Merry Varney

Content warning: references to suicide, depression

In the UK, the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Hotlines in other countries can be found here.

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Merry Varney.

Merry is a Partner & Solicitor in the Human Rights Department at the Law Firm Leigh Day.

In this episode, you’ll hear about Merry’s pivotal role in the inquest into the passing of teenager Molly Russell. A story that has been portrayed in the documentary film ‘Molly and the Machines’. Click here to watch the trailer.

You’ll hear how Merry navigated this case to bring answers and justice for Molly’s family; and why the case was so influential in the passing of the Online Safety Act in 2023.

You’ll also hear how Merry addresses her own personal wellbeing when working on inquests of this nature, and when she believes is the right time to seek professional help.

This episode is supported by Leigh Day. Find out more about them here.

Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on Twitter @SallyPenni1 and Instagram @sjsallypenni