THE CROSS-EXAMINATION – We looked at the business and economic impact of COVID-19 in the first Cross-Examination episode. This week we're turning to its impact on our working culture. Becky speaks to an occupational psychologist, diversity consultant and a head of knowledge management, to find out more about how lawyer's working and personal lives are being affected by lockdown. Interestingly, she learns that many of us have become more efficient, more productive and more caring. But of course, there are exceptions. She asks how lockdown has changed the way we look at mental health concerns in the profession, whether COVID-19 could derail the diversity and inclusion agenda, and what senior colleagues can do to assist trainees and junior staff at this time. This is a fascinating discussion that touches on mental health, the disappearing veneer of corporate identities, and the pressing need to better understand all our colleagues regardless of their background or position. Contributors: - Jens Näsström, Occupational Psychologist & Researcher - Geoffrey Williams, Diversity & Inclusion Consultant - Caroline White-Robinson, Head of Knowledge Management & L&D, Shoosmiths We'd love to hear your comments and suggestions! Follow us on Twitter @HearingPodcast. Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

With Black Lives Matter protests taking place around the world once again, this week’s episode is a great opportunity to better understand the anger, grief and action of recent days. We also have exciting news to bring you as we welcome our new host: a lawyer, disability advocate and founder of Diverse Matters, Yasmin Sheikh. Yasmin spoke to Hashi Mohamed, a barrister who first came to the UK as an unaccompanied child refugee, about his new book, ‘People Like Us’. Weaving into his story, issues around race, class and identity, Hashi speaks of the importance of understanding one’s own context in defying an upbringing beset by poverty and hardship to gain the resilience, drive and confidence needed to radically transform his life. We’d love to hear your comments and suggestions! Follow us on Twitter @HearingPodcast. Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

We’re taking you Stateside this week as our very own legal futurist Joe Raczynski is joined by Reuters General Counsel, Gail Gove. Gail takes us behind the scenes of the case that grabbed the world's attention in 2018: the incredible story of Reuters journalists, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, who were imprisoned in Myanmar while investigating reports of mass murder. Gail talks to Joe about the all-encompassing nature of the work and what it's like to work with one of the most famous lawyers in the world, Amal Clooney. Starting out as a civil rights lawyer, Gail speaks of the importance of looking at legal issues through a wide-angled, global lens, the minefield of media laws around the world and the importance of having robust journalism. We’d like to hear your comments and suggestions. Follow us on Twitter @HearingPodcast If you’re interested in finding out more about how US law departments are navigating the new business landscape and adapting to the needs of 2020, download our complimentary report at tr.com/TheHearing.

Isolation and IT problems are on the agenda this week, though, refreshingly, Lord Neuberger is talking about life in his judge's chambers rather than Corona lockdown. Former President of the Supreme Court, Lord Neuberger, speaks candidly to Kevin about his feelings of failure in his early career as he went from being a scientist, to City banker, before landing on his feet as a barrister. We hear about Lord Neuberger's rise up the judicial ranks, why he initially turned down a High Court judgeship, and the regrets he had at becoming a judge. Lord Neuberger speaks about the unique challenges associated with the Gina Miller Brexit cases, the politicisation of the judiciary, and the media scrutiny he, his family and fellow judges have had to endure. For more news, insights and best practice on important trends impacting the legal industry, visit Legal Insights Europe: https://blogs.thomsonreuters.com/legal-uk/ For more information to help support you and your business, visit the Thomson Reuters COVID-19 resource centre: https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en/resources/covid-19.html Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

THE CROSS-EXAMINATION – Welcome to our first "The Cross-Examination" episode of The Hearing! We're taking big issues and examining them through a legal lens. And where else to start but with COVID-19? Becky Annison, a commercial lawyer and Practical Law Senior Editor, talks to an economist, insolvency practitioner and business leader to look at how COVID-19 is impacting the legal and business landscape, and its future implications. You'd be forgiven for thinking we've transported to a pre-corona Friday night drink with friends – there's an unlikely link to non-lawyer Natalie Portman as we discuss Black Swans, a trip to the pub and good old-fashioned football chat. We hope you enjoy this episode. Please let us know your thoughts! Contributors:- Stephen Allinson, Chairman of the Board, The Insolvency Service- Lucinda Case, Head of Legal Professionals Europe, Thomson Reuters - Alexis Crow, Global Head of Geopolitical Investing Practice, PwC For more information to help support you and your business, visit the Thomson Reuters COVID-19 resource centre: https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en/resources/covid-19.html

To celebrate our 50th episode, we're taking you down memory lane as we showcase some of the best bits with some of our favourite guests on The Hearing so far. Reminisce with Dame Fiona Woolf and Cherie Blair, who talk about the incredible women in the legal profession, as well as the ongoing challenges with gender inequality. Diversity and inclusion were the order of the day when Yasmin Sheikh joined us, while Brie Stevens-Hoare QC talked about a feeling of not belonging. Highlighting the diversity of discussion that we've had on The Hearing, World Bank Vice-President Sandie Okoro talked to Joe Raczynski about the benefits of working at an organisation that embraced multiculturalism, while former Blur drummer Dave Rowntree spoke about swapping the rockstar life for a career in criminal law. Criminal barrister Jonathan Goldberg QC regaled us with many a colourful tale about some of his more infamous clients. Alastair Campbell opened up about the Hutton Inquiry and his views on the government, while Ken Clarke talked to us about his posh accent and Cambridge education. We've got plenty more great guests—and some new ideas—to bring you. But for now, enjoy our celebratory 50th episode and, of course, stay safe! Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Shopping trips, designer sweatshirts, dynasties and staying in shape. No, this isn't Legally Blonde the podcast; this week we're discussing the glamour and grunt work of the clerking world. Kevin gets the lowdown on life as a clerk from Old Square Chambers’ Paul Adams, also known as Cliff! They discuss the range of skills needed to be a successful clerk, how the profession is keeping up with modern times, and sandwiches. Recorded in the good old days before Coronavirus lockdown, when crisis management meant filling up a barrister’s diary after an early settlement, Paul talks us through the many quirks of clerking. Enjoy—and stay safe! Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Politics and scandal have shaped the career of this week’s guest. Cash for Honours, MP’s expenses, phone hacking, he was there for it all — on the right side of the law, of course!Kevin sits down with Gerald Shamash, whose remarkable and diverse career has led to him being described as a celebrity lawyer, Labour Party lawyer and a legal aid lawyer—but he could have been a dentist! In this brilliant discussion, Gerald shares some great anecdotes about driving home with Alastair Campbell and representing Gazza—yes, that one—and he speaks incredibly passionately about his ardent commitment to public work despite the cuts to the legal aid budget in recent years. This isn’t an episode you’ll want to miss! Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Justice, mindfulness, biscuits! You’re in for a real treat this week, as Kevin sits down with his friend and CEO of LawCare, Elizabeth Rimmer. Though Elizabeth started her career in zoology, her international upbringing combined with a sense of justice led to a career change. As a solicitor, Elizabeth could stand up for people and give them a voice. She gives her insights into being a medical negligence solicitor and talks about why she questioned whether the legal system was designed to deliver the kind of justice that her clients really wanted. As CEO of LawCare, the charity that promotes and supports good mental health and well-being in the legal community, Elizabeth has does incredible work not only to raise awareness of these issues, but to tackle them. While originally focused on drinking culture at law firms, LawCare has evolved to work with lawyers on mindfulness and looking after their mental health as much as their physical health. Elizabeth is also a passionate advocate for ensuring that legal education includes education on looking after mental health. Finally, Elizabeth talks to Kevin about Fit for Law, a new initiative designed to promote emotionally healthier ways of working within law, as well as her desire to build an army of people who want to do something about improving mental health and wellbeing in the legal profession. Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

It really is a career of two halves for David Winnie, the ex-professional footballer who now heads up the Sport Law department for Charles Douglas Solicitors. In this week’s episode, David talks to Kevin about his love of football—and studying—from a young age, and his desire to become a professional player. David recalls having to make a big decision when he was 16 – and then dreaded telling his mother on the bus home. The journeyman defender went on to win the Scottish Cup and captain St Mirren FC, before plying his trade Iceland and Australia. David talks about his brief coaching and managerial career in Iceland and Scotland and the pressures placed not just on footballers who live their life under great public scrutiny, but also managers who are only as good as their last game. As his football career came to a close, David went to university and, after methodically deciding what he didn’t want to study, chose law. He talks about the day-to-day sports law issues that arrive on his desk, whether it be contractual negotiations, tax issues or getting compensation for wantaway footballers. David tells Kevin about recently setting up a sports agency, and how his experiences as a professional footballer help him to empathise with, and occasionally mentor, his clients, particularly when it comes to mental health safeguarding. Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing