Mishcon Academy: Digital Sessions

In our latest Mishcon Academy: Digital Sessions podcast, Wei Zhang, a New York-qualified Partner in Mishcon de Reya's Hong Kong office, interviews Partner Emma Woollcott, Head of the Reputation Protection and Crisis Management practice in London. They explore why, in a world of increased scrutiny and transparency, global families should be mindful of their online profiles and reputations, and not just within their home jurisdictions. Wei and Emma also consider the circumstances in which even the most discreet families can attract unwanted attention, how they can anticipate reputational challenges and how they can be ready to address them.

In the first episode of our Talking Immigration mini podcast series, Fran Rance, Managing Associate and Knowledge Lawyer, speaks to Patrick Harney, Partner in our Tax and Wealth Planning team and Steven Bostock, Partner and Head of Immigration, where they discuss the key considerations when advising clients across the Atlantic, the current trends seen from a US/UK immigration and tax perspective and how the results of the recent UK general election might impact US/UK clients.

In this Mishcon Academy digital session, Kim Wedral-Rooke, Partner and Head of Innovate Employment at Mishcon de Reya is joined with Vibhor Gupta, Director and Founder of PangaeaData. This innovative software product platform is at the forefront of assisting healthcare and pharmaceutical providers in identifying and engaging with patients who have yet to be treated, thereby facilitating their entry into appropriate screening programmes.The session provides an in-depth exploration of the clinical objectives that are central to PangaeaData's mission. They examine the sophisticated technology that is employed to identify undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, and miscoded patients within the NHS framework. Additionally, we will discuss the application and impact of their platform and practices within the broader pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.

In our latest episode, Ashley Williams, Partner and co-lead of our Technology Transactions Group talks to Michael Rose, Senior Associate at DRD Partnership, about the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence and its implications for businesses and their leaders. Listen to discover key insights, including:Are businesses prepared to embracing AI -  Key questions to ask to help businesses and Boards make better decisions around embracing AI.Catastrophizing AI and the potential harms it can bring – What is the bigger picture? Are regulators looking to curtail its use or are they embracing the benefits it can bring.Top tips for navigate AI strategies – Advice for companies or advisors of companies who are wanting to embrace rather than fear the potential impact of AI.Listeners will also gain access to an in-depth understanding of AI's corporate implications.

In our latest episode, Geoff Dragon, a Partner in our Emerging Companies Team, talks to Suman Kaur, an Associate in our Corporate department about how start-ups can best prepare for success, how a can company get 'Investment Ready', and how the fundraising market is shaping up for early-stage companies in 2024.

Digital solutions to health care management have exploded since COVID 19, increasing efficiency, effectiveness and delivering choice to many people. In this episode, Partner, Gayle Curry speaks to the founder of the health tech app, Amilis, Sarita Stefani, about what motivates the founder of a women's health tech company, what women want from healthcare services, what the journey of a women's health tech founder is like and what advice would they give to others starting out.

Against the backdrop of International Women's Day on 8 March and as part of our Women in Wealth initiative, our latest Mishcon Academy Digital Sessions podcast "Empowering Equity: Female owners and donors" celebrates the successes of increasing the numbers of women in ownership positions, explores the on-going barriers to female capital wealth creation in business, and highlights the propensity of women to nevertheless be benevolent to wider society with pay-it-forward financial support.Host Liz Hunter and guests Andra Ilie and Gabbi Stopp share statistical insights and developing trends both in the UK and globally regarding approaches to family business ownership and leadership, through a gender lens. They also examine the diversity representation when it comes to participation in employee share plans operated by UK employers, share ideas on what more could be done to improve this, and then delve into the impact that female donors are making in the world of philanthropy and charitable giving.    

In our latest podcast episode, Emily Knight, Managing Associate in the Employment Team is joined by Charlotte Yonge, who is a Fund Manager at Troy Asset Management.  Charlotte is also the Founder of a charity called GAIN which stands for ‘Girls Are Investors'. GAIN was set up to promote and inspire girls to pursue a career in investing. Emily and Charlotte consider why women historically invest less than men, what is being done to change it and some of the myths and stereotypes around gender and investing. 

In our latest podcast episode, Dulcie Pearson, Strategy Consultant at MDRx, is joined by Tom Grogan, CEO of MDRx where they discuss how AI is unlocking value for businesses across the economy, what the technologies underpinning the AI movement are, how organisations can use AI to achieve their strategic goals and what kinds of risks there are for business leaders. 

Join Managing Associate, Stephanie Lim Pierce and Singapore-based CEO of Trilake Partners, Lucie Hulme, as they discuss the impact of women in the fund management industry, how the performance of funds led by women and mixed gender teams compare with those of male only teams, and how more women can be encouraged to join and become leaders in the industry. 

In this podcast, Mishcon de Reya's Fran Rance and Neil Shanghavi, from the Immigration Group, bring together their expertise in the retail sector, offering valuable insights into immigration issues affecting the retail industry, including information and analysis on labour shortages, immigration policies, and future trends. Please note, following the recording of this podcast, the Home Office has announced increases to immigration and nationality fees which will come into effect from 4 October 2023. The list of new fees can be accessed here.

In our latest podcast episode, Paralegal Imane Karoum and Managing Associate Lydia Kellett from our Corporate Department discuss the UK Central Bank Digital Currency project, what does it mean entirely, and what are the pros and cons of this project.

In this episode, Lily Pope, Trainee Solicitor and part of the Women in Wealth group, and Tyrone Rees-Davies, Managing Associate in Insolvency team speak with Daniele Fiandaca, Founder of Token Man Consulting.They discuss how can gender equity in the workplace build value for businesses, what causes discussions around gender equity to fail and how can this be overcome and what does male allyship in the workplace look like day to day.

 In our latest podcast episode, Sian Rodway, COO of MDRxTech, is joined by Tom Grogan, CEO of MDRxTech where they discuss what the metaverse is, how it is being used and the risks you need to be aware of. 

In this mini series on the COVID-19 Inquiry we look at the impact the pandemic has had on different fields of individuals lives and businesses.In this second episode, Emily Wright, Associate in the White Collar Crime & Investigations Group and part of the Health and Safety team, speaks with Helen Tapper, Immediate Past President of Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) and Finance Director and Tapper Interiors.How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact the construction industry? Did the general proactive approach in the UK to health and safety management help with business resilience? Did the Government response help?If you have any questions about the COVID-19 Inquiry or would like to submit your experience, please get in touch with Kizzy Augustin.Mishcon Academy: Digital Sessions are a series of online events, videos and podcasts looking at the biggest issues faced by businesses and individuals today.

In the second in our mini-series, Jessica Scheps, Associate in the Private Tax and Wealth Planning team, and member of the Women in Wealth group, spoke with Rebecca McMurray, Director of Development at the National Philanthropic Trust. NPT UK is an independent charity that provides donor-advised funds to donors in the UK and those around the world who wish to base their philanthropy from the UK. They offer giving vehicles and expertise to philanthropists, family offices, and wealth managers from one of the world's leading financial centres.In the podcast they discuss what is Philanthropy, how are women leading in the philanthropic giving and what have been the generational shift in charitable giving.

Tom Grogan, CEO of MDRxTech is joined by Sian Rodway, COO of MDRxTech, where they focus on Web3, or Web 3.0. They explore the evolution of the internet, cover off a few buzzwords such as blockchain, NFTs and the Metaverse, and go through the key things that organisations should think about when formulating their Web3 strategies and pursuing valuable and impactful projects.

In the podcast they discuss whether young people feel anxious about money and finance, is there a 'gender gap' in financial literacy, and what challenges do young women, and young female business owners, face in the financial world, and how can they manage the risks of the current cost of living crisis.

In this podcast, Partner David Whittaker is joined by Oliver Morgan Crosby, Director at Evelyn Partners, where they discuss how important is privacy and confidentiality to Ultra High Net Worth clients, how complicated the current framework around information reporting is and what can be done to preserve confidentiality or mitigate the reporting burden.

In this mini series on the Covid-19 Inquiry we look the impact pandemic has had on different fields of individuals lives and businesses. In this episode, Robert Lewis, Head of Education at Mishcon de Reya, talks with Sam Freedman, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government, Senior Adviser to the educational charity Ark Schools and former Senior Policy Adviser to the Secretary of State at the UK Department for Education.What priority was given to the education sector? What were the consequences for young people and their mental health? How did the UK's response to compare to other countries? How could public assessments have been handled better? 

As part of our Black History Month 2022 programme, trainee Bethia Green has hosted a podcast discussing the realities of existing as a young Black person in the UK. The episode discusses issues that persistently affect young black people, as well as actions we can all take to reduce discrimination and make our society more inclusive.Produced in collaboration with Football Beyond Borders (FBB), this episode features FBB graduates Gui Fernandes, Hannah Mills, and Isaiah Gordon, who are now part of the Youth Beyond Borders (YBB) creative agency.We're proud to be partnering with Football Beyond Borders for this podcast, supporting their work with young people from disadvantaged socio-economic areas who are passionate about football but disengaged at school. FBB helps them finish school with the skills and grades to make a successful transition into adulthood, by providing long-term, intensive support, built around their relationships and passions.  YBB are a representative creative agency recently established by FBB that provides career opportunities to FBB graduates and young people interested in working within the creative industries.

In this new podcast, Joanna Blackburn and Susannah Kintish, Partners in our Employment team, discuss changes in perspectives and behaviours following the momentum of the #MeToo movement.  They also reflect on the regulatory implications, internal investigations, NDA's, the rise of social media, reputational issues and so much more. 

In this podcast, Partner Emily Nicholson is joined by Kate Bright, Chartered Security Professional, Founder and CEO of UMBRA International Group, to discuss what it means to be secure in the modern world, as well as diversity and the role of women in today's security industry.In recent years, there has been a huge shift in terms of expectations of what a secure lifestyle means, which has led to Kate developing a more holistic approach, encompassing physical, digital, reputational and emotional aspects.

In our latest podcast episode, Emma Webb, Associate, in the Corporate department is joined by the Founder and CEO of Inclusive Trade Ltd, Rupa Ganguli where they discuss what the main hurdles for sustainable shopping are, how this market is going to grow and change in the future and how can we put an end to greenwashing in the industry.

 We continue to look at Education in a Digital Age, which explores the latest news, trends and Government announcements affecting parents, children and professionals involved in the education sector. In this episode, Robert Lewis, Head of Education at Mishcon de Reya, talks with James Murray, Senior Associate at Taylor Vinters, about the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill currently progressing through Parliament.  What is the status of the Bill? What will it mean for Higher Education institutions, academics, and students? Is there really a problem with the stifling of free speech on campus? If so, will the bill be the answer? Mishcon Academy: Digital Sessions are a series of online events, videos and podcasts looking at the biggest issues faced by businesses and individuals today.

Welcome to the second series of 'Education in a Digital Age', which explores the latest news, trends and Government announcements affecting parents, children and professionals involved in the education sector.

 In this podcast Adam Rose, Partner and head of Mishcon de Reya's Data practice, is joined by Senior Data Protection Specialist Jon Baines to discuss the government's recent announcement of reforms to the UK's data protection laws. Are the proposals significant, or do they just amount to "tinkering at the edges"? 

 Predatory marriage has recently been the subject of much press discussion. In this podcast Bethan Byrne, Managing Associate in the Private Wealth Disputes team, Hannah Dart, Managing Associate in the Tax and Wealth Planning team and Sheena Cassidy Hope, Partner in the Family team, discuss what predatory marriage is, as well as relevant capacity issues and what legislative proposals have been considered in relation to marriage and inheritance. 

Welcome to the second series of 'Education in a Digital Age', which explores the latest news, trends and government announcements affecting parents, children and professionals involved in the education sector.In this first episode, Robert Lewis, Head of our Education team, talks to leading parenting consultant and founder of Educating Matters, Rachel Vecht, about how adults can talk to children and young people about difficult issues and how to assess what boundaries to set when social networks and technology have eased their exposure to the media.

Understanding the rule-makers as well as the rules is vital. In our latest Meet the Regulators series podcast, we speak to some of the UK's most important regulators, taking a deep dive into their policies and priorities and their impact on industry in an increasingly regulated world.In this third episode, Neil Baylis, Partner in the firm's Competition Group, is joined by Executive Director of Enforcement at the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Dr Michael Grenfell.We learn more about the new powers given to the CMA following the Government's Competition and Consumer Policy consultation and how the CMA is working with other regulators and the European Commission and what this means for businesses today.Our guest also speaks about what the future may hold for the CMA in the competition and consumer regulatory space.Visit the Academy for more learning, events, videos, podcasts and reports.

What is big tech and why are competition disputes a growing issue?In this podcast, Ben Lasserson, a Partner in the Competition Litigation team speaks with experts Dr David Teece, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman and Greg Harman, Managing Director of the Berkeley Research Group.  As regulators have started to question the potential impact of massively powerful big tech companies, there is increasing interest in competition disputes. In this episode, we discuss what regulators can do to ensure that dominance does not lead to unfair outcomes for consumers and whether there is an argument for a fresh regulatory approach. 

On 18 January 2022, HM Treasury issued its response to last year's consultation on financial promotions. The resulting legislation will bring certain unregulated cryptoassets within the scope of the UK financial promotion framework, and introduce a more robust regime for authorised firms approving financial promotions. The Treasury response was closely followed, on 19th January 2022, with the FCA's consultation on rules and guidance, necessary for implementing this new regime.In this podcast, Partners Guy Wilkes and Charlotte Wilson discuss these significant proposals. How will they impact firms in the sector? What can firms do to prepare?

Understanding the rule-makers as well as the rules is vital. In our latest Meet the Regulators series podcast, we speak to some of the UK's most important regulatory bodies, taking a deep dive into the current industry demands of an increasingly regulated world.In this second episode, Alexandra Agnew, Associate in Mishcon de Reya's Private Department, and Neil Baylis, Partner in the firm's Competition Group, are joined by Director of Integrity and Regulation at the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), Tim Naylor. We learn more about the greatest challenges being faced in horseracing in 2022, and among other points, discuss the potential lessons the BHA has learnt from other regulators such as the FA on BLM and gender equality. For example, while women and men compete on an equal basis in the race itself, does this translate in the Weighing Room? Our guests also speak about the impact that the pandemic has had on the sport's longevity, and actions the BHA are taking to adjust to the shifting expectations of regulation in the sporting industry.

Our Climate Migration podcast looks at the rapidly growing issue of people being displaced due to climate change and the resulting migration around the world.In the latest episode, Associates Adis Sehic and Becca Hird spoke with Alex Randall, Programme Lead at the Climate and Migration Coalition, about some of the current and prospective legal solutions that are and could be available to those displaced by the effects of climate change.Alex is a leading expert in issues relating to climate-driven displacement and has extensive experience in the field, having previously provided policy guidance to national and city governments on their approach to climate driven migration and having led advocacy work focused on several global policy processes.

In the third episode of the Vulnerability podcast series focusing on vulnerable clients and mental capacity, Nova Maxwell  and James Smith, discuss coercive and controlling behaviour and undue influence in relationships.In the previous episode, Antonia Felix and Mariel Stringer-Fehlow discussed what it means to be a vulnerable party, how vulnerable parties and witnesses are supported in litigation, and what can the legal system do better. Listen to the second part of the series here.

In the latest episode of our Modern Family podcast, led by Associates Sarah Infante and George Irving, Dr John Simmonds OBE from CoramBAAF was invited to discuss the adoption and foster care system in the UK.John is a qualified social worker with substantial experience in child protection, family placement and residential care settings. He is responsible for CoramBAAF's contribution to the development of policy and practice in social work, health, the law, and research.John shared his own experience of adopting his two children over 40 years ago. The discussion focused on questions of identity that adopted children face as they grow older, and advice for parents to prevent adoptions from breaking down, particularly the age of social media and the internet.

In the latest episode of our Modern Family podcast series, Partners Emma Willing and Antonia Felix were joined by Anna Buxton, an international surrogacy co-ordinator at My Surrogacy Journey.Anna discussed her personal journey to parenthood following the birth of her three children - all born via international surrogacy - and how My Surrogacy Journey can provide for people on their journey through Surrogacy.

Should we crack down on airline ads for encouraging long distance or regular flights? Are businesses using 'green' terms such as “carbon neutral” and “net zero” honestly and what do consumers understand those terms to mean?". In this episode, recorded at Africa House, Stuart Lester is joined by Director of Complaints and Investigations at the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), Miles Lockwood.  In the wake of COP26, Stuart and Miles discuss the increase of "greenwashing" in advertising and review examples of ads which has fallen foul of the codes, and explore what the ASA is doing to play its part in battling the global climate crisis 

Join Associate Catherine Rogerson, from our Fraud team, and Katy Ling, Cyber Intelligence Analyst at MDR Cyber, where they speak to Partners Claire Broadbelt and Annabel Thomas, from our Fraud Defence team, on disproving allegations of dishonesty in practice. This episode will explore the important of how the facts are presented, the role that cultural difference might play in assessing honesty, and what lawyers can do to assist their clients to present a credible account. This podcast is part of our Dishonesty Uncovered series, exploring why and how deception occurs.

Our Climate Migration podcast looks at the rapidly growing issue of people being displaced due to climate change and the resulting migration around the world.

Join Partner Maria Patsalos and Associates Becca Hird and Adis Sehic in the first of a series of podcasts on Climate Migration. In this episode they ask what is climate migration, why should we care about this issue, and while COP26 is ongoing in Glasgow why it should be at the top of everyone's agenda.

Join Employment Partners Jennifer Millins and Susannah Kintish as they explore the significant case law developments surrounding post-termination restrictive covenants and review the developments following the Government's recent consultation on non-compete clauses. The podcast draws on their specialist insight to offer practical guidance and key takeaways for employers and employees alike.                                                                                                       The key cases for discussion include:•            Quilter Private Client Advisers Limited v Emma Falconer and Continuum (Financial Services) LLP •            Allen v Dodd & Co •            Guest Services Worldwide Limited v Shelmerdine •            Harcus Sinclair LLP v Your Lawyers Ltd •            Square Global Ltd v Leonard 

Join Partner and head of Commercial Litigation, Richard Leedham and Senior Director of Litigation Funding at Harbour, Stephen O'Dowd as they discuss the nuts and bolts of litigation funding and the Harbour/ Mishcon relationship following the announcement of their new litigation finance venture MDR Solutions I (MDRS1). They also share the inside story of the funding of the Hiscox Action Group at the height of the pandemic and its progress through to a successful conclusion.MDRS1 will be used to fund litigation and arbitration cases for Mishcon de Reya's clients.

In this first Mishcon Academy Digital Sessions podcast on vulnerable clients and mental capacity, Molly Hunter and Bethan Byrne provide an introduction to mental capacity and the applicable law, exploring the issues to be aware of in relation to mental capacity and vulnerability and how best to support clients with fluctuating mental capacity. They look at three different case studies to give context and bring to life the reality of mental capacity and vulnerability.

In the first of our Modern Family series, Legal Directors Antonia Felix and Emma Willing discuss UK and international surrogacy with Michael and Wes Johnson-Ellis, founders of My Surrogacy Journey and TwoDadsUK.

Emma Macintyre, Partner in the Property Litigation team was joined by Associate Isabel Lich and David Boyne, a telecoms surveyor from David R Boyne Property Solutions, for the first of two podcasts relating to the Electronic Communications Code. 

Emma Macintyre, Partner in the Property Litigation team was joined by Associate Isabel Lich and David Boyne, a telecoms surveyor from David R Boyne Property Solutions, for the second of two podcasts relating to the Electronic Communications Code. 

In the latest vulnerable parties and witnesses podcast, Legal Director, Antonia Felix is joined by Associate, Mariel Stringer-Fehlow to focus on vulnerable clients and their mental capacity, the support that is given during litigation, and how the system can better their approach.

Join Associate Catherine Rogerson, from our Fraud team, and Katy Ling, Cyber Intelligence Analyst at MDR Cyber, where they speak to Dr Timothy Levine, distinguished Professor of Communication at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and creator of the Truth-Default Theory.Tim has spent over twenty years researching deception. In this podcast, we explore the following questions: why do people lie and why can we be so easily deceived? Are most people mostly honest most of the time? And if this presumption of honesty is necessary to have functional communication, is society doomed to fall apart in a world of 'post-truth' politics, cat-fishing, and fake news?This podcast is part of our Dishonesty Uncovered series, exploring why and how deception occurs.

Emily Wright, Associate from our White Collar Crime and Investigations team and Waqar Shah, Legal Director, from the Tax Disputes and Investigations team, discuss what businesses should be considering as the country's lock down restrictions are lifted. As businesses adjust to the post-pandemic economy there is an opportunity to reassess whether their compliance procedures remain adequate following the changes brought about by the pandemic and the new tax and fraud challenges on the horizon.