The Hearing – A Legal Podcast

Episoade

• EP. 142 – Mirna Santiago (Girls Rule the Law) 08.01.2024 38min

  "Show up. Speak up. Woman up." This is the motto of Mirna Santiago, a lawyer, DEI expert, and nonprofit founder and CEO. Through the many roles Mirna has held during her career, which has also included law firm partner and chair of the New York State Bar Association's Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Mirna epitomizes someone who walks her talk. In this episode, Jenn and Lauren chat with Mirna about her commitment to busting bias as a Black Hispanic woman who was born in another country and now exists in places where, as she puts it, you don’t typically find women in her skin. Mirna, a phenomenal storyteller and engaging presenter, also explains how her dad influenced her decision to go to law school and how she came up with her motto after watching her mom never say yes. They also chat about Mirna's pipeline nonprofit organization, Girls Rule the Law (girlsrulethelaw.org), which introduces underrepresented middle and high school girls to the legal field. If you enjoy listening to The Hearing, please follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review. This helps like-minded people find the podcast, and helps us ensure we can continue to bring you interesting guests and content.
• EP. 183 – Reforming health laws for better outcomes (Mandeep Dhaliwal, United Nations Development Programme) 03.11.2025 50min

  Mandeep Dhaliwal, Director of the HIV and Health Group at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) joins host Janelle Wrigley to discuss how legal frameworks and governance shape health outcomes worldwide. Drawing on more than 25 years at the intersection of health policy and human rights, Mandeep explains the UNDP's mission and her experiences showing that leadership and participation from affected communities must be at the center of effective public health policy. Mandeep and Janelle explore how punitive laws around HIV drive-up infections, deaths, and costs. They discuss how countries can engage in reform, such as Zimbabwe's repeal of HIV criminalization after a UNDP‑supported legal environment assessment, and they examine access‑to‑medicines barriers tied to patents and trade agreements. Mandeep suggests practical ways communities and legal professionals can advance change in this critical area.
• EP. 188 – Book banning in the US: a legal perspective on a cultural divide (Roger Horner, Practical Law) 26.01.2026 41min

  In this episode, host Teneé Frazier and Roger Horner, a municipal law expert at Practical Law, discuss the contentious topic of book banning. Roger outlines the background and current landscape for book bans in the US, including their rise in frequency and intensity. He sheds light on the constitutional challenges, divergent state laws, and the critical role of government speech in recent rulings. Roger also shares practical advice for government attorneys dealing with book selection policies, and he highlights the forthcoming developments and decisions to watch out for.
• EP. 167 – Kent Halkett (Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services) 27.01.2025 47min

  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
• EP. 10 – Karen Jackson 06.08.2018 34min

  Karen Jackson is an inspirational lover of problem-solving, passionate for French and a self-styled protector of the underdog. In this episode Kevin meets the founder of didlaw, one of the UK's leading disability discrimination practices. A former City trader, Karen talks candidly about the roundabout route she took into law and how a heart transplant helped guide her to a new path – setting up her own practice that's focused on challenging mental health, disability and illness discrimination. Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing
• EP. 53 – Gail Gove (Reuters) 01.06.2020 25min

  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.
• EP. 03 – Lord Michael Howard 15.06.2018 33min

  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
• EP. 05 – Sir Rupert Jackson 29.06.2018 29min

  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
• EP. 78 – Stevie Ghiassi (Legaler) 07.06.2021 52min

  Question: What do the Iranian national football team, NFTs, Hotel Rwanda and Andy Murray have in common? Answer: Stevie Ghiassi, Co-founder of Legaler and Legaler Aid. And Joe’s guest this week! In this episode, Stevie chats to Joe about his unlikely journey from running a chain of souvenir shops to becoming a legal tech entrepreneur. He also talks about the important work that Legaler Aid is doing, and ways in which legal tech and blockchain have helped them pivot after Covid took away traditional fundraising streams. Yet again we’re seeing innovative ways that cryptocurrency and blockchain are being used, and how they offer real opportunities for the legal industry. Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing
• EP. 166 – Derek Walker (Future Generations Commissioner) 13.01.2025 27min

  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.
• EP. 59 – David Brown (TLDEF) 24.08.2020 35min

  In this episode Joe is joined by David Brown, Legal Director of the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF). TLDEF is a transgender-led organisation fighting for transgender rights through litigation and other legal avenues. Working with numerous law firms, David and his team bring lawsuits to demonstrate how statutes are unequal and discriminatory. David tells Joe how his family inspired him to want to fight injustice. And he explains how TLDEF strategically selects cases with the ultimate aim of moving the law and the equality agenda forward, while also ensuring they authentically represent transgender people's lives. David talks about the importance of finding commonalities when discussing transgender people and the discrimination they face. Like anyone, transgender people want a nice place to live, a steady job and access to healthcare. But in many parts of the world, such fundamentals of life are often denied. David and Joe also discuss intersectionality, and how transgender people of colour are even more likely to face discrimination due to greater distrust and fear. Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing
• EP. 150 – Lord Tim Clement-Jones CBE 06.05.2024 47min

  Governments around the world are grappling with how to regulate AI on issues ranging from copyright protections to ethical standards, competition rules and beyond.  In this episode, host Becky Annison explores AI governance issues with Lord Tim Clement-Jones CBE, member of the UK House of Lords and former chair of its Artificial Intelligence Select Committee. The pair discuss the challenges of balancing enthusiasm for a new technology with the need to manage its risks. They also chat about areas where AI developers need to be more transparent regarding the construction of their models, and global efforts to set commonly accepted governance standards for AI. Find out more about The Hearing and other Thomson Reuters podcasts at tr.com/thehearing
• EP. 126 – Florence Brocklesby (Bellevue Law) 10.07.2023 41min

  TWLL TAKEOVER – Many lawyers love the challenge of the job but reach a point where the long hours of law firm life become untenable – often, after starting families. But what’s the solution? In our second episode of the TWLL Takeover, host Janelle Wrigley chats with Florence Brocklesby, who solved that problem with creativity and courage in starting her law firm Bellevue Law. Florence has shown that top-tier legal work can flourish within a flexible working environment that truly supports working parents. How did she do it? Can Big Law follow that model? Listen and find out! You can learn more about TWLL (Transforming Women's Leadership in the Law) here: https://legalsolutions.thomsonreuters.co.uk/blog/transforming-womens-leadership-law/
• EP. 49 – Paul Adams (Old Square Chambers) 30.03.2020 42min

  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
• EP. 143 – Fiona Rutherford (Justice) 22.01.2024 32min

  This episode’s guest is Fiona Rutherford, the Chief Executive of Justice, a UK law reform and human rights charity. Justice strives for a fair, accessible, and equal justice system and is also the UK section of the International Commission of Jurists. Fiona chats to Yasmin about a landmark report the charity recently published addressing the erosion of the rule of law in the UK, which you can access here: https://justice.org.uk/the-uks-longstanding-commitment-to-the-rule-of-law-is-under-grave-threat-according-to-landmark-report-from-justice/. The pair also discuss what it really means to live under the rule of law and have access to justice, Fiona's career journey from barrister to policy and advocacy work, and a particular case that deeply impacted Fiona and motivates her work in helping to make our justice system more humane.
• EP. 139 – Linzi Bull (Penningtons Manches Cooper) 20.11.2023 50min

  Modern families come in all sizes and configurations – and often the law is playing catch-up with the issues raised by contemporary family relationships. In this episode, Linzi Bull, partner at Penningtons Manches Cooper, chats with host Yasmin Sheikh about her modern family legal practice. They focus in particular on the complex legal and ethical issues that surround surrogacy law in the UK, the emotional connections involved in representing families, and the gaps in the law surrounding polyamorous family units. (Please note: The UK government announced on 8 November 2023 that the Law Commission proposals on surrogacy, which Linzi and Yasmin discuss, will not “be taken forward at the moment.” (https://lawcom.gov.uk/project/surrogacy/)
• EP. 129 – Margaret Owen (Widows for Peace) 31.07.2023 38min

  We feel honoured to have spent time in the presence of a true great for this week’s episode: Margaret Owen OBE. She’s a human rights barrister specialising in women’s rights, with a career spanning decades and a passion for justice that won’t stop. Margaret and Yasmin talk about the start of her career – the things that have and sadly haven’t changed – how her practice evolved and how her family history influences the work she’s still doing today, including for the charity she’s founded: Widows for Peace Through Democracy (https://www.widowsforpeace.org). At The Hearing HQ, we speak to cool and inspirational guests all the time and we love it. It’s easy to talk up our guests, so you’re welcome to take this with a pinch of salt (but you really really shouldn’t): Margaret Owen is a one-of-a-kind lawyer and everyone can learn something from her attitude to life and work. Enjoy!
• EP. 51 – COVID-19: the economic implications for lawyers and law firms 04.05.2020 24min

  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
• EP. 118 – Rossana Arteaga-Gomez (American Civil Liberties Union) 27.03.2023 35min

  On this week's episode, our host Lauren Sobel sits down with Rossana Arteaga-Gomez – a partner at AXS Law Group in Miami, Florida, and President of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida. Rossana and Lauren chat about Rossana's unique legal career in both civil litigation and criminal defense work, as well as how Rossana cracked the code on marrying her passions with her career. They dive into some formative experiences that Rossana had – including being a witness in her own cases, and having clients tell her that they preferred to hire a white man as their attorney. The pair also discuss Rossana's passion for civil rights and her mission to improve the criminal justice system through her work with the ACLU. We'd love to hear from you! So drop us a line at thehearing@tr.com to say hello, or to share your ideas for future guests and topics. Find out more at tr.com/TheHearing
• EP. 82 – Julia Cooper (Breastfeed in Peace) 09.08.2021 30min

  Breastfeeding is legal. Breastfeeding in public is legal. But did you know that taking intimate photos of a woman breastfeeding in public without her consent is also legal? In this episode Yasmin talks to new mother, designer and now women's and mother's rights campaigner, Julia Cooper. She's another woman warrior using political process to change the way the law treats women. Julia speaks about the shock of being photographed by a stranger whilst breastfeeding her child outside, their confrontation and the steps she's taken since to help protect other mums. Both Yasmin and Julia are new mums and care passionately about giving other mothers the confidence to breastfeed in public. The pair talk about Julia’s campaigning journey, the frustrations and early successes, and what it's like getting to grips with the legislative process. You can find out more about Julia’s petition here: www.change.org/breastfeedinpeace