In this week's episode, Joe Raczynski is joined by the pre-eminent thought leader in legal tech, and Chief Knowledge and Client Value Officer at Shearman & Sterling, Meredith Williams-Range. Taking us on a journey from her small-town, rural upbringing just outside of Memphis (where you'll find the absolute best bbq) to the bright lights of New York, Meredith tells how family tragedy and a decade-long lawsuit led to a career in law. Meredith talks about her career at Baker Donelson, where she worked with colleagues steeped in American history, including President Reagan's Chief of Staff, and eventually became involved with legal tech. The hustle led to a fascinating new position at Shearman & Sterling, a position that Meredith notes was designed on a napkin! The firm's great vision and wonderful people meant that Meredith knew from the start that she could do great work there… and have the best geeky conversations. In a fascinating discussion about the growth – and the daunting pace of growth – of legal tech and big data analytics, Meredith and Joe consider the biggest legal tech changes of recent years, and talk about the exceptional new tools that serve a true need, with the added bonus of giving the enormous power of data to lawyers. Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

It's the weekend, you're in Ibiza, you're ready to party, and a lawyer takes to the stage… Best. Night. Ever! Of course, it helps when that lawyer is superstar DJ, 'Judge' Jules O'Riordan. In this episode, Jules sits down with Kevin to talk about how he went from reading law at university, putting on illegal raves with his friends, to being one of the world's best-known DJs, and now an entertainment lawyer with Sound Advice. We hear how the combination of getting older and juggling a family life with the exhausting DJ lifestyle, contributed to a career change that has sparked plenty of curiosity among his legal peers. Jules tells Kevin what he loves about practising law and talks about the contrast between being a successful, self-centred artist and a lawyer focused primarily on his clients. Jules speaks passionately about fighting the good fight, and how that mentality continues to drive his legal career. And he tells of his efforts to pass on his expertise and experience in helping young artists avoid the mistakes and pitfalls that he encountered early in his music career. Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

This week’s distinguished guest is Sandie Okoro, the Senior Vice President and General Counsel for the World Bank. Sitting down with Thomson Reuters futurist Joe Raczynski, Sandie talks about how, from an early age, she learned that when someone limits your ambition it can become something to fight for and drive you on to enormous success. In this inspirational episode, Sandie talks about the work behind the World Bank’s goal of eliminating extreme poverty by 2030 and also behind their efforts to promote the rule of law and access to justice. And she brings to light some of the incredible work done to tackle gender inequality and rebuild post-conflict societies. Discussing the exciting evolution of her career, from a barrister to a solicitor and then general counsel, she explores the similarities and differences, and speaks passionately about the tangible outcomes in the public sector, where she sees the life-changing effects of her team’s work. Finally, she shares her fascinating insight into the interplay between culture and the law, and how social movements change the law and, in turn, change cultural attitudes and drive social progress. Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Workers unite! Have you ever considered the crossover between sex workers and paralegals, or questioned whether Kevin is the enemy? In this eye-opening episode, the answers to those questions are just the tip of the iceberg. Kevin is joined by Zachary Whyte and Molly De Dios. A second-year trainee at Hodge Jones & Allen, Zac co-founded Legal Sector Workers United, an affiliate of United Voices of the World, where Molly sits on the Executive Committee. In this passionate discussion, Zac and Molly speak out against what they call the exploitation of paralegals. And they outline the work being done to ensure the best possible conditions for all legal sector workers, from barristers and solicitors to cleaners and security staff. We hear about the immense challenges of securing the London Living Wage for a range of workers at the Ministry of Justice, and their campaign to restore the legal aid budget. Finally, Zac and Molly make a stirring case for all in the sector to get involved to help improve the justice system. Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

In this episode, we talk to Labour MP, Alistair Darling, about how his Aberdeen law degree helped to shape his political career (spoiler alert: lawyers should be lawyers, not politicians). Although Alistair does admit that law is a solid discipline that enables you to ask critical questions, which are useful skills for politicians. Alistair gives us his thoughts on the deeply divisive nature of referendums, including his take on Brexit and the inherent problems with a hard border. He talks about the success of his memoir, ‘Back from the Brink’, which spent 1,000 days at number 1. He also divulges why he wouldn’t write another book for fear of picking fights. Now away from frontline politics, we pose the question: would you be quick to return if there were to be another Scottish referendum? His answer may surprise you. Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

From a young age, Ann Olivarius saw that men ruled the world. A mother whose potential was left unfulfilled. A male-dominated college where sexual harassment was rife. An investment bank where no amount of talent and expertise could ever make her part of the team. It was a message she received time-and-time-again. In this week’s podcast, you’ll hear how she turned that message into her motivation to make the world better through the power of law. Our first returning guest, Ann chats to Kevin about her life and storied career, during which she consistently uncovered, called-out and addressed inequality. Ann talks about coining terms like sexual harassment and date rape, but delves beneath the terminology to discuss the necessity of change, the importance of paying privilege forward and how her ‘scary side’ has driven her to take on the institutions she once trusted. She also talks about her recent work in the UK, navigating the challenges of our connected world. You’ll hear how Ann combines her influence with an underdog spirit to tackle issues like cyberbullying, cyber rape and regulating the internet. From Alexander v. Yale to an innovative new way to help young people take action in response to revenge porn, it’s essential and inspirational listening. Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

How does a construction barrister based in London, end up in Sierra Leone, advising local government on faecal sludge? After 19 years as a Construction Barrister, Lucy Garret QC, was getting a little bit bored and wanted a change of scenery. So, she did what most of us can only dream of and took an 18-month sabbatical. Leaving London, and travelling over 4,000 miles south to Freetown, Sierra Leone, to take up a new opportunity with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. Currently working with the elected Mayor of Freetown, Lucy talks about how her skills and experience as a high-flying barrister have transferred to her new role, helping the local government to enhance their effectiveness, in order to deliver reforms or projects for the people of the country. But, with her sabbatical coming to an end, and plans to return to take up her old life in London, Lucy reflects on her time in Sierra Leone, talking to Kevin about the life lessons, new skills and experiences she’s picked up along her journey and how these will help her transition to the next chapter of her life. Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

In this episode Kevin meets with Freshfields knowledge lawyer, Lloyd Rees, to discuss his refreshing three-part blog series, addressing his own anxiety and depression. Lloyd talks frankly about his decision to publish such private struggles, going right back to his teens. He shares his own experience with chemical depression, his recovery at The Nightingale Hospital and the amazing turnaround from rapid decline to a sustainable and positive mental health state. As a huge plus point, we’re also joined by Kristina Adey-Davies, Senior Global Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Freshfields. She talks about the importance of employer support with mental health in the workplace and the resources employers can draw on. Interestingly, she also tells us why the prevalent self-oriented perfectionism trait in many lawyers can lead to mental health struggles. Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

Welcome to The Hearing's first Legal Debate. In this special episode, we feature a blockbuster bout between legal, political and media heavyweights. Listen in as the Rt Hon. the Lord Darling of Roulanish and the 'Queen of Sanctions' Maya Lester QC go head-to-head with journalist and author Alastair Campbell, and Monckton Chambers' own Ben Emmerson QC, debating on whether sanctions are fair and effective. Not to be outdone by these debating titans, we've put Kevin and special guest Thomson Reuters' Simon Smith in a small booth, given them a bottle of plonk, and let them unleash their best Graham Norton-esque commentary. Sit back and enjoy. Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing

This week’s guest has experienced a wealth of colourful nicknames including ‘The Riviera Gigolo’, ‘The Burnley Bruiser’ and ‘The Real Deputy Prime Minister’. Yes, it’s former Downing Street Press Secretary and Director of Communications, Alastair Campbell. He’s chatting to us about the trivial (a love of bagpipes and his ‘soft-porn first forays into writing’), to the momentous (Boris Johnson being a puppet and the media lies around Brexit). Alastair opens up to Kevin about his upbringing, including his time at Cambridge and his assessment of the ‘private schoolboys’. He talks about the role of the press in supporting a healthy democracy, but discusses the current battle being played out, which isn’t necessarily laden with truths. He also discusses the role of PR and the media in high-profile law cases, and how lawyers should be dealing with them. Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing