🌈 What do sanctions, surrogacy, and Swift messages have in common? 👀

Ask the lawyer who’s worked with the DOJ, become a dad via his sister, and still finds time to lead global DEI at a top law firm. 🧠🌍

As Pride Month draws to a close, we’re spotlighting a voice redefining what leadership in law really looks like. 🏳️‍🌈

🎙️ This week on the Legally Speaking Podcast ™️, sponsored by Clio we’re joined by David Savage, Partner at HFW, sanctions expert, and proud LGBTQ+ parent—for a conversation that’s equal parts hard-hitting and heartwarming.

Why this episode is a must-listen:

🌍 From Sanctions to Surrogacy — David unpacks the geopolitical chaos of financial crime AND the beauty of becoming a dad via surrogacy.

 ⚖️ High-Stakes Investigations, Human Decisions — Why systems can’t prevent what people are willing to hide—and how to spot the red flags regulators care most about.

 🧠 AI in Compliance — The tech is evolving, but the judgment still needs you. Learn how David uses AI like a “very junior lawyer”—with training, clarity and oversight.

 🏳️‍🌈 Out. Proud. Leading by Example. — As HFW’s DEI partner and LGBTQ+ network lead, David shows why visibility still matters—and how law firms can move from performative to powerful.

 💡 Career Pivots & Purpose — From Eversheds to MTV to head of sanctions at a bank—David’s journey proves that curiosity (and timing) can create entire careers.

🎤 Guest Spotlight:

Recognised by Legal 500 & Chambers as a Next Gen Partner, David Savage advises on everything from Russia-related sanctions to complex bribery and corruption matters spanning multiple jurisdictions. He’s worked with OFSI, HMRC, DOJ & the FBI—and still finds time to lead global DEI initiatives and build inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ lawyers. 

💬 “I’ve never split ‘personal’ from ‘professional’—I bring my full self to work. That’s the real strength.”

 💬 “We don’t just advise on risk. We help clients learn from their mistakes—and not repeat them.”

🎧 If you care about ethics, identity, resilience and regulation, this is the episode for you.

👉 Tune in now on all major platforms and join us in celebrating lawyers who lead with pride and purpose.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6foDQHk3GJnlD50gZZf64c?si=V78kWVEYQ1ekNC7yJM3kIw

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/legally-speaking-podcast/id1485892170?i=1000715059481

YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3c5PMxoJ84M

Our Legally Speaking Podcast website: https://legallyspeakingpodcast.com

💥 Let’s end Pride Month the right way—by amplifying voices that are changing the profession from the inside out.