In this episode of the SYLA Podcast, we are joined by Lucy Barnes and Tracey Wright for an important conversation about care experience, social mobility and access to the legal profession. Drawing on their personal journeys, Lucy and Tracey share the challenges they faced entering the legal profession, the support that helped them succeed, and the barriers that still prevent many care experienced young people from pursuing legal careers.
Lucy Barnes is a barrister at East Anglian Chambers, a TEDx speaker and a prominent advocate for care experienced people. Having grown up in care herself, Lucy is the Co-Founder of Lawyers Who Care, a pioneering organisation dedicated to supporting care experienced aspiring lawyers through mentoring, work experience opportunities and community building. She is widely recognised for her work on social mobility, trauma-informed practice and widening access to the legal profession.Tracey Wright is a care experienced criminal lawyer and former social worker. She is the driving force behind Legal Futures with Care, an initiative focused on creating opportunities, building connections and expanding access to legal careers for care experienced individuals across Scotland.
Together, Lucy and Tracey discuss the realities of growing up in care, navigating education and entering a profession where role models and networks can often feel out of reach. They reflect on the importance of representation, creating inclusive workplaces and ensuring talented young people are not held back by circumstances beyond their control. This episode is essential listening for aspiring lawyers, employers, educators and anyone interested in making the legal profession more accessible and inclusive.
28 Jul 2026
An Interview with Fiona Sasan: Domestic Abuse Through a Family Law Lens
In this episode of the SYLA Podcast, we sit down with Fiona Sasan, one of Scotland's leading family lawyers, to explore domestic abuse through a family law lens. Fiona is a Partner and Head of the Glasgow Family Law team at Morton Fraser MacRoberts (MFMac), with more than 35 years' experience advising clients on complex divorce, child law and relationship breakdown cases. She is an accredited Family Law Specialist, Family Law Arbitrator and Collaborative Practitioner, widely recognised for her expertise in high-value and cross-border family disputes.
Drawing on her extensive experience, Fiona discusses the realities of domestic abuse beyond physical violence, including coercive control, psychological abuse and financial control. The conversation examines how abuse can shape separation and divorce proceedings, the challenges faced by vulnerable clients, and the importance of recognising power imbalances that may not be immediately visible.
We also explore the intersection between domestic abuse and financial matters, including the impact of divorce on pensions, economic vulnerability and the ways in which financial abuse can manifest across all social and economic backgrounds. Fiona shares her insights on supporting clients through some of the most difficult periods of their lives and offers valuable advice for junior lawyers entering family law practice.
30 Mar 2026
Navigating Scotland’s Legal Landscape and Opportunities
Professional Insight & Educational Outreach:
We're exploring the heart of the Scottish legal system right here in Edinburgh. For those of you navigating your early legal careers, the path to the Bar can often feel like a distant or mysterious goal. To help demystify this journey, we are joined today by a member of the Faculty of Advocates, Mark Boni. Our guest has navigated the rigors of devilling and now practices at the highest levels of the Scottish courts. We’ll be discussing their personal journey, the reality of life as an Advocate, and how you, as students or junior lawyers, can engage with the legal landmarks of Edinburgh.
13 Mar 2026
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17 Apr 2025
Changing Discipline with Julie Nixon and Chiara Pieri
In this episode, we are joined by Julie Nixon Partner at TLT and Chiara Pieri, Associate at CMS. Together we discuss how the traditional boundaries of law are shifting and why you don't need to feel confined to a single area of practice.
We explore practical tips for adapting within the legal field and the importance of embracing change.
Thank you to our listeners for tuning into another episode of the SYLA podcast!
2 Apr 2024
Being a Woman in Law with Naomi Pryde
In this episode, host Sophie Campbell is joined by guest Naomi Pryde. Naomi shares stories from her own life and career, and discusses her experience of being a woman in the legal profession. Naomi speaks candidly about work-life balance, how to avoid burnout, and steps that junior lawyers can take to set boundaries. Naomi also
discusses the Mindful Business Charter and how the pandemic has changed attitudes in the profession to flexible ways of working.
Thank you to our listeners for tuning into another episode of the SYLA Podcast.
11 Mar 2024
Writing a Private Law dissertation...with Janeen Carruthers
In this podcast episode, host Aman Uppal is joined by guest Janeen Carruthers to discuss the process of writing a private law dissertation. Janeen explores how to tackle writing a private law dissertation and what contributes to a well written dissertation in this area, whilst also giving practical writing advice to students embarking on their dissertations.
21 Dec 2023
Writing a Public Law Dissertation... with Professor Alison Britton
In this podcast episode, host Aman Uppal is joined by guest Professor Alison Britton to discuss the process of writing a public law dissertation. Professor Britton explores how best to navigate this writing process and the things to try and avoid when doing so, whilst giving helpful and practical advice for students who are or will be writing a dissertation in this area of law.
This is part two of our four-part series on writing a dissertation, so be sure to tune into the third instalment where we discuss writing a private law dissertation.
19 Dec 2023
Writing a Dissertation...with Dr Nick McKerrell
In this podcast episode, host Aman Uppal is joined by guest Dr Nick McKerrell to discuss some general hints and tips for writing a legal dissertation. Dr McKerrell explores the common issues students find themselves facing when writing a dissertation and gives helpful advice on how to avoid the pitfalls during the writing process.
This is just part one of our four-part series on writing a dissertation, so be sure to tune into part 2 where we hone in on the specific area of public law and the process of writing a dissertation in that area.
31 Oct 2023
Men's Mental Health...with James McFarlane (part2)
Welcome to the SYLA Podcast, proudly sponsored by TLT.
In this episode, Amina and Brianella dive into Part 2 of SYLA's Men's Mental Health series, joined by the insightful James McFarlane. Together, they explore the significance of embracing failure, fostering accountability in mental health, and navigating the pitfalls of toxic productivity.
Thank you for tuning in to the SYLA Podcast.
For those interested in joining James's men's well-being group, please reach out to legalmenswellbeing@outlook.com.
For additional support, contact LawCare:
Emotional Support Helpline: 0800 279 6888
Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm
If you're unable to call during these hours, please email support@lawcare.org.uk, and LawCare will make every effort to arrange alternative support for you.
8 May 2023
Men's Mental Health...with James McFarlane (Part 1)
Welcome to the SYLA podcast!
In line with Mental Health Awareness Month, hosts Brianella and Amina are joined by guest James McFarlane to discuss a topic that is often overlooked in the legal profession: Men's Mental Health.
In this episode, we will explore the challenges facing men in the legal profession when it comes to mental health, including the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and the importance of creating a supportive workplace culture that prioritises mental health.
This is just part 1 of our two part series on men's mental health in the legal profession, so be sure to tune in to part 2 where we'll delve deeper into this important topic.
Thanks for listening to the SYLA podcast!
LawCare's contact details:
Emotional support helpline: 0800 279 6888 (tel:08002796888)
Monday-Friday 9.00am–5.00pm
If you can’t call Lawcare during these hours, please email support@lawcare.org.uk (mailto:support@lawcare.org.uk) and they will do their best to make alternative arrangements for you.
2 Feb 2023
Let’s talk - Imposter Syndrome
In light of it’s time to talk day, members of the committee discuss Imposter Syndrome, their understanding of it and how to overcome it. This podcast is kindly sponsored by TLT.
9 Dec 2022
Raising Awareness… Deafness in the Legal Profession
Today we are joined by Dhana McIver. Dhana is a trainee solicitor and a deaf awareness advocate. Today we will hear about her experience going through education and into the workplace as someone who is hard of hearing.
25 Nov 2022
Asking questions you don’t want to… starting your traineeship
Welcome to the SYLA’s new podcast series entitled “asking questions you don’t want to”. Our podcast is kindly sponsored by TLT.
Today we are joined by Katrina Hall. Katrina is a trainee solicitor at DWF and a non-executive committee member of SYLA. We will be discussing everything to do with starting a traineeship, from applications, first day nerves and tips we wish we knew when starting. We hope you enjoy!
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