Charles Russell Speechlys Podcast Channel

Retail Collection: Reputation management for brand founders 15.07.2026 36min

For founders, reputation is one of the most valuable—and vulnerable—business assets. In an age where personal and corporate brands are more intertwined than ever, a founder’s profile can drive authenticity, trust and customer loyalty, but it can also concentrate reputational risk in a single individual. From social media activity and historical online content to public statements and personal conduct, every interaction can shape perceptions of the business. Effective reputation management, clear crisis planning and strong communication strategies are therefore essential for founders and brands looking to protect their reputation, navigate scrutiny and build long-term resilience. In this episode of the Retail Collection podcast, Claudine Morgan, Partner and Senior Associate in the Reputation Management team, sat down with Hannah Gornall, a Senior Associate in Commercial Dispute Resolution and Bethaney Durkin, Director at Byfield Consultancy, sat down to explore these issues and the potential risks that reputational risks carry for brand founders.

Light Bites, expert nuggets for the seasoned developer: bonus episode 14.07.2026 22min

In this bonus episode, our hosts and rights of light experts, James Souter and Jerome Webb are joined by Georgina Muskett, Senior Associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, to discuss the decision on costs in the Bankside rights of light case. If you have any questions regarding rights of light or the topics discussed in this episode, please feel free to reach out to James Souter or Jerome Webb.

Disputes Over Donuts: Sports Arbitration 07.07.2026 38min

Welcome to Disputes Over Donuts, our podcast series where we explore the diverse world of dispute resolution with leading experts across various fields. Each episode features different hosts and guests, bringing unique perspectives to the evolving landscape of disputes. This episode examines the vast range of disputes that can emerge from the world of professional football and the role of arbitration in resolving them. Hosted by Jue Jun Lu, a partner specialising in international arbitration, the episode brings together three members of Charles Russell Speechly’s Sports Group: Darren Bailey in London, Benoit Pasquier in Zurich and Serge Vittoz in Geneva. The discussion provides an overview of some of the issues and disputes specific to professional football, from player, coach and club contracts to disciplinary and integrity issues such as betting, match-fixing, discrimination and off-field conduct. In terms of arbitration, the episode analyses consent to arbitration, challenges to FA arbitration awards through landmark cases, and the role of the Court of Arbitration for Sport as the "supreme court" of world sport.

Disputes Over Donuts: The UAE’s New Civil Code - Implications for Construction Contracts 24.06.2026 33min

Welcome to Disputes Over Donuts, our podcast series where we explore the diverse world of dispute resolution with leading experts across various fields. Each episode features different hosts and guests, bringing unique perspectives to the evolving landscape of disputes. This episode examines the UAE’s New Civil Code and its practical implications for construction contracts, contractors, employers and their advisers. Moderated by Paula Boast, Partner and Head of Construction, Engineering & Projects Middle East, the episode features insights from Maher Al Nashar, Partner, and Glenn Bull, Senior Associate. The discussion provides a practical overview of the key reforms introduced by the New Civil Code and what they mean for parties involved in construction projects in the UAE. The episode explores the interplay between the new statutory provisions and FIDIC-based contracts, the impact of the regional conflict on hardship claims, the practical implications of the new defects regime for mid-project remediation, and the steps parties should be taking now to ensure their contracts and claims management processes are fit for purpose.

Corporate human rights due diligence – episode 3 – understanding and mitigating risk 19.06.2026 22min

Human rights due diligence is no longer a compliance exercise — it is a strategic imperative. As regulatory frameworks tighten and scrutiny intensifies, businesses that truly understand their supply chains, engage meaningfully with rights holders and prioritise their most salient risks will not only mitigate legal and reputational exposure, but strengthen resilience, protect continuity and build long-term value. In the third episode of this miniseries – and as part of the Retail Collection series – Kerry Stares, Partner and Director for Responsible Business at Charles Russell Speechlys, sat down with Duncan Warner, Senior Responsible Sourcing & Human Rights Manager for ASDA, to discuss these issues in more depth on developing a more robust framework for human rights due diligence.

Property Patter: the latest on tenant CVAs and Restructuring Plans 11.06.2026 16min

Emma Humphreys is joined by Dan Moore of our Corporate Insolvency & Restructuring Team to talk about how CVAs and Restructuring Plans operate, the current trends in their use and what landlords can do if their tenant proposes one.

Disputes Over Donuts: Spotlight on the ICC Arbitration Rules 2026 01.06.2026 56min

Welcome to Disputes Over Donuts, our podcast series where we explore the diverse world of dispute resolution with leading experts across various fields. Each episode features different hosts and guests, bringing unique perspectives to the evolving landscape of disputes. In this episode, hosted by Thomas R. Snider, Partner and Head of International Arbitration, and joined by fellow partners Luca Beffa (Geneva) and Simon Le Wita (Paris), we turn the spotlight on the new ICC Arbitration Rules 2026, which came into effect on 1 June 2026. We are delighted to be joined by a very special guest, Claudia Salomon, President of the ICC International Court of Arbitration, who has been at the helm of the ICC Court during the development of these landmark revisions. Claudia walks us through the key changes introduced by the 2026 Rules, including the removal of mandatory Terms of Reference, enhanced disclosure requirements, revised time limits for final awards, and the introduction of the new highly expedited arbitration procedure. Luca and Simon also offer their perspectives as counsel and arbitrators on the practical impact of these changes. Join us for a fascinating conversation about the most significant update to the ICC Rules in five years and what it means for the future of international arbitration.

Retail Collection: Business and Social Enterprise 26.05.2026 39min

Fat Macy’s is reshaping what social mobility looks like in London — supporting people in temporary accommodation to rebuild confidence, gain real-world experience and move towards lasting employment and stable housing. By combining structured training with hands-on hospitality placements and tailored, wraparound support, it tackles the systemic barriers that keep people trapped between benefits and work, turning potential into long-term opportunity. Additionally, it also runs as a successful business as an extension of its charitable arm which helps drive its operations further. In this episode of the Retail Collection, Iwan Thomas, a Senior Associate in the Corporate team, sat down with Tori Western, Operations and Development Manager at Fat Macy’s, to learn more about this purpose led business, its uniqueness as a concept, and insights into its social enterprise and business elements. The Charles Russell Speechlys Foundation has supported Fat Macy’s for over 5 years, through grant funding as one of our London charity partners.

Extra Time: Evolution of Technology in Sport 21.05.2026 32min

Technology is reshaping many dimensions of sport — from the way athletes train, recover and perform, team strategy and tactics, to how fans bond with their team. The real transformation lies in the convergence of data and human expertise: turning vast streams of data and information into actionable insight as a tool to improving the on field success of a sporting organisation. As investment accelerates and AI moves from experimentation to execution, those who harness technology responsibly — while navigating its legal, ethical and governance challenges — will be well placed to integrate the use of data into their sporting strategy. Anna Sowerby, Associate in the Commercial team at Charles Russell Speechlys, sat down with Andrew Kitchen, deputy General Counsel of Hudl, to discuss the evolution of technology’s involvement in sport and the ever increasing impact it is having, particularly around performance of athletes and teams.

Disputes Over Donuts: Dawn Raids – Preparation, Response and What to Expect 23.04.2026 26min

Welcome to Disputes Over Donuts, our podcast series where we explore the diverse world of dispute resolution with leading experts across various fields. Each episode features different hosts and guests, bringing unique perspectives to the evolving landscape of disputes. This episode provides a clear, practical guide to dawn raids – what they are, which authorities can carry them out, and how organisations can prepare for and manage them effectively. Hosted by Jonathan Huth, Partner (Dubai), the episode features insights from Pierre Bydovsky, Partner (Geneva), and Richard Burger, Partner (London), alongside guest speaker Alexandra Will, Financial Crime and Regulatory Partner at Grant Thornton. The discussion covers the nature and scope of dawn raids, preparation and readiness strategies, how to handle the critical first moments when investigators arrive, document requests and what companies can and cannot do during a raid, and the role of senior management and boards during investigations. The episode also examines common pitfalls when organisations face surprise regulatory visits, the consequences of failing to cooperate, and practical steps to take once a raid concludes. The episode closes with key practical advice for organisations navigating this area.

Corporate human rights due diligence – episode 2: practical insights from the experts 16.04.2026 23min

As human rights and supply chain regulation hardens and legislative scrutiny intensifies, businesses must move fast—embedding risk based due diligence deep into their operations and supply chains. With new laws reshaping expectations across jurisdictions, the challenge is clear: understand the rules, prioritise the real risks, and build supply chains that are resilient, responsible, and ready for what’s next. In this new mini-series on supply chain due diligence, Kerry Stares, Partner and Director of Responsible Business at Charles Russell Speechlys sits down with guests to discuss these issues in greater depth. In this episode, Kerry is joined by Peter Nestor, Global Head of Human Rights at Novartis to dive deeper into human rights risk based due diligence, prioritising human rights considerations within an organisation, and the ways in which businesses can adapt to these developments.

Social risks in the supply chain – from due diligence to resilience: Corporate human rights due diligence – a snapshot of the law in EU/UK 02.04.2026 22min

As human rights and supply chain regulation hardens and legislative scrutiny intensifies, businesses must move fast—embedding risk based due diligence deep into their operations and supply chains. With new laws reshaping expectations across jurisdictions, the challenge is clear: understand the rules, prioritise the real risks, and build supply chains that are resilient, responsible, and ready for what’s next. In this new mini-series on supply chain due diligence, Kerry Stares, Partner and Director of Responsible Business at Charles Russell Speechlys sits down with guests to discuss these issues in greater depth. In this episode, Kerry is joined by Christina Rahbek CRA, Partner at Gorrissen Federspiel in Denmark, and Ingo Theusinger, Partner at Noerr in Germany, to discuss the cross-jurisdictional impact of the new laws.

Property Patter: how to prepare for Martyn’s Law 04.03.2026 16min

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 will fundamentally impact the way certain commercial properties are managed – both by owners/landlords and the businesses occupying them. Ben Butterworth and Rory Partridge join Emma Humphreys to provide valuable insights and practical advice on how to navigate and comply with this new law. It's an essential listen for any commercial property owner or business who wants to stay ahead of the curve and ensure their premises are ready for the changes – to be both safe and compliant.

Disputes Over Donuts: A Conversation with Umar Azmeh, Registrar of the QICDRC 12.02.2026 54min

Welcome to Disputes Over Donuts, our podcast series where we explore the diverse world of dispute resolution with leading experts across various fields. Each episode features different hosts and guests, bringing unique perspectives to the evolving landscape of disputes. In this episode of Disputes Over Donuts, our three hosts Patrick Gearon, Partner and Head of Middle East, Paula Boast (Partner and Head of Construction, Engineering & Projects, Middle East), and Christopher O’Brien, Senior Associate, are joined by Umar Azmeh, Registrar of the Qatar International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre. Umar discusses what attracted him to the role of Registrar, explains what sets the QICDRC apart, its emphasis on thought leadership, and his vision for its future.

Property Patter: What lies ahead for property law in 2026? 26.01.2026 27min

Emma Humphreys and Laura Bushaway are joined by Guy Fetherstonhaugh KC and Ashpen Rajah of Falcon Chambers to look at what lies ahead for property law during 2026. Themes discussed include: How to satisfy ground (f) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 Proposed changes to commercial lease rent reviews Getting ready for the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 What’s happening with leasehold reform? Working with the Building Safety Act 2022 Developments in case-law on protestors For more detail on the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, listen to: Property Patter Podcast: Top 5 Changes under the new Renters’ Rights Act 2025 To stay up-to-date on residential property changes, keep an eye on our Essential Residential Hub | Charles Russell Speechlys Cases and legislation referred to in this episode of Property Patter are: Spirit Pub Company (Managed) Limited v. Pridewell Properties (London) Limited [Unreported, Mayor’s and City of London County Court, 14 March 2025] – being appealed to the High Court to be heard in March 2026 S Franses Ltd v. Cavendish Hotel (London) Ltd [2018] UKSC 62 Peachside Limited v. Lee [2024] EWHC 921 (TCC) English Devolution and Empowerment Bill Law Commission project page on Landlord and Tenant Act 1954: https://lawcom.gov.uk/project/business-tenancies-the-right-to-renew/ Renters’ Rights Act 2025 Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 Triathlon Homes LLP v Stratford Village Development Partnership and Others [2025] EWCA Civ 846 Adriatic Land 5 Limited v. Long Leaseholders at Hippersley Point and Another [2025] EWCA Civ 856

Extra Time: Football Beyond Borders – the Lost Boys taskforce 21.01.2026 44min

This episode of Extra Time turns to the philanthropic side of the game and how sport can be used to address some of the challenges that young people in society, young men in particular, are confronted with. Football Beyond Borders recently launched the Lost Boys Taskforce, an initiative designed to respond to the increasing pressures adolescents experience during their formative years and the long-term consequences these pressures can have. At the heart of the initiative is the Trusted Adult Guarantee, a nationwide call to train 10,000 adults to act as mentors outside a young person’s immediate family—providing a support network, positive encouragement, and consistent guidance. David Savage, Social Mobility Champion and Partner in the Construction and Real Estate team, sat down with Paul Barber OBE, Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion FC, to highlight the urgent need for meaningful intervention—and the role trusted adults can play in positively shaping decision making at critical moments in a young person’s life.

Property Patter: Top 5 Changes under the new Renters’ Rights Act 2025 09.12.2025 22min

The Renters’ Rights Act represents a significant shift in relations between landlords and tenants in the private rented sector. Lauren Fraser and Laura Bushaway join Emma Humphreys to discuss their “Top 5” changes to prepare for. For further information on the detail of the changes and to keep up-to-date as the legislation takes effect, head to our Essential Residential Hub.

Disputes Over Donuts: AI in Arbitration - Innovation, Risk, and the Road Ahead 25.11.2025 1h

Welcome to Disputes Over Donuts, our podcast series where we explore the diverse world of dispute resolution with leading experts across various fields. Each episode features different hosts and guests, bringing unique perspectives to the evolving landscape of disputes. In this episode of Disputes Over Donuts, hosts Thomas R. Snider, Partner and Head of International Arbitration, and Simon Le Wita, Partner, are joined by Jehad Kazim, Executive Director of the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC), and Jean-Rémi de Maistre, CEO & Co Founder of Jus Mundi, for a practical discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the arbitral landscape. The conversation explores real world use cases of AI in arbitration - including legal research, document analysis, drafting, and arbitrator selection - and examines the recently announced DIAC - Jus Mundi AI and innovation partnership. The guests assess the benefits and risks of accelerated adoption, from efficiency gains and enhanced decision support to concerns around confidentiality, bias, and explainability, and consider how current regulatory approaches measure up. They also discuss market attitudes, how scepticism can be addressed and how institutions can build trust, and look ahead to the next five years.

Extra Time: Family Law and Finances 17.11.2025 44min

Join us for another episode of our podcast series Extra Time. While often undocumented, professional athletes and footballers often face legal and financial pitfalls during their playing careers, which, if not managed with attention, can sometimes lead to financial hardship once they’ve retired. Joshua Green, Senior Associate in the Family team, sat down with David Blows, a well-known financial planner at FLM, to discuss the reasons for the rate of bankruptcy among athletes, such as the impact and duration of a playing career, biology, lack of quality financial advice, lifestyle creep, divorce and separation, and more, can sometimes have adverse consequences on them once their playing days are over. We also discuss the advice that’s given to athletes to avoid financial problems through adapting their habits and being as disciplined off the pitch as they are on it.

Disputes Over Donuts: Mediation - An International Perspective 05.11.2025 1h 1min

Welcome to Disputes Over Donuts, our podcast series where we explore the diverse world of dispute resolution with leading experts across various fields. Each episode features different hosts and guests, bringing unique perspectives to the evolving landscape of disputes. This episode offers a concise, practical view of international mediation - what it is, where it adds value, and how to approach it in cross-border disputes. Hosted by Tamasin Perkins, Partner, the episode contains insights from Peter Smith, Legal Director, and guest speakers Michael Patchett-Joyce, Barrister (3 Hare Court), and Frank Eijkman, Dispute Resolution Advisor and Foundation Co-ordinator at the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR). The discussion covers core definitions and benefits of mediation, sector use-cases, global and UK trends, what makes an effective mediator, and how barrister experience informs mediation practice. It also addresses preparation and client strategy, common misconceptions, confidentiality, cost and accessibility, the rise of online mediation, and culturally informed, creative outcomes. The episode closes with quick tips for lawyers and clients considering mediation for the first time.