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.
8. Do I Belong in Law? With John Dove & Hayley Crombleholme
Criminal barrister John Dove and legal educator Hayley Crombleholme share their journeys into law with hosts Matt and Denise, discussing belonging and social mobility in the legal profession.
5 Aug 2025
7. Taking Pride with Cherie Blair
Leading barrister Cherie Blair discusses maintaining pride in one's accent and working-class roots while navigating the legal profession, advising listeners to stay grounded in their background; this is an interview with Matt and Denise.
21 Jul 2025
6. Slow down! Confidence and clarity with James Bruce
Criminal barrister James Bruce discusses with hosts Matt and Denise how confidence and vocal clarity are critical for effective communication at the Bar, balancing regional accents with clear advocacy in this interview.
10 Feb 2025
5. Can You Keep Your Accent at the Bar? With Chris Kessling
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: doesntsoundrightpodcast@gmail.com
🎧 Sponsored by Walker Morris, a leading Leeds-based firm of solicitors.
🎵 Title music: Yours Story by Diamond_Tunes
3 Feb 2025
4. Do Some Accents Sound Guilty? The Evidence with Natalie Braber & Rob Drummond
Do some accents sound "guiltier" than others? Can the way you speak impact your career in law? And why do some lawyers feel their accent holds them back in pupillage applications and beyond?
In this episode of Doesn't Sound Right, Matt and Denise are joined by linguistics experts Professor Natalie Braber (Nottingham Trent University) and Professor Rob Drummond (Manchester Metropolitan University) to explore their latest research on accents, accentism, and the legal profession.
Natalie and Rob explain why our accents change over time, how bias against certain accents persists in the workplace and courts, and why they believe accentism remains "the last socially acceptable form of prejudice."
Essential listening for aspiring lawyers, barristers, solicitors, policymakers, and anyone passionate about social mobility, diversity, and the UK legal system.
🎧 Sponsored by Walker Morris, a leading Leeds-based firm of solicitors.
🎵 Title music: Yours Story by Diamond_Tunes
6 Jan 2025
3. Should accents be legally protected? With Mary Prior KC
Should regional accents have legal protection in the UK? Mary Prior KC, chair of the Criminal Bar Association and one of Britain’s top criminal barristers, makes a compelling case in this episode of Doesn't Sound Right.
Mary shares how her working-class roots in Stoke influenced her career and reflects on how she secured pupillage and succeeded at the Bar, where accents like hers were rare. She highlights why eloquence isn’t tied to a specific accent and offers invaluable tips for oral advocacy.
Perfect for aspiring lawyers, practicing barristers, policymakers, and advocates for diversity and social mobility, this episode shines a spotlight on the evolving role of accents in the UK legal system.
Got a story to share? Email: doesntsoundrightpodcast@gmail.com
Sponsored by Walker Morris, a leading Leeds-based firm of solicitors.
Title music: Yours Story by Diamond_Tunes
6 Jan 2025
1. Yorkshire Voices in Law, with Carly Thorpe
Why do regional accents seem so rare in the British legal profession?
In this episode of Doesn't Sound Right, hosts Matt and Denise explore the challenges and biases surrounding accents in UK law with solicitor Carly Thorpe, a partner at Leeds-based firm Walker Morris.
Carly shares her experiences navigating law school and the legal industry with a strong Yorkshire accent—from awkward stereotypes about pies to adapting her voice to fit in.
Discover how her Huddersfield roots now shape her role as a construction lawyer and why embracing diversity in accents could benefit the legal system.
Perfect for law students, practicing lawyers, policymakers, and anyone passionate about social mobility, diversity, and the UK legal profession.
Got a story to share? Email: doesntsoundrightpodcast@gmail.com
Title music: Yours Story by Diamond_Tunes
6 Jan 2025
2. Can Your Accent Shape Your Legal Career? with Richard Glover
Does your accent influence your success in the British legal profession? In this episode of Doesn't Sound Right, Matt and Denise explore the relationship between accents, career progression, and social mobility in the UK legal world. They’re joined by Richard Glover, a Partner at JMW Solicitors in Manchester, who shares his personal journey.
Richard reflects on embracing his Stoke accent while navigating the legal profession and reveals how he adapted it during his early career in London. He discusses the realities of "fitting in" within commercial litigation and the evolving role of regional accents in the pursuit of pupillages and training contracts.
This episode is a must-listen for aspiring lawyers, legal professionals, and advocates for diversity and social mobility in law.
This podcast is sponsored by Walker Morris, a Leeds-based firm of solicitors.
Got a story to share? Email: doesntsoundrightpodcast@gmail.com
Title music: Yours Story by Diamond_Tunes
3 Jan 2025
This is...Doesn't Sound Right
Coming soon...
Why is it that in the UK legal world, regional accents seem relatively hard to come by? Do we still live in an age where lawyers with accents are told: "that doesn't sound right"?
Doesn't Sound Right celebrates accent diversity and champions the regional accent.
Through candid conversations with leading lawyers - including solicitors, barristers and other legal professionals - we explore the hidden barriers to success and share insights on navigating the world of law.
Whether you're a law student, a practicing lawyer, or passionate about breaking down barriers in the legal system, this podcast is for you.
Doesn't Sound Right is generously sponsored by Walker Morris solicitors.
Title music: Yours Story by Diamond_Tunes
Who has been a guest on Doesn't Sound Right
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
John Dove
Hayley Crombleholme
Cherie Blair
James Bruce
Podcast Authority Score: 21 / 100
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