The Hearing – A Legal Podcast
Thomson Reuters
The Hearing is a legal podcast from Thomson Reuters. Listen to insightful discussions with lawyers, legal experts, and other interesting people connected to the legal industry. We delve into anything and everything – trailblazers in the law, the latest insights on legal innovation and trends, and how the profession is evolving. With hosts based in the UK and the US, we cover issues around the globe. Our hosts: Becky Annison – Trained at a London law firm before moving in-house. Spent 12 years as a senior solicitor in a large international company, before joining Practical Law's In-house practice area team. Now, as Head of Engagement for The Chancery Lane Project, Becky uses her knowledge of contracting and law to help tackle the climate crisis. Janelle Wrigley – An attorney based in California. As head of the Antitrust & Competition team at Practical Law, leads a team of lawyers producing practical guidance for competition lawyers worldwide. Previously, Janelle was a litigator at the US Federal Trade Commission and at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in New York. Jennifer Thibodaux – An attorney, speaker, and writer based in New Jersey. A member of the Litigation team at Practical Law, where she creates procedural and substantive content, plus professional development resources. Previously, Jennifer was a partner at Gibbons P.C. in Newark, New Jersey, focusing on commercial litigation. Lauren Sobel – An attorney, editor, and frequent presenter on trending legal topics based in New York City. At Practical Law, she uses her experience as a litigator and federal law clerk in multiple jurisdictions to help other attorneys in their practice. Before joining Thomson Reuters, Lauren was a partner at Shutts & Bowen LLP in Miami, Florida, specialising in business litigation. Teneé Frazier – An attorney, editor, and speaker based in Alabama. As a member of the State and Local Government team at Practical Law, she uses her expertise in municipal law to produce substantive content for local government attorneys. Previously, Teneé was Assistant General Counsel at the Alabama League of Municipalities. Yasmin Sheikh – Executive coach, trainer, consultant, and speaker, with a background as a lawyer – practising for 12 years in a large international law firm. Founder of Diverse Matters – which helps promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity within organisations. Yasmin is also a former vice chair of the Disabled Solicitors Network at the Law Society of England and Wales. Find out more about The Hearing and other Thomson Reuters podcasts at tr.com/thehearing.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 30, 2018 • 31min
EP. 09 – Dean Strang
Fans of the hugely popular Netflix documentary Making a Murderer will know this week's guest. Dean Strang was one of the defence lawyers for Steven Avery. Dean was an eloquent voice of reason throughout the series, which led to him being labelled an international sex symbol. A modest Dean tells Kevin how he first got involved in the Avery case, and how he's dealt with the wave of media and public attention ever since. They also discuss Dean's views on the US criminal justice system, his cartoonist aspirations, and whether Dean should move to the UK to become a judge.
Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing
Jul 23, 2018 • 38min
EP. 08 – Ayesha Vardag
The 'Diva of Divorce', Ayesha Vardag, sits down with Kevin in the luxurious Vardags offices in St. Paul's, London. They discuss Georgian mahogany, her high net-worth clientele and the Var-Bot – Ayesha's personal office robot that'll be familiar to fans of The Good Wife. During her divorce, Ayesha had an Erin Brockovich-esque transition from commercial to family law, which ultimately led to her being offered a job by the lawyer who managed her case. This episode looks at the impact Ayesha's cases and campaigning have had on family law reform, and it offers an exciting behind-the-scenes look at one of the UK's fastest growing law firms.
Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing
Jul 16, 2018 • 43min
EP. 07 – Rt. Hon. Kenneth Clarke
Tory MP Ken Clarke reveals why he has occasionally dressed up in women's underwear. The former Lord Chancellor and current Father of the House of Commons also tells Kevin what he thinks of his new-found fans – drawn by his outspoken views on Brexit. This episode won't disappoint. The pair also discuss: pressure to modify Ken's Nottinghamshire accent; attending Rushcliffe beauty parades for column inches; death threats; selfies; and Trump (the president, not the inflatable baby).
Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing
Jul 5, 2018 • 31min
EP. 06 – Yasmin Sheikh
In this episode Kevin is joined by Yasmin Sheikh. Yasmin is the founder of Diverse Matters, vice-chair of the Law Society's Lawyers with Disabilities Division, consultant, coach, actress, comedian and TEDx speaker. During their conversation, Yasmin talks about her experience of being thrown into the world of disability overnight and the daily challenges she faces. Yasmin also discusses the impactful work she's doing with law firms, advising about disability-related issues in an effort to improve communication, visibility and opportunities. You can view Yasmin's TEDx Talk here: https://youtu.be/5uiu2ndZo8c
Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing
Jun 29, 2018 • 30min
EP. 05 – Sir Rupert Jackson
In this episode Kevin is joined by Sir Rupert Jackson – barrister, former Lord Justice of Appeal and legal reformer. As well as his infamous reform of civil litigation costs, Rupert has authored some of the industry's leading texts during his 50-year career. Now, back at the Bar, he talks through the fresh challenges facing lawyers, and discusses his new role as a justice in the AIFC Court and International Arbitration Centre in Kazakhstan.
Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing
Jun 22, 2018 • 35min
EP. 04 – Robin White
In this episode Kevin is joined by barrister Robin White. Robin was the first barrister to transition from male to female while in practice at the employment and discrimination bar. They chat about Robin's early life and career, and how dealing with personal discrimination in her late twenties became a catalyst for a career change into law. Now specialising in transgender rights, Robin offers a candid insight into her experience. She discusses the current issues that surround gender-transformation, as well as general workplace and social discrimination in Britain today.
Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing
Jun 15, 2018 • 33min
EP. 03 – Lord Michael Howard
In this episode Kevin is joined by Lord Michael Howard of Lympne. Although best known for his time as a Government Minister and a former leader of the Conservative Party, Michael's life before Westminster involved a distinguished career at the Bar. As a vocal supporter of the 'Leave Means Leave' campaign, Michael's views on Brexit are crystal-clear, but we also hear he has some personal regret over one of his most controversial ministerial decisions.
Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing
Jun 7, 2018 • 33min
EP. 02 – Joe Raczynski
In this episode Kevin is joined by 'futurist' Joe Raczynski (@joerazz). You'll hear Joe explain what his job actually is and why we should all pay attention to cyber security. As an expert in legal technology and AI, we also explore the rise of blockchain and crypto currencies, the challenges for driverless cars and the future of the robot lawyer.
Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing
May 25, 2018 • 36min
EP. 01 – Dame Fiona Woolf
In the inaugural episode of The Hearing – a legal podcast from Thomson Reuters – Kevin is joined by Dame Fiona Woolf. During their conversation they reflect on Fiona's fascinating career, including her time as president of the Law Society, and as Lord Mayor of London. They also chat about Fiona's ongoing work in promoting diversity and inclusion with the Power of Diversity programme. Listen out for her incredible anecdote on how Carrie Morrison became the first woman to be admitted as a solicitor in England.
To find out more about The Hearing visit tr.com/TheHearing
