Mar 09 2025 28 mins
This is the seventh episode in the fourth series of The Fountain Court Podcast. The episode marks International Women’s Day focusing on the theme, “Accelerate Action”. Hosted by Wee-An Tan, a barrister at Fountain Court.
Joining Wee-An in the discussion is fellow Fountain Court member Tamara Oppenheimer KC, a commercial barrister renowned for her expertise in complex litigation, and Neeta Chityal, Partner at Addleshaw Goddard’s Global Investigations team based in London.
Tamara is a strong advocate for diversity and work-life balance at the Bar, she emphasizes that the profession is a true meritocracy, offering flexibility and independence. She manages her successful career alongside raising three children, organizing her schedule to accommodate family commitments.
Neeta was one the founding members of the Addleshaw Goddard's gender balance network. She was promoted to Partner during her maternity leave and now works a flexible week to accommodate childcare. Neeta is committed to diversity in the workplace and currently holds the position of Partner lead for ethnicity inclusion for London at AG.
Tamara and Neeta discuss improvements they have seen for women in law as they have developed their careers; thoughts on how the legal sector can most effectively “Accelerate Action” and promote change; the discrediting of Equality and Diversity Initiatives and how to differentiate those which window dress to those which matter. Finally, they offer advice to young women entering the profession today.
To find out more about Fountain Court’s approach to Gender Equality and E&D as a whole, please click: https://www.fountaincourt.co.uk/about-us/social-responsibility/equality-and-diversity/.
Joining Wee-An in the discussion is fellow Fountain Court member Tamara Oppenheimer KC, a commercial barrister renowned for her expertise in complex litigation, and Neeta Chityal, Partner at Addleshaw Goddard’s Global Investigations team based in London.
Tamara is a strong advocate for diversity and work-life balance at the Bar, she emphasizes that the profession is a true meritocracy, offering flexibility and independence. She manages her successful career alongside raising three children, organizing her schedule to accommodate family commitments.
Neeta was one the founding members of the Addleshaw Goddard's gender balance network. She was promoted to Partner during her maternity leave and now works a flexible week to accommodate childcare. Neeta is committed to diversity in the workplace and currently holds the position of Partner lead for ethnicity inclusion for London at AG.
Tamara and Neeta discuss improvements they have seen for women in law as they have developed their careers; thoughts on how the legal sector can most effectively “Accelerate Action” and promote change; the discrediting of Equality and Diversity Initiatives and how to differentiate those which window dress to those which matter. Finally, they offer advice to young women entering the profession today.
To find out more about Fountain Court’s approach to Gender Equality and E&D as a whole, please click: https://www.fountaincourt.co.uk/about-us/social-responsibility/equality-and-diversity/.