Shows
Womble PerspectivesData Centers and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)Small Modular Reactors (SMR) may be the Data Center Energy Solution: Legal Issues Ahead with Nuclear Reactors Powering Data CentersJoin us for a conversation with the Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP Data Center Team members: Barlow Keener, Of Counsel - Data Center Team co-lead, Belton Zeigler, Partner – energy and utilities and David Beckstead, Of Counsel – energy and M&A transactions. Barlow, Belton, and David dive into the evolving world of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and need for nuclear power generators to help solve energy needs required by the new massive growth in data centers. Hosti...2025-05-1537 min
Retail ReviewDark PatternsJoin hosts Katie Simmonds and Amy Battinson as they delve into the shadowy world of dark patterns within the retail sector. This episode explores the implications these practices have on consumers and retailers alike. They will navigate the complex regulatory landscape, shedding light on the efforts of organisations like the CMA and the EU in enforcing compliance. Discover the critical importance of website accessibility and the intriguing potential of AI in both detecting and creating these dark patterns. Finally, gain practical advice for retailers on how to overcome these challenges while mai...2025-05-1317 minRetail ReviewTacit RelocationJoin partners Clare Lamond and Paul Mason as they delve into the Scots law doctrine of tacit relocation, which facilitates the automatic renewal of leases if neither party issues a termination notice. They explore the ramifications of this doctrine for retailers, discuss recent reform proposals by the Scottish Law Commission, and underscore the significance of clear communication between landlords and tenants.Want to hear previous Retail Review podcasts? Click here.2025-03-2611 minRetail ReviewOpening Back Up our High StreetsWith the government instilling new powers under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 to get the nation's high streets back to their best, how could these impact landlords, retailers, and lenders? Join partner Jon Hobbs and practice development lawyer and associate Alison Morden-Hawke from the firm's Real Estate group as they talk about the new powers granted to councils, what challenges landlords could be expected to face, and the timelines for compliance and potential for disputes.Want to hear previous Retail Review podcasts? Click here.2025-03-1818 minRetail ReviewNational Minimum Wage and National InsuranceStaffing costs for retailers are set to rise, with increases in the national minimum wage and changes to how much national insurance employers need to contribute going forward. Join practice development lawyer and managing associate Karen Plumbley-Jones and legal director Nicola Allen from WBD's employment team as they talk about what these changes mean for you in the retail sector, and how it could impact recruitment, employee wages, and overall business strategies.Want to hear previous Retail Review podcasts? Click here.2025-03-0306 minRetail ReviewLaw Commission Consultation – Security of TenureWith the Law Commission currently consulting on the security of tenure in commercial leases, how may the proposed changes impact your business going forward? Join partner Nikki Powell and associate David Jones as they dive into the implications of proposed changes to the 1954 Act, what groups of retailers are thinking about the changes, and the potential impact on employment within the retail industry. 2025-02-1113 minRetail ReviewThe Employment Rights BillCurious as to how the current Employment Rights Bill being worked through UK parliament may impact your business? Join partners Dan Fawcett and Christina Tolvas-Vincent from WBD's employment team as they dive into some of the biggest changes the Bill could bring to UK retail and hospitality - from probation periods and flexible working, to fire and rehire practices and collective redundancy.Want to hear previous Retail Review podcasts? Click here.2025-01-3113 min
Planning UnpluggedEquality Impact AssessmentsAn Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) has become a crucial consideration for both the private and public sectors as part of the planning process, but what should you take into account when preparing one? Join WBD partner Sarah White, solicitor Dana Cook, and social impact specialist Laura Walker from Equality Impact as they discuss the potential positive impact they can make on your next project, the consequences of neglecting an EqIA, and the need for expertise in the preparation process to ensure the most optimal outcome.Want to hear more podcasts from WBD? Please visit our...2024-10-3017 minRetail ReviewFutureproofing your PortfolioWith retail making up 5% of the UK economy and still working through the range of changes to the sector in recent years, how can companies ensure their portfolios are safeguarded while maintain a strong competitive advantage? Join partner and head of WBD's retail and hospitality sector Claire Wilkinson and Tom Caplen, partner and co-head of WBD's real estate finance practice, as they discuss the balance between sustainability and building out a portfolio, the opportunities physical stores could present in a modern market, and how financing and sustainable lending might play an increasing role...2024-10-0912 minPlanning UnpluggedWaterHow does water flow into the wider planning ecosystem and with an ever-changing environment impacting water scarcity and quality, what needs to be done to futureproof water needs in the UK? Join WBD legal director Sarah Holmes and solicitor Adam Richards as they discuss the considerations developers need to take into account with new bills on the table from the government and what changes the national infrastructure for water needs to provide modern solutions for modern developments.Want to hear more podcasts from WBD? Visit our website.2024-09-2627 min
AI Lawyer Talking TechAI Revolution in Legal Tech: Efficiency, Ethics, and Innovation
Welcome to today's episode of AI Lawyer Talking Tech, where we delve into the latest breakthroughs transforming the legal industry. We'll explore how advancements like OpenAI's o1 models and vLex's upgraded Vincent AI are enhancing legal reasoning and research. From AI simplifying tasks for paralegals to corporate counsel saving valuable time, technology is reshaping workflows across the board. We'll also discuss the ethical considerations of AI integration, cybersecurity advancements, and the evolving regulatory landscape. Join us as we unpack how these innovations are redefining efficiency and effectiveness in legal practice.
OpenAI o1 Models Will Boost Legal GenAI +...2024-09-1321 minPlanning UnpluggedPlanning Under A Labour GovernmentAs a new government under Sir Keir Starmer settles into office, what will the planning landscape look like going forward? Join WBD partners Lorrae Hendry, Sarah White, and managing associate James Clark as they discuss the new government's changes to planning – from how the push for affordable housing will impact communities, to what exactly is a 'Grey Belt' and how it will impact new plans and how nationally significant infrastructure projects will be shaped under a Labour government.To listen to our previous episode on Beauty and Design, please ...2024-08-2929 min
Retail ReviewAI & EmploymentHow will artificial intelligence transform the retail industry and its workforce? In this episode, we explore the impact of the rise of AI on the retail sector, which has already undergone significant technological change in recent years. Hear from Employment Partners Gearalt Fahy and Dan Fawcett, who share their insights on the legal and practical implications of AI for employers and employees in the retail industry, and examine how increasing AI use may affect change management. If you need to manage your legal risks and follow the right redundancy p...2024-08-1510 min
Planning UnpluggedTall BuildingsWith desire to build new housing and developments in the UK remaining strong, how does planning impact building up rather than out? Join managing associate James Clark and partner Sarah White from Womble Bond Dickinson as they chat with Michael Forrester, the head of development management at Lewisham Council, about the unique needs tall buildings must meet in the planning sector, how councils are addressing developments looking to the skies, and the role of tall buildings in modern communities.This episode was produced by: James Clark, Sarah...2024-07-1024 min
Planning Unplugged2024 General ElectionJoin us for a special episode of Planning Unplugged as the team looks at what the three English parties with the most seats – Conservatives, Labour, and Liberal Democrats – bring to the table as part of their manifestos for the 2024 General Election when it comes to planning, the environment, and infrastructure. Join managing associate James Clark, legal director Sarah Holmes and partner Sarah White as they chat through what each party has to offer and how it could impact the planning sector post 4 July.This episode features James Clark, Sarah Whit...2024-07-0225 min
Retail ReviewGreenleasesWith retail companies of all sizes eyeing up pathways to meet sustainable goals and objectives across their business, how can the store front play a crucial role?Join Nikki Powell, a partner in WBD's Operational Property team, as she discusses the tight rope between balancing sustainability in retail properties and maintaining a strong relationship with landlords and property owners, as well as what businesses could be doing to make the most of their space and meet sustainable goals.2024-06-0411 min
Planning Unplugged2024 Local ElectionsMay's local elections saw sweeping changes to councils up and down the UK – but once the voting is counted, what should planners and developers expect? Join WBD Managing Associate Helen Robinson, Associate Umi Filby, and Wakefield Council's Chief Legal Officer (and returning officer!) Gillian Marshall as they share what impact the local election process has on the day-to-day functions of a council, what goes on behind the scenes following the count completion, and some of the most interesting election days they've taken part in.This episode was produced by: Helen Robinson, Umi Filby, Gillian Marshall, Melinda Kovacs, Ca...2024-05-3026 min
ABI PodcastGuests Join Latest Episode of ABI’s ”Reframing Mediation” Podcast to Discuss Key Mediation Topics- Ep. 269Kara E. Casteel of ASK LLP and Luke Murley of Saul Ewing LLP join hosts Edward L. Schnitzer of Womble Bond Dickinson LLP (New York) and Connor Bifferato of The Bifferato Firm (Wilmington, Del.), co-chairs of ABI's Mediation Committee, to discuss a host of key mediation topics. Click here to listen.2024-05-0229 min
ABI PodcastGuests Join Latest Episode of ABI's "Reframing Mediation" Podcast to Discuss Key Mediation TopicsKara E. Casteel of ASK LLP and Luke Murley of Saul Ewing LLP join hosts Edward L. Schnitzer of Womble Bond Dickinson LLP (New York) and Connor Bifferato of The Bifferato Firm (Wilmington, Del.), co-chairs of ABI's Mediation Committee, to discuss a host of key mediation topics. Click here to listen.2024-05-0229 min
Planning UnpluggedBeauty and Good DesignHow does beauty factor into planning and is there a need to make something beautiful when designing something new? Join WBD Associate Nicola Cotton, Professor Matthew Carmona from University College London, and Frazer Osment from LDA Design as they discuss how beauty folds into good design practices and whether new design codes as part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act encourage beautiful design.This episode was produced by: Nicola Cotton, Frazer Osment, Matthew Carmona, Melinda Kovacs, Cal Behrendt, and Libby Toogood.2024-04-2429 min