Talking Law with Dr Sally Penni MBE

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Denise Breen-Lawton KC.

Denise is a criminal barrister at St Philips Chambers. She acts for both the prosecution and the defence in serious and complex cases, with particular experience in terrorism, homicide, fraud and organised crime.

Denise was the first in her family to go to university, and she reflects on what that meant to her and on social mobility in the profession. You'll also hear how she came to the Bar via an unconventional route, after first studying business management.

Sally and Denise discuss her appointment as King's Counsel and what KC status really involves. She also talks about her role as a Bencher of Gray's Inn, one of the four historic Inns of Court in England and Wales.

Plus, Denise shares her top practical tips for advocacy and the wellbeing practices that support her in and out of court.

This episode is supported by St Philips Chambers. Find out more about their work here.

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

Content warning: references to suicide, depression

In the UK, the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Hotlines in other countries can be found here.

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Merry Varney.

Merry is a Partner & Solicitor in the Human Rights Department at the Law Firm Leigh Day.

In this episode, you’ll hear about Merry’s pivotal role in the inquest into the passing of teenager Molly Russell. A story that has been portrayed in the documentary film ‘Molly and the Machines’. Click here to watch the trailer.

You’ll hear how Merry navigated this case to bring answers and justice for Molly’s family; and why the case was so influential in the passing of the  Online Safety Act in 2023.

You’ll also hear how Merry addresses her own personal wellbeing when working on inquests of this nature, and when she believes is the right time to seek professional help. 

This episode is supported by Leigh Day. Find out more about them here.

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

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Mark Emerton.

Mark is a Governor at the University of Lincoln, and a now retired employment judge.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Mark’s route to the Bar started in the Royal Navy, where amongst his other responsibilities, he sat as a judge in court-marshalls. 

Sally and Mark discuss his appointment by the Prime Minister as the Judicial Member of the Senior Salaries Review Body to lead a major review of judicial salaries. 

And you’ll hear about Mark’s time as a commissioner at the Criminal Cases Review Commission - the independent body that investigates potential miscarriages of justice in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

This episode is supported by the University of Lincoln. Find out more about them here.

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

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with John Bowers KC.

John is the Principal of Brasenose College, Oxford and he sits out of term as a Deputy High Court Judge. John has been described as "an employment law rock star”. 

John discusses with Sally some of his landmark employment law cases, including overturning the ban on gay servicemen.

You’ll hear how John handles the different responsibilities of each of his roles, including what he’s learnt from his time as a high court judge.

Plus, John shares his insights into diversity at Brasenose College and presents his advice for those looking to come to the legal sector.

This episode is supported by the University of Lincoln. Find out more about them here.

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

Dr Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Professor Duncan French

Professor Duncan French is Pro Vice Chancellor and Head of College of Health & Science at the University of Lincoln.

Duncan shares with Sally his passion for international environmental law and the legal implications of climate change

Duncan and Sally discuss how his life has changed since his career move to the University of Lincoln, and his advice for students who are considering law.

You’ll hear key areas of interest for Duncan, such as sustainable development goals, and the importance of governance in environmental law

This episode is supported by the University of Lincoln. You can find out more about them here.

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

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Emma Riach

Emma is an experienced Attorney at Stanbrook Prudhoe, specialising in complex and cross-border cases.

Emma discusses with Sally how her work has spanned England, France, and now the Turks and Caicos Islands.

You’ll hear how Emma got her start working in French tax law, and some of the challenges that came along with it.

Plus, Emma shares highlights from her career advising on contentious matters for Fortune 500 companies.

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

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

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Sam Townend KC

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

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

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

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

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

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Nadia Chiesa.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sally Penni MBE is talking law with Sam Cottman.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Figen Murray OBE

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

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

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

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

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

 Find out more about them here. 

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

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