Talk To My Lawyer

This week, Adrian is joined by the brilliantly energetic and passionate Richard Port MBE, family solicitor specialising in domestic abuse and past president of Birmingham Law Society. Known for taking on the toughest cases and never backing down from a fight for justice, Richard shares a career built on purpose, persistence and a refusal to let victims go unheard. This conversation dives into Richard’s journey and explores some urgent and compelling themes along the way: How an early taste of...

This week, Adrian is joined by the insightful and irrepressibly forward-thinking Electra Japonas, founder of TLB, creator of the OneNDA initiative and now Chief Legal Officer at Law Insider. Electra shares her journey from aerospace contracts to legal entrepreneurship, revealing how she carved out a new kind of legal career by trusting her instincts and refusing to settle for outdated ways of working. This conversation dives into Electra’s cross-border, cross-discipline legal career and explo...

This week, Adrian is joined by the brilliant Dr. Anna Willetts, partner at Gunnercooke LLP, environmental criminal defence lawyer and, in her former life, a geologist with a PhD in landfill clay permeability. Together, they unpack Anna’s refreshingly non-traditional route into law and explore how science, waste and Wellington boots led to a courtroom career that’s anything but conventional. This conversation explores Anna’s dual-life career journey and some fascinating themes along the ...

This week, Adrian is joined by the inimitable James Quarmby, partner at Stephenson Harwood, private client tax specialist and one of the UK’s most outspoken voices on tax policy and reform. Known for his no-nonsense commentary and deep economic insight, James brings clarity (and a few provocations) to the world of tax. This conversation unpacks James’ unconventional route into law and economics and covers some intellectually rich, and yes, occasionally political, ground along the way: How gro...

In the studio today is the brilliant Rachel Waller, Consultant Solicitor at Excello Law and a specialist in contentious probate, trusts and Court of Protection work. Rachel joins Adrian to explore the importance of justice, the hidden dynamics of vulnerability and how she’s built a purpose-driven legal career from activist roots. This conversation unpacks Rachel’s legal path and draws out several thought-provoking themes along the way: How early work in care homes and a personal encounter wit...

With us today is the thoughtful and engaging Emma Geale, Principal Associate at Mills & Reeve and a specialist in private client law. Emma joins Adrian to reflect on her career journey, the evolving nature of wealth planning and how lawyers can bring both expertise and empathy to high-stakes family matters. This conversation traces Emma’s progression through law and highlights some fascinating themes along the way: How a chance exposure to her grandmother’s estate process helped shape her...

Joining Adrian today is Ruben Perin, Commercial Director at Taylor Rose and an experienced conveyancing solicitor. Ruben enters the studio to explore the realities of modern property law and what it takes to thrive in a fast-moving legal landscape. This conversation traces Ruben’s professional rise and reflects on some powerful industry truths along the way: How growing up with a structural engineer father sparked his early fascination with buildings, planning and property law;Why conveyancin...

Joining us for the second episode of Season 2 is the inspirational Dana Denis Smith OBE, journalist turned lawyer, legal entrepreneur and founder of the First 100 Years and Next 100 Years projects. She joins Adrian to explore innovation, identity and inclusion in the legal profession. This conversation unpacks Dana’s career built on change and challenge, touching on: How growing up under communism and training as a journalist gave her a unique perspective on voice, rights and representation;W...

Opening Season 2 is the brilliant Nikki Alderson, former Criminal Barrister who now specialises in International Talent Retention and Women's Leadership Development at her Coaching business, Nikki Alderson Coaching. She joins Adrian in the TTML studio to discuss Retaining and empowering female talent in the legal industry. This conversation unpacks Nikki’s unconventional legal journey and explores some powerful themes along the way: How a chance encounter with a court reporter sparked her int...

This week, Adrian welcomes fellow Adrian, property litigation solicitor and partner at Knights, Adrian McClinton, to explore the crucial topic of protecting your interests in property and land. Whether you're a homeowner, tenant, or business owner, understanding your legal position is key to safeguarding your rights. With years of experience handling landlord-tenant disputes and complex land interests, Adrian shares valuable insights into navigating the ever-changing world of property law. Th...

This week, Adrian invites Skylar McKeith into the studio to explore the dynamic relationship between law and the media. As an immigration lawyer now specialising in global talent visas for actors looking for work in the UK, Skylar heads the immigration department at Lawrence Stephens. With her unique media presence and international experience, she shares her insights into how public narratives impact legal practice. This fascinating conversation delves into: How immigration law is evolving, ...

This week, Adrian sits down with Andriy Buniak, Principal Associate Solicitor at Rothley Law Ltd, to explore the vital work of the Court of Protection. With years of experience safeguarding vulnerable individuals, Andriy offers a deep dive into this area of law, exploring how it impacts lives and why he finds it so rewarding. This conversation also delves into: The unique challenges and rewards of Court of Protection work, from safeguarding to ensuring dignity for vulnerable individuals;Contr...

For our final episode before the new year, Adrian Johnson is joined by Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at JMW Solicitors LLP, David Smith. With David’s expertise in property litigation, particularly residential property, this episode focuses on the issues surrounding landlord and tenant legislation in the UK today. Adrian and David also discuss: · Entering the world of law from non-traditional paths; · The benefits of writing on Lin...

This week, Adrian invites Rafael Singer into the studio to discuss: Consulting to the Troika – Accountants, Lawyer and Financial Advisers. Having studied Politics and Journalism at University, Rafael went on to work at the London Mayor’s office in his 20s whilst playing drums in an indie punk band, before his Mum suggested he train as a solicitor under his Dad. A few years down the line, Raf now works as a self-employed Private Client Consultant Solicitor at Lionshead Law Ltd. This conversati...

This week, Adrian invites Alana Tart into the studio to discuss Mindfulness and the Modern Lawyer. Alana currently has three lines of employment, as General Counsel , Executive Coach and Mindfulness Teacher. In this episode, we get to the bottom of how and why she left a more traditional path to pursue a career with purpose that better honours ‘who I am and what I can best bring to this world’. On this journey, they also discuss: · The challenges of a portfolio car...

This week, Adrian invites Jay Sahota into the studio to discuss his journey from life in the City working at large firms to training and mentoring Law Firms and lawyers at Masala Mentor. Along the way, his initial decision to study at Cambridge and early choice to step away from the big city firms and move to smaller more nuanced practices, makes for a fascinating story that is well worth a listen. Along this journey, they discuss: · The challenges of working in b...

This week, Adrian invites Chris Daw KC into the studio to discuss his journey from comprehensive school to KC. Chris provides a fascinating insight into the world of criminal defence. He combines his extensive experience across a variety of high profile cases and strong views on the flaws of the prison system in the UK at the moment, alongside the strengths of our jury system, for a really engaging conversation. Along this journey we also discuss: Diversification in Silks whose role as ‘lead...

Adrian welcomes Will Marshall, Head of Legal & Risk Management at Altea Insurance and previous Partner at DWF and Capsticks Solicitors, into the studio to discuss the question: Is there a good time to step out of the Law profession and into industry? In this episode, Will also delves into: Studying alternatives to Law before venturing into a career as a lawyer, ie. History;The challenges of looking objectively at cases in criminal law;Increasing pressures on young lawyers to specialise e...

This week Adrian welcome’s Jon Gregson, employment lawyer and Partner at Weightmans, into the TTML studio to discuss his journey from day 1 to day 5,719 of making Partner. If you are part of the lawyer community on LinkedIn, you will almost certainly have seen Jon’s witty and insightful content appearing on your feed, from quips about his ginger hair to life as a Partner in a top UK law firm, Jon’s voice has pierced through and grabbed the attention of a growing audience. In thi...

Arvinder Mangat joins Adrian in the TTML studio this week for a fascinating conversation on working as a General Counsel in a variety of different start-ups and technology firms. Arvi gives detailed insights into his winding career as a lawyer, trying several different paths before settling on the one he is in now. This conversation also leads to the discussion of: · Arvi's initial attraction to law stemming from watching TV shows like LA Law and Rumpol...

This week we are having a brief mid-season break, but Adrian wanted to record a short episode recapping the first 10 episodes and reflecting on the themes that we have covered and countries we have travelled to. We also wanted to thank the brilliant team at Talk To My Lawyer, Frank Page our producer and Fiona Lynch our editor, as well as our wonderful guests who have brough life to the podcast. And last but not least, thank you to our listeners who have been patient with the teeth...

Amy Cousineau Massey joins Adrian in the TTML studio this week to give some really personal and insightful thoughts on ‘Adversity and the human lawyer’. Amy talks about dealing with adversity and personal challenges having lost her baby boy when 6 months pregnant. We discuss how LinkedIn can and should be used to talk openly and in detail about experiences and tragedies like Amy’s. In this podcast, we also discuss: · How law degrees differ across the globe an...

Today, I am excited to be joined in the TTML studio by James Ford, Senior Associate at Mayer Brown, to discuss two seemingly rather different topics but ones that James himself has brought together throughout his life: Global Law and Global Music. This conversation also delves into a variety of topics, including: · Studying in America, exploring different fields through liberal arts and how this influenced James’ decision to go to law school and helped his wo...

This week, I am excited to invite Sarah Jackson, Commercial Litigation and Insolvency Partner at IBB Law, into the studio to discuss whether the Law is a good career to juggle with parenting. Our conversation also leads to some fascinating discussions of: · What does insolvency actually mean / involve?; · The challenges of building a career and starting a family; · Covid's impact on working culture in law, part...

This week, I am excited to invite Richard Khaldi, Chambers Director of Maitland Chambers, into the studio to discuss career journeys, moving in and out of the law. Richard’s career path has been full of twists and turns, including working in government as a regulator 5 years into being a qualified lawyer, then moving to management consultancy, before coming full circle back to legal management. In this episode, we also discuss: Benefits of a business degree to working in law;How ...

This week I am very excited to welcome Sharmila Mehta, UK immigration lawyer and Partner at Keystone Law, into the studio to discuss how ‘Partner’ can mean different things at different law firms. A self-proclaimed ‘lawyer through and through’, Sharmila helped me obtain my British passport several decades ago and has worked in several different large UK law firms throughout her career. In this episode, Sharmila outlines her fascinating journey into law having moved to the UK from...

In this episode, I invite Charlie Davidson, Property Solicitor at Bishop & Sewell, into the studio to discuss creating a personal brand as a lawyer. Charlie has built quite a following on LinkedIn through his persona as the ‘Hound of Holborn’, regularly posting about all things property law and life in general. His journey leading to ‘The Hound’, into and within property law is a fascinating one that opens up all sorts of conversations, including: · ...

In this episode, I invite Charles Anderson into the studio, Legal Director at MET Group and author, to discuss practicing law across the globe. Charles’ fascinating journey through the world of law has taken him from Melbourne to Moscow via London and Paris, finally ending up in Switzerland where he practices today. Along this journey, we discuss: Balancing risk and reward when choosing to work abroad;The appeal of London in the late 90s;The challenges of working with different language...

For this week’s episode of Talk To My Lawyer, I speak to a fellow Melburnian, the brilliant Lewis Grimm, about using his online presence to nurture and build relationships as a lawyer. He discusses the importance of showing one’s personality through portraying interests outside the world of law, building a transpersonal online presence and taking time to write about topics you care deeply about. In this conversation, we also discuss: · The challenges and diffe...

For this week's episode of Talk To My Lawyer, I spoke to Private Client lawyer James Badcock about the challenges and opportunities presented by working as an Independent Solicitor. We discuss James’ fascinating career and how he came to the decision to move away from his role in a traditional firm and work as a Private Client Lawyer attached to a number firms. In this conversation, we also touch on: · The benefits and difficulties of working abro...

For the first episode of the Talk To My Lawyer podcast, I have a conversation with the brilliant Heledd Wyn. We talk about ageing and money, having tricky discussions with family members and more, but not before hearing about her fascinating journey into the law, including: The influence of a strong-willed grandma; Getting thrown in the deep end and thrown out of court...5 times; The challenge of moving to a new city for university. Stay tuned till the end for a few curve...

Fortnightly interviews with interesting people in the legal profession with great stories to tell.