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

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with Mark Emerton.

Mark is a Governor at the University of Lincoln, and a now retired employment judge.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Mark’s route to the Bar started in the Royal Navy, where amongst his other responsibilities, he sat as a judge in court-marshalls.

Sally and Mark discuss his appointment by the Prime Minister as the Judicial Member of the Senior Salaries Review Body to lead a major review of judicial salaries.

And you’ll hear about Mark’s time as a commissioner at the Criminal Cases Review Commission - the independent body that investigates potential miscarriages of justice in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

This episode is supported by the University of Lincoln. 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

Sally Penni MBE is Talking Law with John Bowers KC.

John is the Principal of Brasenose College, Oxford and he sits out of term as a Deputy High Court Judge. John has been described as "an employment law rock star”.

John discusses with Sally some of his landmark employment law cases, including overturning the ban on gay servicemen.

You’ll hear how John handles the different responsibilities of each of his roles, including what he’s learnt from his time as a high court judge.

Plus, John shares his insights into diversity at Brasenose College and presents his advice for those looking to come to the legal sector.

This episode is supported by the University of Lincoln. 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