Claim OwnershipThe Hearing – A Legal Podcast
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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 current 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.
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.
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 current 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.
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.
182 Episodes
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This episode delves into the infamous case of Lucy Letby – a neonatal nurse convicted of multiple murders and attempted murders of babies at a UK hospital. Our guest is Dr Sarah Bennett – a lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University's School of Law and Justice Studies.
Sarah's conversation with host Becky Annison explores the complexities of expert evidence in criminal trials, the challenges posed by our adversarial legal system, and the implications for legal practice. They also discuss the systemic issues within healthcare that may have contributed to the tragic events surrounding Letby's case, emphasising the need for reforms to ensure patient safety and prevent future tragedies.
Professor Judith Resnik and host Teneé Frazier discuss Judith's book 'Impermissible Punishments: How Prison Became a Problem for Democracy' – which explores the complex relationship between punishment, democracy, and social justice.
Judith, a Professor of Law at Yale Law School, delves into the historical evolution of prisons in the UK, US, and Europe, as well as the role of constitutional law in shaping prisoners' treatment. Their conversation highlights the financial and social costs associated with incarceration, with Judith calling for reform of our penal systems to prevent lasting harm to individuals and communities.
In this episode we continue exploring children's online safety and cross the Atlantic to unpack the UK's Online Safety Act (OSA). Vicki Nash, Director of the Oxford Internet Institute, joins host Yasmin Sheikh to discuss the rationale of OSA and how it aims to protect children from illegal and harmful content online. Vicki talks about the difficulty of producing rigorous empirical studies of online harms and benefits to inform policymaking, the debates around free speech, age verification, and privacy, and the differences in approaches to these issues between the UK, EU, and US.
Finally, they discuss whether lawyers can do their part by improving their own literacy around digital issues, and the need to continually evolve our policy approach to online governance.
Societies are grappling with how to help keep children safe while navigating online spaces, including through legislation such as the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) in the US. In this episode, Jenna Leventoff, Senior Policy Counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), joins host Janelle Wrigley to talk about KOSA and America’s First Amendment.
Jenna and Janelle explore why free speech principles are so important in the "new town square" of the internet, and discuss the benefits and risks that young people face online. Jenna explains the ACLU's concerns with KOSA's duty of care and potential over-censorship, and advocates for alternatives centered on privacy, user controls, and digital literacy.
What if rivers, forests, and even individual trees had their own legal rights? In this thought-provoking episode, host Becky Annison speaks with Paul Powlesland – barrister, founder of Lawyers for Nature, and leading advocate for the legal rights of nature – about a revolutionary movement transforming our relationship with the natural world.Paul explains how the "rights of nature" movement goes beyond passing new laws, aiming to fundamentally reshape how we view and protect the environment. Drawing on global examples and his own front-line experiences, Paul shows how granting legal rights to nature is already making a real difference. He also shares how lawyers from any field, not just environmental specialists, can become "guardians of nature", and why rights on paper must be matched by real enforcement. Paul makes the case for legal personhood for rivers, forests, and landscapes to empower communities and hold polluters accountable.
If you have ever wondered how legal innovation could help solve environmental crises – or how ordinary people can help protect nature – this episode is for you. Discover how every saved tree and every legal victory is building a movement to redefine the 21st century. Tune in for a fascinating conversation that will inspire you to see both law and nature in a new light.
Join host Teneé Frazier as she sits down with Professor Luke Shaefer, an expert on poverty and social welfare policy, for an in-depth look at the complexities of living in poverty in the US. They discuss the realities faced by those surviving on minimal resources, and what legal professionals and global listeners can glean from these powerful narratives.
Professor Shaefer shares observations from his extensive research on the realities of poverty, and shares insights from the books he co-authored, “$2 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America” and “The Injustice of Place”. Whether you're a legal practitioner, policymaker, or simply interested in the intersection of law, social justice, and real-world impact, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the challenges of tackling poverty within a legal framework.Tune in to hear Teneé and Luke unpack the human stories behind the statistics and consider what justice truly means for those most in need.
Join host Yasmin Sheikh as she interviews British lawyer, writer and broadcaster Mark Stephens for this thought-provoking episode.Mark shares his journey from representing artists in intellectual property cases to advocating for freedom of speech and human rights. He discusses his impactful work addressing global issues, such as decriminalising homosexuality and combating child marriage. They also chat about Mark’s high-profile cases, including his notable role defending WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation which highlights how the law can drive meaningful social change.
Legislative efforts in the US are starting to recognize that people can face discrimination and bias in the workplace based on the size of their bodies. In this episode, host Janelle Wrigley speaks with Kara Richardson Whitely, author of ‘Gorge: My Journey Up Kilimanjaro at 300 Pounds’ and founder of The Gorgeous Agency (https://thegorgeousagency.com).
They discuss the complex trauma that can arise from weight stigma, how companies and law firms can create inclusive cultures for all body types and sizes, and Kara's path to becoming an outdoor adventurer and champion for body diversity.
Host Becky Annison explores the UK's court backlog crisis and its troubling ripple effects throughout the justice system. Her guest, Adrian Usher, the UK’s Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, explains how delayed trials are creating a bottleneck in prisons, with some Crown Court cases now being scheduled as far ahead as 2028, and he outlines the human cost of these systemic failures. Adrian explains why coming into his role as PPO after a long career as a police officer changed how he thinks about prison sentences, and he discusses with Becky the many difficulties inmates face under current prison conditions.
This thought-provoking episode challenges legal professionals of all specialties to consider their duty to an increasingly strained justice system.
In a profession that celebrates achievement and relentless work ethic, what happens to the mental and physical wellbeing of those caught in this culture? Following our previous exploration of the mental health crisis in the legal community, this episode delves deeper into practical solutions. Join host Teneé Frazier as she welcomes Kerry Lawlor, psychotherapist, and co-founder of the Workplace Collective (UK), for an illuminating conversation about recognizing the need for self-care and creating psychologically safe workplaces in the legal profession. Together, they delve into practical tools and strategies for individuals and firms to prioritize mental health and well-being. They discuss how implementing reflective practice strategies, and fostering environments where wellbeing is central to organizational culture can benefit the legal community as a whole.
This episode offers valuable insights for legal professionals seeking to thrive, not just survive, in high-pressure environments.
Who protects women when the very systems that are supposed to protect them, like the police and the broader legal system, refuse to, or even worse, are causing the harm in the first place? This episode's guest has been fighting against the systemic challenges women face in securing justice for decades. And she has some extraordinary stories to tell. Join The Hearing host Yasmin Sheikh as she sits down with Harriet Wistrich, a human rights lawyer, founder of the Centre for Women's Justice (https://www.centreforwomensjustice.org.uk/), and author of "Sister in Law" (https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/455720/sister-in-law-by-wistrich-harriet/9781804995990). Dive into Harriet's compelling journey from activism to law, driven by her passion for women's rights and justice. Discover the groundbreaking cases she's championed, including the landmark Sally Challen case that reshaped the understanding of coercive control and the John Warboys case, which highlighted some of the headwinds women face when they do come forward to seek justice for crimes against them.
In addition, she discusses astonishing undercover police operations that infiltrated activist groups, often using women as a means to an end. Wistrich weaves personal stories into a discussion about broader societal implications. This episode is a powerful exploration of systemic challenges and the relentless pursuit of justice. Don't miss this inspiring conversation - or Harriet's amazing book!
Most people would agree that lawyers and doctors should have professional licenses and oversight to protect the public from malpractice. But does the licensing system actually serve its intended purpose? In this episode, join host Janelle Wrigley for an insightful conversation with Professor Rebecca Haw Allensworth of Vanderbilt Law School, as she discusses her book, ‘The Licensing Racket: How We Decide Who Is Allowed to Work and Why It Goes Wrong’.
Professor Allensworth delves into the complicated, and occasionally fraught, world of professional licensing, including in law and medicine, exploring how the licensing system affects workers and consumers alike. They discuss the unintended consequences of self-regulation, impacts on innovation, and ideas for reform. With real-world examples and thought-provoking insights, this episode sheds light on a topic that impacts our daily lives more than most of us might realize.
Those who could benefit most from the legal system are often those least able to access it. As this episode's guest, Stephen Kinsella, notes, "There are only so many cake stalls and jumble sales you can have in a local community, in order to raise funds to pay a lawyer." So that's where his organisation, Law for Change, steps in – as a Community Interest Company that helps provide financial backing and indemnities to cover legal costs for cases with significant societal impact. Join host Becky Annison as she and Stephen discuss the motivations that led him to set up Law for Change and how the organisation selects its cases to carry out its mission. With an eye toward cases that will benefit society, or that could establish or refine important legal principles, the organisation has assisted with cases across a broad spectrum, including on issues such as fracking and police misconduct. More broadly, Stephen talks about current challenges facing the UK legal system, including court backlogs and antiquated systems, and his concerns about a judicial system that relies on philanthropy to fill gaps.
You can find out more about Law for Change here: https://www.lawforchange.uk
In this episode, Dan Nardello, the founder of top-tier investigative firm Nardello & Co., speaks with host Teneé Frazier about the evolving role of private investigations within the legal industry. They discuss the increasingly sophisticated nature of investigations, their essential role in complex litigation and dispute resolution, and the need for strict ethical adherence.
Their conversation delves into the methodologies used in special investigations, from public records reviews to strategic interviews. It also explores the challenges of navigating different legal systems, particularly concerning privacy regulations in the UK and US. And Dan shares tips on exercising due diligence to mitigate risk when hiring a private investigation firm.
The world can feel hopelessly polarised at times, especially on topics such as racism and criminal justice. If your spirits need lifting, and if you need reassurance that respectful dialogue is possible, even if people disagree with each other, then this episode is for you.
Abimbola Johnson, a barrister at London's Doughty Street Chambers, speaks with host Yasmin Sheikh about her work as chair of the Independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board, which addresses racism in policing. They discuss the importance of having challenging conversations in ways that maintain respect for differing viewpoints and Abimbola's hopes for the legacy of the Board's Police Race Action Plan (https://www.npcc.police.uk/our-work/police-race-action-plan/) as it enters its final year.
In a recent survey, 79% of legal professionals said they felt the profession had negatively affected their mental health. And over 15% had even considered suicide. These are two of the worrying statistics we learned from this episode's guest, Kent Halkett. Kent is an attorney with the Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services who has written articles about mental health in the legal community for a host of publications. Kent chats with host Teneé Frazier about his journey to becoming an advocate for improving mental health within the legal profession. Kent shares the story of his own mental health challenges, which culminated with him attempting suicide. He explains how publishing his story catapulted him, and this often-taboo subject, into the spotlight. During their conversation, Kent describes some of the warning signs of mental health issues, stresses the importance of a work-life balance, and outlines the support available for those in need. Kent also shares insights on how the problem could be addressed, such as by increasing awareness through better education – both in law schools and as part of continuous professional development. You can find out more about the ALM and Law.com Compass mental health survey of the legal profession here: https://www.law.com/americanlawyer/2024/05/17/mental-health-by-the-numbers-the-2024-survey-infographic/?slreturn=20250123165408
You can read one of Kent's articles, Mental Health in the Legal Profession: A Crisis, a Case Study and a Call to Action, here: https://www.tba.org/?pg=Articles&blAction=showEntry&blogEntry=59057
We are leaving future generations to face more challenges than ever. Yet it can be incredibly difficult for governments to act for the long term when so many of their incentives encourage short-term thinking.
In this episode, host Becky Annison chats with Derek Walker, the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, about how Wales is attempting to solve this problem. Derek explains why Wales passed the Well-being of Future Generations Act, how this pioneering legislation obliges the Welsh government to act for the long term, and whether other nations can follow this example.
Native Americans are fighting for their legal rights across many important fronts in the US. In this episode, Janelle Wrigley speaks with Matthew Campbell, Deputy Director of the Native American Rights Fund, about NARF's legal and advocacy work.
Matthew and Janelle's wide-ranging discussion covers issues such as voting rights, the protection of places that are sacred to tribal nations, and access to natural resources. They also discuss the sovereignty of tribal nations, their relationship with the US government, and the challenges of ensuring access to voting.
"The legal profession is going through significant transformation, and I thought that was a wonderful thing to try and grab with both hands and see what role or part I could play in making that a success," shares this week's guest, Lucie Allen. For this episode, Lucie Allen, the managing director of the legal education platform BARBRI, sits down with host Yasmin to offer her unique insights on the evolving landscape of legal career development and her experiences on becoming a voice in the industry. They discuss challenges posed by the new legal qualification standards (the SQE), vulnerable conversations started by sharing on social media, and the growing need for legal professionals to cultivate skills like resilience, adaptability, and effective communication to thrive in a rapidly changing industry. They also discuss Lucie’s unplanned venture into the role of menopause warrior.
Listen to Yasmin's conversation with Lucie for more on this topic and on the evolution of the legal professional's development path and her personal journey.
"From 1910 to 1997, Black Americans have lost 90 percent of farmland to heir property. The Department of Agriculture has deemed it the worst problem that you've never heard of." These are just two of the staggering facts we've learned about heir property from writer and author Terah Shelton Harris.
Terah chats with new host Tenee' Frazier about her recent novel, Long After We Are Gone. It's about a family trying to save their ancestral land from being taken from them – shining a light on the damaging effects of heir property. She explains what heir property is, the detrimental effects it has on property ownership in African American communities, and the steps heirs should take to avoid land loss. Terah also shares her journey to becoming an author and the life events that helped shape her writing style.
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