Cheshire law firm to lift the lid on the profession with new podcast

An innovative Cheshire law firm is hoping it can make the legal world more accessible and less intimidating to the public and potential clients with a new podcast.

Watsons Solicitors, which is based in Warrington, plans to make its way around a number of specialisms with a series of short episodes in conjunction with peers at other professional service providers they work with.

The first episode, which is already available, covers commercial property with Kerry Baird of Watsons alongside Callum Morgan of fellow Warrington-based business, Morgan Williams Commercial Property.

Danny Hudson, partner at Watsons, hopes it will enable their audience to challenge their preconceptions on what solicitors are like, and maybe answer some often-asked questions leading to further enquiries if people need assistance.

Danny said: “Lawyers are very aware that we can come across as cold, unapproachable and intimidatingly expensive. We are just trying to break down those barriers and inject a bit of personality into what we do so that people know that they can come to us if they have a problem.

“The starting point for that must be by creating a platform that people can access from where they feel comfortable. A podcast is something that can be listened to with ease in your own environment of choice.

“We are focusing on different departments. After starting with commercial property, we’re moving on to domestic property, then wills and probate, employment, and then family and divorce work.

“Lawyers can seem intimidating and there’s a perception that legal services are costly, but this will allow individuals to gain an insight into the sector, as well as give us an opportunity to answer some of the questions they might have.”

According to Ofcom, while nine out of ten people in the UK listen to live radio at some point each week, on-demand audio is becoming more and more popular with younger generations.

The Spring 2020 MIDAS Survey (Measuring Internet Delivered Audio Services) reported that more than 10 million listened to a podcast every week in the UK in 2020.

While this is equivalent to around 18 per cent of the adult population and rose four per cent year on year, the proportion of regular listeners in the 25 to 34 age bracket rises to 27 per cent.

Danny concluded: “The way that media is consumed has completely changed in the past few years. People enjoy listening to others having a relaxed chat on a topic that interests them.

“For us, that means we have to innovate and move forward so we can continue to reach and educate them. Staying relevant is important to us as a company.

“A little while ago I did a careers fair at a high school, and a producer from BBC 5Live was there. She asked all the kids how many of them listen to the radio and not one hand went up. It’s all about Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube for them, curating their own media instead of relying on others.”

The first episode can be found here.

If you do have a question you’d like discussed, please contact Danny Hudson.

Watsons Solicitors, which has been established for more than 60 years, specialises in family law, employment law, wills and probate, personal injury and conveyancing.

The team of experienced solicitors each hold various accreditations and memberships of professional bodies relevant to their expertise, while the firm’s partners oversee all areas of work.