Abby Sonnier | Senior Consultant | FTI Consulting
Abby Sonnier is a Senior Consultant in the Strategic Communications segment of FTI Consulting and is based in London, UK.
She is part of the segment's crisis communications practice specialising in cybersecurity and data privacy crises where she works with organizations amid cyber crises to respond to the incident in a way that protects their reputation, avoids additional legal or financial fallout, and builds trust. She has worked with organisations across a broad range of sectors, sizes, and geographies. Prior to FTI Consulting, Abby was a Cybersecurity Analyst at Consortium Networks where she led all compliance-driven advisory projects across a broad range of sectors. Abby has spent time in the media and journalism space while at the Bologna Institute for Policy Research, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and The Cipher Brief, a national security media organization, where she helped launch its Cyber Initiatives Group. Abby holds an M.A. in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies where she studied cybersecurity and data privacy in the Mediterranean and the United States. Abby also holds a B.A. in Public Policy and Leadership from the University of Mississippi.
Johanne Penney | CEO / Founder | Amp Up Your Voice Ltd
Johanne Penney is the Founder & CEO of Amp Up Your Voice, an inclusion consultancy focused on helping organisations diversify authentically and become advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
With a specialisation in working with C-Suite leaders, Johanne develops and long-term DEI strategies across the corporate sector and more, she also delivers high-impact, educational workshops that drive inclusion and belonging. Her extensive experience spans over 150 organisations across sectors such as streaming, music, beauty, legal, construction, education, the NHS, energy, and many more. A recognised thought leader and public speaker, Johanne has delivered more than 50 talks, including six keynote speeches, on topics including cultural humility, psychological safety, self-advocacy, and leadership development. She is the author of "The Roadmap to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion," a practical guide designed to help businesses take meaningful action, available via her website, Amp Up Your Voice. Her work has been featured in Violet Simon's Disruptors Magazine, and she has appeared on podcasts such as 1000VoicesUK and Black Create Connect. Beyond her consultancy, Johanne is an executive mentor and coach, supporting individuals in overcoming systemic barriers to career progression and helping others to strategise DE&I. She also serves as a trustee on the board of Action for Trustee Racial Diversity, reinforcing her commitment to increasing representation at all levels. Johanne is known for her ability to deliver lasting, impactful change, and her clients, many of whom are repeat customers, benefit from her deep expertise and dedication to creating inclusive work environments.
Charlotte Louise Menefy | Associate | Clyde & Co
I wanted to be a lawyer from 11 years old, after being the subject of an aggravated burglary and having to provide witness testimony.
This led me to study law for A Level (self-tutored) and then at university. During my second year of university, I purchased and ran a female-only gym, but still pursued my legal dream! I became a paralegal in 2013 at a firm specialising in insurance and reinsurance, but I covered a wide range of legal disputes. I was involved in a high-profile, reported case concerning the management of a trust, as well as a unanimous win before the Privy Council on the subject of the timing of offer and acceptance. At this time, I became a member of ACTAPS, IRLA, and Chairman of BILA Young Professionals. In 2019, I joined Clyde & Co's Aviation team, where I specialise in disputes arising from incidents involving air travel. I work for airlines, and their insurers, in respect of claims involving personal injury, baggage & cargo matters, and damage to aircraft. At Clydes, I am a proud member of various organisations in place to support my colleagues, including being the co-Chair of our LGBTQIA+ network, Pryde & Co, Aviation representative for employees and our gender equality network. Through my work, I am also training with Amicus, who work with prisoners on death row in the USA, and have recently become a school governor for our local school. I aspire to keep using my position to give a voice to those in need.
Sarah Flambard | Lawyer | Macquarie
Sarah is an experienced transactional derivatives lawyer with a passion for diversity, inclusion, and social impact.
She holds Masters in Business and Financial Law, and in Languages from the University of Paris 12 and an LLM in International Banking and Finance from the University of Edinburgh. In 2024, she expanded her expertise with certifications in Human Rights (City University), Social Entrepreneurship (LSE), and MBA Essentials (LSE). A dedicated advocate for DEI, Sarah co-leads her company's Black Employees network and serves on its DEI and Fusion committees, driving initiatives that create equitable opportunities and enhance representation, retention, and progression of underrepresented minorities. She has played a key role in fostering inclusion across the workplace and broader communities. Sarah's career spans top-tier international investment banks in London and Paris, where she has earned recognition for both her legal expertise and commitment to DEI. Beyond her corporate role, she is deeply engaged in social justice. Since 2022, she has volunteered and fundraised for Body & Soul Charity's youth suicide prevention programme, even making an appearance in their 2024 suicide prevention campaign video. She is also a Trustee at Hackney Quest, supporting young people in underserved communities, and the Founder of the project We Are Here, a digital platform aiming to map free resources for individuals and families affected or at risk of being affected by homelessness. A multilingual leader and changemaker, Sarah is committed to breaking barriers, empowering individuals and communities, and driving a more equitable future.
Emma Barrett-Ryan | Trainee Solicitor | DWF Law LLP
I am a Canadian-born trainee at DWF who took the scenic route to law from a background in art history.
After completing my first master's degree in Paris, I was intrigued by the legal side of the art business and decided to pursue law. I moved to Liverpool to complete my self-funded GDL, LPC, and MSc at the University of Law from 2019 through to 2021. I worked part-time as a bartender through my studies to support myself, and from March of 2022 I began as a commercial insurance paralegal at DWF in its Manchester head office. Within 18 months, I was able to secure the internal training contract and am set to qualify this September. My seats have been commercial insurance, occupational health and casualty, fraud, and private client. I am lucky to have been involved in complex contentious work running into the multi-millions in each seat, some of which have been reported in the news. I enjoy attending hearings and gaining first-hand court experience, and have attended court for many clients across the country. Building relationships with clients in these situations has been interesting, particularly with our insurers' policyholders to understand their businesses. Apart from my private practice work, I consistently volunteer within DWF in its impressive ESG initiatives, with the Manchester Trainee Solicitor Group as Education Director, and with the New York City based Center for Art Law where I assist in the Nazi-Looted Art Restitution Project which traces the provenance and outcomes of stolen art disputes.
Helen Penwill | Senior Associate | Reed Smith LLP
She obtained an LLM from the National University of Singapore on scholarship and worked as Vice President at JPMorgan Chase, as the youngest Vice President promoted in London, and later completed her training contract with Reed Smith LLP.
Following university, Helen was afforded a rotary scholarship to the National University of Singapore. Helen was partnered with a local club in Singapore and the scholarship itself is only granted to candidates who are committed long-term to measurable, sustainable change. In order to be afforded the scholarship, Helen displayed her academic experience but also volunteer experience which included 7 years of coaching Basketball at the local YMCA. Since 2020, Helen has been an Associate in the market leading Financial Industry Group at Reed Smith, advising a range of clients on fund finance, leveraged finance and structured finance. Helen was promoted to mid-level associate just 18 months after qualifying and Senior Associate just 36 months later. Helen is recognised for her technical skills, drafting expertise and good commercial judgement. She is calm under pressure and is respected by clients and colleagues alike, all of whom enjoy working with her and value her input. She is known for being very hard-working and a great team player who is happy to step into difficult situations. Helen is a part of the team awarded 'Best Law Firm – Lending and Securities' at the European Credit Awards and is an integral member of the Tier 1 ranked Fund Finance Team.
Catherine Casazza | Legal Counsel (Investments) | Fidelity International
Catherine Casazza is an in-house lawyer at Fidelity International, where she advises on and manages transactions across the firm's fixed income, equity, and private assets businesses.
She previously worked in private practice at large, U.S.-headquartered law firms in New York, Sydney, and London. In private practice, Catherine accumulated extensive experience advising corporate, private equity, and banking clients on leveraged loans, and public and private debt and equity capital markets offerings and transactions. She has also volunteered with the International Trade Centre's SheTrades initiative and advised numerous pro bono legal clients in New York through The Door's Legal Services Center's Emancipation Clinic and in London through the University House Legal Advice Centre's Housing Clinic. Catherine has been recognised internally at Fidelity International for her contributions to the business teams she supports and her commitment to professional development. Catherine co-founded the "Legal Jam Sessions" programming series, which aims to increase synergies and efficiencies across the firm's legal teams and provide opportunities for other team members to shine. Catherine is passionate about connecting with and positively impacting her community and is an active member of her firm's Cultural Diversity Network. A singer and former actor, Catherine also celebrates and blends her love of arts and culture and her passion for bringing diverse individuals together as co-founder and Director of Operations for Muses in the City, a London-based network connecting women who are passionate about arts, heritage, and culture.
Suborna Akthar | Senior Recruitment Advisor | Simmons & Simmons Adaptive
I am a Senior Recruitment Advisor at Simmons Adaptive; the flexible talent programme for Simmons & Simmons.
My role focusses on sourcing, placing, and managing talent for interim legal positions, both within the firm and for our clients. After graduating in 2017, I joined a legal recruitment agency specialising in the public sector, where I developed expertise in connecting top talent with central and local government clients In 2021, I joined Simmons Adaptive, bringing my recruitment expertise to a broader range of industries. I work collaboratively with our Partners to deliver tailored people solutions that keep both our clients and consultants at the heart of our decision-making process. Since joining, I've been promoted to Senior Advisor, where I support the training and development of new team members and initiatives to drive the success of our team. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is using my recruitment expertise to help the firm achieve its DE&I goals. I'm deeply committed to this cause and actively contribute to firmwide networks such as the Muslim Network, where I co-hosted the 2024 Iftar Dinner for Simmons and its clients. My work with initiatives like the Young Talent Programme and the School Mentoring Programme has allowed me to guide aspiring legal professionals, offering interview tips and career guidance to young talent. I am also proud to speak on panels at both the firm and my University, discussing important topics such as Muslim representation in the City and alternative career paths for women in law.
Robyn Adams | Senior Associate Solicitor | Debenhams Ottaway LLP
Robyn has over 6 post-qualification experience in litigation and is currently a senior associate solicitor.
Her experience includes advising clients and running litigation to trial in the High Court as well as working with partners in the team on high-value, highly complex litigation. She started as a trainee at Debenhams Ottaway in 2016 and qualified in 2018. She has just been promoted to senior associate in recognition for her considerable business development and client care skills. She is involved in, and often runs, litigation beyond her years.
Sarah Mitchell | Senior Associate | Osborne Clarke LLP
Sarah is a Senior Associate in the Corporate team at Osborne Clarke, having trained and qualified at the firm.
She advises clients on a range of corporate law transactions, including M&A, joint ventures and sales to employee ownership trusts. Sarah is currently on secondment at Meta, having previously gained commercial experience during a secondment at Vodafone as part of her training contract. Sarah is passionate about supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives; she has previously volunteered as a mentor via The Girls' Network, a charity which aims to empower young women by connecting them with a professional female mentor, and is an active supporter of her firm's internal diversity networks.