Race impacts the way that people are treated throughout society. The legal profession is no different. This episode delves into the impact that racial prejudice, bias and the intersection of race and class have had upon solicitors and barristers, and tries to assess whether things will ever change for the better. 

As ever, the No Walls Podcast does not hold back. Our very own Toufique Hossain and Sheroy Zaq discuss their experiences as South Asian men, from studying law all the way up to their experiences post-qualification, including what can only be described as a horrific, life-changing moment in 2020.

They are joined by two powerhouse guests from Garden Court Chambers: Sonali Naik QC & Michael Etienne, both of whom provide a candid and thought-provoking insight into their experiences within one of the least diverse professions in the UK.

It is Mental Health Awareness Week 2022 and as such, The No Walls Podcast in this episode delves into the significant impact that comes with being a legal aid asylum lawyer. Whether it’s vicarious trauma, being targeted by the Government and the media, professional pressures, or a combination of them all - this episode shines a light on the difficulty that comes with working in this area, and hopefully, gives others in the field or wanting to enter the field an understanding and some hope.

In this episode, our hosts candidly open up about the impact this work has had on them, from Gillian Hughes (consultant Clinical Psychologist and Systemic Psychotherapist) about Vicarious Trauma, what it is and its prevalence in this field, and finally from our colleague Nicholas Hughes who discusses the mental health impact on him, in particular in relation to the Brook House Inquiry, and the steps he has taken to make it a bit more manageable.

The UK’s latest shocking attack on asylum seekers is, put simply, an agreement to send them to Rwanda in exchange for money. There is a lot of misinformation being spread by those in favour of this agreement and, as such, the No Walls Podcast wants to set the record straight. We are extremely grateful to be joined by two revered guests, both of whom provide an invaluable insight into the terrifying reality that asylum seekers sent to Rwanda will likely face.

Our first guest is Dr Emilie McDonnell, the Advocacy Coordinator at Human Rights Watch. Emilie sets out the grave concerns with Rwanda’s historic and recent human rights record, as well as discussing the horrific failings of previous attempts at externalised migration control.   

Our second guest, referred to throughout as ‘N’ for his own safety, is a previous client of the firm and now has refugee status in the UK. He was a national of Rwanda, and as such, provides first-hand insight into the disparity between the way that the Rwandan government portrays itself, and the frightening reality for those who live there.

It's International Women’s Day 2022! To celebrate, our focus in this special episode is on migrant women. Four of our clients talk about what being a woman means to them. All are survivors of gender-based violence but today they share with us their proudest moments, the women who have inspired them the most, the advice they would give their younger selves and their aspirations for the future. This episode is about strength, survival and hope from four truly inspiring women.

The No Walls Podcast is a podcast about all things human rights and refugee law, including the people working within it and the clients we represent.  

Representing refugees and migrants is both an honour and a privilege. Our clients are why we do this work. It can so often have a profound effect on you - to have been able to assist someone in standing up against power, in changing their lives.   

This episode is hosted by Toufique Hossain and Anna Spivack and provides you with a snapshot of some of the moving moments we've experienced whilst working in this field, those moments we have that motivate and drive us to continue representing our clients. 

Anna, Toufique & three of our colleagues in the public law team, Tom Nunn, Jeremy Bloom and Maria Thomas speak about the most moving moment in their legal career so far.

The fearless Duncan Lewis Public Law team, known for their groundbreaking challenges to government policies, ranked 1 in Immigration and Human Rights work in the Legal 500, now brings you The No Walls Podcast! 

This is a podcast about all things human rights and refugee law, including the people working within it and the clients we represent. It is hosted by three colleagues at Duncan Lewis Solicitors: Toufique Hossain director of our Public Law team, Sheroy Zaq, solicitor and supervisor and Anna Spivack, a trainee solicitor in the team.  

This is a short introductory episode, explaining a bit about who we are as your co-hosts, why we got into this field of immigration and asylum law and what kind of content you can expect to come in this podcast. 

Make sure to tune in for our first official episode coming out on Wednesday 9 February 2022!