What does it really mean when aspiring barristers and lawyers are told to "just be yourself"? Can you stay true to your accent while mastering courtroom advocacy and professional communication in law?

In this episode of Doesn't Sound Right, Matt and Denise are joined by Chris Kessling, a barrister with over 20 years' experience at the criminal Bar and a trainer at the Inns of Court College of Advocacy (ICCA). Chris shares how ICCA helps future barristers and lawyers develop clear, persuasive speech—without changing their accents.

"Accents are like jewels, beautiful in their diversity," says Chris. But despite this, he reveals why he once felt pressured to "dumb down" his accent after leaving boarding school. Together, they explore the balance between authenticity and professionalism, and what this means for pupillage applicants, law students, and junior lawyers navigating the legal profession.

A must-listen for aspiring barristers, lawyers, pupillage applicants, advocacy trainers, and anyone passionate about diversity, social mobility, and regional accents in UK law.

Get in touch: doesntsoundrightpodcast@gmail.com

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

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