ELI Launches a New Podcast: The Legal Community Speaks

28.10.2025

A compelling nine-part series that brings Europe’s leading legal voices together to reflect on law, democracy, and the future.

About the Series

The Legal Community Speaks is produced by The Fifth Court, an award-winning legal podcast, in association with ELI.

Hosted by Mark Tottenham BL and Peter Leonard BL, this nine-part series brings you inside Europe’s legal community – where leading legal minds shaping the future of law share their insights and ideals.

Speakers in the series include:

 

E1 – The Rule of Law and Democracy: The Legal Community Speaks to Teresa Rodríguez de las Heras Ballell

In the opening episode of The Legal Community Speaks, ELI President Prof Teresa Rodríguez de las Heras Ballell reflects on the role of law in addressing today's challenges to democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. Drawing on her experience as President of ELI, she discusses the importance of creativity, collaboration, and forward-thinking legal developments, while sharing how the ELI is helping shape legal reform both within Europe and beyond.

 

E2 – Law, Legitimacy, and the Limits of the Courts: The Legal Community Speaks to Georg Kodek

In this episode of The Legal Community Speaks, Georg Kodek, President of the Supreme Court of Austria, reflects on the role of courts in addressing some of today's most complex societal challenges. The discussion explores the limits of judicial authority, the relationship between law and politics, and the importance of maintaining public trust in legal institutions. Drawing on examples from climate litigation and constitutional law, Kodek offers valuable insights into judicial independence, democratic resilience, and the evolving role of courts.

 

E3 – Law, Finance, and International Governance: The Legal Community Speaks to Michael Strauss

In this episode of The Legal Community Speaks, Michael Strauss, General Counsel of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), explores the role of international financial institutions in a rapidly changing world. The conversation examines the EBRD's support for emerging democracies, its work in Ukraine, and the legal and governance frameworks that underpin international development, sustainability, and long-term economic growth.

 

E4 – Long-Term Governance and Enterprise Foundations: The Legal Community Speaks to Anne Birgitte Gammeljord

In this episode of The Legal Community Speaks, Anne Birgitte Gammeljord, ELI Treasurer, former CCBE President, and practising Danish Supreme Court lawyer, explores how legal frameworks can help address long-term societal and economic challenges. The conversation focuses on enterprise foundations, a distinctive Scandinavian ownership model. Drawing on her extensive experience in both national and European legal institutions, Gammeljord reflects on corporate governance, sustainability, and the role of collaborative legal development in shaping the future of European law. More on ELI’s work on the subject here.

 

E5 – Climate Change, Water, and Global Governance: The Legal Community Speaks to Adil Najam

In this episode of The Legal Community Speaks, Adil Najam, President of WWF International and Founding Dean of Boston University's Pardee School of Global Studies, explores the growing intersection of climate change, law, and global governance. Reflecting on the role of legal professionals in addressing environmental challenges, Najam highlights the need for collective and innovative legal approaches to support a more sustainable and resilient future.

 

E6 – Planning for a Digital Afterlife: The Legal Community Speaks to James Norris

In this episode, James Norris, Co-Founder of the Digital Legacy Association, explores the growing importance of digital assets and online legacy planning. The discussion examines the legal and practical challenges surrounding digital inheritance and access to online accounts after a person's passing. Norris also highlights the need for clearer frameworks to support families, legal practitioners, and policymakers in an increasingly digital world.

 

E7 – Safeguarding Vulnerability: The Legal Community Speaks to Adrian Ward

In this episode, Adrian Ward, Co-Reporter of ELI's Advance Choices for Future Disablement project, reflects on the development of mental capacity law in Scotland and the principles that underpin modern incapacity legislation. The conversation considers how legal systems can protect vulnerable individuals while respecting autonomy, dignity, and the right to participate in decisions affecting their lives.

 

E8 – A Right to a Healthy Environment? The Legal Community Speaks to Raphael Benitez

In this episode, Raphael Benitez, Director of Social Rights, Health and Environment at the Council of Europe, discusses the evolving relationship between human rights and environmental protection. The episode explores climate litigation, the role of courts in addressing environmental challenges, and ongoing debates surrounding the recognition of a right to a healthy environment within the European legal framework.

 

E9 – Corporate Crime and Accountability in Europe: The Legal Community Speaks to Andreas Pollak

In this episode of The Legal Community Speaks, Andreas Pollak, Austrian lawyer and board member of the European Criminal Bar Association, examines how companies and directors can be held accountable for corporate wrongdoing. The conversation explores the effectiveness of fines and reputational damage, as well as the circumstances in which personal liability may arise. Drawing on his expertise in this field, Pollak offers valuable insights into the future of corporate criminal liability in Europe.

 

Listen and Follow

Listen on: • Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Acast 

Follow:  #EuropeanLawInstitute #RuleOfLaw #LegalCommunity #ELI #TheLegalCommunitySpeaks #PeterLeonard #MarkTottenham

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