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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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This episode is supported by Wesleyan Financial Services.

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

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

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Harold Brako

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Thanks again to Addleshaw Goddard for supporting this episode.  

Anesta Weekes KC

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

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

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

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

Gillian Long

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

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

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

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

Mary Prior KC

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

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

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

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

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

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson

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

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

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

Alison Lobb

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

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

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

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