In our latest episode of the GetBriefed Podcast, Orlagh sits down for a second conversation with Kathryn Stone OBE, as she bids farewell to a career at the Bar spanning the last seven years.

Throughout her time leading the profession’s regulator, Kathryn has experienced the Bar in some of its highest and some of its lowest moments. Her main goal as Chair ofthe BSB has been clear from the very beginning – partnering with the profession to build a better Bar for all

This conversation sees Kathryn reflect on her tenure withthe BSB, giving her final thoughts on:

• The Bar’s biggest strengths and toughest challenges

• How the profession can reach new heights through collaboration
• The future of technology in the legal industry    
• The crucial role of the BSB going forward

In the latest episode of the GetBriefed Podcast, Orlagh sits down with Bibi Badejo - a barrister, advocacy trainer and founder of The Advocacy Coach and The Advocacy Podcast.

With a long-standing passion for law and a career spanning both courtroom practice and legal education, Bibi is committed to helping lawyers develop practical, impactful advocacy skills. Her work bridges the gap between traditional legal training and the demands of modern-day practice.

This conversation sees Bibi share insights from her personal and professional journey, and explores key challenges and developments in legal advocacy, including:

• The psychological pressures faced by lawyers and advocates
• Common gaps in legal education and skills training
• Strategies for building confidence confidence in public speaking and courtroom delivery
• The role of continuous professional development in advocacy
• Navigating dual careers in legal practice and entrepreneurship
• The future of advocacy in light of AI and emerging tech

A particularly interesting episode for those who are striving to enhance their advocacy skills and take their courtroom expertise to the next level.

In this latest episode of The GetBriefed Podcast, Orlagh is joined by Jayne Drake, Senior Clerk at St Pauls Chambers and newly appointed member of the IBC Executive Committee.

Jayne first stepped into the clerks' room in 1995 and has led the team at St Pauls since 2009. With three decades of experience, she brings a sharp perspective to an enduring question: What is the essence of clerking today?

In this conversation, Orlagh and Jayne explore:

• The future of clerking as a career
• How culture varies between London and regional sets
• What’s needed to grow and sustain the profession
• The inevitable role of AI in the clerks’ room

Whether you're just starting out or looking to help shape the next generation of clerks, this episode is packed with valuable reflections and forward-looking insights.

In the latest episode, Orlagh sits down with Sarah Longden, Chief Operating Officer at Quadrant Chambers.

Appointed as Quadrant’s COO in May 2024, Sarah brings nearly 30 years of experience in the legal sector, with a background deeply rooted in marketing and businessdevelopment across both law firms and chambers.

In this conversation, Sarah reflects on her path from marketing to leadership, sharing insights on:

• The evolution of marketing within chambers.
• The importance of building relationships, demonstrating expertise, and maintaining consistency.
• How she prepared for and navigated the transition into a senior leadership role.

An insightful discussion for anyone interested in career progression, leadership, and the changing dynamics of legal marketing.

How do criminal barristers navigate their most distressing cases? How does constant exposure to trauma impact their well-being—and the profession as a whole? 

In this gripping episode of the GetBriefed Podcast, Orlagh sits down with Farrhat Arshad KC, a leading criminal barrister who has spent over two decades at the Criminal Bar. Appointed KC in 2024, she has tackled some of the most complex and harrowing cases imaginable. 

Together, they unpack: 

• The increasingly intense pressures placed on young criminal barristers 

• The psychological toll of handling traumatic cases 

• Why senior barristers must step up to create a healthier legal culture 

The legal profession thrives on resilience—but at what cost? This is a must-listen for anyone in law, leadership, or anyone fascinated by the unseen challenges of criminal justice. 

In this episode of the GetBriefed Podcast, Orlagh is joined by the current Chambers  Director of 42BR, Vincent Denham.

 Officially known as the first-ever appointed Chief Executive in the Chambers world, Vincent is one of the most experienced leaders within the chambers profession, having led 7 different legal entities, including 3 sets of chambers and 4 law firms.

 In this conversation, Vincent shares with us a masterclass in chambers management, covering everything he has learned since pioneering the business side of chambers from the very beginning.

A compelling listen for those who intend to further their career in managing chambers and creating a model that will last far into the future.

In this episode of the GetBriefed Podcast, Orlagh is joined

As an established criminal defence lawyer, Chris made a name for himself dealing in a niche of cases that garner major attention from the media. He notably played a part in representing professional footballers, John Terry and Ryan Giggs in their majorly publicised cases, as well an involvement in the Hillsborough Disaster Inquests.

Outside of the courtroom, Chris has also built a successful presence in mainstream and online media. His passion for social justice and criminal law reform is the main focus of his media ventures, demonstrated in his publishing catalogue and BBC documentary productions. 

This conversation sees Chris details his methodical mastery

In the first episode of our 2025 season, we welcome the current CEO of Doughty Street Chambers, James Whiting. 

Having only recently stepped into the chambers world in 2022, James brought with him a plethora of knowledge gained from 25 years in the charity sector, where he picked up vast amounts of experience in deputy director and director roles.

Taking on the role of CEO at one of the UK’s most esteemed chambers was surely daunting, but James’ focus has remained firmly and maintaining the set’s reputation and driving it on to the next level.

This episode sees James discuss the essence and ethos of a set like Doughty Street Chambers, the development of the profession from an ‘outsider’s’ perspective and the importance of a chambers’ roster.

In this compelling season finale of the GetBriefed Podcast, Orlagh sits down with Kathryn, the Chair of the Bar Standards Board, for a conversation on integrity, justice, and the future of legal standards.

Kathryn’s journey began from humble origins, where her commitment to fairness was sparked at a young age. A formative experience caring for individuals with profound disabilities as part of a school community service requirement laid the foundation for her career dedicated to upholding what’s right. Her career spans key roles across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, all anchored by her unwavering focus on justice and equity.

This episode delves into the Bar Standards Board’s recent proposal to change barristers' core duties on improving Eqaulity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in the profession. Kathryn shares insights into the proposal’s intent, the Bar’s varied responses, and her vision for progressing the profession’s commitment to EDI in 2025 and beyond.

For those connected to the Bar, a reminder that this BSB consultation remains open until November 29 at 17:00. We strongly encourage you to contribute your views.

In this episode, Orlagh is joined by current judge and former Head of Chambers of 3 Paper Buildings, HHJ Nigel Lickley KC.

As a teenager, Nigel had little to no knowledge of what a barrister was or what they did. However, one trip to the crown court as part of a work shadowing showed him that it was the best job in the world.

From then, Nigel joined 3PB as a pupil and spent 34 years at the set, specialising in Crime and Regulatory law, and was eventually appointed Head of Chambers in 2015.

In 2018, Nigel was successful with his judicial application and was sworn into his new career within the judiciary.

He has played an instrumental role in improving diversity within the Judiciary through the Targeted Outreach Programme, which aims to support JAC targeted groups (women, ethnic minority people, disabled people, and solicitor candidates) and helps candidates overcome some of the barriers to judicial appointment that exist for underrepresented groups.

Nigel discusses the profound experience of worlds colliding for the first time in a courtroom, the vast disparity in diversity within the judiciary and some invaluable advice for those considering their judicial applications.

For more information on the Judicial Appointments Commission and the work they are doing with the Targeted Outreach Programme, please use the link below:

https://judicialappointments.gov.uk/targeted-outreach-and-research-team/