CM Murray LLP - Employment, Partnership and Regulatory Law

CM Murray LLP

Welcome to the CM Murray LLP podcast channel where we discuss a wide range of topical issues in relation to partnership and employment law. CM Murray LLP is a leading partnership, employment and regulatory law firm based in London. We advise US and UK law firms and partners, hedge fund and investment management partners, US and other multi-national employers, senior executives and founders on a range of UK partnership and employment law issues.

  1. Women in Sport -Episode 13

    1D AGO

    Women in Sport -Episode 13

    Our thirteenth episode of our Women in Sport Podcast, where we discuss developments, initiatives, and issues relating to women in sports. n this episode, Partner Emma Bartlett and Associate Mitchell Blythe are joined by Ruqsana Begum, the first woman to win world titles in both professional Muay Thai and boxing and a fierce advocate for inclusivity in combat sports. Together, they explore Ruqsana’s extraordinary journey through elite sport, breaking down cultural barriers and her recent transition into acting as she appears in the MMA feature film Tramp. In this episode, they discuss: • Breaking into combat sports as a British Muslim Bangladeshi woman, navigating cultural expectations and going from training in secret to finding identity, presence and confidence through martial arts. • A trailblazing career, from Muay Thai world champion to WBU World Boxing Champion, including her experiences becoming captain of the British Muay Thai team and carrying the Olympic Torch at the London Olympics in 2012. • Challenging discrimination in sport, including clothing restrictions, licensing barriers, and why Ruqsana continues to speak openly about racism and gender bias in the governing bodies.  • Creating change, including developing one of the first UK‑designed sports hijabs, coaching women from all backgrounds, and building an inclusive community through Embrace Boxing. • Resilience, ambition and representation, and the pressures faced by female fighters balancing identity, cultural expectations, recovery, and the emotional demands of elite sport. • Her role in the feature film Tramp, bringing authenticity to MMA fight choreography and working alongside lead actor Izabella Malewska to capture the realities of women’s combat sport on screen. • Motherhood, support networks and ambition, and why visibility, and honest storytelling are vital for the next generation of women and girls in sport.

    43 min
  2. Women in Sport - Episode 12 - Izabella Malewska

    FEB 25

    Women in Sport - Episode 12 - Izabella Malewska

    In this episode, Partner Emma Bartlett and Associate Solicitor Mitchell Blythe are joined by Izabella Malewska, the actor portraying Grazyna “the Tramp” Jarzynowska a rising MMA fighter in the upcoming feature film Tramp. The film dives deep into identity, motherhood, physical transformation, and the realities of navigating combat sports as a woman under intense public scrutiny. Together, they discuss: • The story behind Tramp - how the film interweaves the stark physical world of MMA with the intimate realities of motherhood, vulnerability and survival, and why these two worlds share more parallels than people might think. • Izabella's journey into the role, including her rapid‑fire MMA training, learning from world‑class fighters Ruth “Ruthless” Nelson and Ruqsana Begum and the emotional challenge of portraying a young mother facing judgement, exhaustion and grit. • Representation, identity and visibility, including the importance of showcasing a Polish female lead in combat sports and how cultural identity shaped Izabella's performance. • Training with real fighters, and how working alongside multiple‑time world champions brought authenticity, camaraderie and unexpected emotional depth to the fight sequences. • The evolution of women’s participation in sport, from wider representation in fitness and advertising to increased inclusivity for different cultures, body types, and life stages — including motherhood. • The pressures female athletes face, from social media trolling to expectations around body image, recovery after childbirth and the emotional labour that often remains unseen. • Role models and personality in women’s sport, and why showcasing authenticity, humour and humanity - not just performance - is crucial for inspiring the next generation. • What Izabella hopes audiences take away, particularly the message that motherhood and ambition need not be mutually exclusive: “You can have your cake and eat it.

    30 min
  3. Global Expansion for Law Firms: 2025 Reflections & Priorities for Senior Management in 2026

    FEB 12

    Global Expansion for Law Firms: 2025 Reflections & Priorities for Senior Management in 2026

    In this discussion focusing on global legal expansion, special guest Robert C. Bata, Founder and Principal of Warwick Place Legal, joins CM Murray LLP Partners Corinne Staves and Zulon Begum to explore what drove global expansion in 2025, the challenges, lessons learned and what law firms should expect in 2026 and beyond. In particular, Corinne, Zulon and Robert discuss: Global Expansion Trends in 2025: - Middle East and Latin America emerged as major growth hotspots. - Disputes work fuelled much of the international expansion. - Firms focused on domestic consolidation before going cross‑border. What Enables a Successful Expansion or Merger? - Clear strategic purpose and partner alignment. - Early preparation on governance, liabilities and due‑diligence issues. - Upfront planning for tax and regulatory hurdles. Cultural and Remuneration Compatibility: - Culture = collaboration and integration, not “nice chemistry.” - Remuneration models must align or be phased carefully. - Headline PEP isn’t the real story; long‑term value is. Beyond Full Merger: Alliances & Other Models: - Alliances can work, but only with strong quality control. - Networks offer reach, not integration. - Verein models remain useful but face growing pressure to evolve as firms seek deeper integration. Outlook for 2026 and Beyond: - Expect continued expansion into the Gulf and Latin America. - More UK-US merger interest on both sides. - Realignment in Asia, with shifts away from China. - Greater pressure for deeper financial integration globally. If you have any questions arising from this recording, or would like to discuss international expansion in more detail, please contact Partners Corinne Staves and Zulon Begum of CM Murray LLP or Robert C. Bata of Warwick Place Legal. Robert C. Bata is the Founder and Principal of WarwickPlace Legal, LLC, a consultancy specialising in cross‑border expansion strategies for leading law firms. With over thirty years’ experience as an international M&A lawyer at various international law firms, he has founded and led offices across London, Europe and China. His deep understanding of global legal markets, coupled with senior leadership roles and extensive industry engagement, gives him unparalleled insight into the commercial, cultural and political dynamics shaping successful international growth. Corinne Staves is ranked as a “Star Individual” by Chambers and Partners UK 2026 for Partnership: Non-contentious: “One of the absolute leaders in the field on both contentious and non-contentious matters, regulatory and litigation.” Zulon Begum is ranked Band 1 by Chambers and Partners UK 2026 for Partnership: Non-contentious: “Zulon is extremely responsive and has a solid handle on the challenges of pressure and in the regulatory environment that we have been dealing with.” ”She is calm and confident and gives the sense and feeling of really knowing the topic and the market, which is very important.” CM Murray LLP is ranked Tier 1 for Partnership by Legal 500 2026: “This practice is unique due to its very specific focus on partnership matters and related transactions.”

    37 min
  4. The Women in Sport Podcast: Ruth ''Ruthless'' Nelson

    JAN 23

    The Women in Sport Podcast: Ruth ''Ruthless'' Nelson

    In this Women in Sport podcast, Ruth Nelson, Emma and Mitchell discuss: Ruth’s remarkable path into combat sports, from taking up kickboxing as a young mother to becoming one of Britain’s most formidable female fighters. The evolution of women’s participation in combat sports, including the growing visibility of female athletes and the influence of icons such as Ronda Rousey. The realities of competing at elite level while working full‑time, challenging traditional ideas of what it means to be a “professional athlete”. Ruth's experience training with male‑dominated MMA environments, building confidence, and forming lasting relationships within the martial arts community. The importance of representation and role models, including the impact of Ruth’s own achievements on younger athletes — and even her own son, who later competed for Team GB. Barriers faced by women in combat sports, from gender bias and under‑recognition to physiological challenges such as training and competing while managing the menstrual cycle. Ruth's involvement in the feature film Tramp, portraying a fighter navigating motherhood, physical change and resilience — and how the story reflects the real lived experiences of many women in sport.

    45 min
  5. #SRA4HR – Episode 2: Navigating the SRA’s Approach to Internal Investigations

    JAN 15

    #SRA4HR – Episode 2: Navigating the SRA’s Approach to Internal Investigations

    In this next episode of #SRA4HR, Managing Partner Clare Murray and regulatory/professional discipline Partner Andrew Pavlovic discuss the SRA’s focus on internal investigations, including: - Why the SRA care about them - The consequences for individuals (including HR professionals) and firms for failing to investigate matters or investigating them inadequately - The choice of investigator and how this interacts with SRA Principle 3 – the obligation to act with independence - Self-reporting – at what point during the firm’s investigative process does the SRA need to be notified - Disciplinary outcomes – what are the key considerations from a regulatory perspective and what needs to be reported to the SRA at the conclusion of the firm’s process - SRA investigations – what happens during the course of an SRA investigation and how HR can support individuals throughout this process If you are a law firm HR professional and have any questions arising from this recording, or would like to discuss further, please contact Partners Andrew Pavlovic or Clare Murray.

    21 min
  6. Succession Planning in the era of AI: Navigating new partnership challenges - Professional Practices Alliance (PPA) Webinar Recording

    12/12/2025

    Succession Planning in the era of AI: Navigating new partnership challenges - Professional Practices Alliance (PPA) Webinar Recording

    In this audio recording of the webinar recording, Corinne Staves (Partner at CM Murray LLP), David Shufflebotham (Founder at PepUp Consulting) and Zulon Begum (Partner at CM Murray LLP) join webinar chair ​Rob Millard PhD (Director at Cambridge Strategy Group) to discuss how AI is redefining partner roles and governance models and how it demands new approaches to talent development, retention and succession. In particular, the panel discuss: AI’s Impact on Legal Careers: How is AI changing workflows and career paths for legal professionals at all levels?   Skills for the Future: Are your teams developing the emotional intelligence, adaptability, digital literacy, entrepreneurial thinking and evaluative judgement needed to succeed?   Training and Leadership: Is your firm’s approach to training and mentorship keeping pace with rapid technological change?   Succession Planning Pressures: Firms must maintain strong talent pipelines and adapt culturally as AI, private equity and partner mobility reshape the landscape.   Evolving Partnership Structures: The fixed share and equity partnership landscape is shifting, requiring new strategies for performance, evaluation and recruitment.  PE investment is also a key driver for the adoption of technological solutions.   Regulatory and Ethical Challenges: Are you addressing bias in AI-driven decisions and ensuring client service, confidentiality and fair recruitment and promotion? Are regulators ensuring regulation keeps pace with technological advancements?   Retirement and Partner Exits: AI is influencing attitudes towards retirement; how proactive is your firm in assessing valuable partner performance/contribution in an evolving market and supporting transitions and succession?   Strategic Agility: Law firms need to be forward-looking and agile, investing in continuous development of people and processes to thrive in a changing market.

    57 min
  7. The Women in Sport Podcast: Shaunagh Brown, former England and Harlequins rugby player

    11/05/2025

    The Women in Sport Podcast: Shaunagh Brown, former England and Harlequins rugby player

    We are delighted to share the tenth episode of our Women in Sport Podcast, where we discuss developments, initiatives, and issues relating to women in sports and the associated legal implications. In this episode, Partner Emma Bartlett and Associate Solicitor Mitchell Blythe are joined by a special guest, former England and Harlequins rugby player, Shaunagh Brown to discuss the following: 1. Shaunagh’s sporting journey, from representing England in the hammer throw in the 2014 Commonwealth Games to representing England in the Rugby World Cup Final against New Zealand in 2021. 2. The recent Red Roses historic victory over Canada in the Rugby World Cup Final 2025 at the Allianz Stadium. 3. Being called to Parliament in 2023 to give evidence to the Women & Equalities Committee on sexism in sport. 4. The importance of visibility and role models in sport. 5. The future of women’s rugby and we name our stand-out superstars from the Rugby World Cup 2025.

    23 min
  8. Navigating Reverse Discrimination: Addressing Concerns of Those Who Feel Diversity Targets are Working Against Them

    10/24/2025

    Navigating Reverse Discrimination: Addressing Concerns of Those Who Feel Diversity Targets are Working Against Them

    Following the 6th IFSEA International Conference on Executive & Founder Issues in June 2025, we are delighted to share with you a follow up podcast on the session, ‘Navigating Reverse Discrimination: Addressing Concerns of Those Who Feel Diversity Targets are Working Against Them’. Listen to the recording here and see below for further details. In this brilliant episode, the IFSEA annual conference panellists examine the legal frameworks, workplace practices and cultural contexts that shape evolving debates around equality and inclusion in the UK, Sweden and the US. This is essential listening for senior executives and founders seeking to lead inclusively while mitigating legal and reputational risk. - Carl-Frederik Hedenström, CFH Law (Sweden) (Chair) - Claire Dawson, BDBF (UK) - Camille Olson, Seyfarth Shaw (Chicago & California, USA) In particular, the panel discuss: - What can we understand reverse discrimination to mean? - Different jurisdictional approaches to positive action and affirmative action - The ways in which particular contexts, such as political shifts and systemic bias, can influence leadership and employer policies and best practice - How do these conversations underscore the tension between equality of treatment and actual equity in recruitment and representation? - The importance of balancing legal compliance with cultural and reputational considerations We also thank Regan O’Driscoll of Simmons & Simmons LLP (Ireland), who was unable to join the podcast, but attended as a panellist on the day of the conference and provided excellent insights.

    34 min
See All (156)

About

Welcome to the CM Murray LLP podcast channel where we discuss a wide range of topical issues in relation to partnership and employment law. CM Murray LLP is a leading partnership, employment and regulatory law firm based in London. We advise US and UK law firms and partners, hedge fund and investment management partners, US and other multi-national employers, senior executives and founders on a range of UK partnership and employment law issues.

Information