Doesn't Sound Right
Doesn't Sound Right
Podcast Description
The podcast exploring the role of UK regional accents in the law.
Doesn't Sound Right uncovers the role accents, class, and identity play in the UK legal profession. Hosted by Matt Fedigan and Denise van der Merwe.
Through candid conversations with leading barristers and solicitors, we explore how the way we speak shapes the way we work in the law.
Perfect for law students, legal professionals, those applying for pupillage and training contracts, and anyone interested in diversity, social mobility and the UK legal profession.
Sponsored by Walker Morris solicitors.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes of accents, class, identity, and their impact on the UK legal profession. Episodes cover topics such as the implications of maintaining one's accent in a courtroom setting, the biases associated with certain accents, and discussions on whether accents should receive legal protection. Example episodes include interviews with barristers discussing the challenges of courtroom advocacy while staying authentic to their accents, and linguistics experts exploring accentism and its implications in legal settings.
The podcast exploring the role of UK regional accents in the law.
Doesn’t Sound Right uncovers the role accents, class, and identity play in the UK legal profession. Hosted by Matt Fedigan and Denise van der Merwe.
Through candid conversations with leading barristers and solicitors, we explore how the way we speak shapes the way we work in the law.
Perfect for law students, legal professionals, those applying for pupillage and training contracts, and anyone interested in diversity, social mobility and the UK legal profession.
Sponsored by Walker Morris solicitors.
What does it really mean when aspiring barristers and lawyers are told to ”just be yourself”? Can you stay true to your accent while mastering courtroom advocacy and professional communication in law?
In this episode of Doesn't Sound Right, Matt and Denise are joined by Chris Kessling, a barrister with over 20 years' experience at the criminal Bar and a trainer at the Inns of Court College of Advocacy (ICCA). Chris shares how ICCA helps future barristers and lawyers develop clear, persuasive speech—without changing their accents.
”Accents are like jewels, beautiful in their diversity,” says Chris. But despite this, he reveals why he once felt pressured to ”dumb down” his accent after leaving boarding school. Together, they explore the balance between authenticity and professionalism, and what this means for pupillage applicants, law students, and junior lawyers navigating the legal profession.
A must-listen for aspiring barristers, lawyers, pupillage applicants, advocacy trainers, and anyone passionate about diversity, social mobility, and regional accents in UK law.
Get in touch: [email protected]
🎧 Sponsored by Walker Morris, a leading Leeds-based firm of solicitors.
🎵 Title music: Yours Story by Diamond_Tunes
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