In this episode, Partner Emma Bartlett and Trainee Solicitor Mitchell Blythe are joined by a special guest, Chris Paouros, who is the Co-Chair of Proud Lilywhites, the official Tottenham Hotspur LGBTQ+ Supporters Association, to discuss the following:  1. Methods and initiatives for harnessing and bringing about change within organisations.  2. Chris' love of Tottenham Hotspur and the inspiration behind founding an award-winning Football Supporters Association.  3. The core principles and aims which are fundamental to the success of the Association.  4. The recent 10th anniversary of the Proud Lilywhites and the video released to commemorate this milestone, which can be viewed here.  5. Support from Tottenham Hotspur players past and present and the positive affect that this has on support for the Association.

This week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a global initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences, with the aim to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported. In this podcast, Partner Emma Bartlett speaks to Maisie Lockyer, Associate at leading Family law firm Burgess Mee, about how important adjustments are to ensuring neurodiverse clients can participate in legal proceedings, instruct their lawyers and receive advice in the way that suits them best for their particular needs. In particular, Emma and Maisie discuss: Adjustments throughout the legal process: How adjustments may be required from the outset of an instruction from a neurodivergent client, through to preparation for trial or any hearings/meetings Recognising vulnerabilities: Neurodiverse conditions can result in vulnerabilities for clients that can unfairly count against them when during a trial or meeting Raising awareness in the legal profession: The importance for legal professionals to be aware of the potential need to make adjustments for neurodiverse clients and being proactive in this regard, promoting inclusivity and diversity If you have any questions in relation to neurodiversity or if you wish to discuss any of the topics raised in this podcast, please contact Partner Emma Bartlett.

We are delighted to share with you a podcast focusing on 'Navigating the UK and US Regulatory Terrain of Off-Channel Communications'. Listen to the podcast and see below for further details. Historically, it has been easier for employers to monitor record keeping and the contents of off-channel communications. This has become increasingly important as technology evolves and new platforms become available. In this interesting discussion, Wendi Lazar, C-Suite Strategies LLC (New York, USA), Sebastian Sayer, Fox Williams (London, UK) and Natalie A. Napierala, Carlton Fields (New York, USA), speak with Stuart Smith of CM Murray LLP about the actions taken by both US and UK regulators and the practical steps that firms can take to avoid fines. In particular, the panel discuss: - An overview of the rules and sanctions applied by US regulators (SEC, CFTC and FINRA) and UK regulators (FCA and FSA) relating to violations for engaging in off-channel communications and the purpose of record keeping regulations. - What response from these regulators are we likely to see going forward for breaches of record keeping regulations? - Recommended strategies, procedures, training, and internal policies that can be put in place by employers to comply with the regulations. - What is the best practice for employees and supervisors to comply with regulations and limit their own personal risk?

We are delighted to introduce the sixth episode of our Women in Sport Podcast, where we discuss developments, initiatives, and issues relating to women in sports and the associated legal implications. In this episode, Partner Emma Bartlett and Trainee Solicitor Mitchell Blythe are joined by a special guest, Dee Bright, who is the Chair of SpursAbility, the Tottenham Hotspur Disabled Supports Association, to discuss the following: 1. Dee's background in the world of sport, including how she first became introduced to football by watching Wimbledon F.C., and her personal experience of inequality in the sport of horse racing. 2. What inspired Dee to get involved in with the Tottenham Hotspur Disabled Supporters Association, SpursAbility. 3. The groundbreaking accessibility and inclusivity services at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the user lead strategy as the driving force behind them. 4. The viral press conference moment between Tottenham Hotspur manager, Ange Postecoglou, and Dee's son. 5. The positive affect that the promotion of disability inclusion has on diversity and inclusion more generally in an organisation.

In this podcast recording, Partner Zulon Begum and leading international law firm management consultant, Moray McLaren discuss new research by the IBA's Law Firm Management Committee (LFMC) which explores recent trends in partner profit sharing, remuneration and reward. The research has been published by Harvard Law School and is available here: https://clp.law.harvard.edu/knowledge-hub/magazine/issues/the-perfect-partner/defining-the-perfect-partner/ Key discussion points from this podcast recording: - Is there such a thing as a ‘perfect partner’ and how do you define them? - Gaining a better definition of partner contribution with an increasing adoption of non-financial performance indicators Introducing clearer guard rails and ensuring there is a fair process - Diffusing tensions around partner remuneration discussions and avoiding barriers to change - Providing leadership with “teeth” by revisiting and reinforcing governance - Moving from partner evaluation to partner development - A look to the future – how AI will move the goals posts on partner contribution and remuneration If you have any questions arising from this podcast recording please contact Partner Zulon Begum.

We are delighted to introduce the fifth episode of our Women in Sport Podcast, where we discuss developments, initiatives, and issues relating to women in sports and the associated legal implications. In this episode, Partner Emma Bartlett and Trainee Solicitor Mitchell Blythe are joined by a special guest, Sunday Times Grassroots Sportswoman of the Year 2020 and rugby player for Richmond Rugby, Zainab Alema to discuss the following: 1. Zainab's ambition of becoming the first Black Muslim woman to play for England Rugby and her progress so far in overcoming stereotypes. 2. The origin and meaning of her nickname 'The Bulldozer'. 3. The importance of representation in sport and Zainab's experience in meeting one of her sporting heroes, former England and Saracens W.R.F.C player, Maggie Alphonsi. 4. The new ground-breaking maternity, pregnant parent, and adoption policy unveiled by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) which seeks to promote the health and safety of rugby players and normalise motherhood in sport. 5. The future of women's rugby and Zainab's involvement in growing the women's game at a grass roots level, including her incredible project Studs in the Mud with the Atlas Charity.

Following the 4th IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders in June 2023, we are delighted to share with you a follow up podcast on the interesting topic of ‘Engaging constructively with the activist workforce’. In this discussion, the IFSEA annual conference panellists explore the prevalence of individual and collective activism amongst employees from a transcontinental perspective. Although this informative discussion focuses on the activism experiences in the United States, United Kingdom, Norway and Spain, the trends discussed are relevant to every jurisdiction: Georgina Calvert-Lee, Bellevue Law, UK Pål Kvernaas, Haavind AS, Norway Carlos Pareja Frade, Augusta Abogados, Spain Chair: Danny J. Kaufer, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Montréal, Canada In particular, the panel discuss: • The difference between collective and individual activism. • What is the line to be drawn between personal and professional activism – should employers be responsible for their employee’s social media free speech? • The impact of trade unions on collective and individual activism. • The future of collective and individual activism – should individual activism be regulated internally by employers or more broadly by statute?

Following the 4th IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders in June 2023, we are delighted to share with you a follow up podcast on the session, 'Board Pay: Heightened scrutiny of CEO and executive compensation.' In this podcast between the IFSEA annual conference panellists, this amazing panel discuss whether compensation increases are matched to meeting ESG and other targets. Emma Bartlett, CM Murray LLP (UK) Teresa L. Johnson, Arnold & Porter (San Francisco, USA) Dr Johannes Traut, Seitz (Germany) In particular, the panel discuss: • The pay gap between a CEO/Executive and workers and how this differs between jurisdictions • What factors are taken into account when drafting executive compensation packages? • How important is ESG for firms and is there an incentive for firms to have ESG targets? • Shareholders and customers are driving an increase in ESG and CSR targets within executive compensation packages, but to what extent are executive incentives weighed against these targets? • How firms are balancing ESG targets and financial business targets?

In this discussion between the IFSEA annual conference panellists, this brilliant panel examine the damage that narcissistic leaders can inflict on corporations and explore the potential solutions: Wonu Sanda, CM Murray LLP, UK Lori L. Deem, Hughes Socol Piers Resnick DYM, Chicago, USA Trisha Daho, Empowered Leadership Cultivation, Chicago, USA Kevin Hogarth, Assentar Ltd, UK We also thank Matt Myer of Mishcon de Reya (UK), who was unable to join the podcast, but attended as a panellist on the day of the conference and provided excellent insights. In particular, the panel discuss: The behaviours and qualities that are exhibited by a narcissistic leader - what are the hallmarks and are there any positives? The impact that working for a narcissistic leader can have on the culture of a workforce - is it really an issue or do we have an oversensitive new generation of workers? What are the financial, institutional, and human costs associated with having narcissistic senior leaders and why do some boards continue to tolerate them? Practical strategies for businesses and their advisers to mitigate the risk of hiring and harbouring narcissistic leaders and driving inclusive leadership.

We are delighted to share with you the recording of the recent webinar "How are the UK's Regulators Addressing Sexual Misconduct in their Professions?", in which our expert panel discuss the rules, guidance and approach to sexual misconduct taken by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and General Medical Council (GMC). In this webinar, Carol Davis KC (Littleton Chambers), chair Sarah Chilton (Senior Partner, CM Murray LLP), and speakers Emma Bartlett (Partner, CM Murray LLP) and Andrew Pavlovic (Partner, CM Murray LLP) discuss the following: 1. The steps the SRA has taken to address sexual misconduct and toxic working environments since 2018. 2. The recent FCA consultation and proposed rule changes to address sexual and other forms of non-financial misconduct. 3. The GMC updated Good Medical Practice guidance which specifically mentions sexual misconduct for the first time. 4. Recent cases from each profession, demonstrating the varying approach taken to sanctions where sexual misconduct is established. 5. The SRA’s new rules requiring partners to challenge behaviour, and how this contrasts with the requirement to challenge set out in the GMC guidance. 6. The SRA workplace environment guidance and the potential for action to be taken against firms (both SRA and FCA) where there has been a failure to address toxic working environments. 7. How regulated firms can reinforce good behaviours through training and policies. If you would like to discuss any of the above issues in further detail, please contact Partner, Andrew Pavlovic, who specialises in regulatory law for firms and partners.

We are delighted to share with you a podcast from two of the leading international senior executive and founder advisers, Wendi Lazar of Outten & Golden & Doug Mandell of Withersworldwide, who discuss 'Anatomy of a Transaction: Key Issues for Executives and Founders Selling Their Business and What Protections are Worth Fighting For?'. In this hugely interesting and lively discussion, with real life stories direct from the front line of advising senior executives and founders in major transactions, IFSEA members and annual conference panellists Doug Mandell of Withers (California, USA) and Wendi S. Lazar at Outten & Golden LLP (New York, USA) speak with Stuart Smith, Marketing and Business Development Manager at CM Murray LLP (UK), about the critical issues inherent in the sale of a business from the employment perspective, including financing, engaging with corporate counsel and retaining and protecting other employees in preparation for a transaction. In particular, the panel discuss the following elements of an M&A transaction: - The importance of an Executive having their own counsel representing them during a transaction - What key attributes should an Executive look for when hiring counsel in the sale of their business? - How is conflict managed throughout the process? - Timing of representation: When should an Executive retain counsel? What makes for a successful transaction and what are the key issues that Executives need to be aware of?

Following the recent 4th IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders, we are delighted to share with you a follow up podcast on the session, 'How Executives get the best out of their teams.' In this thought-provoking discussion between the IFSEA conference panellists, they examine how executives can manage their teams in a way which is mutually beneficially for both employer and employee: Louise O'Connor, CM Murray LLP, UK Joydeep Hor, People + Culture Strategies, Australia In particular, the panel discuss: - The impact of treating the employment relationship as a transactional relationship - The disconnect in terms of employee expectations, including amongst different generations - Managing employee expectations, while remaining true to the employer’s culture - Balancing the competing needs of different employees For more information on any of the issues discussed in this podcast, please contact our Senior Associate Louise O’Connor, who specialises in employments and partnership law issues.

Following the recent 4th IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders, we are delighted to share with you a follow up podcast on the breakout session, 'Executive Relationships at work – ban, boundaries or blind eye?' In this insightful discussion between the IFSEA annual conference panellists, our excellent panel explore whether relationships in the workplace can ever be appropriate or safe and how employers might seek to manage the workplace risks: Pooja Dasgupta, CM Murray LLP, UK Linky Trott, Edwin Coe LLP, UK Terese M. Connolly, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Chicago, USA In particular, the panel discuss: the key factors for employers to take into account if considering implementing an outright ban on relationships at work, including discussion relating to the potential differences in approach in respect of relationships involving C-Suite executives the range of potential legal claims arising from a breakdown of the relationship (or, indeed, the impact of the relationship on other staff members) and the significance of the risks posed to the individuals concerned and the employer, both from a UK and US perspective practical takeaways for employers looking to introduce an effective relationships at work policy to mitigate against potential legal, regulatory and reputational risks, including careful drafting of the extent and timing of disclosure/reporting obligations and the importance of regular training

We are delighted to share the fourth episode of our Women in Sport Podcast, where we discuss developments, initiatives, and issues relating to women in sports and the associated legal implications. In this episode, Partner Emma Bartlett and Trainee Solicitor Mitchell Blythe are joined by two special guests, Juan José Hita Fernández, Partner at Augusta Abogados and Starky Mondragón Malca, Lawyer at Augusta Abogados and former professional footballer in Spain. In this podcast we discuss the legal developments in the ongoing situation involving Spanish football official Luis Rubiales and Spanish World Cup winning footballer, Jenni Hermoso. In particular: The employment and labour status of those involved and the obligations that bind the behaviours of Luis Rubiales toward the Spanish football team. The investigations into Luis Rubiales conduct which are being pursued from various angles, including the public prosecutors investigation. The public reaction from both female and male professional footballers in Spain. Whether this could be a catalyst for cultural change in the treatment and respect for women playing professional sport?

We are delighted to share with you the recording of the recent Professional Practices Alliance webinar, Moving The ESG Needle For Law Firms – Deciding What Matters And What Can Be Achieved, in which our expert panel discuss how professional practices priorities are shifting regarding ESG. In this webinar, our chair Andrew Pavlovic, (CM Murray LLP), Rob Millard (Cambridge Strategy Group), Zulon Begum (CM Murray LLP) and Sarah Chilton (CM Murray LLP) discuss the following: Materiality – how firms should determine their priorities when it comes to ESG, as firms move away from focussing on their own emissions and are now increasingly considering the environmental impact of their client work Stakeholders – the importance of identifying key stakeholders and carefully considering and incorporating their interests into your ESG strategy Client Selection – taking a nuanced approach when considering whether or not to act for clients whose ESG-related aims and values may not wholly align with that of your firm, balancing business needs, the concept of access to justice, and whether firms can use their expertise and experience to mitigate any potential negative impacts of their advice Remuneration – the increasing shift towards incorporating elements of non-financial performance (i.e. alignment with and adherence to firms’ ESG-related policies) into partner assessment and remuneration policies Risk Management – the risk of discrimination claims under the Equality Act 2010 where, for example, a member of staff is treated less favourably and/or harassed because of their beliefs on climate change If you would like to discuss any of the above issues in further detail, please contact Partner, Andrew Pavlovic, who specialises in regulatory law and professional discipline matters for firms and partners.

Following the recent 4th IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders, we are delighted to share with you a follow up podcast on the opening plenary session, 'Ethical Handling of Executive Investigations.' In this lively and insightful discussion between the IFSEA annual conference panellists, this brilliant panel explore different approaches to ensure the ethical handling of executive investigations: - Beth Hale, CM Murray LLP, UK - Lindsey Wagner, Moxie Mediation & Workplace Investigations, California, USA - Carol Davis KC, Littleton Chambers, UK - Meriel Schindler, Withers, UK - Kristen Prinz, The Prinz Law Firm, Chicago, USA In particular, the panel discuss: • Common challenges seen in executive investigations, including: 1. The personal nature of the allegation. 2. Delays with informing the accused about the investigation. 3. Misunderstanding of confidentiality parameters. 4. Effects on the mental health of those involved. 5. Managing the risk of retaliation. • External v internal investigators: What are the pros and cons of using an external investigator as opposed to investigating allegations internally. • When is it appropriate to suspend during an investigation procedure and what are the alternatives to suspension? • How much, if any, evidence is disclosed to the accused ahead of the interview process? We also thank Claire Cross of Corker Binning, UK who was unable to join the podcast, but attended as a panellist on the day of the conference and provided excellent insights.

We are delighted to share with you the recording of our recent IFSEA webinar, 'What are the Best Mediation Strategies for Resolving Executive & Founder Disputes?' where our internationally renowned panellists explored how different jurisdictions approach the mediation of disputes between key corporate players and executives. In this webinar, chair Peter Rukin (Partner, Rukin Hyland & Riggin LLP & Mediator, Sequitur Resolutions - San Francisco), Jane Mulcahy KC & Ian Mill KC (Blackstone Chambers - UK), Lynne Hermle (Partner, Orrick - Silicon Valley), Ana Cid (Partner, Seyfarth - New York/London) and Yulia Fedorenko (Associate, CM Murray LLP - UK) discuss the following in respect of their jurisdictions: • How has the perception of mediation changed in the last 20 years? • Faster resolutions: Mediation as a more rapid alternative to lengthy court proceedings, particularly in cases involving senior executives and founders. • Innovative problem solving: Bringing key stakeholders together to foster unconventional solutions that parties may not have otherwise considered - particularly effective when parties are open to mediate but not to negotiate. • Balancing styles of mediation: The most successful mediators tend to vary between evaluative (common in the US) and facilitative (more UK-centric) in their style, assessing issues while guiding resolutions. • What are the key traits that make a successful mediator? • Tailored solutions: Unlocking unique remedies normally unattainable through the courts, such as apologies, policy shifts, and relationship mending. • The importance of preparation and exploring sensitivities, insurance implications, and address confidentiality worries with a mediator prior to instruction.

Following the recent 4th IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders, we are delighted to share with you a follow up podcast on the breakout session, 'Business Protection: The Top 5 Things you Need to Know Right Now on Restrictive Covenants and Confidential Information'. In this lively and insightful discussion between the IFSEA annual conference panellists, this brilliant panel explore developments and practical issues on restrictive covenants in their jurisdictions: Mark Risk, Mark Risk P.C, USA, New York Jennifer Millins, Mishcon de Reya, UK Jeffrey E. Goodman, Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark LLP, Canada Inge Derde, Van Eeckhoutte, Taquet & Clesse, Belgium In particular, the panel discuss: • The origins of post-termination restrictions in different jurisdictions: are they developed through common law or statute and where does the burden of proof lie to enforce them? • To what extent will the courts enforce post-termination restrictions, how far do the restrictions go to offer protection for businesses and what are the tests for enforceability across the relevant jurisdictions? • The suitability and application of garden leave as an alternative to restrictive covenants. • What does the future hold in this area, from proposed legislation to the imposition of new regulations and are we seeing a decline in post-termination restrictions?

We are delighted to share with you the recording of the recent webinar "New SRA Rules on Unfair Treatment and Challenging Behaviour - What Firms and Partners Need to Know", in which our expert panel discuss the new SRA rules on unfair treatment and challenging behaviour. In this webinar, you can hear from guest speaker, Adam Tolley KC (Fountain Court Chambers), chair Beth Hale (CM Murray LLP), and speakers Sarah Chilton (CM Murray LLP) and Andrew Pavlovic (CM Murray LLP) as they discuss the following: The background to the new rules and how they form part of the SRA's on-going campaign to address toxic working environments in law firms. How to distinguish between unfair treatment in a regulatory context and unfair treatment in an employment context. What constitutes "challenging behaviours" in practice and what factors need to be considered when determining whether behaviour needs to be challenged at all, and if so, whether it should be challenged in the moment or after the event. The interaction between the requirement to challenge unfair treatment/behaviour and the existing self reporting obligations. How firms record challenges to behaviour and the risks that arise from record keeping - Should there be a process for a subject of a challenge to be able to 'challenge the challenge'? How can a firm demonstrate compliance with the new rules in practice, through policies, training, and the proper and fair investigations of complaints.

In the next episode of our regulatory podcast ReguLaw, Partner and Regulatory specialist, Andrew Pavlovic, and Associate, Naomi Latham are joined by David Hopkins of 39 Essex Chambers. David has a substantial professional discipline practice and regularly appears in the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, acting for both the SRA and respondents. Andrew, Naomi and David discuss the SRA’s changing approach to sanctions and financial penalties, including the following: 1. The recent increase in the SRA’s internal fining powers, with a discussion as to how those powers have been exercised to date 2. The rare circumstances where the SRA will hold a hearing before an adjudication panel, what type of cases might be appropriate for such hearings and how often we would expect this to occur in practice 3. The SRA’s extension of turnover based fines for firms and the introduction of means based fines for individuals 4. Notable cases involving the fining of individuals for sexual misconduct and instances where the SRA have sought permission to address the Tribunal on sanctions 5. The recent case of Barnes, its application to sanctions in Hutchings, and whether this case will have an impact on financial sanctions/costs orders in the Tribunal going forwards We hope you enjoyed this episode of ReguLaw. If you have any questions or would like to feature as a special guest in a future episode, please get in touch with Partner Andrew Pavlovic or Associate Naomi Latham.