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Welcome back to our 2026 edition of the Professional Training miniseries. We have a brand new regional edition continuing on from the last conference we attended, but packed with even more highlights and insights. Filmed at Manchester Hall, these minisodes explore high performance leadership, career growth, innovation and what it takes to thrive in today’s legal world. In the final minisode of the regional edition, we talk to Simon Price. He is the Learning and Development Manager for Kennedys and he argues that high-performing legal teams are built less on output metrics alone than on a culture of learning, reflection, feedback, and knowledge-sharing. Simon tells us about hybrid leadership requiring intentional inclusion through regular opportunities to connect and collaborate, while psychological safety means people can ask for help, admit uncertainty, take considered risks and learn from mistakes without lowering standards. He also stresses that lawyers and business-services teams should work as one around the client problem, that resilience includes recognising when to pause rather than simply enduring pressure and that a curiosity mindset helps people reframe challenges and keep on improving. You can Hear Rob and Simon talking about: - Building learning into everyday work - Creating connection across hybrid teams - Encouraging speaking up and learning - Solving client problems across teams - Recognising limits and restoring resilience. Connect with Simon Price - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/simonpricecoach

"AI will not replace lawyers, but lawyers that use AI will replace lawyers who don't." On today’s Legally Speaking Podcast, sponsored by Clio, I’m delighted to be joined by Michael McCready. Michael is the founder and managing partner of McCready Law, an experienced trial lawyer and a strong advocate for legal technology and innovation. In our discussion today, he explores how AI can support jury research, personalise courtroom arguments, simulate mock juries and improve trial preparation. However, he also warns of significant risks involving bias, juror privacy, confidentiality and AI-generated misinformation, emphasising the need for clear policies, staff training and human oversight. He also highlights AI’s potential to improve access to justice by helping smaller firms and under-resourced lawyers compete more effectively. So why should you be listening in? You can hear Rob and Michael discussing: - Personalising courtroom arguments using AI - Protecting juror privacy during AI research - Identifying and reducing bias in jury selection - Ensuring human oversight and accountability - Improving trial preparation through AI. Connect with Michael McCready here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mccready/

Welcome back to our 2026 edition of the Professional Training miniseries. We have a brand new regional edition continuing on from the last conference we attended, but packed with even more highlights and insights. Filmed at Manchester Hall, these minisodes explore high performance leadership, career growth, innovation and what it takes to thrive in today’s legal world. In this minisode, we talk to Sally Hulston, an employment lawyer and head of Lewis Silkin’s Manchester office. She shares a people-first view of high performance in legal teams. Sally argues that success goes beyond traditional metrics, relying on clarity of role, deliberate leadership visibility, psychological safety, and accountability that gives people room to take ownership. Sally also highlights the importance of bringing lawyers and business services together from the outset, building resilience through the ability to reset after setbacks, and creating more open one-to-one conversations that focus on how people are doing—not just their output. You can Hear Rob and Sally talking about: - Performance Needing Purpose, Not Just Metrics - Collaboration Growing Through Deliberate Visibility - Psychological Safety: Speaking Up Early - Accountability Giving People Ownership - Resilience Being All About Recovery, Not Endurance. Connect with Sally Hulston -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-hulston-55668419/

“The road less traveled is so much more interesting than that very traditional linear path that people lay out for you.” - Samuel McGinty On today’s Legally Speaking Podcast, sponsored by Clio, I’m delighted to be speaking with Samuel McGinty. Samuel is the Director of Legal Services at the University of Nottingham, he shares a candid account of building a fulfilling, non-linear legal career across private practice, local government and higher education. He also argues that the right workplace culture and values alignment matter more than prestige or salary alone, highlighting the breadth, purpose and development opportunities available in public-sector and in-house roles.  Today, our discussion explores leadership, psychological safety, mentorship, professional community, parenthood and mental health, alongside the need to make alternative legal career paths more visible. Samuel reflects on AI’s potential to improve legal work while stressing the importance of securing learning opportunities for junior lawyers. So why should you be listening in?  You can hear Rob and Samuel discussing: - Your Environment Mattering More Than Your Job Title - Life Beyond Private Practice - Your Legal Career Not Needing to Be Linear - Building a Culture of Psychological Safety and Authenticity - Prioritising Wellbeing, Relationships and Life Beyond Work. Connect with Samuel McGinty here - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/samuelmcginty

Visit the Law Student Academy Here In today’s episode, we dive deep into the complexities of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) with industry veterans Jake and James. Together, they bring a wealth of experience to the table, discussing how students can effectively prepare for the SQE and distinguish between quality and subpar educational resources. Understanding the SQE The SQE is a challenging exam designed to assess the readiness of aspiring solicitors. As James points out, the latest results show a pass rate of only 42%. While this statistic highlights the difficulty of the exam, it doesn’t necessarily mean the SQE is broken. Instead, it points to the need for discipline and a solid preparation plan. “Something being hard doesn’t mean it’s broken. It just means it requires a lot of discipline to get through it.” — James Identifying Quality Educational Resources Jake emphasizes that effective educational resources should cater to different learning styles and offer unique teaching methods. With a plethora of options available, students must be discerning: – Engagement: Look for materials that engage you as a learner.– Diversity in Learning: Resources should accommodate various learning preferences—whether visual, auditory, or kinesthetic.– Relevance and Updates: Ensure that the materials are current and accurate. Jake warns against relying solely on AI-generated content, as it often lacks the depth and empathy needed for effective learning. Instead, students should seek out resources created by professionals with genuine experience in the field. The Role of AI in Learning While AI can be a helpful tool, James cautions against over-reliance. The key is to use AI as a supplement, not a substitute, for genuine understanding: “Learning should be hard. Avoid the temptation to outsource your thinking to AI.” — James The Future of the SQE The SRA is taking steps to engage more with the profession, which could lead to improvements in the exam. Changes like reducing the number of questions from 180 to 170 aim to alleviate some of the pressure on students. James believes these adjustments show promise for a more accessible and fair assessment process. Conclusion As the landscape of legal education evolves, it’s crucial for students to remain vigilant and informed. With the right resources and techniques, they can navigate the challenges of the SQE successfully. If you’re preparing for the SQE, consider the insights shared by Jake and James as you choose your path forward. To hear more about their experiences and get additional tips for your SQE preparation, listen to the full episode now!

Welcome back to our 2026 edition of the Professional Training miniseries. We have a brand new regional edition continuing on from the last conference we attended, but packed with even more highlights and insights. Filmed at Manchester Hall, these minisodes explore high performance leadership, career growth, innovation and what it takes to thrive in today’s legal world. Today, returning guest Nadine Stanton of Professional Training reflects on creating more engaging, regionally accessible conferences for law firm leaders. Nadine shares her perspective on what makes teams perform at their best: clear goals, strong communication, psychological safety, defined roles, and shared values. She also discusses the power of interactive learning, community, and creating spaces where leaders can speak openly, challenge ideas respectfully, and leave energised with practical insights. You can Hear Rob and Nadine talking about: - Aligning Teams Around Shared Goals - Measuring Performance Against Personal Standards - Staying Curious After Achieving Success - Encouraging Respectful Challenge Within Teams - Designing Events For Active Participation Connect with Nadine Stanton -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/professional-training/

“Fundamentally, it’s about people — and it always is about people.” - John Hutchinson On today’s Legally Speaking Podcast, I’m delighted to be joined by John Hutchinson. John is the managing partner of Broadfield UK, helping build a fast-growing international law firm around technology, client service, and pragmatic pricing. With a background in corporate law, private equity, and law-firm leadership, he sees modern legal services becoming more integrated with clients and less reliant on traditional hourly-rate models. His approach to growth centers on hiring entrepreneurial, resilient people; moving decisively; investing in technology without losing professional judgment; and maintaining trust, integrity, and a strong client-focused culture as the firm expands internationally. So why should you be listening in? You can hear Rob and John discussing: - Embracing AI and Technology to Transform Legal Services - Building Client-Centred Relationships Through Greater Collaboration - Moving Beyond the Billable Hour Towards Value-Based Pricing - Scaling Internationally While Maintaining Culture and Quality - Attracting Entrepreneurial Talent Through Innovation and Opportunity. Our episode is featured here on the Broadfield UK site - https://broadfieldlaw.com/news-events/uk-managing-partner-john-hutchinson-discusses-scaling-law-firms-in-the-age-of-ai-on-the-legally-speaking-podcast/ Connect with John Hutchinson here - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/john-hutchinson-bdbpitmans

“You’re now responsible for your own trajectory.” - Kenzo Onumonu  On today’s Legally Speaking Podcast, I’m delighted to be speaking with Kenzo Onumonu. Kenzo Onumonu is the founder and CEO of Correm, a platform that connects experienced independent lawyers with growing companies seeking flexible senior legal support. After training at Bird & Bird and working in-house at fast-paced businesses including Deliveroo, Entrepreneurs First, Wheezy, and Modern Milkman, he saw how legal teams could better support scaling companies—and what infrastructure lawyers lose when they leave traditional firms. Kenzo founded Correm to provide independent lawyers with operational support and AI tools, while helping businesses access fractional legal expertise. He speaks about the changing legal careers landscape, AI’s role in legal work, and the importance of sound judgment, adaptability and trust.  So why should you be listening in?  You can hear Rob and Kenzo discussing: - Legal roadmaps mattering more than company stage - Fractional lawyers owning entire legal functions - Independent lawyers needing infrastructure and support - AI strengthening the fractional legal model - Relationships remaining central to legal services. Connect with Kenzo Onumonu here - https://ae.linkedin.com/in/kenzo-onumonu-2584a03b

“Your circumstances don’t have to define where you ultimately end up.” - Chloe Lake. On today’s episode, I’m delighted to be speaking with Chloe Lake. Chloe is a solicitor specialising in residential development at Gateley Legal, advising on land acquisitions and development projects. She studied Law at De Montfort University after transferring from the University of Leicester, with a placement year helping launch her legal career. She qualified as a solicitor after gaining experience in residential conveyancing and commercial property. Alongside her legal career, Chloe is passionate about social mobility, diversity and widening access to the legal profession. She has been involved in mentoring and careers initiatives and was named Leicestershire Law Society’s Trainee/Paralegal of the Year in 2023. Today, she shares her inspiring journey from a non-traditional background to qualifying as a solicitor, highlighting how setbacks, changing universities and taking risks ultimately shaped her career. Chloe discusses the value of practical experience, building relationships, trusting your instincts and developing confidence beyond academic study. So why should you be listening in?  You can hear Rob and Chloe discussing: - Trusting Your Gut and Taking Risks - Navigating Success Beyond a Straight Line - Building Strong Legal Skills Through Experience - Developing Relationships Throughout Your Legal Career - Becoming a Support for Others Connect with Chloe Lake here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-lake

The biggest gift that we can give to people in the age of AI is how do we make them better humans.” - André Noël Chaker On today’s episode, I’m delighted to be speaking to Andre Noël Chaker. Andre is an entrepreneur, internationally recognised keynote speaker, author and communication expert who brings together law, business, technology and leadership. Originally from Canada and now based in Finland, his career has spanned corporate law, executive leadership, entrepreneurship and professional speaking. As co-founder of MySpeaker and creator of Rhetorich AI, Andre is passionate about helping professionals communicate with greater impact while preserving authenticity and human connection. His work explores how AI can enhance communication, storytelling and leadership, while emphasising that curiosity, trust, credibility and authentic human interaction will remain essential in an increasingly AI-driven world. So why should you be listening in? You can hear Rob and Andre discussing: - Communication Becoming the Hard Currency - AI Amplifying Human Communication Skills - Authenticity Depending on Consistent Alignment - Storytelling Making Complex Ideas Memorable - Curiosity Driving Exceptional Future Leadership Connect with André Noël Chaker here - https://fi.linkedin.com/in/andr%C3%A9-no%C3%ABl-chaker-b50a883

“Always work on making people the best version of themselves and giving them the power to drive their own career.” - Ian Bagshaw On today’s episode, I’m delighted to have Ian Bagshaw from Ashurst Perkins Coie on the Legally Speaking Podcast. Ian Bagshaw is a commercially minded legal leader whose career has been shaped by adaptability, entrepreneurial instinct and a belief that judgment matters more than hierarchy. In this conversation, he reflects on moving quickly away from work that did not suit him, building a technology-focused London legal business with a clear strategy, and creating a culture where people are trusted, developed fast, and encouraged to take ownership of their careers. He argues that AI will transform how legal work is delivered, but that the lasting differentiators will be client relationships, sound judgment, and talent capable of learning continuously. He also sees the legal market becoming more global, more competitive, and more divided between major international firms, focused boutiques, and AI-native businesses—while maintaining that exceptional service, value, and strong human cultures remain the foundation of success. So why should you be listening in?  You can hear Rob and Ian discussing: - Judgment Remaining as Law’s Enduring Advantage - Technology Reshaping Delivery, Not Client Expectations - Accelerate Talent Through Trust and Coaching - Global Scale Drives Legal-Market Consolidation - Relationships and Culture Build Sustainable Success. Connect with Ian Bagshaw here - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/ianbagshaw

Season 10 Episode 35“The organisations that will thrive in 2027 will not be the ones with the most policies. They’ll be the ones that read them or act on them.” - Dr Lucy Mather On today’s episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr Lucy Mather. She is a GP, women’s health specialist, and menopause expert with more than 20 years of experience. She is the founder of Jaya Life, a women’s hormone health clinic, and brings deep clinical insight into the real impact menopause can have on women’s wellbeing, careers, and confidence. Our conversation is about how menopause is far more than a health issue — it’s a workplace, leadership and retention issue too. We discussed how women can be seriously affected by symptoms like brain fog, sleep disruption, anxiety, hot flushes and low confidence, and how that can quietly hold back brilliant people at the peak of their careers. Lucy also explained why employers need to take this seriously now: not just because of the coming menopause action plan expectations, but because supporting women properly is simply the right thing to do. So why should you be listening in? You can hear Rob and Lucy discussing: - Menopause: a Workplace Leadership Issue - How Sleep and Mental Health Affect Performance - Why Supportive Policies Improve Retention And Trust - Managers Needing Confidence and Training - Preventing Talent Loss by Offering the Right Support at the Right time. Connect with Dr Lucy Mather here - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dr-lucy-mather-2548161a

"If you can see me, you can be me." - Elaine Banton What happens when a barrister who grew up on a Hackney council estate helps shape the future of equality, human rights, and AI? Elaine Banton from Doughty Street Chambers reveals why the law can no longer afford to be reactive and why fairness has to be built into systems from the start. Something that stood out most to me in this conversation was how strongly she framed the idea of “equality by design” — the belief that fairness should be built into systems, workplaces and even algorithms from the start, rather than added later after harm has already happened. We also explored how bias can be amplified by AI and why lawyers, institutions and businesses all need to understand the technology shaping decisions across health, education, employment, and justice. So why should you be listening in? You can hear Rob and Elaine discussing: - Equality Being a Systems Problem, Not a People Problem - The Biggest Fairness Failures Happening When Institutions Worship the “Ideal Worker” - Visibility Not Being Symbolic - It Changes What People Believe is Possible - Background Not Just as an Identity But a Strategic Intelligence - How AI Bias is Not a Tech Issue - It Is an Accountability Issue Connect with Elaine Banton here - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/elaine-banton

"They will be the ones who see the trends just before everyone else does." - Peter Watson Commercial awareness is one of the most requested skills in law, finance and consulting. Yet too many people mistake it for simply reading the news. In this episode of the Legally Speaking Podcast sponsored by Clio, I am joined by Peter Watson, CEO of Watson's Daily. Peter draws on 13 years in stockbroking, experience across financial markets and recruitment, and more than a decade spent helping people make sense of business news. Together, we explore what commercial awareness really means, why law firms use it to distinguish great candidates from good ones, and how professionals can turn headlines into useful insight for interviews, clients and career decisions. Peter also examines AI and information overload, the growing value of emotional intelligence, the geopolitical trends shaping future opportunities, and the simple habits that make commercial awareness easier to build. This is a practical conversation for anyone who wants to understand business more clearly, communicate with greater confidence and become a more valuable adviser. So why should you be listening in?  You can hear Rob and Peter discussing: - Application Over Accumulation: Knowing the Headline is Only the First Step - Commercial Value: Law Firms Want People Who Can Connect Legal Knowledge to Real-World Outcomes - Judgement Over Noise: AI Can Summarise Information, But Professionals Still Need to Decide What Matters - Human Skills as Hard Skills: Emotional Intelligence, Reading a Room and Framing Advice  - Consistency Over Cramming: a Realistic Daily Habit Beating Last-Minute Interview Revision. Connect with Peter Watson here - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/peter-watson-5a275213

On today’s Legally Speaking Podcast, I am delighted to be joined by Ruben Miessen. Ruben is the CEO and Co-Founder of LEGALFLY, a European enterprise legal AI company, building a secure, governed legal operating system for in-house teams in regulated industries. Before founding LEGALFLY, Ruben worked as a senior product manager at Tinder, where he led initiatives and built a team that would later become the founding team behind LEGALFLY. With his co-founders, Ruben identified how legal bottlenecks could slow down businesses, whilst legal teams were strained under pressure and spending time onrepetitive tasks. This led to the creation of LEGALFLY. LEGALFLY is expanding internationally, with offices in Ghent and London and Dubai.  Ruben has been recognised as one of Forbes Belgium’s 30 Under 30. Today, we are exploring AI, entrepreneurship and the future of legal work. We will explore Ruben’s journey from Tinder to building a legal tech company; the challenges of creating enterprise AI for sensitive legal data; how AI could transform legal workflows and what the legal profession may look like in the years to come. So why should you be listening in?  You can hear Rob and Ruben discussing: - AI-powered legal workflow automation - Secure anonymisation of sensitive documents - Unblocking business teams with AI - Multi-step workflows across enterprise teams - Expanding globally across regulated industries. Connect with Ruben Miessen here - https://be.linkedin.com/in/rmiessen