In this podcast, Andrew Lord an Associate solicitor at Leigh Day specialising in abuse claims, explores the story of a six year old girl known publicly as “Bella” to protect her identity. Bella's parents* recall the devastation when she disclosed being sexually assaulted by other children at school on a number of occasions. They recall experiences of the reporting process; Bella's diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder; and trying to move on.Andrew also speaks with Rachel Krys, former director of EVAW, who talks about the implementation of the Department for Education’s guidance, “Sexual violence and sexual harassment between children in schools and colleges”, and the need for clearer guidance for schools on how to handle allegations of abuse amongst children. We acknowledge that the idea that sometimes very young children are capable of abusive acts will make many feel uncomfortable, but this is an issue that we cannot afford to be squeamish about. The bravery required of a child to make a disclosure cannot be underestimated, whether the perpetrator is an adult or another child, and I hope that we, collectively as a society, are able to learn to acknowledge, effectively tackle and ultimately prevent any abuse amongst children. *Bella's parents have had voice distortion applied to protect her identity. 

Leigh Day: The Podcast

Peer on peer abuse

Providing rehabilitation for vulnerable people during lockdown has been challenging. There has been a serious impact on high risk groups, including on the availability and delivery of rehab services. Early rehabilitation is vital for injured clients. In our vlog with Case Management company Unite Professionals, we reflect on the adjustments that have had to be made, the positives for rehabilitation going forward, and how services have been and will continue to be delivered in the ‘new normal’.

Rehabilitation in the 'new world'

Back in February, the Court of Appeal ruled that the government’s decision to expand Heathrow Airport is unlawful on climate change grounds, in one of the most important environmental law cases in this country for over a generation. This followed a successful legal challenge by environmental organisation Friends of the Earth, represented by Leigh Day, in a victory for local campaigners who have been battling against the third runway for years.In this podcast, Katie de Kauwe from Friends of the Earth's legal team chatted with Rowan Smith solicitor in the environmental law team at Leigh Day to discuss what the result means for the future of climate action.Join the conversation on Twitter with #nothirdrunway and #takeclimateaction.Resources mentioned: Court of Appeal Judgment http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2020/214.html Find out about climate action groups and how you can get involved at https://takeclimateaction.uk/ Legal challenge against Road Investment Strategy 2 https://www.leighday.co.uk/News/Press-releases-2020/April-2020/Transport-Action-Network-begins-legal-challenge-ag Chris Packham announces appeal of HS2 decision https://www.leighday.co.uk/News/Press-releases-2020/April-2020/Chris-Packham-announces-appeal-of-HS2-decision 

Friends of the Earth: No Third Runway

European perspectives on strategic litigation Part 1: Business and Human Rights – developments across Europe Recording of the first of a series of webinars bringing together some of Europe’s leading legal practitioners, to discuss and share their knowledge and experience of strategic litigation against the military and/or corporations for violations of human rights around the world.  Our first event explored business and human rights developments across Europe, with contributions from Dutch, German and French lawyers and NGOs.  This webinar was open to NGOs, journalists, academics and practitioners in human rights. Chaired by Richard Meeran, Partner and Head of International Department, Leigh Day Speakers: Dan Leader, Leigh Day (UK): recent legal developments in the UK, including on parent company liability and supply chains. Channa Samkalden, Prakken D’Oliveira (NL) – recent legal developments in the Netherlands (regarding mainly parent company liability and supply chain / investor responsibilities) Miriam Saage-Maasz, European Centre for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) (D) – supply chain cases in Germany and Law reform debates Sandra Cossart, Sherpa (F) – Sherpa’s recent duty of vigilance cases (including the recent case against Total, first of its kind on climate change against a multinational company) 

Holding the Powerful to Account part 1

After a campaign with a rallying cry to ‘Make Britain Great Again’, recent debates have thrown into sharp focus questions around identity, what it means to be British, and whether the nature of British citizenship is dependent on your colour and family origins. We are happy to be able to share a lively discussion that we hope will further the ongoing public debate around these issues.  HOST: Kiran Daurka   GUEST SPEAKERS: Leslie Thomas QC Maya Goodfellow Maria Munir Dave Neita

What Does it Mean to be British? BAME Event recording

Paratriathlete George Peasgood came by our London office to talk winter training and the preparation for the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo. George has won two GBR Paratriathlon National Championships (2015, 2019) as well as placing 7th in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. After suffering a traumatic injury to his left leg and ankle when he was two years old, George had several reconstructive surgeries and leg lengthening procedures. Coming from a family of high-achieving triathletes, George did not let his disability prevent him from taking up the sport in 2009 aged just 14. In the podcast George discusses his most memorable moments of his career so far, and geeks out over gear ratios with former GB cyclist, and Leigh Day’s Marketing Director, David Standard.

George Peasgood on the road to 2020

Earlier this year the legal campaigning group Wild Justice secured a landmark victory for UK wildlife in its first legal case, which challenged Natural England’s decision to issue licences for the lethal control of birds. David Standard from Leigh Day sat down with David Wolfe QC and Carol Day to discuss the case, and the aftermath. David later managed to catch up with Mark Avery, who is one of the directors of Wild Justice alongside Chris Packham and Dr. Ruth Tingay. What was wrong with the General Licences and why were they challenged? Were legal proceedings necessary? What was Natural England asked to do? Did Natural England have no choice but to revoke the licences? In this episode: David Wolfe QC, Matrix Chambers Carol Day, Leigh Day Dr. Mark Avery, Wild Justice

Wild Justice General Licences Legal Challenge

Listen to Regulatory & Disciplinary Associate, Emma Walker, speaking to LawCare’s Chief Executive, Elizabeth Rimmer, to mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2019.  In this (1/2 hour) recording, Elizabeth and Emma talk about LawCare’s work promoting and supporting good mental health and well-being in the legal community, how members of the community can get support if they need it and they discuss some recent developments affecting the legal profession. Get in touch with LawCareWebsite: www.lawcare.org.ukTwitter:  @LawCareLtd LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/lawcareFacebook: www.facebook.com/LawCareUseful resourcesDisciplinary Proceedings factsheetLook After Yourself – Top 10 Tips for Good Mental Health and WellbeingCreating mentally healthy legal workplacesReal stories published on the LawCare website You can read more about proposals for a fitness to practise regime in Emma’s article published in the Law Society Gazette on 2 May 2019.

LawCare, look after yourself: An interview with CEO Elizabeth Rimmer

In this podcast Alison Millar, a partner at Leigh Day specialising in abuse claims, explores the story of James, a former client who was sexually assaulted by a nurse at a sexual health clinic. James recalls his experiences of the NHS complaints process; the criminal justice system; and how the civil law helped. Alison also speaks with Alan Robertson, an Independent Sexual Violence Advocate at Survivors UK, who talks about the particular issues faced by those who have been abused in healthcare settings and why we need more specialist support services.

James’ story: seeking justice following abuse in a sexual health clinic

In the 70s and 80s gay activists fought against discrimination and inequality in all aspects of society. Although enormous strides have been made, there’s still more to do, and we can’t take hard-fought gains for granted.  In this episode the Rev Richard Coles discusses with Alice Ramsey, from the employment team at Leigh Day, the changes he has seen in his lifetime and where efforts need to be made for true equality for the LGBT community in society.   Guest speakersRev Richard Coles Alice Ramsay

LGBT+ rights, the Church, the law and everything else

You expect the appliances in your home to be safe.  However, many people have been injured, or died, because of faulty white goods such as fridges, freezers and dishwashers. So what can you do to ensure your home is safe and what is being done to force manufacturers to ensure all these appliances are safe before they reach the salesroom floor? Andrew Vaughan-Davies, a former Fire Investigation Officer in the London Fire Brigade discusses the potential killer in your kitchen. Guest speakers Andrew Vaughan-Davies   To learn more about our work with Household appliance fires click here

The greatest threat in your home is plugged into your wall

It has become clear that successive Governments have sanctioned operations by the UK intelligence service in breach of human rights law. The recent case of Abdel Hakim-Belhaj led to a full apology from the prime minister for the role of the UK in his illegal rendition, alongside his pregnant wife, back to Libya. In this podcast Leigh Day Partner Sapna Malik discusses with Maya Foa and Cori Crider from the human rights charity Reprieve why even in the fields of counter-terrorism and international relations, there are certain lines which must not be crossed. Guest speakers Maya Foa Cori Crider Sapna Malik   For more information about our work with Reprieve please click here

Sorry is not enough

NHS commissioning groups are responding to budget cuts by capping injured people’s Continuing Health Care packages. This is preventing many people with severe disability from receiving the care they need at home. In this episode Dan Burden, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the Spinal Injuries Association discusses the SIA’s fight against this injustice with Daniel Easton, a partner in the personal injury team at Leigh Day     Guest speakers Dan Burden  Daniel Easton

The OMG test and why ‘care must be fair’

Nearly 2,000 people die on our roads every year and the numbers are increasing. In this episode, the head of Leigh Day’s personal injury team, Sally Moore, discusses with Cynthia Barlow from Roadpeace, who lost her own daughter in a collision on the road, how victims of a road traffic crime should be treated as victims of crime, and their families given more support and information. Guest speakers Cynthia Barlow OBE, Chair of RoadPeaceSally Moore, Leigh Day Partner and head of the personal injury department   To find out more about the work we do visit www.leighday.co.uk/Personal-Injury-and-industrial-disease/Travel-and-traffic 

There’s no such thing as a traffic accident

HMT Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks in June 1948, carrying Citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies from Jamaica, and signalled the start of the post-war revival in which the hard work of new arrivals proved vital.  Now those very same people and their families, are suffering the repercussions of Theresa May’s ‘hostile environment’ policy towards immigrants.  Guest speakers: Dawn Butler MPRichard Meeran Leigh Day Partner and head of the international department   If you or a member of your family has been affected by the Windrush scandal please contact our team by completing this short form, or phone us on 020 7650 1200.

The Windrush scandal: the fallout from a toxic policy

The Leigh Day Podcast is for everyone interested in the law, especially human rights issues which affect us all. In each episode Leigh Day lawyers and guests explore the impact on people’s lives, the role of the legal system and what can be done to bring about positive change.

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Leigh Day: The Podcast

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