legal issues through a wide-angled, global lens, the minefield of media laws around the world and the importance of having robust journalism.

We’d like to hear your comments and suggestions. Follow us on Twitter @HearingPodcast

If you’re interested in finding out more about how US law departments are navigating the new business landscape and adapting to the needs of 2020, download our complimentary report at tr.com/TheHearing.

Isolation and IT problems are on the agenda this week, though, refreshingly, Lord Neuberger is talking about life in his judge's chambers rather than Corona lockdown.

Former President of the Supreme Court, Lord Neuberger, speaks candidly to Kevin about his feelings of failure in his early career as he went from being a scientist, to City banker, before landing on his feet as a barrister. We hear about Lord Neuberger's rise up the judicial ranks, why he initially turned down a High Court judgeship, and the regrets he had at becoming a judge.

Lord Neuberger speaks about the unique challenges associated with the Gina Miller Brexit cases, the politicisation of the judiciary, and the media scrutiny he, his family and fellow judges have had to endure.

For more news, insights and best practice on important trends impacting the legal industry, visit Legal Insights Europe:
https://blogs.thomsonreuters.com/legal-uk/

For more information to help support you and your business, visit the Thomson Reuters COVID-19 resource centre:
https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en/resources/covid-19.html

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

THE CROSS-EXAMINATION – Welcome to our first "The Cross-Examination" episode of The Hearing! We're taking big issues and examining them through a legal lens. And where else to start but with COVID-19?

Becky Annison, a commercial lawyer and Practical Law Senior Editor, talks to an economist, insolvency practitioner and business leader to look at how COVID-19 is impacting the legal and business landscape, and its future implications.

You'd be forgiven for thinking we've transported to a pre-corona Friday night drink with friends – there's an unlikely link to non-lawyer Natalie Portman as we discuss Black Swans, a trip to the pub and good old-fashioned football chat.

We hope you enjoy this episode. Please let us know your thoughts!

Contributors:
- Stephen Allinson, Chairman of the Board, The Insolvency Service
- Lucinda Case, Head of Legal Professionals Europe, Thomson Reuters
- Alexis Crow, Global Head of Geopolitical Investing Practice, PwC

For more information to help support you and your business, visit the Thomson Reuters COVID-19 resource centre: https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en/resources/covid-19.html

To celebrate our 50th episode, we're taking you down memory lane as we showcase some of the best bits with some of our favourite guests on The Hearing so far.

Reminisce with Dame Fiona Woolf and Cherie Blair, who talk about the incredible women in the legal profession, as well as the ongoing challenges with gender inequality. Diversity and inclusion were the order of the day when Yasmin Sheikh joined us, while Brie Stevens-Hoare QC talked about a feeling of not belonging.

Highlighting the diversity of discussion that we've had on The Hearing, World Bank Vice-President Sandie Okoro talked to Joe Raczynski about the benefits of working at an organisation that embraced multiculturalism, while former Blur drummer Dave Rowntree spoke about swapping the rockstar life for a career in criminal law.

Criminal barrister Jonathan Goldberg QC regaled us with many a colourful tale about some of his more infamous clients. Alastair Campbell opened up about the Hutton Inquiry and his views on the government, while Ken Clarke talked to us about his posh accent and Cambridge education.

We've got plenty more great guests—and some new ideas—to bring you. But for now, enjoy our celebratory 50th episode and, of course, stay safe!

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Shopping trips, designer sweatshirts, dynasties and staying in shape. No, this isn't Legally Blonde the podcast; this week we're discussing the glamour and grunt work of the clerking world.

Kevin gets the lowdown on life as a clerk from Old Square Chambers’ Paul Adams, also known as Cliff! They discuss the range of skills needed to be a successful clerk, how the profession is keeping up with modern times, and sandwiches.

Recorded in the good old days before Coronavirus lockdown, when crisis management meant filling up a barrister’s diary after an early settlement, Paul talks us through the many quirks of clerking. Enjoy—and stay safe!

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Politics and scandal have shaped the career of this week’s guest. Cash for Honours, MP’s expenses, phone hacking, he was there for it all — on the right side of the law, of course!

Kevin sits down with Gerald Shamash, whose remarkable and diverse career has led to him being described as a celebrity lawyer, Labour Party lawyer and a legal aid lawyer—but he could have been a dentist! In this brilliant discussion, Gerald shares some great anecdotes about driving home with Alastair Campbell and representing Gazza—yes, that one—and he speaks incredibly passionately about his ardent commitment to public work despite the cuts to the legal aid budget in recent years. This isn’t an episode you’ll want to miss!

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Justice, mindfulness, biscuits! You’re in for a real treat this week, as Kevin sits down with his friend and CEO of LawCare, Elizabeth Rimmer.

Though Elizabeth started her career in zoology, her international upbringing combined with a sense of justice led to a career change. As a solicitor, Elizabeth could stand up for people and give them a voice. She gives her insights into being a medical negligence solicitor and talks about why she questioned whether the legal system was designed to deliver the kind of justice that her clients really wanted.

As CEO of LawCare, the charity that promotes and supports good mental health and well-being in the legal community, Elizabeth has does incredible work not only to raise awareness of these issues, but to tackle them. While originally focused on drinking culture at law firms, LawCare has evolved to work with lawyers on mindfulness and looking after their mental health as much as their physical health. Elizabeth is also a passionate advocate for ensuring that legal education includes education on looking after mental health.

Finally, Elizabeth talks to Kevin about Fit for Law, a new initiative designed to promote emotionally healthier ways of working within law, as well as her desire to build an army of people who want to do something about improving mental health and wellbeing in the legal profession.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

It really is a career of two halves for David Winnie, the ex-professional footballer who now heads up the Sport Law department for Charles Douglas Solicitors.

In this week’s episode, David talks to Kevin about his love of football—and studying—from a young age, and his desire to become a professional player. David recalls having to make a big decision when he was 16 – and then dreaded telling his mother on the bus home. The journeyman defender went on to win the Scottish Cup and captain St Mirren FC, before plying his trade Iceland and Australia.

David talks about his brief coaching and managerial career in Iceland and Scotland and the pressures placed not just on footballers who live their life under great public scrutiny, but also managers who are only as good as their last game.

As his football career came to a close, David went to university and, after methodically deciding what he didn’t want to study, chose law. He talks about the day-to-day sports law issues that arrive on his desk, whether it be contractual negotiations, tax issues or getting compensation for wantaway footballers. David tells Kevin about recently setting up a sports agency, and how his experiences as a professional footballer help him to empathise with, and occasionally mentor, his clients, particularly when it comes to mental health safeguarding.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

In this week's episode, Joe Raczynski is joined by the pre-eminent thought leader in legal tech, and Chief Knowledge and Client Value Officer at Shearman & Sterling, Meredith Williams-Range.

Taking us on a journey from her small-town, rural upbringing just outside of Memphis (where you'll find the absolute best bbq) to the bright lights of New York, Meredith tells how family tragedy and a decade-long lawsuit led to a career in law.

Meredith talks about her career at Baker Donelson, where she worked with colleagues steeped in American history, including President Reagan's Chief of Staff, and eventually became involved with legal tech. The hustle led to a fascinating new position at Shearman & Sterling, a position that Meredith notes was designed on a napkin! The firm's great vision and wonderful people meant that Meredith knew from the start that she could do great work there… and have the best geeky conversations.

In a fascinating discussion about the growth – and the daunting pace of growth – of legal tech and big data analytics, Meredith and Joe consider the biggest legal tech changes of recent years, and talk about the exceptional new tools that serve a true need, with the added bonus of giving the enormous power of data to lawyers.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

It's the weekend, you're in Ibiza, you're ready to party, and a lawyer takes to the stage…

Best. Night. Ever!

Of course, it helps when that lawyer is superstar DJ, 'Judge' Jules O'Riordan.

In this episode, Jules sits down with Kevin to talk about how he went from reading law at university, putting on illegal raves with his friends, to being one of the world's best-known DJs, and now an entertainment lawyer with Sound Advice.

We hear how the combination of getting older and juggling a family life with the exhausting DJ lifestyle, contributed to a career change that has sparked plenty of curiosity among his legal peers. Jules tells Kevin what he loves about practising law and talks about the contrast between being a successful, self-centred artist and a lawyer focused primarily on his clients.

Jules speaks passionately about fighting the good fight, and how that mentality continues to drive his legal career. And he tells of his efforts to pass on his expertise and experience in helping young artists avoid the mistakes and pitfalls that he encountered early in his music career.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

This week’s distinguished guest is Sandie Okoro, the Senior Vice President and General Counsel for the World Bank. Sitting down with Thomson Reuters futurist Joe Raczynski, Sandie talks about how, from an early age, she learned that when someone limits your ambition it can become something to fight for and drive you on to enormous success.

In this inspirational episode, Sandie talks about the work behind the World Bank’s goal of eliminating extreme poverty by 2030 and also behind their efforts to promote the rule of law and access to justice. And she brings to light some of the incredible work done to tackle gender inequality and rebuild post-conflict societies.

Discussing the exciting evolution of her career, from a barrister to a solicitor and then general counsel, she explores the similarities and differences, and speaks passionately about the tangible outcomes in the public sector, where she sees the life-changing effects of her team’s work.

Finally, she shares her fascinating insight into the interplay between culture and the law, and how social movements change the law and, in turn, change cultural attitudes and drive social progress.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Workers unite! Have you ever considered the crossover between sex workers and paralegals, or questioned whether Kevin is the enemy? In this eye-opening episode, the answers to those questions are just the tip of the iceberg.

Kevin is joined by Zachary Whyte and Molly De Dios. A second-year trainee at Hodge Jones & Allen, Zac co-founded Legal Sector Workers United, an affiliate of United Voices of the World, where Molly sits on the Executive Committee.

In this passionate discussion, Zac and Molly speak out against what they call the exploitation of paralegals. And they outline the work being done to ensure the best possible conditions for all legal sector workers, from barristers and solicitors to cleaners and security staff.

We hear about the immense challenges of securing the London Living Wage for a range of workers at the Ministry of Justice, and their campaign to restore the legal aid budget. Finally, Zac and Molly make a stirring case for all in the sector to get involved to help improve the justice system.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

In this episode, we talk to Labour MP, Alistair Darling, about how his Aberdeen law degree helped to shape his political career (spoiler alert: lawyers should be lawyers, not politicians). Although Alistair does admit that law is a solid discipline that enables you to ask critical questions, which are useful skills for politicians.

Alistair gives us his thoughts on the deeply divisive nature of referendums, including his take on Brexit and the inherent problems with a hard border.

He talks about the success of his memoir, ‘Back from the Brink’, which spent 1,000 days at number 1. He also divulges why he wouldn’t write another book for fear of picking fights.

Now away from frontline politics, we pose the question: would you be quick to return if there were to be another Scottish referendum? His answer may surprise you.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

From a young age, Ann Olivarius saw that men ruled the world.

A mother whose potential was left unfulfilled. A male-dominated college where sexual harassment was rife. An investment bank where no amount of talent and expertise could ever make her part of the team. It was a message she received time-and-time-again.

In this week’s podcast, you’ll hear how she turned that message into her motivation to make the world better through the power of law. Our first returning guest, Ann chats to Kevin about her life and storied career, during which she consistently uncovered, called-out and addressed inequality.

Ann talks about coining terms like sexual harassment and date rape, but delves beneath the terminology to discuss the necessity of change, the importance of paying privilege forward and how her ‘scary side’ has driven her to take on the institutions she once trusted.

She also talks about her recent work in the UK, navigating the challenges of our connected world. You’ll hear how Ann combines her influence with an underdog spirit to tackle issues like cyberbullying, cyber rape and regulating the internet.

From Alexander v. Yale to an innovative new way to help young people take action in response to revenge porn, it’s essential and inspirational listening.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

How does a construction barrister based in London, end up in Sierra Leone, advising local government on faecal sludge?

After 19 years as a Construction Barrister, Lucy Garret QC, was getting a little bit bored and wanted a change of scenery.

So, she did what most of us can only dream of and took an 18-month sabbatical. Leaving London, and travelling over 4,000 miles south to Freetown, Sierra Leone, to take up a new opportunity with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.

Currently working with the elected Mayor of Freetown, Lucy talks about how her skills and experience as a high-flying barrister have transferred to her new role, helping the local government to enhance their effectiveness, in order to deliver reforms or projects for the people of the country.

But, with her sabbatical coming to an end, and plans to return to take up her old life in London, Lucy reflects on her time in Sierra Leone, talking to Kevin about the life lessons, new skills and experiences she’s picked up along her journey and how these will help her transition to the next chapter of her life.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

In this episode Kevin meets with Freshfields knowledge lawyer, Lloyd Rees, to discuss his refreshing three-part blog series, addressing his own anxiety and depression.

Lloyd talks frankly about his decision to publish such private struggles, going right back to his teens. He shares his own experience with chemical depression, his recovery at The Nightingale Hospital and the amazing turnaround from rapid decline to a sustainable and positive mental health state.

As a huge plus point, we’re also joined by Kristina Adey-Davies, Senior Global Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Freshfields. She talks about the importance of employer support with mental health in the workplace and the resources employers can draw on. Interestingly, she also tells us why the prevalent self-oriented perfectionism trait in many lawyers can lead to mental health struggles.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Welcome to The Hearing's first Legal Debate. In this special episode, we feature a blockbuster bout between legal, political and media heavyweights.

Listen in as the Rt Hon. the Lord Darling of Roulanish and the 'Queen of Sanctions' Maya Lester QC go head-to-head with journalist and author Alastair Campbell, and Monckton Chambers' own Ben Emmerson QC, debating on whether sanctions are fair and effective.

Not to be outdone by these debating titans, we've put Kevin and special guest Thomson Reuters' Simon Smith in a small booth, given them a bottle of plonk, and let them unleash their best Graham Norton-esque commentary. Sit back and enjoy.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

This week’s guest has experienced a wealth of colourful nicknames including ‘The Riviera Gigolo’, ‘The Burnley Bruiser’ and ‘The Real Deputy Prime Minister’. Yes, it’s former Downing Street Press Secretary and Director of Communications, Alastair Campbell.

He’s chatting to us about the trivial (a love of bagpipes and his ‘soft-porn first forays into writing’), to the momentous (Boris Johnson being a puppet and the media lies around Brexit). Alastair opens up to Kevin about his upbringing, including his time at Cambridge and his assessment of the ‘private schoolboys’.

He talks about the role of the press in supporting a healthy democracy, but discusses the current battle being played out, which isn’t necessarily laden with truths. He also discusses the role of PR and the media in high-profile law cases, and how lawyers should be dealing with them.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Imagine this: you're 13 and bullied for being 'ugly'. But in a dramatic turn of events, you put the middle finger up to your bullies and land a modelling job for Vogue that your peers could only dream of. Then you're suddenly plunged into a world of 16 hour days, starvation diets and made to strip naked at work on a regular basis.

So, what do you do? If you're this week's guest, Leanne Maskell, you get a law degree and go on to write an award-winning exposé on exploitation in the modelling industry. Kevin chats to her about her burgeoning legal career and gets the lowdown on her book, The Model Manifesto – an A - Z in anti-exploitation to guide both models and their parents through the murky waters of the fashion industry.

Leanne opens up about her quest to protect other young models from the exploitation she suffered, and help them avoid the pitfalls of financial, sexual, physical and emotional ill-treatment.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

This week’s guest is Mary Robinson (never to be called Mrs. Robinson), a lawyer and diplomat who served as the 7th President of Ireland. Kevin and Mary talk about how her early life as the only girl of four siblings ignited her desire for gender equality and how in her own words ‘she learned how to use her elbows’.

A former High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary talks in a refreshingly frank way about the social justice implications of climate change, her admiration for Greta Thunberg and how Nelson Mandela taught her to listen to both the locals and young people for insights. She tells us all about her position as Chair of The Elders, an independent group of global leaders working together for peace, justice, and human rights, founded by Mandela.

Not one for shying away from controversy, Mary also discusses her struggles closer to home while fighting for political change in Ireland and how she’s proud of the Ireland that exists today.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Holed up in a small Nordic city, a disruptive genius develops a robot lawyer designed to methodically take over the Norwegian legal industry. But this isn't a synopsis for the next big Scandi thriller – it's the latest episode of The Hearing.

This week's guest, Morten Tidemann, flew in from Stavanger in Norway. He's best known for the innovative methods he's using to disrupt the business of law.

Morten sits down with Kevin to discuss the efficiency savings enabled by his robot lawyer 'Ida' – around document assembly for legal, as well as business transactions and processes. The pair also chat about Nordic noir TV, alternative fee arrangements, the stigma of low-cost legal services, and why lawyers tend to be so risk-averse when it comes to tech adoption.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

In this episode we meet a woman who describes herself as a thrill seeking, motorbiking, bungee jumping, feminist, activist and pansexual. From that intro, who would have thought we'd be speaking to a top QC?

This week, Kevin catches up with good friend Brie Stevens-Hoare. And, after 5 minutes of listening, it will feel like you've known Brie for years too.

Not one for conforming or seeking accolades, Brie gives a funny, honest and emotional take on her road to becoming a silk. She also opens up about her struggle with 'imposter syndrome' and feeling like an outsider within the profession.

Make sure you listen out for Brie's tale about lending Lord Neuberger her watch!

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

The first question Kevin posed when he sat down with our latest high-profile guest was: is it BLAIR or BOOTH? Yes, our latest interviewee on The Hearing is former 10 Downing Street resident, barrister, lecturer and writer, as well as the founder and chair of Omnia Strategy, Cherie Blair (Booth).

Kevin heads across to leafy Marylebone to sit down with Cherie, where she shares anecdotes from her life and career. Highlights include: overcoming the gender imbalance at the Bar, setting aside ambitions of becoming a High Court judge when her husband became PM, and how she dragged herself to court just 10 days after a caesarean!

During their chat, Cherie's love for the law shines through. Whether it's her continued international legal and advisory work, mentoring the next generation of lawyers, or discussing Lord Derry Irvine's love for Pugin wallpaper, she maintains the same level of enthusiasm as when she started 40 years ago. And with so many future plans and so much to do, there's no sign of her slowing down.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Before our Kevin was the high-profile, polished podcaster he is today, he cut his teeth co-hosting a pioneering and often controversial weekly podcast with our latest guest. Often equated to the Popbitch of law, everyone knows Legal Cheek – as it's the most read legal website in the UK. But does everyone know the man behind it?

In the final episode of season 3, Kevin catches up with Legal Cheek's founder Alex Aldridge to reminisce about those early days of blogging and podcasting, that led on to the website we know and love today. The pair also trade stories about the wild west beginnings of social media, discuss the impact of greater self-awareness on today's legal figures, and debate which law firms have the best biscuits.

Fortunately/unfortunately (depending on your point of view) this meeting didn't include the now infamous pre-recording pub sessions of Alex and Kevin's early podcasting careers.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

When your job involves advising UEFA, taking photos with Usain Bolt and guiding the next generation of sports stars, you know you're onto a good thing. With a career spanning football, swimming, athletics, volleyball and the Olympics, Rowena Samarasinhe is a sports-loving lawyer, living a sports lover's dream.

Kevin caught up with Rowena, who's now a partner at Level – a niche sports, media and technology law firm – to discuss the business of sport. She spills the beans on how she's managed to combine her love of law with her life's other passion, and what it's like working with some of the biggest athletes and organisations on the planet. Rowena also shares tips for any budding sports lawyers keen for a slice of the action.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Imagine being wrongfully accused of a crime you didn't commit. Being snatched from the life you know and sentenced for a lifetime. Knowing you're innocent and having to fight with yourself and those arguing against you, every single day. This isn't a scenario from a Netflix crime series; this is real life for many.

In this episode of The Hearing, Kevin sits down with Lara Bazelon, author of 'Rectify: The Power of Restorative Justice After Wrongful Conviction'; an attorney, law professor, and advocate for social, racial and gender justice.

During their conversation, Lara speaks candidly about her work defending those charged with the most serious crimes; faults with the US justice system; and how tough it can be to restore justice.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

What’s the recipe to a good podcast conversation?

Take 1 chatty Yorkshireman.

Add a former lawyer, turned celebrity chef and baker.

Stir in a pinch of celebrity parent.

Season with some work, life and children.

And bake for 40 minutes.

This week, Kevin joins Allegra Benitah, also known as celebrity baker Challah Mummy, in her kitchen, for a cup of tea and a taste of Challah.

The daughter of TV and radio personality Vanessa Feltz, Allegra has forged her own successful career. A champion for healthy work-life balance, she speaks about her decision to leave a high-flying legal career to build a new life, allowing her to focus on spending more time with her family and on her baking passions.

Watch out Mary Berry!

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Why are there so many lawyers in parliament? Because lawyers are articulate? They understand the law? Have had varied life and professional experience? Are confident public speakers?

Our latest guest has all of these attributes and more.

In episode 26, Kevin sits down with the Rt. Hon. Nicky Morgan MP, where they discuss Britain’s political culture, character education, equality and breaking glass ceilings, the responsibility we all have when using social media, and the damaging impact Brexit is having on our national psyche.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

When Laura King hired Tiernan Brady to champion diversity and inclusion at Clifford Chance, she hired a campaigning rockstar. With stadium-sized successes under his belt in the marriage equality referendums in Ireland and Australia, Tiernan came with an enviable reputation and a work ethic to match. And, as one of the first female partners at Clifford Chance, Laura has already lead the charge for change.

Laura is now Global Head of People & Talent at Clifford Chance, while Tiernan is their first Global Head of Inclusion. And together this duo are making some big cultural waves. That’s right – this interview is a 50/50 split. How’s that for equality?

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

When Extinction Rebellion took over Oxford Circus and Waterloo Bridge, they were doing so in the clean air of London's Ultra Low Emission Zone. And for that, they have Anna Heslop and the work of ClientEarth to thank. You see, while some take direct action in pursuit of preserving our small blue dot, others (like Anna) use the law – working with lawmakers, governments and manufacturers to help protect and improve the environment.

Anna clearly loves her job, and she goes about it with a dedication and passion we should all be thankful for. You may have already seen her on TV, or heard her on the Today Programme. Now's your chance to get to know her a little better. Listen in as she talks to our Kevin about everything from Brexit, to a surprising lack of thank you letters from bison.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Naming no names, which host of a well-known legal podcast was recently seen disappearing through a suspicious-looking black door in London's seedy Soho?

We'd hate to start scurrilous rumours, but our secret sources tell us that this natty dressing, spec wearing, Yorkshire Tea drinker was heard discussing all manner of smut, celebrity gossip, the Leveson Inquiry, super-injunctions, defamation, copyright and scandal – with weekly digital icon of rumour, humour and innuendo, Popbitch.

Luckily we've obtained a recording of what happened. Popbitch's Chris Lochery and Duncan Lamont, from Charles Russell Speechlys, talk candidly about what it's like to walk the legal tightrope. Let's keep it between ourselves who the other person is though, ok?

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

This week's episode is a matter of life and death. It's bursting with Shauneen Lambe's stories of youth, activism and rebellion; and includes dark tales from Belizean death camps and death row in America's Deep South.

No two journeys through a career in law are the same, but this one will stand out even if you're a dedicated listener. Shauneen has clearly found her calling in her multifaceted pursuit for justice.

This episode is a worthy listen. And in honour of Shauneen's belief in action and realising one's own potential, we suggest you do it now.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

The Hearing is back. And it's back with a great big Brexit bang.

Amongst the din and clatter of the chaos that has encapsulated the country, several key figures have emerged. Dominic Grieve QC is one of them. Persona non-grata for most of his own party; a hero to millions of petition-signing Remainers. This is what The Hearing does best.

Join Kevin and Dominic as they put the world to right – or wrong, depending on your point of view. Expect opinions on everything from tweeting, David Cameron and the Murdochs, and of course the 'B' word.

(This episode was recorded before the recent vote of no confidence from Dominic's local party, and the associated scandal revealed by The Guardian.)

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

It's 1994 and a bespectacled pre-pubescent Yorkshire lad unpeels the wrapping from the new CD by Blur. He carefully places it in his mini-HiFi and presses play. PARKLIFE! Giddy with excitement, he picks up a couple of biros and tries to keep pace with the beat on his yellow legal notepad. Fast forward 25 years and that same lad, our Kevin, is sitting across the table from the man who cracks out the beat – Dave Rowntree, the drummer from Blur. Yes, you read that right – Dave Rowntree, the drummer from Blur! He's a bona fide rockstar and a global icon. He's also a qualified lawyer and a local councillor. Forgive us if we go weak at the knees, whoop wildly and mosh in our Doc Martens. What a closer for series 2! Pop in your headphones, press play and listen in. It doesn't get better than this. WOO HOO.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Cannibals. Terrorists. Serial killers. Movie stars. Megastars. Musicians. Meet the person who's been in court with them all. This episode's guest is courtroom artist Priscilla Coleman. She's the public's eyes in court, and she does it all from memory. Say 'howdy' to the Texan who spends more time at the Old Bailey than hardened criminals. Court can be weird and wonderful, and Priscilla's sketches capture it all. Listen in as she chats to our Kevin, while simultaneously drawing the scene.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Two giants of the feminist movement, one chatterbox host, and just 30 minutes to cover a lot of ground. Dear listeners, we're sorry. This week, time is not our friend. Institutionalised discrimination, media giants, failing global icons, Trump, and the gender pay gap are just a few of the small (yeah right) topics that Kevin, Catherine Mayer and Ann Olivarius cram in. It's almost too much for one episode to cope with. Do you want more from these two guests? #metoo

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

In the movie "When Harry met Sally", there's that famous scene in the coffee shop. "When Kevin met Millie" is definitely a less racy affair. But it's not one that holds back on the positive vibes. Set backstage at the Women in Law conference (where she was a keynote speaker) Millicent Grant sits across the coffee shop table from our Kevin to talk about the power of saying "yes", and how her positivity and tenacity has got her to the top. Not by the conventional route. Or the route that comes with money, privilege and good grades. Millie's route was inspired by a photo of her uncle in his barrister's cloak and wig. First it took her to secretarial college, then on to becoming a Legal Executive, and eventually to becoming the first female and first black president of CILEx. Now it's your turn to bang the table and whoop with delight.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Not all heroes wear capes. Some of them wear gowns. Few guests on The Hearing could legitimately claim to be a lifesaver. But in episode 16, Kevin meets a man who is precisely that. S Chelvan stands as a reminder of why those who work in the law got into it in the first place. Uphold justice. Protect the innocent. Change lives. Personal, thought-provoking, honest and blunt, Chelvan takes Kevin through everything from his Sri Lankan roots and his homosexuality through to his activism and trouble-making, and how that makes you one of the UK's leading human rights and discrimination barristers. But what does the S stand for? Superhero perhaps.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

'Kids from council estates don't go to university and don't become lawyers.' When Barry Matthews sat down with his careers adviser at 17 and said he wanted to study law, that's exactly the response he got. Now ITV's top lawyer, Barry is determined to kill off this stereotype. Barry's modest beginnings have been the driving force behind the Social Mobility Business Partnership. SMBP has provided work insight, skills training and coaching to hundreds of under-privileged students throughout nine cities, promoting social mobility in the legal and accountancy professions. As well as discussing corporate social responsibility, Barry chats to Kevin about nights out with the Cheeky Girls, the power of a free beer and the ethics of modern day television.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

The last 10 years have been phenomenal for Bird & Bird – with a keen and fruitful programme of global expansion. And this is in no small part to the firm's hard-working CEO, David Kerr. Kevin sits down with David to discuss his 22 years at the helm. Bird & Bird may have a history dating back to 1846, but it has innovation at its core. How does David feel about getting into bed with China? And just how important is Silicon Valley? This episode sees us on the top floor of Bird & Bird's new Fetter Lane offices, pondering life in charge.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Michelle. Melania. Herr Merkel. If (big if) there was a "Political First Partners" WhatsApp group, they'd be there. And until October 2018, so would Miriam. But her husband has gone to Facebook to be their new Head of Global Affairs and Communications and she has (metaphorically) left the group. This week, Kevin says a great big "hola" to Miriam González Durántez. Not Mrs Clegg. By day she's an international trade rights lawyer. By night she's chief championeer of young girls' rights through her brainchild inspiringgirls.org. Brexit, Henderson's Relish, cooking blogs, and a future where Nick could join the aforementioned mythical WhatsApp group – this episode has got it all. As a Yorkshireman would say, "de nada".

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Before the #MeToo movement, publicly speaking out against sexual harassment was a much riskier exercise. Calling out behaviour could find you isolated and even alienated in certain industries, both professionally and personally. Despite these risks, that's exactly what our latest guest did – challenging a senior solicitor over a now infamous message he sent via LinkedIn. In episode 12 of The Hearing, barrister and self-proclaimed feminist Charlotte Proudman sits down with Kevin to speak about how she dealt with her face being splashed across the front pages, being trolled by keyboard warriors and even being labelled a 'feminazi'. Charlotte and Kevin also cover the feminist movement, gender parity, women's only events, her 'inspiration' Catharine MacKinnon, and the difficult subject of disclosure around rape cases.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

He's a controversial, no holds barred, opinionated, orator who defends the guilty and loves a good cup of Yorkshire tea. No, we're not talking about Kevin. In The Hearing's series 2 opener, Jonathan Goldberg QC invites us into a world of colourful characters and rogues. Not one to be backward about coming forward, Jonathan lets rip on the state of the "groaning and creaking criminal justice system", the incompetence of solicitors, and the lavish and unnecessary spending on champagne and lunches at the Bar. With more stories than a skyscraper, Jonathan rattles through everything from Hillsborough, Royal Marine A and defending "the charming" Charlie Kray. It's time to meet the man who takes on the task of defending the guilty. "I'm just a mouthpiece. I'm not the judge and jury, I'm the advocate." He's certainly no wallflower. Get your ears around this today. As you might expect, this episode contains language that some may find inappropriate.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Karen Jackson is an inspirational lover of problem-solving, passionate for French and a self-styled protector of the underdog. In this episode Kevin meets the founder of didlaw, one of the UK's leading disability discrimination practices. A former City trader, Karen talks candidly about the roundabout route she took into law and how a heart transplant helped guide her to a new path – setting up her own practice that's focused on challenging mental health, disability and illness discrimination.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Fans of the hugely popular Netflix documentary Making a Murderer will know this week's guest. Dean Strang was one of the defence lawyers for Steven Avery. Dean was an eloquent voice of reason throughout the series, which led to him being labelled an international sex symbol. A modest Dean tells Kevin how he first got involved in the Avery case, and how he's dealt with the wave of media and public attention ever since. They also discuss Dean's views on the US criminal justice system, his cartoonist aspirations, and whether Dean should move to the UK to become a judge.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

The 'Diva of Divorce', Ayesha Vardag, sits down with Kevin in the luxurious Vardags offices in St. Paul's, London. They discuss Georgian mahogany, her high net-worth clientele and the Var-Bot – Ayesha's personal office robot that'll be familiar to fans of The Good Wife. During her divorce, Ayesha had an Erin Brockovich-esque transition from commercial to family law, which ultimately led to her being offered a job by the lawyer who managed her case. This episode looks at the impact Ayesha's cases and campaigning have had on family law reform, and it offers an exciting behind-the-scenes look at one of the UK's fastest growing law firms.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Tory MP Ken Clarke reveals why he has occasionally dressed up in women's underwear. The former Lord Chancellor and current Father of the House of Commons also tells Kevin what he thinks of his new-found fans – drawn by his outspoken views on Brexit. This episode won't disappoint. The pair also discuss: pressure to modify Ken's Nottinghamshire accent; attending Rushcliffe beauty parades for column inches; death threats; selfies; and Trump (the president, not the inflatable baby).

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

In this episode Kevin is joined by Yasmin Sheikh. Yasmin is the founder of Diverse Matters, vice-chair of the Law Society's Lawyers with Disabilities Division, consultant, coach, actress, comedian and TEDx speaker.

During their conversation, Yasmin talks about her experience of being thrown into the world of disability overnight and the daily challenges she faces. Yasmin also discusses the impactful work she's doing with law firms, advising about disability-related issues in an effort to improve communication, visibility and opportunities.

You can view Yasmin's TEDx Talk here: https://youtu.be/5uiu2ndZo8c

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

In this episode Kevin is joined by Sir Rupert Jackson – barrister, former Lord Justice of Appeal and legal reformer.

As well as his infamous reform of civil litigation costs, Rupert has authored some of the industry's leading texts during his 50-year career. Now, back at the Bar, he talks through the fresh challenges facing lawyers, and discusses his new role as a justice in the AIFC Court and International Arbitration Centre in Kazakhstan.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

In this episode Kevin is joined by barrister Robin White. Robin was the first barrister to transition from male to female while in practice at the employment and discrimination bar. They chat about Robin's early life and career, and how dealing with personal discrimination in her late twenties became a catalyst for a career change into law.

Now specialising in transgender rights, Robin offers a candid insight into her experience. She discusses the current issues that surround gender-transformation, as well as general workplace and social discrimination in Britain today.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

In this episode Kevin is joined by Lord Michael Howard of Lympne. Although best known for his time as a Government Minister and a former leader of the Conservative Party, Michael's life before Westminster involved a distinguished career at the Bar. As a vocal supporter of the 'Leave Means Leave' campaign, Michael's views on Brexit are crystal-clear, but we also hear he has some personal regret over one of his most controversial ministerial decisions.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

In this episode Kevin is joined by 'futurist' Joe Raczynski (@joerazz). You'll hear Joe explain what his job actually is and why we should all pay attention to cyber security. As an expert in legal technology and AI, we also explore the rise of blockchain and crypto currencies, the challenges for driverless cars and the future of the robot lawyer.

Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

In the inaugural episode of The Hearing – a legal podcast from Thomson Reuters – Kevin is joined by Dame Fiona Woolf. During their conversation they reflect on Fiona's fascinating career, including her time as president of the Law Society, and as Lord Mayor of London. They also chat about Fiona's ongoing work in promoting diversity and inclusion with the Power of Diversity programme. Listen out for her incredible anecdote on how Carrie Morrison became the first woman to be admitted as a solicitor in England.

To find out more about The Hearing visit tr.com/TheHearing