Talking Law with Dr Sally Penni MBE

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

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Natasha Chahal Natasha is an associate in Addleshaw Goddard's London office. She advises on a range of complex commercial disputes including claims for breach of contract, competition claims and business protection proceedings. Sally and Natasha discuss the different routes that can be taken into law, including Natasha’s experience with a law conversion course. Natasha tells Sally about creating the Ethnic Business Growth Programme at Addleshaw Goddard, which supports businesses that have ethnically diverse owners to receive legal services. This episode is supported by Addleshaw Goddard. Find out more about their work 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 Twitter @SallyPenni1 and Instagram @sjsallypenni

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Ann Francke OBE Ann Francke is the CEO of the Chartered Management Institute, the UK's leading professional body for management and leadership. In this interview, Ann talks about equality in the workplace and how all organisations, including law firms, can do more to promote women to leadership positions. Plus, Ann and Sally discuss why a good relationship with your line manager is one of the most important things at work. You’ll hear some of the well being initiatives that have been implemented at CMI and why they’re crucial for all organisations to foster a healthy working environment. You can now support Talking Law on Patreon 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 Joanna Hughes. Joanna is the creator of Joanna Hughes Solicitor Apprenticeships and Advisor to the City Century career creating collaboration of 50+ City of London law firms which identifies, attracts, recruits, onboards, educates, networks, develops and qualifies significant numbers of talented and committed solicitor apprentices. Joanna and Sally discuss why Solicitor Apprenticeships are an attractive route into the law for employees and employers alike, and why Joanna is so passionate about them. Joanna shares insights into ways that the legal profession can be diversified, and the different forms diversity can take. Plus Joanna shares her top tips for those starting out in the legal profession. This episode is supported by Joanna Hughes Solicitor Apprenticeships. Find out more about their work here . You can also find out more about City Century here . You can now support Talking Law on Patreon. Donate £3 a month to support the podcast. 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 The Rt Hon Victoria Prentis. Victoria has served as Attorney General for England and Wales since 2022. She is also a Government Minister, and the MP for Banbury. Sally and Victoria discuss the day to day role of Attorney General and what that entails. Victoria also shares insights into how the crossover between law and politics in her career came about. They discuss the importance of increasing diversity when it comes to government legal careers; what’s been achieved so far and what more needs to be done. 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 Lisa Abrahams & Emma Wilson. Lisa and Emma both work in insurance at ARAG, which provides legal insurance products on a global scale. Lisa and Emma both discuss how they came to their careers via alternative routes, and stress that it’s never too late to start. They also discuss the improvements they’ve seen in diversity in their roles. Emma shares the role that ARAG has played in some high-profile medical negligence cases in the UK. This episode is supported by ARAG, click here to learn more about their work . 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 Sarah Foster. Sarah is a Partner in Restructuring at Addleshaw Goddard, where she provides advice on all aspects of restructuring; including business support, turnaround and insolvency. Sarah shares her journey from studying history and history of art at university, through to taking a conversion course and training in the firm. They also discuss Addleshaw Goddard’s approach to encouraging diversity in their law careers, including their apprenticeships; the Flourish network for female solicitors and their latest initiative, working with young people in schools. This episode is supported by Addleshaw Goddard. 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 Susanna McGibbon Susanna McGibbon is His Majesty’s Procurator General, the Treasury Solicitor and the Permanent Secretary of the Government Legal Department, or GLD. She is the most senior civil servant who gives legal advice to the government of the day. Susanna and Sally discuss the important distinction that whilst she and the GLD act in their client’s best interests, they are politically impartial. They reflect on Susanna’s passion for ensuring that the Government of the day is advised by people who live and work all over the country. It’s vitally important to Susanna that the Government is advised by people who reflect the society that they serve. Susanna also shares with Sally why her most significant case was actually a defeat, when the High Court ruled that MPs must be given a vote on whether to trigger Article 50. 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 Michael Mansfield KC Michael was called to the Bar in 1967. In 1984, he established Tooks Chambers and became Queen's Counsel in 1989. He has represented defendants in criminal trials, appeals and inquiries in some of the most controversial legal cases the country has seen, particularly where issues of Civil Liberty have arisen. Sally and Michael discuss some of the high-profile cases Michael has worked on, including Stephen Lawrence and the Grenfell Inquiry. He also shares his experience of chairing inquiries for mistreated groups and providing equal opportunities for black practitioners. 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 Nicola Williams. Nicola is the author of the hit novels Without Prejudice and Until Proven Innocent. She’s also a part-time Crown Court Judge and one of the 100 most influential black people in the UK. Nicola shares with Sally her journey to the bar, and how the skills she learnt there took her to the Cayman Islands. Nicola shares her insights into the life of a legal professional, as she tried to balance her career as a part-time Crown Court Judge and as an author. 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 Nik White. Nik has been the Managing Partner of Brabners since 2018. With a background in commercial law, he has devoted his working career to the firm, having joined as a trainee solicitor in 1995. Brabners is a leading independent law firm which helps private, public and third-sector organisations, as well as private individuals. They recently worked on the now infamous “Wagatha Christie” case for their client Colleen Rooney. Sally discovers what it was like to work on such a high profile case, with so much media attention. Brabners have a focus on sustainability, not just in the environment but in the workplace too. Sally hears about their work to encourage employees back to the office post-pandemic and also about the “Brabners Bog”, a peat bog they’ve invested in to help tackle carbon emissions. Nik describes himself as an “accidental lawyer”. He and Sally discuss his journey to become Managing Partner; the skills and values he has carried with him and why he’s never moved on to another firm. This episode is supported by Brabners. 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 Lord Jonathan Sumption Lord Sumption is a former senior judge who sat on the Supreme Court of England and Wales. Sally and Lord Sumption reflect on his career, the cases he enacted on as a barrister, including the Abramovich case, and why Lord Sumption once said it will take 50 years to achieve true equality at the bar. Sally and Lord Sumption also discuss the 2019 prorogation case, although he did not act on this case he shares his perspective. During the pandemic Lord Sumption spoke out against the lockdowns when asked to comment by the BBC programme “The World at One”. He explains to Sally the reasoning behind his views and where he believes the government went wrong. A former academic, Lord Sumption has authored several books and specialises in history. Sally speaks to him about his life outside of his work and his passion for the arts. This episode is supported by Salford Business School. Find out more about their work here. Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 and Instagram @ sjsallypenni