In this episode of The Space Podcast, our host Emma Dennis speaks with Anna Fletcher, a Partner in our Employment team, as she prepares to retire after nearly three decades at Gowling WLG. Anna has been a driving force for disability inclusion, sharing her lived experience of sight loss and championing open conversations across the firm and beyond.

Anna reflects on her career journey, from joining the firm in 1996 to becoming a Partner, and how her diagnosis of PIC (a rare condition caused by inflammation at the back of the eye) shaped her professional life.

Anna candidly discusses the challenges she faced, from adapting to new ways of working to building confidence in sharing her experience. She emphasises the importance of open conversations, practical support, and the power of our internal disability network, Enable, which she helped to establish and lead.

The podcast explores common misconceptions about disability, particularly invisible disabilities, and the need to focus on what people can do rather than what they cannot.

Listen to this inspiring episode to learn how her legacy will influence the future of diversity and inclusion at Gowling WLG.

You can find this episode and the accompanying transcript on our website: https://gowlg.co/4a0tPuQ

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Gowling WLG is an international full-service law firm working across a range of industry sectors including real estate, government, financial services, life sciences and technology. We operate across the world with offices in the UK, Europe, Canada and the Middle East.

We regularly talk about a broad range of topics that may be of interest to you. Subscribe to receive our latest articles, podcasts and webinars straight to your inbox: https://gowlg.co/35efH2r

Alternatively, you can view our full selection of insights and resources here: https://gowlg.co/3IwEr41

Want to get to know us? Follow us on:

LinkedIn: https://gowlg.co/3hqmatB Twitter: https://gowlg.co/35Do0nY Facebook: https://gowlg.co/3th2w8N Instagram: https://gowlg.co/3tEf2iq

This podcast may contain information of general interest about current legal issues, but does not give legal advice.

Join us for this episode in The Space Podcast as our host Emma Dennis, sits down with Greg Standing, Head of Risk and Insurance. Greg brings a wealth of experience from his 25-year journey with us - from joining as a newly qualified solicitor to becoming an equity partner, and now works in the General Counsel team.

In this episode, listeners will discover how Greg's hearing loss later in life shaped his sense of identity, and how he found the courage to reinvent his professional path, and himself. The conversation explores the emotional and practical challenges of a hidden disability, the importance of trust and safe spaces to talk, and the vital role of allies in fostering inclusion.

Greg shares candid reflections on leadership, wellbeing, and the impact of technology in making workplaces accessible. Together Emma and Greg explore resilience, identity and reinvention. and highlight the need for genuine inclusion, being a caring colleague, and the power of vulnerability to create change for future generations.

You can find this episode and the accompanying transcript on our website: http://gowlg.co/48HHjeE

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Gowling WLG is an international full-service law firm working across a range of industry sectors including real estate, government, financial services, life sciences and technology. We operate across the world with offices in the UK, Europe, Canada and the Middle East.

We regularly talk about a broad range of topics that may be of interest to you. Subscribe to receive our latest articles, podcasts and webinars straight to your inbox: https://gowlg.co/35efH2r

Alternatively, you can view our full selection of insights and resources here: https://gowlg.co/3IwEr41

Want to get to know us? Follow us on:

LinkedIn: https://gowlg.co/3hqmatB Twitter: https://gowlg.co/35Do0nY Facebook: https://gowlg.co/3th2w8N Instagram: https://gowlg.co/3tEf2iq

This podcast may contain information of general interest about current legal issues, but does not give legal advice.

In this insightful episode of The Space Podcast, our host Emma Dennis sits down with Chris Brennan, a Legal Director in our Public Procurement team, to explore the realities of living and working as a neurodivergent individual. Chris shares his personal journey of discovering his neurodivergence later in life, reflecting on early signs, the impact on his legal career, and the unique strengths neurodivergent people bring to the workplace.

Listeners will hear candid stories about overcoming challenges, the importance of self-acceptance, and how understanding neurodiversity can transform both professional and personal wellbeing. The conversation also tackles misconceptions, the value of diversity and inclusion, and practical advice for neurodivergent individuals considering a career in law.

This episode is a must-listen for employers and employees to improve and raise awareness for mental health and invisible disabilities in the workplace to creating more inclusive spaces.

You can find this episode and the accompanying transcript on our website: http://gowlg.co/48HHjeE

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Gowling WLG is an international full-service law firm working across a range of industry sectors including real estate, government, financial services, life sciences and technology. We operate across the world with offices in the UK, Europe, Canada and the Middle East.

We regularly talk about a broad range of topics that may be of interest to you. Subscribe to receive our latest articles, podcasts and webinars straight to your inbox: https://gowlg.co/35efH2r

Alternatively, you can view our full selection of insights and resources here: https://gowlg.co/3IwEr41

Want to get to know us? Follow us on:

LinkedIn: https://gowlg.co/3hqmatB Twitter: https://gowlg.co/35Do0nY Facebook: https://gowlg.co/3th2w8N Instagram: https://gowlg.co/3tEf2iq

This podcast may contain information of general interest about current legal issues, but does not give legal advice.

Trigger warning: This episode contains sensitive discussions around suicide and mental health. Please prioritise your wellbeing and consider your own needs before listening. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available through organisations like The Samaritans – call 116 123 or visit Samaritans.org for confidential help.

In this powerful episode of The Space Podcast, host Emma Dennis speaks with Caroline Silcock, Business Development Executive, about her experience of losing her daughter Charlotte to suicide. Caroline shares her journey through grief, the impact on her personal and professional life, and the importance of open conversations about mental health in the workplace.

The episode explores how grief can affect every aspect of life, including returning to work and navigating support from colleagues and managers. Caroline reflects on the value of compassionate leadership, the need for flexible policies, and the difference that small acts of kindness can make. She also discusses the therapies and support networks that helped her, including bereavement counselling and alternative therapies.

Caroline's story is one of strength and resilience, offering insight for anyone supporting others through loss or facing their own challenges.

You can find this episode and the accompanying transcript on our website: https://gowlg.co/48nuWEf

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Gowling WLG is an international full-service law firm working across a range of industry sectors including real estate, government, financial services, life sciences and technology. We operate across the world with offices in the UK, Europe, Canada and the Middle East.

We regularly talk about a broad range of topics that may be of interest to you. Subscribe to receive our latest articles, podcasts and webinars straight to your inbox: https://gowlg.co/35efH2r

Alternatively, you can view our full selection of insights and resources here: https://gowlg.co/3IwEr41

Want to get to know us? Follow us on:

LinkedIn: https://gowlg.co/3hqmatB Twitter: https://gowlg.co/35Do0nY Facebook: https://gowlg.co/3th2w8N Instagram: https://gowlg.co/3tEf2iq

This podcast may contain information of general interest about current legal issues, but does not give legal advice.

Welcome to Season 3 of The Space podcast! This season, our host and DE&I & Wellbeing Senior Manager Emma Dennis explores the important theme of mental health and wellbeing, speaking with guests from across Gowling WLG about topics including neurodiversity, mental health, disability and more.

In this special first episode, Emma sits down with her manager Sally Glarvey, Head of DE&I and Wellbeing at Gowling WLG, for an open and honest conversation about neurodiversity in the workplace, focusing on Emma's personal journey with ADHD. The episode explores the realities of living and working with ADHD, from the challenges to the strengths.

You can find this episode and the accompanying transcript on our website: https://gowlg.co/3VAu4ED

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Gowling WLG is an international full-service law firm working across a range of industry sectors including real estate, government, financial services, life sciences and technology. We operate across the world with offices in the UK, Europe, Canada and the Middle East.

We regularly talk about a broad range of topics that may be of interest to you. Subscribe to receive our latest articles, podcasts and webinars straight to your inbox: https://gowlg.co/35efH2r

Alternatively, you can view our full selection of insights and resources here: https://gowlg.co/3IwEr41

Want to get to know us? Follow us on:

LinkedIn: https://gowlg.co/3hqmatB Twitter: https://gowlg.co/35Do0nY Facebook: https://gowlg.co/3th2w8N Instagram: https://gowlg.co/3tEf2iq

This podcast may contain information of general interest about current legal issues, but does not give legal advice.

Welcome to series two of The Space.

In this series, Emma Dennis, senior manager of DEI & Wellbeing in the UK, breaks down barriers and perceptions about a career in law by talking to the talented people of Gowling WLG.

Considering a career in law? Listen in as Emma explores diverse paths into the legal industry, with a focus on early talent, and the highlights a career in law can offer.

The series dives under the surface to reveal the diverse experiences and perspectives of our people, showing how a career in law might be perfect for you.

In the final episode of series two of The Space, Emma Dennis, Senior Manager of DEI and Wellbeing in the UK, talks to Rob Bridgman, Partner in the Property Litigation team, about his career journey at Gowling WLG. After studying music at university, Rob made the decision to pursue a career in law. Joining the firm in 2010 as a trainee, Rob was promoted to Partner in the Property Litigation team in 2021. Listen in as Rob discusses his route from trainee to Partner at Gowling WLG, his role as the firm's training principal, and what advice he has for aspiring individuals considering a career in law.

You can find this episode and the accompanying transcript on our website: https://gowlg.co/4jgx6IR

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Gowling WLG is an international full-service law firm working across a range of industry sectors including real estate, government, financial services, life sciences and technology. We operate across the world with offices in the UK, Europe, Canada and the Middle East.

We regularly talk about a broad range of topics that may be of interest to you. Subscribe to receive our latest articles, podcasts and webinars straight to your inbox: https://gowlg.co/35efH2r

Alternatively, you can view our full selection of insights and resources here: https://gowlg.co/3IwEr41

Want to get to know us? Follow us on:

LinkedIn: https://gowlg.co/3hqmatB Twitter: https://gowlg.co/35Do0nY Facebook: https://gowlg.co/3th2w8N Instagram: https://gowlg.co/3tEf2iq

This podcast may contain information of general interest about current legal issues, but does not give legal advice.

Welcome to series two of The Space.

In this series, Emma Dennis, senior manager of DEI & Wellbeing in the UK, breaks down barriers and perceptions about a career in law by talking to the talented people of Gowling WLG.

Considering a career in law? Listen in as Emma explores diverse paths into the legal industry, with a focus on early talent, and the highlights a career in law can offer.

The series dives under the surface to reveal the diverse experiences and perspectives of our people, showing how a career in law might be perfect for you.

In episode seven of The Space, Emma Dennis, Senior Manager of DEI and Wellbeing in the UK, talks to Kulraj Singh Bhangra, Trainee about his journey into law at Gowling WLG. Before joining the firm, Kulraj attended university, studying medical engineering, a postgraduate masters degree in medical technology entrepreneurship and finally a PhD in bio-medical engineering and regenerative medicine. Kulraj discusses his decision to pursue a career in law and the benefits of his scientific background. Joining the firm in 2023, Kulraj is now in his second year as a trainee.

You can find this episode and the accompanying transcript on our website: https://gowlg.co/40coZ7i

....

Gowling WLG is an international full-service law firm working across a range of industry sectors including real estate, government, financial services, life sciences and technology. We operate across the world with offices in the UK, Europe, Canada and the Middle East.

We regularly talk about a broad range of topics that may be of interest to you. Subscribe to receive our latest articles, podcasts and webinars straight to your inbox: https://gowlg.co/35efH2r

Alternatively, you can view our full selection of insights and resources here: https://gowlg.co/3IwEr41

Want to get to know us? Follow us on:

LinkedIn: https://gowlg.co/3hqmatB Twitter: https://gowlg.co/35Do0nY Facebook: https://gowlg.co/3th2w8N Instagram: https://gowlg.co/3tEf2iq

This podcast may contain information of general interest about current legal issues, but does not give legal advice.

Welcome to series two of The Space.

In this series, Emma Dennis, senior manager of DEI & Wellbeing in the UK, breaks down barriers and perceptions about a career in law by talking to the talented people of Gowling WLG.

Considering a career in law? Listen in as Emma explores diverse paths into the legal industry, with a focus on early talent, and the highlights a career in law can offer.

The series dives under the surface to reveal the diverse experiences and perspectives of our people, showing how a career in law might be perfect for you.

In episode six of The Space, Emma Dennis, Senior Manager of DEI and Wellbeing in the UK, talks to Grace Kemp, Associate about her journey into law at Gowling WLG. Grace discusses joining the firm as a Paralegal, starting her training contract in 2022 and her experience of qualifying as a solicitor in early 2024. Listen in as Grace talks about her experience studying human geography at Cardiff University and what led to her decision to pursue a career in law at Gowling WLG.

You can find this episode and the accompanying transcript on our website: https://gowlg.co/49pApJl

....

Gowling WLG is an international full-service law firm working across a range of industry sectors including real estate, government, financial services, life sciences and technology. We operate across the world with offices in the UK, Europe, Canada and the Middle East.

We regularly talk about a broad range of topics that may be of interest to you. Subscribe to receive our latest articles, podcasts and webinars straight to your inbox: https://gowlg.co/35efH2r

Alternatively, you can view our full selection of insights and resources here: https://gowlg.co/3IwEr41

Want to get to know us? Follow us on:

LinkedIn: https://gowlg.co/3hqmatB Twitter: https://gowlg.co/35Do0nY Facebook: https://gowlg.co/3th2w8N Instagram: https://gowlg.co/3tEf2iq

This podcast may contain information of general interest about current legal issues, but does not give legal advice.

Welcome to series two of The Space.

In this series, Emma Dennis, senior manager of DEI & Wellbeing in the UK, breaks down barriers and perceptions about a career in law by talking to the talented people of Gowling WLG.

Considering a career in law? Listen in as Emma explores diverse paths into the legal industry, with a focus on early talent, and the highlights a career in law can offer.

The series dives under the surface to reveal the diverse experiences and perspectives of our people, showing how a career in law might be perfect for you.

In today's episode of The Space, Emma Dennis, Senior Manager of DEI and Wellbeing in the UK, talks to Keira Temple, Paralegal Apprentice about her journey into law at Gowling WLG. Keira discusses taking the step from sixth form straight into a legal career via a paralegal apprenticeship, joining the firm in September 2023. Over a year into her apprenticeship, she talks about balancing work in the legal teams, preparing for her assessments and her career goals. Tune in and find out what life is like as a paralegal apprentice at Gowling WLG.

You can find this episode and the accompanying transcript on our website: https://gowlg.co/49pApJl

....

Gowling WLG is an international full-service law firm working across a range of industry sectors including real estate, government, financial services, life sciences and technology. We operate across the world with offices in the UK, Europe, Canada and the Middle East.

We regularly talk about a broad range of topics that may be of interest to you. Subscribe to receive our latest articles, podcasts and webinars straight to your inbox: https://gowlg.co/35efH2r

Alternatively, you can view our full selection of insights and resources here: https://gowlg.co/3IwEr41

Want to get to know us? Follow us on:

LinkedIn: https://gowlg.co/3hqmatB Twitter: https://gowlg.co/35Do0nY Facebook: https://gowlg.co/3th2w8N Instagram: https://gowlg.co/3tEf2iq

This podcast may contain information of general interest about current legal issues, but does not give legal advice.

Welcome to series two of The Space.

In this series, Emma Dennis, senior manager of DEI & Wellbeing in the UK, breaks down barriers and perceptions about a career in law by talking to the talented people of Gowling WLG.

Considering a career in law? Listen in as Emma explores diverse paths into the legal industry, with a focus on early talent, and the highlights a career in law can offer.

The series dives under the surface to reveal the diverse experiences and perspectives of our people, showing how a career in law might be perfect for you.

In the fourth episode of The Space, Emma Dennis, Senior Manager of DEI and Wellbeing in the UK, talks to Laura Pratt, Solicitor Apprentice about her career journey at Gowling WLG. Laura shares insight into her university experience and her decision to pursue a legal apprenticeship, which she found to be the best fit for her aspirations. Starting as a Paralegal Apprentice in 2017, Laura is now on her way to earning her legal qualification through a Solicitor Apprenticeship. Listen in as Laura and Emma explore an alternative path to becoming a lawyer.

You can find this episode and the accompanying transcript on our website: https://gowlg.co/3VcthKo

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Gowling WLG is an international full-service law firm working across a range of industry sectors including real estate, government, financial services, life sciences and technology. We operate across the world with offices in the UK, Europe, Canada and the Middle East.

We regularly talk about a broad range of topics that may be of interest to you. Subscribe to receive our latest articles, podcasts and webinars straight to your inbox: https://gowlg.co/35efH2r

Alternatively, you can view our full selection of insights and resources here: https://gowlg.co/3IwEr41

Want to get to know us? Follow us on:

LinkedIn: https://gowlg.co/3hqmatB Twitter: https://gowlg.co/35Do0nY Facebook: https://gowlg.co/3th2w8N Instagram: https://gowlg.co/3tEf2iq

This podcast may contain information of general interest about current legal issues, but does not give legal advice.