Behind every successful firm is a story of vision, resilience and purpose.

In this episode of Firm Talk, Rachel Innes is joined by Neal Gozzett, Senior Partner and Co-Founder of Monan Gozzett LLP, for a candid conversation about his journey into law and the story behind building the firm.

From his early career in criminal defence to co-founding a multidisciplinary practice, Neal reflects on the experiences, values and personal motivations that have shaped both his leadership and the firm's culture.

The episode covers key topics including:

• Neal's journey into law and what inspired his career
• The personal story behind founding Monan Gozzett LLP
• Leadership lessons from a decade of growth
• The importance of empathy, trust and client care
• The challenges of growing a modern law firm
• The role of technology and innovation in legal practice
• Advice for aspiring lawyers and future leaders
• The values that continue to drive the firm forward

Honest, insightful and personal, this episode explores the journey behind Monan Gozzett LLP and the promise that helped shape its future.

To reach out to the team at Monan Gozzett, head to our website:

www.monangozzett.com or get in touch via social media:

Facebook: @MonanGozzettSolicitors

Instagram: @monangozzett

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/monan-gozzett

X: @mg_solicitors

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Advocacy lies at the heart of the legal profession. The ability to think clearly, communicate effectively and persuade with confidence is what defines exceptional barristers and shapes the outcome of cases in court.

In this episode of the Monan Gozzett podcast series On Your Feet, Rachel Innes is joined by Ali Naseem Bajwa KC of QEB Hollis Whiteman Chambers. With over three decades of experience at the criminal bar and a reputation as one of the leading advocates in the country, Ali shares his journey to becoming King’s Counsel and offers invaluable insight into the craft of advocacy.

The conversation explores what it truly means to be “on your feet” in court, from preparation and structure to delivery and presence. Ali also reflects on the evolution of the legal profession, the importance of continuous learning and the responsibility that comes with representing clients in high-stakes cases.

The episode covers key topics including:

• What advocacy is and why it is often described as an art form
• The key elements of effective advocacy, from content and structure to delivery
• The role of preparation in building a persuasive case
• Ali’s career journey and path to becoming King’s Counsel
• The realities of life at the criminal bar and working on complex cases
• Advice for aspiring barristers looking to develop their advocacy skills
• Reflections on changes within the legal profession and the justice system

Insightful and engaging, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the skills, discipline and mindset required to excel as an advocate at the highest level.

To reach out to the team at Monan Gozzett, head to our website:

www.monangozzett.com or get in touch via social media:

Facebook: @MonanGozzettSolicitors

Instagram: @monangozzett

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/monan-gozzett

X: @mg_solicitors

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reputation plays a crucial role in shaping how individuals and organisations are perceived. In today’s fast-moving media environment, protecting and managing that reputation has never been more important.

In this episode of the Monan Gozzett podcast, Rachel Innes is joined by Tom Conway-Gordon, a reputational consultant with more than 25 years of global experience in public relations and strategic communications. Having worked with major international brands including Rolex, Adidas, Mercedes-Benz, Coca-Cola and General Motors, Tom shares insights into how reputation can be built, managed and protected.

The conversation explores the realities of reputation management, from proactively shaping public perception to guiding clients through reputational challenges and crises.

The episode covers key topics including:

• What a reputational consultant does and why reputation matters
• How individuals and businesses can build and protect their reputation
• Tom’s global career experience across the UK and Middle East
• The importance of strategic communication in managing public perception
• Lessons learned from working with international brands and high-profile clients

Insightful and engaging, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the strategies used to build and safeguard reputation in today’s world.

To reach out to the team at Monan Gozzett, head to our website:

www.monangozzett.com or get in touch via social media:

Facebook: @MonanGozzettSolicitors

Instagram: @monangozzett

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/monan-gozzett

X: @mg_solicitors

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Building a career in law requires determination, resilience and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. From choosing law as a subject at school to completing a training contract and qualifying as a solicitor, the path can be both challenging and rewarding.

In this episode of the Monan Gozzett podcast, Rachel Innes is joined by Harry Salt, a trainee solicitor at Monan Gozzett LLP, as he approaches the final stages of his training contract. Harry shares his journey into the legal profession, reflecting on the experiences, challenges and opportunities that shaped his career path and led him to specialise in criminal law.

The conversation offers valuable insights for students, graduates and anyone considering a legal career, providing a candid perspective on the realities of studying law and entering the profession.

The episode covers key topics including:

1. How an inspiring teacher first sparked Harry’s interest in the law and the justice system
2. The motivation and discipline required to succeed in the academically demanding world of legal study
3. Why Harry chose to pursue criminal law despite common perceptions about the challenges of the field
4. The importance of resilience, managing self-doubt and relying on strong support networks during legal training
5. The transition from academic study to professional practice through the LPC, SQE or alternative qualification routes
6. The competitive process of securing a training contract and how standing out from other applicants can make a difference
7. Harry’s experience approaching Monan Gozzett directly to secure work experience and begin his legal career
8. The value of gaining practical work experience within a law firm to better understand how the legal profession operates
9. Advice for aspiring lawyers on taking opportunities, building confidence and pushing beyond their comfort zone
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Open, honest and inspiring, this episode highlights the determination required to pursue a legal career and demonstrates how initiative, persistence and passion can open doors within the profession.

To reach out to the team at Monan Gozzett, head to our website:

www.monangozzett.com or get in touch via social media:

Facebook: @MonanGozzettSolicitors

Instagram: @monangozzett

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/monan-gozzett

X: @mg_solicitors

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gifting your home to a family member is often seen as a straightforward way to reduce inheritance tax or protect assets from future care costs. However, as this episode explores, the reality is far more complex.

In this episode of the Monan Gozzett podcast, Rachel Innes is joined by Stephen Sampson, Head of Private Client at Monan Gozzett LLP, to discuss the legal, tax and practical implications of transferring your home during your lifetime. The conversation explains why gifting property requires careful thought, early planning and specialist advice to avoid unintended consequences.

The episode covers key considerations including:

1. Why people choose to gift their home, including inheritance tax and care fee planning
2. How the seven-year rule works and what counts towards your estate
3. The inheritance tax thresholds and spouse exemptions
4. The “gift with reservation of benefit” rules if you continue living in the property
5. The risks of losing control, including divorce, debt or bankruptcy affecting the recipient
6. How gifting can impact the recipient’s tax position, including capital gains tax and stamp duty
7. Care home fee challenges and the rules around deliberate deprivation of assets
8. Alternative options such as downsizing or gifting other assets instead

Clear, practical and grounded in real client experience, this episode highlights that while gifting your home may appear attractive, it carries significant legal and financial risks. Careful advice and open family discussions are essential to ensure any decision supports both your long-term security and your family’s future.

To reach out to the team at Monan Gozzett, head to our website: www.monangozzett.com or get in touch via social media:

Facebook: @MonanGozzettSolicitors

Instagram: @monangozzett

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/monan-gozzett

X: @mg_solicitors

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is an essential part of future planning, yet many people delay putting one in place until it is urgently needed.

In this episode of Firm Talk, Rachel is joined by Stephen Sampson, Head of Private Client at Monan Gozzett LLP, to discuss why LPAs are about protection and preparation, not loss of control. The conversation explores how LPAs work, why they are relevant for people of all ages, and how early planning can help avoid stress, delay and uncertainty for families.

The episode covers key considerations including:

1. What a Lasting Power of Attorney is and why it matters
2. The difference between financial and health & welfare LPAs
3. Choosing the right attorneys and communicating your wishes
4. The risks and consequences of not having an LPA in place

Clear, practical and informed by real-world experience, this episode highlights how proactive planning can provide reassurance, clarity and peace of mind — both for you and for those closest to you.

To reach out to the team at Monan Gozzett, head to our website: www.monangozzett.com or get in touch via social media:

Facebook: @MonanGozzettSolicitors

Instagram: @monangozzett

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/monan-gozzett

X: @mg_solicitors

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Divorce can have a lasting impact on financial planning — and its effects on Inheritance Tax are often overlooked.

In this episode of Firm Talk, the team at Monan Gozzett LLP explore how divorce and separation can affect estate planning, wills, and inheritance tax exposure. The discussion looks at what happens when personal circumstances change, why existing plans may no longer be fit for purpose, and how failing to review arrangements can lead to unintended consequences.

The episode covers key considerations including:

1. How divorce can impact wills and inheritance planning
2. The importance of reviewing estate plans following separation
3. Where Inheritance Tax issues can arise unexpectedly
4. Why early legal advice can help protect long-term financial interests

Clear, practical and grounded in real-world experience, this conversation highlights why major life changes should always prompt a review of legal and financial arrangements — and how proactive planning can help provide clarity and protection for the future.

To reach out to the team at Monan Gozzett, head to our website: www.monangozzett.com or get in touch via social media:

Facebook: @MonanGozzettSolicitors

Instagram: @monangozzett

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/monan-gozzett

X: @mg_solicitors

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second episode of Firm Talk, Rachel and Stephen unpack how pensions and Inheritance Tax really work, how the rules have changed, and what this means for anyone planning for the future.

From drawing down pension pots to passing on wealth efficiently, we explore the traps people fall into and the opportunities many don’t realise they have.

You’ll hear clear, practical insight into:

• How pensions are treated on death
• When Inheritance Tax applies — and when it doesn’t
• Why outdated assumptions can leave beneficiaries worse off
• How sensible planning can make a significant difference

Whether you’re thinking about retirement, estate planning, or protecting what you leave behind, this episode cuts through the jargon to give you a better understanding of how to make your money work for you - and your loved ones.

To reach out to the team at Monan Gozzett, head to our website: www.monangozzett.com or get in touch via social media:

Facebook: @MonanGozzettSolicitors

Instagram: @monangozzett

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/monan-gozzett

X: @mg_solicitors

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They cover:

• What happens if you do not have a Will in place
• What rights unmarried couples have to their partners' estate.
• Tools that help you understand who could inherit your estate based on your current circumstances, and
• Why a do-it-yourself Will can be incredibly costly.

We also learn about the events that affected Stephen and encouraged him become a highly respected Private Client Solicitor.

To reach out to the team at Monan Gozzett, head to our website: www.monangozzett.com or get in touch via social media:

Facebook: @MonanGozzettSolicitors

Instagram: @monangozzett

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/monan-gozzett

X: @mg_solicitors

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.