Sam Cottman

Sally Penni MBE is talking law with Sam Cottman.

Sam is a Partner and Head of Pro Bono at Travers Smith. He’s also the founder of the Domestic Abuse Response Alliance (DARA) and the Cottman Foundation. 

Sam shares his unconventional path into law, transitioning from studying languages to pursuing a legal career. He discusses his extensive pro bono work, particularly with survivors of domestic abuse and human trafficking, and his role in establishing the Domestic Abuse Response Alliance (DARA).

They also discuss his involvement in racial justice investigations; his approach to leadership and diversity within the legal profession, and the mission of his personal foundation, which supports a wide variety of charitable causes globally.

Additionally, Sam reflects on the importance of mentorship, strategic career decisions, and maintaining a balance between professional and personal life.

In the UK, The National Domestic Abuse Helpline can be contacted on 0808 2000 247. Services outside of the UK can be found here. 

This episode is supported by Salford Business School. Find out more about them here. 

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Presented by Sally Penni MBE, barrister at law at Kenworthy’s Chambers Manchester and founder and chair of Women in the Law UK. Follow Sally on X @SallyPenni1 and Instagram @sjsallypenni