Do some accents sound "guiltier" than others? Can the way you speak impact your career in law? And why do some lawyers feel their accent holds them back in pupillage applications and beyond?

In this episode of Doesn't Sound Right, Matt and Denise are joined by linguistics experts Professor Natalie Braber (Nottingham Trent University) and Professor Rob Drummond (Manchester Metropolitan University) to explore their latest research on accents, accentism, and the legal profession.

Natalie and Rob explain why our accents change over time, how bias against certain accents persists in the workplace and courts, and why they believe accentism remains "the last socially acceptable form of prejudice."

Essential listening for aspiring lawyers, barristers, solicitors, policymakers, and anyone passionate about social mobility, diversity, and the UK legal system.

🎧 Sponsored by Walker Morris, a leading Leeds-based firm of solicitors.
🎵 Title music: Yours Story by Diamond_Tunes

Should regional accents have legal protection in the UK? Mary Prior KC, chair of the Criminal Bar Association and one of Britain’s top criminal barristers, makes a compelling case in this episode of Doesn't Sound Right.

Mary shares how her working-class roots in Stoke influenced her career and reflects on how she secured pupillage and succeeded at the Bar, where accents like hers were rare. She highlights why eloquence isn’t tied to a specific accent and offers invaluable tips for oral advocacy.

Perfect for aspiring lawyers, practicing barristers, policymakers, and advocates for diversity and social mobility, this episode shines a spotlight on the evolving role of accents in the UK legal system.

Got a story to share? Email: doesntsoundrightpodcast@gmail.com

Sponsored by Walker Morris, a leading Leeds-based firm of solicitors.
Title music: Yours Story by Diamond_Tunes

Does your accent influence your success in the British legal profession? In this episode of Doesn't Sound Right, Matt and Denise explore the relationship between accents, career progression, and social mobility in the UK legal world. They’re joined by Richard Glover, a Partner at JMW Solicitors in Manchester, who shares his personal journey.

Richard reflects on embracing his Stoke accent while navigating the legal profession and reveals how he adapted it during his early career in London. He discusses the realities of "fitting in" within commercial litigation and the evolving role of regional accents in the pursuit of pupillages and training contracts.

This episode is a must-listen for aspiring lawyers, legal professionals, and advocates for diversity and social mobility in law.

This podcast is sponsored by Walker Morris, a Leeds-based firm of solicitors.

Got a story to share? Email: doesntsoundrightpodcast@gmail.com Title music: Yours Story by Diamond_Tunes

Why do regional accents seem so rare in the British legal profession?

In this episode of Doesn't Sound Right, hosts Matt and Denise explore the challenges and biases surrounding accents in UK law with solicitor Carly Thorpe, a partner at Leeds-based firm Walker Morris.

Carly shares her experiences navigating law school and the legal industry with a strong Yorkshire accent—from awkward stereotypes about pies to adapting her voice to fit in.

Discover how her Huddersfield roots now shape her role as a construction lawyer and why embracing diversity in accents could benefit the legal system.

Perfect for law students, practicing lawyers, policymakers, and anyone passionate about social mobility, diversity, and the UK legal profession.

Got a story to share? Email: doesntsoundrightpodcast@gmail.com

Title music: Yours Story by Diamond_Tunes

Coming soon...

Why is it that in the UK legal world, regional accents seem relatively hard to come by? Do we still live in an age where lawyers with accents are told: "that doesn't sound right"?

Doesn't Sound Right celebrates accent diversity and champions the regional accent.

Through candid conversations with leading lawyers - including solicitors, barristers and other legal professionals - we explore the hidden barriers to success and share insights on navigating the world of law.

Whether you're a law student, a practicing lawyer, or passionate about breaking down barriers in the legal system, this podcast is for you.

Doesn't Sound Right is generously sponsored by Walker Morris solicitors.

Title music: Yours Story by Diamond_Tunes