Law Exchange

About Law Exchange

Law Exchange is a podcast where we interview the barristers, solicitors, academics and legal professionals about the questions that shape the law: how lawyers think, how the law works in practice, and where it's heading. Alongside the interviews, Law Exchange breaks down key legal principles and landmark cases in clear, concise episodes, from tort and contract to criminal and constitutional law. For students considering a career in law, and anyone curious about how the legal world really works.

Publisher

A. Fahrut

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

5 Aug 2026

Latest episode

12 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Sept 2026

   What Makes A Good Criminal Advocate | How to Think Like a Lawyer

   In the fifth episode of How to Think Like a Lawyer, Alexander is joined by Adriana Piletto, a student barrister with experience in mooting, mini-pupillages, legal advice clinics and judicial marshalling, for a conversation about what it really takes to become a good criminal advocate. Adriana explores the three qualities she believes are central to effective advocacy: preparation, communication and emotional intelligence. She explains why advocates need to understand the evidence and law inside out, anticipate arguments from the other side, and prepare for unexpected questions from judges and juries. The discussion also examines why preparation gives advocates the confidence to think on their feet when proceedings do not go according to plan. The conversation then explores the relationship between legal knowledge and persuasive communication. Adriana explains why knowing the law is only part of advocacy, and why advocates must also be able to communicate complex legal principles and evidence clearly to judges and juries. A major focus of the episode is thinking on your feet in criminal proceedings. Adriana discusses her observations of Crown Court cases, including situations where witnesses give unexpected answers, judges intervene, new arguments are raised, or evidence develops differently from what an advocate expected. She explains how preparation, adaptability and maintaining an overall strategy help advocates respond to unpredictable situations. The interview also examines what mooting, mini-pupillages and judicial marshalling can teach aspiring barristers about advocacy. Adriana reflects on observing both prosecution and defence work, and seeing how advocacy can differ between the Magistrates' Court and Crown Court. Alexander and Adriana then explore communication with clients, witnesses and non-lawyers. Drawing on Adriana's experience in a legal advice clinic, the conversation considers why lawyers need to adapt their communication style to the individual they are speaking to, particularly where there are language barriers or limited understanding of the law. The episode also addresses common misconceptions about criminal barristers and criminal defence. Adriana explains the distinction between representing a client and approving of their conduct, and discusses the advocate's role in presenting evidence and arguments, testing the prosecution's case and ensuring that the prosecution is put to proof. Adriana also discusses the importance of developing your own advocacy style. She reflects on the pressure students can feel to fit a particular image of what a barrister should look or sound like, and explains why authenticity is important. She also shares how mooting helped her develop confidence in turning legal research into persuasive oral argument. Finally, Adriana gives advice to aspiring barristers about work experience, rejection, confidence and stepping outside your comfort zone. She explains why students should put themselves forward for opportunities even when they feel nervous or uncertain, and why saying yes to new experiences can help build confidence and develop the skills needed for a career at the Bar. Topics covered include: criminal advocacy, advocacy skills, preparation, legal knowledge, persuasive communication, emotional intelligence, thinking on your feet, Crown Court advocacy, Magistrates' Court advocacy, prosecution and defence advocacy, cross-examination, mooting, mini-pupillages, judicial marshalling, legal advice clinics, client communication, criminal defence, the role of a barrister, legal representation, advocacy style, work experience, rejection, confidence and careers at the Bar. How to Think Like a Lawyer — Episode 05: What Makes a Good Criminal Advocate with Adriana Piletto.

2. 

   2 Sept 2026

   What Makes a Human Right? with Aidan Ferrier | How to Think Like a Lawyer

   In the third episode of How to Think Like a Lawyer, Alexander is joined by Aidan Ferrier, a human rights and international law scholar, for a conversation about some of the hardest questions at the intersection of law, morality, philosophy and human rights: what makes a right a human right, can something be legal but morally wrong, and what should lawyers do when the law conflicts with their own beliefs? Aidan brings his experience studying Scots law, English law and international human rights law, including postgraduate study in the Netherlands, to explore how different legal systems can change the way we understand law. The conversation examines why international law requires lawyers to think beyond simply identifying a legal rule, taking into account politics, state behaviour, international relations and how countries actually operate. The interview then moves into human rights philosophy, exploring whether human rights are truly universal or whether they are better understood through a positivist approach — asking what rights people actually have access to and what rights are protected by governments, legislation and states. A major focus is the relationship between law and morality. Alexander and Aidan examine whether something can be completely legal while still being morally wrong, using historical examples to explore how legal systems change. They then consider what a lawyer should do when their own moral beliefs conflict with the law, and whether professional advocacy can be separated from personal morality. The conversation also explores conflicts between human rights, including the tension between freedom of expression, freedom of the press and the right to privacy. Aidan explains why courts often need to balance competing rights on a case-by-case basis. Alexander and Aidan then consider whether some human rights should never be limited, including the right to life, freedom from slavery and freedom from torture, before examining the relationship between democracy, public opinion and legal rights. They discuss whether the law should always reflect society's values or whether experts should sometimes influence complex legal and policy decisions. The interview then turns to Aidan's research into human rights and climate change. They explore the challenge of using an individual-focused area of law to address a collective global problem, discussing climate litigation, vulnerable groups and whether communities should be able to pursue environmental rights collectively. Aidan also considers what a new human right could look like, arguing for a fully justiciable right to a clean and healthy environment in the UK. The discussion examines what recognising such a right could mean in practice, including further human rights and climate litigation. Finally, the conversation addresses misconceptions surrounding human rights and the European Court of Human Rights in the UK. Aidan challenges the idea that international human rights protections are simply imposed on Britain from outside, discussing the UK's decision to participate in the European human rights system and its role in protecting rights. Topics covered include: human rights law, international law, legal philosophy, law and morality, human rights theory, positivism, natural law, Scots law, English law, the European Court of Human Rights, freedom of expression, freedom of the press, privacy, the right to life, freedom from torture, slavery, democracy, public opinion, climate change, environmental rights, climate litigation, the right to a clean and healthy environment, legal advocacy and the limits of law. How to Think Like a Lawyer — Episode 03: What Makes a Human Right? with Aidan Ferrier

3. 

   30 Aug 2026

   The Limits of International Law with Amna Haider | How to Think Like a Lawyer

   Game plan In the second episode of How to Think Like a Lawyer, Alexander is joined by Amna Haider, a human rights and international affairs expert, for a conversation about one of the biggest questions in international law: what happens when international law exists, but states choose not to follow it? Amna brings her experience studying international law, human rights and international affairs to explore the limits of the international legal system and the difficult relationship between legal rules, state practice, political power and international relations. The interview begins with the 2003 Iraq War, examining the controversial legal arguments surrounding the use of force, UN Security Council authorisation and the question of whether international law was followed. Amna explains why international law cannot simply be understood as a system that automatically stops states from acting, and explores the importance of political will, state power and the international community. Amna and Alexander then explore the relationship between international law and state practice, including how customary international law develops and why what states actually do can influence the evolution of legal norms. They also discuss opinio juris and the need for widespread and representative acceptance of a practice. The episode also examines international human rights law and humanitarian intervention, asking when a crisis inside one country becomes an international human rights concern and where the line should be drawn between protecting human rights and respecting state sovereignty. Amna discusses examples including Darfur, Kosovo and Libya, while considering how international interests and the visibility of a crisis can influence international action. The interview then moves beyond the battlefield to post-conflict international law. Amna discusses her research into jus post bellum — justice after war — and the legal questions that emerge when a conflict ends, including sovereignty, resources and occupation, as well as the extent to which an occupier can change the structure of a country’s government. She also explores post-conflict resource extraction, permanent sovereignty over natural resources and the tension between local ownership, international law and the liberal international order. The conversation considers how states might be encouraged to respect local ownership of natural resources, including through international relations, strategy, diplomacy, research and collaboration between markets and local communities. Finally, Amna considers a fundamental question for lawyers: what should a lawyer do when something appears morally wrong but international law does not clearly prohibit it? The discussion examines the role of lawyers as advocates and the difficult relationship between professional advocacy and personal morality. Topics covered include: international law, human rights law, international affairs, the Iraq War, UN Security Council authorisation, state practice, customary international law, opinio juris, humanitarian intervention, sovereignty, the Responsibility to Protect, jus post bellum, post-conflict law, natural resources, international relations, legal advocacy and the limits of international law. How to Think Like a Lawyer — Episode 02: The Limits of International Law with Amna Haider.

4. 

   27 Aug 2026

   The Art of Legal Reasoning with James Piercy | How to Think Like a Lawyer

   In the first episode of How to Think Like a Lawyer, Alexander is joined by James Piercy for a conversation about what it really means to think, reason and argue like a lawyer. James Piercy is a legal professional and advocate with experience in debating, mooting and appearing before judges. In this episode, he shares insights drawn from his experience studying and practising law, exploring how lawyers develop the ability to analyse complex problems, construct persuasive arguments and communicate with clarity. What makes someone a good lawyer? Is it knowing the law, being a persuasive speaker, or something deeper? James Piercy explores how legal reasoning, clarity of thought and advocacy shape the way lawyers approach difficult legal problems. James discusses his experience of mooting and debating, the difference between knowing the law and being able to argue it, and why the strongest legal arguments are often the clearest and simplest. He explains how to structure complex legal issues using checklists, flow charts and clear steps, as well as how signposting can make an argument significantly more persuasive. The interview also explores advocacy before judges, including how to respond when a judge challenges your argument, why judicial intervention should not be treated as an attack, and how the role of an advocate changes from performance and confrontation to conversation and assistance. James also reflects on choosing areas of law to explore, finding subjects that genuinely capture your imagination, and what he wishes he had known before starting university. Topics covered include: legal reasoning, legal analysis, advocacy, mooting, debating, legal argument, persuasive advocacy, judicial intervention, legal education and thinking like a lawyer. How to Think Like a Lawyer — Episode 01: The Art of Legal Reasoning with James Pierce.

5. 

   24 Aug 2026

   Tort Law 08 — Defences: Can a Defendant Avoid Liability?

   What are the main defences to a negligence claim in English law? Learn how a defendant may avoid liability or reduce the amount of compensation payable even after the claimant has established the basic elements of negligence. Understand contributory negligence and how the claimant's own lack of reasonable care can affect the damages they recover. Explore voluntary assumption of risk, or volenti non fit injuria, and understand when knowingly and freely accepting a risk may provide a defence. Discover mitigation of loss and why claimants are expected to take reasonable steps to limit the losses caused by an accident. Understand how the law approaches situations where a claimant's own unlawful conduct may affect their ability to recover damages. Explore the important principles behind defences including contributory negligence, volenti non fit injuria, mitigation, and illegality. Clear explanations with practical, real-world examples. Perfect for GCSE Law, A-Level Law, and LLB students. Or anyone studying or interested in English tort law and negligence. Understand how defences help the law determine who should be legally responsible, and to what extent. Law Exchange, making legal concepts easy to understand.

6. 

   23 Aug 2026

   Tort Law 08 - Damage: What Harm Can You Claim For?

   damage

7. 

   21 Aug 2026

   Tort Law 07 - Causation: Did You Actually Cause the Harm?

   What is causation in English negligence law? Learn how courts determine whether a defendant's breach of duty actually caused the claimant's harm. Understand the “but for” test and how factual causation establishes the connection between negligent conduct and injury. Explore legal causation, intervening acts, and how the chain of causation can be affected by events occurring after the defendant's negligence. Discover the principle of remoteness and why the type of harm must be sufficiently connected to the defendant's conduct. Examine how reasonable foreseeability helps courts decide whether damage is too remote to be legally recoverable. Explore important principles from cases including The Wagon Mound and understand how the courts approach causation in negligence claims. Clear explanations with practical, real-world examples. Perfect for GCSE Law, A-Level Law, and LLB students. Or anyone studying or interested in English tort law and negligence. Build a strong foundation before exploring what legally recognised damage means in a negligence claim. Law Exchange, making legal concepts easy to understand.

8. 

   18 Aug 2026

   Tort Law 06 - When Care Isn't Enough.

   What is breach of duty in English negligence law? Learn what a breach of duty means and how courts decide whether a defendant has failed to meet the required standard of care. Understand the reasonable person test and how it is used to determine whether conduct falls below the standard expected by law. Explore how courts consider the likelihood and seriousness of harm, the practicality of taking precautions, and the circumstances surrounding the risk. Discover how breach of duty works as one of the key elements of a negligence claim. Examine important cases including Blyth v Birmingham Waterworks, Paris v Stepney Borough Council, and Nettleship v Weston. Understand why owing a duty of care does not automatically make someone legally responsible for an injury. Clear explanations with practical, real-world examples. Perfect for GCSE Law, A-Level Law, and LLB students. Or anyone studying or interested in English tort law and negligence. Build a strong foundation before exploring causation and damage in negligence claims. Law Exchange, making legal concepts easy to understand.

9. 

   15 Aug 2026

   Tort Law 05 - Duty of Care: Who Do You Owe A Duty To?

   What is a duty of care in English negligence law? Learn why the duty of care is the first major question courts consider when deciding whether someone may be legally responsible for harm. Understand how the law determines when a duty of care exists and why we cannot simply owe a duty to everyone who may be affected by our actions. Explore the neighbour principle and how the law recognises established relationships where a duty of care already exists. Discover what happens when a negligence claim involves a new situation where the law does not already clearly recognise a duty. Learn about foreseeability, proximity, and whether it is fair, just and reasonable to impose a duty of care. Understand how the courts approach novel situations and why negligence law develops by building on existing legal principles rather than applying one simple test to every case. Explore important cases including Donoghue v Stevenson, Caparo v Dickman, and Robinson v Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police. Clear explanations with practical, real-world examples. Perfect for GCSE Law, A-Level Law, and LLB students. Or anyone studying or interested in English tort law and negligence. Build a strong foundation before moving on to the next element of negligence: breach of duty. Law Exchange, making legal concepts easy to understand.

10. 

    13 Aug 2026

    Tort Law 04 - The 4 Elements of Negligence

    What are the four elements of negligence in English law? Learn how duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damage form the foundation of a negligence claim. Understand what a claimant needs to establish before a defendant can be held liable for negligence. Explore how the reasonable person standard helps courts decide whether a duty has been breached. Learn how causation connects a defendant's breach to the harm suffered by the claimant. Understand why legally recognised damage is essential to a negligence claim. See how the four elements work together when applying negligence law to a real situation. Clear explanations with practical, real-world examples. Perfect for GCSE Law, A-Level Law, and LLB students. Or anyone studying or interested in English tort law and negligence. Build a strong foundation before exploring duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damage in greater depth. Law Exchange, making legal concepts easy to understand.

11. 

    9 Aug 2026

    Tort Law 03 - Negligence: When Are You Legally Responsible?

    What is negligence in English law? Learn how negligence works and how the law distinguishes between ordinary mistakes and legally actionable conduct. Explore why negligence is one of the most important areas of English tort law. Understand how courts balance protecting people from harm with avoiding liability for every accident. Discover the role of reasonable care and legal responsibility in negligence claims. Clear explanations with practical, real-world examples. Perfect for GCSE Law, A-Level Law, and LLB students. Or anyone studying or interested in English law. Build a strong foundation before exploring the elements of negligence and landmark cases such as Donoghue v Stevenson. Law Exchange, making legal concepts easy to understand.

12. 

    7 Aug 2026

    Tort Law 02 - Protected Interests

    What are protected interests in English law? Learn the foundations of English tort law. Understand how tort law protects people's rights. Explore physical safety, property, reputation, privacy, and financial interests. Clear explanations with everyday examples. Perfect for GCSE Law, A-Level Law, and LLB students. Or anyone studying or interested in English law. Build a strong foundation in legal principles. Learn one legal topic at a time with Law Exchange. Law Exchange, making legal concepts easy to understand.

13. 

    5 Aug 2026

    Tort Law 01- What is Tort Law?

    Learn what tort law is and why it exists. Understand the difference between civil law and criminal law. Discover the purpose of English tort law. Explore how tort law protects individuals from legal wrongs. Learn the foundations of one of the most important areas of English law. Perfect for GCSE Law, A-Level Law, and LLB students. Or anyone interested in the English legal system. Clear explanations with practical, real-world examples. Build a strong foundation before exploring negligence and other torts. Law Exchange, making legal concepts easy to understand.

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Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.