The RBA has handed down its final decision for 2023 – and it’s already setting the scene for 2024 market dynamics. In this episode of Property Finance Uncut, Smart Property Investment’s Phil Tarrant and Finni Mortgages’ chief executive Paul Glossop predict that Australia is either at the top – or very near to the top – of the rate hiking cycle. Comparing the current situation in Australia to the circumstances being seen over in the US, Paul and Phil note the leading indicators that could predict how the RBA acts over the coming 12 months, and offer some insight into how savvy investors can take advantage of a different set of conditions as we come into 2024.  

Here, we take a look back on the year that was for corporate legal professionals in Australia, the implications on the recruitment landscape, and what it all means as we head into the new year. Host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back G2 Legal Australian director Daniel Stirling to discuss the key takeaways from the past 12 months, whether talent shortages are likely to continue in 2024, considering permanent versus contract hires and the market circumstances that might dictate such recruitment patterns. Mr Stirling also delves into the factors driving candidates (including hybrid and remote working conditions), how law departments can ensure they are attractive vocational prospects in the new year, whether the evolution of legal technology is impacting recruitment at this juncture, and his sense of positivity about the in-house market as 2024 approaches. If you like this episode, show your support by <a href= "https://podcasts.app

Here, we discuss the recent passing of legislation which the Attorney-General said will make Australia’s family law system “simpler, safer and more accessible” for separating families and their children. What are the implications for practitioners in this space? In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Barry Nilsson principal Genevieve Morgan to discuss how and why recent amendments to family law legislation came about, the state of affairs in family law since Howard-era changes, the Constitution and perception of bad laws, and the key takeaways from the recent passage of legislative amendments. Ms Morgan also discusses the response from family lawyers to the amendments, how the landscape will remain grey until a test case comes about, the need for re-education, how practitioners can navigate the short-term uncertainty, what best practice might look like moving forward, and opportunities for practitioners to redefine their ope

Here, we unpack the recently released 2023–2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy, its implications for lawyers and legal service providers, and the best practice principles that will be pertinent moving forward. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Cyber GC founder principal Annie Haggar (a former winner of the General Counsel of the Year category at the Australian Law Awards) to discuss how and why the federal government’s new cyber security strategy has emerged, how Australia is faring relative to overseas counterparts on cyber matters at present, and the headline takeaways for lawyers and legal services providers from the new strategy. Ms Haggar also dives into how the market has responded to the new strategy, the extent to which various legal practice areas have received suitable guidance, the questions lawyers, firms, and teams must be asking of themselves and their businesses, whether proa

The positive duty to eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace became law last December, and the one-year grace period employers were given to comply is about to expire. Here, we dive into the work employers must do to ensure compliance with the new duty. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by byrne∙dean head of strategy Samantha Mangwana to discuss the significance of last year’s Respect@Work reforms, the positive duty to report and eliminate unlawful conduct, how that new duty can be applied in post-pandemic working environments, and penalties or enforcement actions that regulators can take. Ms Mangwana also reflects on the seven standards for organisations to comply with, the headline structural and cultural challenges for legal employers to navigate, the actions that those employers must immediately take, and her level  of optimism that legal workplaces can and will be able to make progress mo

The president of Queensland Law Society, Chloe Kopilovic, is concerned about the readiness or otherwise of emerging practitioners to either start their own practices or have the capacity to hit the ground running as an employee in a smaller legal practice – and she’s not alone. In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with QLS president and FC Lawyers director Chloe Kopilovic about being such a young president of a major legal member association, why discussing the need to better equip those coming through the ranks to succeed in the SME space is so critical, how and why the issue is becoming more stark, and whether lengthier induction periods are required in legal education and professional development. Ms Kopilovic also reflects on the flow-on consequences for graduate lawyers not being ready to open their own practices or assume a caseload or business responsibilities, the practical steps that different

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with JustFund, we unpack the recent national rollout of the Priority Property Pool list, its impact on the family law system moving forward, and what it all means for practitioners and their clients. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by JustFund Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Jack O’Donnell; JustFund Client Success Manager, Erica Henson-Hatton; Soden Legal Principal, Sandra Soden; and former judicial registrar and dispute resolutionist at ADR business Myra Aris & Co, Angelo Bistolaridis, to discuss what the PPP is, its national rollout, the justification for said rollout given what those on the ground are experiencing, and how it works and who is eligible. The panel of guests also delve into the myriad impacts on practice, the workloads that practitioners are currently grappling with, how to stay on top of relevant changes, the cou

In this special episode of LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with Thomson Reuters, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Piper Alderman managing partner Tony Britten-Jones and chief operating officer Chris McLean about the shifting roles of external providers and in-house teams looking to evolve in the current climate. The guests discuss how necessity is the mother of invention, the headline operational changes being seen from in-house teams at this juncture, striking the right balance between rolling with the times versus wading in cautiously when implementing changes, and how big firms can best be supporting their teams in the utilisation and uptake of technological advancements. Mr Britten-Jones and Mr McLean also reflect on increased sophistication from in-house teams when dealing with their external providers and how law firms have to adapt in dealing with their clients, the need or otherwise for trial and error in determining best p

Following the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. In this episode, we chat to Rebecca Warren, executive general manager of small-business banking at CommBank, about how she navigated a historically male-dominated industry over her 20-year career and why she believes inclusion and diversity are not just morally imperative, but key to achieving superior business results. Tune in to find out: Why she loves commercial finance. The secret power of ‘quiet achievers’. How CommBank is creating a more inclusive and supportive work culture. And much more!

Here, we explore whether the profession is making headway in ensuring proportionate briefing to the Bar, necessary approaches for the successful implementation of an equitable briefing strategy, and how far the profession still has to go. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with barrister Dr Kylie Weston-Scheuber and Victorian government solicitor Matthew Hocking about the state of affairs for equitable briefing in various courts and jurisdictions, how the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office has become a gold standard in such briefing to women barristers and what strategies it implements. The guests also reflect on the cultural, structural and social hurdles that may be preventing progress on equitable briefing, whether there are self-imposed hurdles, the impact (if at all) of the advent of virtual hearings, how in-house teams fare compared to private practice counterparts, the need for data and acc

In this special episode of LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with Thomson Reuters, host Jerome Doraisamy and National Australia Bank general counsel Sharon Cook flesh out the pace and impact of technological change upon corporate legal teams and how best those teams can ready themselves for the turn of the decade. The pair discuss why such a conversation about the future is so essential, the extent to which technology continues to evolve, how law departments can be at the forefront of such change so as to better support their businesses, effectively managing risk, bringing whole teams along for the journey of evolution, and the duty of leaders to better understand and appreciate current and looming change. Ms Cook also delves into some of the changes her own law department has implemented, what has been learnt from such initiatives, and how best other in-house legal teams can look to take practical steps to ensure they remain trusted

In this special episode of LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with Clio, we reflect on the next set of challenges for practitioners when it comes to self-education on the powers and capabilities of emerging technologies and the need to meaningfully triage and prioritise for the health of your practice. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Clio founder and chief executive Jack Newton, who is based in the United States, about where the provider sees Australia as sitting in the global market at this juncture and why, what is so exciting about the Australian marketplace at present, the headline trends and challenges to look out for as the new year approaches, and how practitioners can best identify necessary practical steps moving forward. Mr Newton also delves into Clio’s AI strategy and its push in the Australian market, ensuring the right resources are being deployed for one’s tech stack, avoiding a “set and forget” attitude with existing practice managemen

While progress has been made in recent years to ensure that business development is easier for male and female professionals alike, Sue-Ella Prodonovich muses, there remain environmental hurdles that make BD more difficult for some. In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Prodonovich Advisory principal Sue-Ella Prodonovich (who also regularly serves as a judge for Lawyers Weekly awards programs) to discuss how business development can and does prove more difficult for women leaders in law, the suggested reasons for this, how the post-pandemic landscape impacts such difficulty (if at all), and what professionals on the ground tell her about such hurdles. Ms Prodonovich also reflects on the extent to which male counterparts in the profession are cognisant of such perceived imbalances, how the market is looking to better level the playing field, whether the looming new year is throwing up any new chall

For Steve Lancken, mediation has always offered ways and means of resolving disputes that produce more satisfying and productive outcomes for parties. Here, he details the lessons he’s learnt over more than two decades as a mediator and how best to serve clients in an ever-changing landscape. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Negocio Resolutions managing director Steve Lancken (who won the Mediator-Arbitrator of the Year category at the 2023 Australian Law Awards) to discuss how and why he became a mediator, how few client matters he saw proceed to litigation in the earlier iteration of his legal career, what he finds so rewarding about mediation, and his views on the current climate for mediators in Australia’s marketplace. Mr Lancken also reflects on the rise of mediation in recent years, the most common mistakes made in mediations, the need to actively use certain language to manage clients’ states of mind,  pi

Following the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. In this episode, we chat to Suzanne Wood, state general manager residential broker Victoria/Tasmania at Westpac Group (and state chair of the Women of Westpac employee advocacy group), about how she climbed the career ladder in banking and the power of having strong female role models. Tune in to find out: How she learnt the art of having difficult conversations. The perils of unconscious bias and how to tackle them. How Westpac is supporting women through the Women of Westpac employee advocacy group. And much more!

Anthony Kearns is increasingly concerned about what he sees as objectively unsustainable work practices and higher levels of distress among a highly resilient demographic. Here, we unpack how and why such issues are impacting in-house teams and what some of the practical steps might be to meaningfully move forward. In this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Lander & Rogers chief client experience officer and consulting practice group leader Anthony Kearns to discuss why safety and sustainability require urgent consideration by law departments, the extent to which current issues and psychosocial hazards are a product of our times or longstanding concerns, and how and why such matters are so front of mind for law department leaders. Mr Kearns also reflects on the “roadmaker’s dilemma” facing in-house teams, the extent to which such teams can or should be comfortable with the idea of letting others down, ensuring clarity

The recent vote on a proposed Voice to Parliament for Indigenous Australians was the latest in a long line of failed referenda in our nation’s history. But why is it so onerous to amend our Constitution? In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Professor Emerita Anne Twomey from the University of Sydney, who was a member of the constitutional expert group advising on the proposed Voice, to discuss her long-time passion for constitutional law, why national constitutions require updating from time to time, how compulsory voting in Australia influences the success or otherwise of referenda, and whether we are now at a point where it is proving too hard to change our Constitution. Professor Twomey also reflects on what may be required to make needed constitutional change possible and what has been considered thus far, the role that lawyers have to play in pushing for change where necessary, the need for better and broader c

Criminal law, Andrew Tiedt says, is an incredibly challenging but also rewarding practice area – and, increasingly, he sees opportunities for practitioners to be advocates in jury trials and utilise their extensive skill sets. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back J Sutton Associates director Andrew Tiedt, an accredited specialist in criminal law, to discuss why the practice of criminal law is so stimulating, the extent to which being advocate is the remit of barristers only (and whether any lawyer can be an advocate for their clients), why he describes himself as a “solicitor advocate”, and if other criminal lawyers are self-identifying as such. Mr Tiedt also reflects on how and why he became a practitioner who runs many of his own jury trials rather than briefing out, whether trial advocacy is something that more practitioners can aspire to, whether moving to the bar is for him, how practitioners can develop the r

The Federal Court of Australia recently rejected the ABC’s attempted use of the public interest defence in defamation proceedings brought by former special forces soldier Heston Russell. Here, we unpack the technicalities of the new defence and how it played out for the national broadcaster. Host Naomi Neilson is joined by Elit Lawyers by McGirr & Snell founder Robert McGirr to discuss what the new public interest defence to defamation is, what transpired in the recent Russell v ABC case, reflect on various submissions made by the parties during those proceedings, lessons learnt from this test case, and how this high-profile matter might impact upon defamation proceedings in Australia moving forward, if at all. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on soci

Most in-house lawyers that Michael Milnes speaks with are inundated with email, and often spend a significant part of their day working in, and interrupted by their inbox. Here’s how he is looking to overcome it. In this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with TPG Telecom senior corporate counsel Michael Milnes about the scourge of being flooded by emails and why it’s such a big problem for in-house legal teams, how a clogged inbox gets in the way of addressing the urgent priorities, how having a full inbox can be seen as part and parcel of one’s role and why this is problematic. Mr Milnes also discusses what he has learnt about managing his inbox, imbibing a top-down culture around clearing one’s email inbox, whether external providers have a role to play in supporting their clients, the need for a mindset shift in getting the little things right, the increasing need to address this issue in the post-pande

In this special episode of LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with Thomson Reuters, we look back on the year that was in the legal tech space, what we’ve learnt, and what to expect in 2024.   Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Thomson Reuters’ Head of Commercial and In-house at Practical Law, Tyrilly Csillag, and Director of Client Relationships, Shelley Mulhern, to discuss the key takeaways from legal tech developments and utilisation in the last 12 months, how teams both in-house and in private practice have had to adapt and evolve, and what the rise of generative artificial intelligence, in particular, has meant for legal service delivery. The guests also detail what those teams on the ground are saying about such tech developments, concerns around cyber security, the nexus between tech utilisation and staff retention, rethinking professional development pathways, what the experience of lawyers will look like in 2024, trends to anticipate in the coming year,

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with CT Group, we explore the state of affairs for IT in Australian legal practices: what’s working and isn’t working, and how best to position your firm moving forward. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by CT Group director James Hey to discuss why optimal information technology processes are so critical at this juncture, what firms are currently doing well and why, the importance of effective collaboration and communication with IT providers, the need for proper investments of time and capital, and avoiding a “set and forget” approach by proactively looking for improvements across the business. Mr Hey also delves into the issues impacting efficiency within legal businesses right now, the questions firms need to be asking, improving awareness of the shortcomings to be addressed, the “Essential Eight” coming into effect next year, IT trends moving forward, what will constitute best p

Taking a gamble: The fanfare surrounding this year’s Melbourne Cup significantly pales in comparison to what’s going on over at the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). In this episode of Property Finance Uncut, Smart Property Investment’s Phil Tarrant and Finni Mortgages’ chief executive Paul Glossop shed a light on the trajectory being set by Michele Bullock, the recently appointed governor of the RBA. Having only commenced in the role in September, the November rate decision marks her first opportunity to put her stamp on the top job – and today’s rate decision points to the future direction of her governance. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook,

Sales, Caralee Fontenele argues, are the oxygen that a law firm breathes. Without it, a firm won’t have clients and thus cannot thrive. Appreciating how integral sales is, and shifting one’s language and approach to client interactions, is fundamental for long-term success. In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Caralee Fontenele (director of Collective Family Law and Scalable Law) to discuss why sales is a critical component of being a business owner in law, how it has become an even more urgent priority, and the biggest hurdles in the way of SME firm owners becoming good at sales. Ms Fontenele also reflects on her own journey as a business owner in law and how she came to appreciate the importance of sales, using the right language and adjusting one’s mindset, appreciating the difference between being “salesy” versus being educational, how best to determine the best sales approach, and the import

Ahead of the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. In this episode, we chat to Anjali Crossette, manager of motor operations at non-bank lender Liberty, about breaking barriers and misconceptions about car finance and why she believes the industry needs to showcase gender diversity across every rung of the career ladder. Tune in to find out: Why the finance industry is an attractive industry to work in for women. The progress being made in gender diversity in car finance. How Liberty is leading the way by example. And much more!  

In this special episode of LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with Unisearch, we explore what has been learnt from the advent of generative artificial intelligence over the past year, what it means for practitioners, and how best to respond to the evolving landscape. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Sparke Helmore Lawyers partner Dalvin Chien and UNSW senior lecturer and Unisearch expert Dr Sebastian Sequoiah-Grayson to discuss the “biggest socio-technological leap forward” since the internet, the perfect storm that has emerged in the post-pandemic age, the rate of uptake and acceptance of generative AI from the legal profession and key takeaways from its advent, and the practical challenges that are emerging as a result. The guests also dive into whether we will see a standardised global response to the regulation of AI, how to regulate technology more broadly, what might constitute best practice for lawyers on the ground at this critical juncture, the reinforce

There is a bright spotlight on data security right now, particularly in the wake of the recent $20 million penalty imposed on Meta for misleading data protection claims by the ACCC. In the face of such regulatory scrutiny, lawyers have a pertinent role to play in safeguarding businesses and consumers alike. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Holding Redlich special counsel Emily Booth about the recent multimillion-dollar penalty imposed on social media giant Meta and the legal implications that led to that punishment, trends being seen from the consumer watchdog, how Australia’s regulations compare globally, and the challenges the current state of affairs is presenting for lawyers in the data and privacy space. Ms Booth also delves into the practical steps that lawyers can take with regard to safeguarding clients and promoting good governance, looming trends for lawyers to be aware of in the wake

If employees feel happy and supported and can bring their personal values to the workplace, Justine Aubin says, they will be more productive. More importantly, however, being an accommodating firm leader is the right thing to do in an evolving professional landscape. In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by August & Claire Lawyers principal Justine Aubin to discuss why providing optimal support for one’s staff is of the utmost importance and what she has learnt about this critical need, how the pandemic age has influenced her approach to showing support as a business leader, and how to put in place healthy and supportive frameworks in one’s firm to better support the familial and personal needs of one’s staff. Ms Aubin details her own experiences of providing such support to her staff (a number of whom have young families), the forces driving her to facilitate such an accommodating workplace and cultu

In this special episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, produced in partnership with LOD, we explore the phenomenon of “constant firefighting” that law department leaders are facing, as well as trends around artificial intelligence, data fluency, and ESG. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by LOD head of market insights Mark Dodd and Canon Oceania chief legal counsel David Field to discuss the findings from LOD’s recently released annual Global Survey Report, how and why general counsel feel like they are constantly putting out fires, the extent to which GCs are currently exploring AI, increases in data fluency, and how and why the priorities of Australia-based law department leaders differ to their global counterparts. The trio also delve into the need for investment in capability and building appropriate systems, entropy in human systems, overcoming the need for constant firefighting, the strategic importance of ESG, and broader ref

Some lawyers know, from the outset, what they want to practice in. Others accidentally find themselves in a certain area of law. James d’Apice, he tells Lawyers Weekly, allowed his area of practice to find him. Here, we explore how and why lawyers come to select their specialities and – once they’ve done so – how to communicate it to the world. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back lawyer and Coffee and a Case Note founder James d’Apice to discuss how and why legal professionals end up in specialised practice areas, how he ended up in his speciality of corporations law, and the extent to which lawyers can fall into certain areas of practice. Mr d’Apice also responds to whether lawyers should be asking questions of themselves in selecting a specialist practice area as to whether or not that niche is a meaningful one for that individual, why how one feels about their speciality is so essential, pract

Ahead of the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. In this episode, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by Olympian and financial adviser at HLB Mann Judd, Sarah Carli, to discuss how she made her way from the track to financial advice. Ms Carli, who competed in the 400-metre hurdles at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, reveals the valuable skills she has learned as an adviser that have positively impacted her athletic career, as well as how she balances being a professional athlete with working full time. Tune in to find out: The importance of a supportive work environment. How she balances her professional and athletic commitments. How there are more transferable skills between athletics and advice than many might expect. And much more!

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Clarence Professional Offices, we explore how sole practitioners and small-firm owners can leverage support (both personal and professional) in the course of building a successful business. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Clarence Professional Group director Tony Jansz, as well as Gallant Law principal and founder Lauren Cassimatis and Walsh & Walsh Lawyers principal and practice director Julian Walsh, to discuss the critical importance of community support for lawyers and business owners, how to overcome the myriad challenges that small-business owners in law will face, leveraging support mechanisms and how such support makes one a better lawyer and business owner, and why membership in entities like Clarence can make such a difference. To learn more about Clarence’s Workspaces for Lawyers, click here.

For David Dwyer’s legal team, proactivity on environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations is key – it does not wait for movement from regulators or competitors, nor does it wait for emerging trends to materialise. ESG is, he says, a “wonderful avenue” through which law departments can be forward-thinking and better embedded within businesses. In this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Unilever general counsel David Dwyer about the high significance of ESG in the pecking order of urgent priorities for law departments, the balance between proactive and reactive steps to be taken by in-house lawyers, having underlying plans in place and the role of the GC in enacting such strategies. Mr Dwyer also delves into the importance of an all-encompassing approach, setting the stage within the legal team for the achievement of goals, undertaking internal analyses, engaging in trial and error, how his

Annabel Biscotto, the immediate past president of the Australian Law Students’ Association, understands how difficult it can be for the next generation of lawyers to post publicly in the online realm as they wade into the profession. As she has learnt, being genuine and authentic is the surest way to develop a brand to be proud of. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Ms Biscotto to discuss her tenure as ALSA president, what she has learnt about herself and the journey of emerging lawyers from that 12-month role, the importance of putting one’s full self forward in the modern marketplace, and how it has become part of one’s professional development. Ms Biscotto also discusses how she tries to be genuine and authentic when posting online, navigating anxiety about such public-facing content, being empowered from owning one’s personal and professional brand, practical tips for getting one’s brand started, and what excite

Claire Styles has always had a flair for entrepreneurialism and has long been passionate about being a business owner. Such drive serves her well as a mediator – as the art of mediation requires, she says, a commercial lens to best resolve disputes. In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with C Legal & Co founder and principal Claire Styles (who is a finalist for Sole Practitioner of the Year at the upcoming Women in Law Awards) about her longstanding desire to be a business owner in law, how business imperatives drive her practice approach, the state of affairs for mediators and negotiators, and how the professional landscape is shifting. Ms Styles also delves into the big challenges for practitioners in this space moving forward, what she feels constitutes best practice, adopting a commercial lens to one’s approach to mediation, what other boutique firm owners can learn from the experience of mediators,

Anika Valenti, who won the Excellence Award at this year’s Australian Law Awards, joins us to reflect on taking a deeper, more holistic approach to client service delivery and why teaching and learning are at the core of her engagement with those she serves. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Terri Janke and Company senior associate Anika Valenti (who is also a two-time winner of the Senior Associate of the Year category) about her background in the film and television industry prior to her legal career, working with First Nations clients, seeing herself as a teacher for clients and how she looks to work deeply with, and take a holistic approach to, her clients. Ms Valenti also details the critical importance of relationship building, applying her approach to service delivery to all practice areas and all cultural demographics, how lawyers can adopt a more holistic approach, the broader perspective she’s been able to glean abo

Ahead of the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. Deslie Taylor, principal at Mortgage Choice Ormeau in Queensland, is one of the top brokers in the country, having settled over $1 billion in loans in her 16-year career and taken home numerous awards including Mortgage Broker of the Year at the Women in Finance Awards multiple years in a row. In this episode, we chat to Ms Taylor about how she runs her award-winning brokerage and find out from Aaron Slater, general manager of distribution at Mortgage Choice (principal partner of the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023), how we can help support and create more inclusive workplaces. Tune in to find out: The power of being an empathetic leader. The art of practising continuous improvement. How Mortgage Choice’s Aspire program is supporting women in finance. And muc

Chloe Taylor has always loved fashion and has developed a keen interest in social media. Combining those interests into a niche legal practice area has provided this generalist lawyer with a new, exciting (and fast-growing) vocational pathway. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Hall & Wilcox lawyer Chloe Taylor to discuss what fashion law is, how and why she became interested in it and was able to turn it into a practice area, what the day-to-day looks like for a lawyer in this space, and how adept she has had to become with TikTok and social media more broadly as part of that practice. Ms Taylor also reflects on operating in a practice area that evolves with the times, seeing social media proficiency as part and parcel of one’s professional development, being proactive about carving out a niche practice as a generalist lawyer, looming trends for fashion law and its development as a practice area in Australia, and finding cre

Award-winning senior associate Mei Gong has noticed that some young lawyers are reluctant to nominate for law awards, as they feel – among other things – that they might be undeserving. Experience has taught her that not only is this not true, but that those who do put themselves forward for recognition will reap a multitude of personal and professional rewards. Editor’s note: submissions for the 30 Under 30 Awards 2024 close on 26 October. Please contact Mitch Crisafulli on 0449 523 760 or via email if you have any questions. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Johnson Winter Slattery senior associate Mei Gong (who won the Competition, Trade and Regulation category at the 30 Under 30 Awards 2023) to discuss her journey in law to date, how and when she first nominated for a Lawyers Weekly awa

Here, chef and lawyer Elise Pulbrook reflects on her time on MasterChef, what lawyers can learn about time management from cooking, and how to look after themselves through food. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Elise Pulbook, a lawyer at Baraka Lawyers and former semifinalist on MasterChef Australia, to discuss her life and journey, her love of cooking and experience of appearing on MasterChef, how she balances multiple hats (including a chef’s hat), and the lessons she has learnt about herself through her cooking and catering work. Ms Pulbook also reflects on what the legal world can offer the food world, being a good manager of one’s time, the myriad opportunities for lawyers and others to look after themselves through food, and how best legal professionals can practically enjoy and immerse themselves in cooking. If you like this episode, show your support by <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.c

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with the College of Law, we explore the “kindness in law” movement and its inextricable link to legal education and the ongoing development of practitioners moving forward. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with College of Law executive directors Deborah Battisson and Ann-Maree David (ACT and Queensland, respectively) and Balance Family Law co-founder and lawyer Jonathon Naef about the importance of the “kindness in law” movement and how and why it came about, why the College of Law is invested in this movement, and the ever-increasing need for such a shift in the training of practitioners across the board. The guests also reflect on how significant the shift towards kinder modes of practice is relative to other urgent professional priorities for lawyers, the practical takeaways and lessons from the recent inaugural Kindness in Law Forum (including how to implement kinder approaches in daily scenari

“Snail girl era” is the latest social media movement to gain steam, following fads like “quiet quitting” and “bare minimum Mondays”. Such trends might seem like flashes in the pan, but they need to be viewed more holistically as legal workplaces try to get the most out of themselves and their employees in a post-pandemic world. Host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Resolution123 founder and principal Carly Stebbing to discuss the emergence of the “snail girl era” trend on TikTok, what it means and why it is significant, how the legal profession can and should view such trends in the so-called new normal, and why lawyers of certain demographics may be attracted to ways of working that differ from more traditional expectations. Ms Stebbing also reflects on her approaches to work – both in her early years of practice and now as a business owner and working parent – and what she has learnt from prioritising her needs, what other lawyers and lead

Ahead of the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. Joanna James is an advocate for constant reinvention and resilience, having herself adapted to change over her career in the finance space. Having worked in the lending space for more than 20 years – including as the general manager of non-bank lender Mortgage Ezy – she now helps support women in building successful businesses through Artemis Space, a women’s community group delivered by the Finance Brokers Association of Australia. In this episode, Annie Kane sits down with Joanna James to find out: Why success is subjective. The power of visualisation, emotionalisation and manifestation. <p dir="ltr" role="presentatio

In this special episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, produced in partnership with Wolters Kluwer, we explore the daily practical and professional concerns for corporate legal and how best those in-house can grapple with such challenges in the current climate. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Wolters Kluwer content management analyst (corporate and commercial law, APAC) Samantha Sachdev, as well as Noumi Limited group general counsel and company secretary Justin Coss, to discuss the key lessons and takeaways from the 2023 In-House Counsel trends survey report and how the market is currently responding to said challenges. The guests also discuss how best law department leaders can effectively manage their time in the face of myriad concerns, the critical importance of technology as a solution, practical steps that in-house teams can and must be taking at this juncture, making necessary investments for your team, and broader guid

For Lucy McPherson, practising in estates provides tremendous scope to support people on personal and sensitive matters and in times of need. Increasingly complex jurisdictional issues in cross-border matters, however, are creating challenges for lawyers in this space. In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Attwood Marshall Lawyers special counsel Lucy McPherson about why wills and estates has always been such a personally and professionally rewarding practice area for her, the state of affairs for practitioners in this space, the elevated level of complexity in litigious matters in a post-pandemic world, and the myriad challenges this presents. Ms McPherson also delves into the opportunities that can and will arise from these challenges, the importance of embracing new modes of practice as opposed to adversarial or combative approaches, the push for reform and a national framework for estate litigat

In Australia, it is legal to lie in political advertising for election campaigns. Against the backdrop of the proliferation of social media platforms, and a changing cultural zeitgeist pertaining to trust in institutions, Australia’s electoral laws are becoming unfit for purpose. As recent elections – including this weekend’s Voice referendum – have shown, this needs to urgently change. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Marque Lawyers partner Kiera Peacock to discuss how and why she became so interested in electoral legal work, the existing issues in Australia’s legal framework in our electoral system, the wave of misinformation produced in election campaigns in Australia, and what lessons can be learnt from the referendum on the proposed Voice to Parliament. Ms Peacock also reflects on the danger of following the examples of electoral misinformation being witnessed in overseas jurisdictions, what legal updates may be necessary moving for

The role of the general counsel is “becoming bigger and bigger every day”. With corporate regulations focusing strictly on governance, law department leaders can and must be meeting the moment. In this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Corrs Chambers Westgarth partners Abigail Gill and Sandy Mak about why ASIC is shining such a light on directors’ and officers’ duties, key takeaways and lessons arising from the recent proceedings involving The Star, and whether now is one the hardest times in living memory to be a general counsel. Ms Gill and Ms Mak also detail the ever-important need for proactive safeguarding of a business, the practical steps that can and must be taken, navigating the inherent practical challenges, the need for curiosity, managing the burden of competing urgent priorities, and best practice principles for law department leaders at this critical juncture.

Ahead of the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. Tanya Sale co-founded mortgage aggregation group outsource Financial with Andrea Tassis 13 years ago, with Tanya now one of the very few female chief executives in the mortgage industry. In this episode, Annie Kane sits down with Tanya Sale to find out: How a piggy bank triggered her love of finance. Why she started her own aggregation business. Why she believes support is critical to succeed as a female business leader. And much more!  

Australian lawyer Shankari Chandran, who spent 10 years as the head of pro bono and community affairs for a global law firm, recently won the prestigious Miles Franklin Literary Award. Here, she speaks with Lawyers Weekly about lessons from novel writing, the need for strong communities, and the nexus between community and the rule of law. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Ms Chandran about her journey in law, how and why pro bono legal work has always been so meaningful to her, and the “inspirational commitment” of Australia’s big firms to pro bono and community work. Ms Chandran also details her experiences as a writer, what she has learnt – personally and professionally – from the publishing process, her reflections on the importance of strong, healthy communities and what we can glean from those diverse backgrounds, the nexus between the rule of law and the creation of communities, how lawyers can better immerse themselves, and what ex

As the end of the year nears, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has clearly set its trajectory towards 2024. In this episode of Property Finance Uncut, Smart Property Investment’s Phil Tarrant and Finni Mortgages’ chief executive Paul Glossop once again reflect on the latest RBA decision and its impact on the Australian financial landscape. The duo discuss the continuing phenomenon of fixed rate mortgages coming to an end, before unpacking how investors can look to capitalise on upcoming opportunities for equity extraction.  

Australia’s legal profession has undergone significant change over the years. Appreciating the nature of that change, and taking the right practical steps to navigate one’s early years, is fundamental both for purpose and success. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Elit Lawyers by McGirr & Snell managing partner Danielle Snell (who recently won the Managing Partner of the Year category at the Australian Law Awards) and welcomes paralegal and law student Isabella Best to discuss their reflections on the law school experience, utilising mentors, getting professional development, the mental health scourge and being a businessperson in an evolving professional services landscape. The pair reflect on their respective experiences in law, what has changed and why, what those coming through the ranks need to know about the changing environment and how best to put one’s self forward to not only have purpose

In this episode, brought to you via Lawyers Weekly’s sister brand, HR Leader, we discuss why flexibility and hybrid work should be a continued focus going forward, despite some forcing employees back to the office full-time. Host Emma Musgrave is joined by Avanade modern workplace lead Stef Shoffren to reflect on the fact that even though 86 per cent of companies in the post-pandemic era are confident they have found the right balance in terms of people-first work models like hybrid or remote working, 55 per cent have not provided their employees with a genuine choice about when or where they work. The pair discuss findings around Avanade’s “People first. Or people false” research, which reveals a gap in what organisations are promising and what is being delivered to employees, and detail advice for technology-cautious employers and how to better utilise data and experimentation to create an effective working environment for all. If you like this episode,

In this episode, brought to you via Lawyers Weekly’s sister brand, Cyber Security Connect, we explore the latest cyber security trends facing businesses and detail need-to-know intelligence to keep Australian businesses safe. Host Liam Garman is joined by Rapid7 senior director of threat analytics Christiaan Beek to analyse the most common threat vectors exploited by cyber criminals, including unpatched software and old hardware systems, before discussing how businesses can implement strategies to minimise these threats. The pair then dive into the world of ransomware, examining the operating model of cyber gangs and how the dark web serves as a marketplace for threat actors, and reflect on how businesses can be breached through downstream attacks and insider threats before wrapping up with some practical security guidance for businesses. If you like this episode, show your support by <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/th

In this episode, brought to you via Lawyers Weekly’s sister brand, Space Connect, ANU lecturer Dr Cassandra Steer discusses where the ethical and legal boundaries lie as we enter an uncertain decade of military and political conflict.  Dr Steer, who is a mission specialist at ANU and a lecturer specialising in space law, space security, and international law, has over a decade of international experience teaching at universities in Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. Here, speaking ahead of her appearance at Space Connect’s Australian Space Summit, she discussed the emerging sector of space law and the weaponisation of space. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: <a href= "https://www.faceboo

As this recruiter-turned-award-winning practitioner has learnt, it is fundamentally important to put one’s self forward in order to succeed. Effective networking and business development, right from the outset of one’s legal career, is necessary in the current climate. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Moulis Legal associate Lochlan Worrell about his background in recruitment and what it taught him about the jobs market, the need to build genuine and trusting relationships, navigating the rise of online networking, and practical ways to approach in-person networking. Mr Worrell also outlines the importance of not selling one’s self too much, managing one’s time well, what he thinks constitutes good business development for individuals, the questions one should ask one’s self to identify their personal brand, first steps to take, overcoming nerves, and lessons he’s learnt. If you like this episode, show your sup

Award-winning partner Aylin Cunsolo considers herself lucky to be working in a space that she is passionate about and that is also a “key challenge of our generation”. The energy transition, she says, is set to impact many areas of law and is one that lawyers across the board need to be on top of. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Baker McKenzie partner Aylin Cunsolo, who recently won the Partner of the Year category at the Australian Law Awards, to discuss her journey as an energy and projects lawyer, how and why there’s no turning back with the nation’s energy transition and where Australia is at on that journey, and what’s happening with investment activity at this juncture. Ms Cunsolo also discusses the challenges and trends that partners and teams in this space are grappling with right now, best practice approaches, nurturing the development of the next generation of lawyers in this space, evolving thinking

Melissa Barlas always wanted to be her own boss. Now an award-winning practitioner, she’s found the right balance in her firm, having invested in the right processes and people and can relish the experience, both personally and professionally. In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Conveyed director and founder Melissa Barlas, who recently won the Sole Practitioner of the Year category at the Australian Law Awards, about her upbringing and being the first in her family to enter the legal profession, identifying a point of difference and the perspective she’s gleaned from that difference. Ms Barlas also reflects on the state of affairs for sole practitioners in the current climate, anticipating the hurdles to be overcome in the near future for such business owners, being a thought

In this episode, brought to you via Lawyers Weekly’s sister brand, HR Leader, we explore whether it is time to give up on the notion of a traditional nine-to-five. Host Emma Musgrave is joined by Carly Koemptgen to discuss why and how Aussie bosses can take advantage of talent out there that might not necessarily exist in their immediate backyard. Ms Koemptgen, 25, is currently travelling along Australia’s east coast, working in an arrangement that suits both her personal and career aspirations. She takes listeners through how her set-up works and why she sees other Gen Zers following suit. She also discusses what employers should be doing to capture young talent, how her generation is reshaping office life and the best ways to stay motivated in a remote working environment. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or lea

What the next generation of lawyers is currently learning won’t necessarily be what they need to thrive in years to come. As such, new approaches are needed, says an award-winning law student. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with a fifth-year law student at the University of Technology, Sydney, Kurt Cheng, about the evolution of legal education and why rethinking academic models for the emerging cohort of legal professionals is so critical in the current climate. Mr Cheng discusses the work he is doing with his university council to revamp educational approaches, the perspective he’s gleaned about needed changes, updated learning models, the importance of social impact, the place for artificial intelligence in evolving education standards, striking the right balance in producing law graduates, what career fulfilment looks like to him, and how students can seek opportunities and remain inspired. If you like t

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with the Mediator Standards Board, we explore the importance of upskilling in mediation in the current market. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Mediator Standards Board deputy chair Stephen Dickinson and treasurer Linda Kochanski to discuss the role of mediation in an evolving professional services marketplace, the extent to which lawyers are upskilling in mediation, the environmental factors driving legal practitioners towards mediation, and how such training offers a competitive edge.  Mr Dickinson and Ms Kochanski also delve into the extent to which accreditation is applicable across the board, how it offers a broader and more holistic approach to daily legal practice and service delivery, the skills and characteristics to be gleaned, arguments for investing in such training, and making time for professional development. To learn more about the Mediator Standards B

The rise of flexible and remote working arrangements has brought into sharp focus the need for employees to effectively demarcate between home and work. If new rules preventing employers from contacting workers outside of hours are required, how should this be implemented? In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Adelaide Law School senior lecturer Dr Gabrielle Golding to discuss the current climate surrounding flexibility, the proliferation of mental health concerns for workers, the urgency of addressing workplace issues for business owners and leaders, and what Australia can learn from overseas jurisdictions. Dr Golding also delves into the ways in which Australia could introduce “right to disconnect” rules or laws, whether cultural mindset shifts are needed, whether there is an appetite for such changes in Australia right now, the dangers inherent in not taking action, whether there is a place for i

Here, two partners from the Boutique Firm of the Year discuss the need for litigators to do things differently and ensure that client experiences and outcomes provide positive transformations. In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Resolve Divorce partners Rose Cocchiaro and Chanel Martin to discuss necessary mindset and model shifts for small legal businesses, how firm owners can and should look to implement such changes, responding to changing and increased client expectations, and the idea of “responsible lawyering”. Ms Cocchiaro and Ms Martin also detail the need to move past discomfort around the idea of doing law differently, overcoming resistance from the legal community to change approaches, the importance of in-office collaboration in implementing new strategies, reflections on what it means to be a good business owner in law, and why looking for better, strategic options is so essential. If you

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with TransPerfect, we explore how legal professionals can reframe their thinking and approaches to business development in the new normal. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with TransPerfect Director Tom Balmer, who is responsible for the legal technology provider’s rapid growth in Australia, about why branding and BD is such an important conversation for lawyers in the current climate. Tom also details some of the lessons he’s learnt about branding and BD from his career in sales, top tips for utilising social media platforms, improving in-person networking skills, and the mindset shift that lawyers need to have in order to meaningfully collaborate and succeed in the post-pandemic market. To learn more about TransPerfect, click <a href= "https://www.transperfect.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=ht

Here, we speak to partners of award-winning and award-nominated transactions teams, respectively, about what makes a good team in such legal practice areas in the current climate and how best such teams can navigate looming challenges and trends in the coming year. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Herbert Smith Freehills partners Philip Hart and Jason Jordan about their respective interests and careers in transactional legal work, the headline hurdles that teams in these spaces have had to grapple with in the past year, how leadership of such teams has had to evolve, and the all-important need for a holistic, commercial lens over one’s work. Mr Hart and Mr Jordan also delve into the increased expectations being placed on teams at this critical juncture and why, the practical steps teams must take in the wake of evolving client needs, what works and doesn’t work when it comes to managing transact

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with nrol, we reflect on the upcoming Women in Law Awards and how one recruitment firm looks to support female candidates in the profession. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by nrol director Jesse Shah to discuss gender-based recruitment issues across various sectors, his perception of such issues as a male recruiter, what concerns him about the experience of women seeking new roles in the legal profession, and why supporting the Women in Law Awards as principal partner is so important to nrol. Mr Shah also argues for the need for the legal profession to not be complacent in the push for parity, whether female candidates are increasingly seeking out employers with favourable workplace policies and family incentives, how his firm is ensuring that women are being put forward to prospective employers, whether employers are meeting recruiters halfway on such a push, and why it is so critical for rec

As former Managing Partner of the Year Danny King puts it, she doesn’t expect others to prop her up without her propping them up in return. As such, her firm has successfully implemented a model that is more consultative, collaborative, and individual-driven rather than top-down. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Danny King Legal founder Danny King (whose firm recently won Workplace Relations and Employment Team of the Year at the Australian Law Awards) to discuss the importance of authenticity with staff and moving away from traditional workplace structures, leveraging one’s staff in different ways, and allowing greater freedom for staff members to identify how they want to produce work for the business. Ms King reflects on how staff have responded to her business model since its introduction, the evolutions that have been made and why, the opportunities in implementing a “create-your-own-adve

With its latest cash rate call, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has set the scene for spring  – sparking discussions among property investors and home owners about the implications for mortgages and property prices. In this episode of Property Finance Uncut, Smart Property Investment’s Phil Tarrant and Finni Mortgages’ chief executive, Paul Glossop, share the latest insights on current market conditions and advise property owners and potential investors to consider their options. The duo emphasise the importance of reviewing existing mortgages to ensure they are the most suitable for current market conditions, with the time ripe to explore better options, given the fact that banks are already reducing their fixed rates. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and

General Counsel of the Year Kate Sherburn returns to the show to discuss why it is critical for the law department’s work to reflect the broader business, its mantra and operations. Taking such an approach, she says, better allows corporate legal to be a good influence. In this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Who Gives a Crap legal beagle Kate Sherburn – who won the General Counsel of the Year category at the 2023 Australian Law Awards – to talk about why aligning the in-house legal team’s work with the business’s purpose is so critical, how she has looked to do this in practice, and the positive impact that such pushes can have. Ms Sherburn also fleshes out correlating legal work with branding and marketing, whether a balance is needed between business positioning and perceptions of lawyers’ roles, improving impressions of the lawyer’s role within a business, having a better understanding of the

Like many professions, law can sometimes be about who and what you know. As this award-winning practitioner discovered, if one is the first in their family to become a lawyer, throwing one’s self into vocational opportunities not only helps one better understand the profession but puts one in better stead with prospective employers. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Acorn Lawyers associate Samantha Moon – who recently won the Rising Star (Private Practice) category at the 2023 Australian Law Awards – to discuss her reflections on being the first in her family to study and practise law, realising that she didn’t have a network as some of her classmates did, and how she moved to address this disconnect and work her way through as an emerging lawyer. Ms Moon outlines what she did to build her network and glean professional skills, how such professional development can be undertaken in a post-pandemic world, how such efforts bo

In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, we read into a new book released by a corporate lawyer and explore its major themes of parental leave policies and workloads on new parents. Host Naomi Neilson is joined by lawyer-slash-author Stephanie Vizard, who recently won the HarperCollins Banjo Prize for Fiction in 2022 for her new book, ‘The Love Contract’, which follows single mum Zoe, her new daughter Hazel, and their neighbour Will. In a fun and moving story, the three are thrown together by the dire shortage of childcare services and the parental leave policies that Will’s law firm highly encourages him to take – so much so that a promotion into a partner position may be on the cards. With her own law career to draw on, Steph tells listeners about her own personal experiences with parental leave policies following the birth of her first child and explains what her own workplace did right. Steph also s

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Clarence Professional Offices, we explore what lawyers and legal businesses can and should be looking for in a workspace and ways to mitigate the risk of a conventional office lease. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Clarence director Tony Jansz about the swinging pendulum between working from home and working from offices, whether the legal professional lends to being in an office, the importance of community and collegiality, and how lawyers build trust and confidence with their clients. Mr Jansz also reflects on the evolution of the physical workspace as a result of the global pandemic, adopting a holistic approach to one’s working week and what that should feel like, practical steps to tailor the working week to suit one’s needs and those of the business, being uplifted by one’s working environment, and what Clarence is and what it offers legal professionals and businesses.

Becoming a partner in a law firm is a hugely exciting and satisfying moment, Aabid Farouk recalls. The transition, he notes, is not without its challenges – understanding how best to navigate that transition is critical. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Hazelbrook Legal partner, Aabid Farouk, about his journey in law and towards the partnership of award-winning firm Hazelbrook Legal, what it feels like to make partner, how one can begin to take steps to transition into one’s new role and duties, and the questions to be asking of one’s self in this process. Mr Farouk also reflects on the lessons he learned in those initial months of partnership, what works and doesn’t work, making up lost ground if one hasn’t taken the right steps, proactive versus reactive actions, making the necessary mindset shifts, what excites him about the experience of new partners coming through the ranks, and hi

In this episode, brought to you via our sister brand Cyber Security Connect, we unpack why Australia has become one of the world’s most attractive targets for cyber criminals and how Australian businesses can protect themselves. Host Liam Garman speaks with AUCloud managing director and chief executive officer Peter Maloney about the factors that make Australia such a tempting target for cyber criminals, some of the latest tactics and strategies employed by those malicious actors to target businesses and families, how these methods are becoming more sophisticated over time, and just who is committing the attacks. The pair also discuss how managed security operations centre (SOC) service providers can support businesses, and what businesses must learn from the recent large-scale attacks to build a more robust cyber security framework. If you like this episode, show your support by <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Commonwealth Bank, we explore the myriad fiscal considerations for law firm partners across various stages of their careers and how best they can look after themselves. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Commonwealth Private’s national director of professional services, Alen Sirol, and Clayton Utz’s former chief executive partner, Bruce Cooper, about the importance of financial guidance across the life cycle for law firm partners, why such considerations are so critical, whether the legal profession does a good enough job of communicating the need for good fiscal management and navigating fluctuating market challenges at various intervals of one’s career. The trio delve into the factors for consideration when one is aspiring to the partnership, becoming a new e

As a junior practitioner who has suffered debilitating mental health struggles, Kian Rafie is determined to see the legal profession get better at talking openly about our individual experiences. Talking, he says, can make all the difference. (Content warning: This episode contains content that may be disturbing or distressing to some listeners. Discretion is advised.) On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Piper Alderman lawyer Kian Rafie about the importance of having more frequent conversations about mental health struggles for lawyers, his motivation to be a lawyer, and his journey with and through anxiety, depression and suicide ideation as a junior practitioner. Mr Rafie also reflects on where he is now relative to years gone by, the support he has received from legal professionals, why talking is so important, overcoming the bravado that exists among Australian men, balancing the need to protec

While progress has been made in promoting the myriad career paths available to law graduates, some vocational options are still being glossed over, says an award-nominated in-house counsel. As such, those coming through the ranks have to be deliberate about identifying the various pathways available to them. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Yarra Capital Management legal counsel Chloe Giamadakis, who was a finalist in the rising star (in-house) category at the recent Australian Law Awards, about the evergreen need for the next generation of lawyers to be fully across the bounty of career options to be explored. She reflects on her own experiences of law school and early career, how and why she went into an in-house role so early in her own vocational journey, the progression options available to those in-house, the extent to which the next generation is aware of the options available to them and wha

While Carl Gene Fordham feels that the majority of lawyers and judicial officers “do a fantastic job” in working with interpreters and translators, there are underlying issues that must be addressed, he says, so that access to justice is not impeded for persons across the community. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with NAATI-certified interpreter and University of Queensland casual academic Carl Gene Fordham about the work of interpreters and translators in Australia’s court proceedings, the problems that such professionals are seeing in said proceedings and in their engagement with court processes, and why such problems exist. Mr Fordham also details what he sees as being the flow-on consequences if lawyers or judicial officers do not meaningfully work with interpreters and translators, the practical steps that legal professionals can take to ensure better collaboration, the training and education

In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Aldermane director and principal Rory Alexander – who won the Innovator of the Year category at the 2023 Partner of the Year Awards – about the mindset he brought to the founding of his legal business, his outlook on innovation and what he wanted to do differently (based on what he’d observed in his legal career up to that point), and structuring one’s business in accordance with innovative strategies and structures. Mr Alexander also reflects on imbibing a culture of innovation, how he implements innovative thinking in the practice area of government procurement, grasping opportunities in one’s area/s of legal practice, responding to what’s happening in the market, and his broader words of wisdom for partners and business leaders to think in more innovative ways. If you like this episode, show your support by <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-

Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Colin Biggers & Paisley managing partner Nick Crennan about the biggest issues facing heads of large firms in this financial year, the difference between managing and leading, and much more. Mr Crennan reflects on his 35-year journey with Colin Biggers & Paisley and becoming that firm’s managing partner, the state of affairs for Australia’s legal marketplace and the challenges being presented, how those challenges compare to previous market cycles, the “tipping point” being experienced, and ongoing presence of uncertainty. He also delves into the distinction between management and leadership, how and why BigLaw firms will shore up particular practice areas and what strategies are employed when doing so, taking a long-term view of the market, the five big issues for FY24, and the role of managing partners. If you like this episode, show your support by <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/au/po

Many law department leaders understand, by now, that legal transformation is a commercial imperative. As such, ensuring that one’s in-house team is taking the right steps to meaningfully transition its practices and processes is critical. In this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back KPMG global head of legal services Stuart Fuller to discuss what legal transformation is, where the profession is at in enacting the changes proposed by such a concept, and how his law department has looked to make a change in recent times. Mr Fuller also outlines how law departments can and must be leveraging generative artificial intelligence, better utilising existing tech stacks, the need to proactively gauge what legal transformation will be needed in the future (particularly during times of economic uncertainty), how to balance the need for transformative approaches against the other urgent priorities for law departme

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Naiman Clarke, we explore the importance of ethically going out to market as a candidate for a new role – especially given how prospective employers may react. Host Jerome Doraisamy is once again joined by Naiman Clarke managing director Elvira Naiman to discuss some of the latest trends being seen in legal recruitment as we come off FY23, including a reflection on the slowing of salary increases and how the market has shifted from being one for candidates to being one for sellers. Ms Naiman also details some of the bad behaviours that are being witnessed and undertaken in the market right now by candidates, how and why such behaviours are manifesting, how candidates can ensure they conduct themselves in more considerate and transparent ways, how candidates and employers can respond to environmental marketplace shifts, and what will constitute best practice for those exploring

BigLaw partner Peter Hunt, an avid sports fan, says there is much that legal professionals can learn from the new-age style of cricket being played by the English national team. Lawyers, he submits, should look to all corners for guidance on how best to adapt and evolve their practice and service delivery in an ever-changing marketplace. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with McCabes partner Peter Hunt about the phenomenon of “Bazball” (the England cricket team’s new style of play) that was most recently on display in the Ashes series against Australia and the lessons that can be drawn from that style of play for legal professionals to be adopted into one’s approach to practice. Specifically, he reflects on the importance of being bold, taking calculated risks, backing one’s self, and the need to stay strong, as well as learning from one’s failures, what we can all take away from the Matildas’ success

In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Lea Hiltenkamp, an associate at HFW, to discuss the challenges and issues facing young lawyers in relation to workplace culture. Ms Hiltenkamp highlights the lack of support around reporting sexual harassment in the profession, which she has been working to improve in her role on the Young Lawyers WA committee and Women Lawyers of WA sub-committee on sexual harassment reporting. She emphasised the need for clear and transparent processes for addressing and resolving complaints of sexual harassment, particularly in smaller firms that may not have dedicated HR departments. She also details the need for those coming through the ranks to trust their gut instincts about choosing the right workplace and finding an employer with whom one feels motivated to get out of bed in the morning, can have fulfilling work, and makes you want to be and stay a lawyer. If you like this episo

Two recent experiences with senior counsel have given Sach Fernando pause for reflection on the extent to which racism and unconscious bias still exist in Australia’s legal profession. In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with the principal lawyer of Maxiom Injury Lawyers, Sach Fernando, to discuss recent instances where senior counsel made culturally insensitive comments that served as a reminder that, despite progress, the legal profession has lingering issues pertaining to racism and cultural diversity. Those two instances served as valuable lessons for Mr Fernando in determining the best path forward – not just for one’s self but for one’s clients, business and staff. He reflects on his own journey as a lawyer with Sri Lankan heritage, the responsibility to ensure that clients are treated with dignity and respect, and the importance of speaking up in a strategic and professional manner if and when the time

In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, CXT Legal director Christos Tsonis – who won the corporate category at the 2023 Partner of the Year Awards – discusses adopting a mindset and approach to help grow your legal practice into a nationwide operation. Mr Tsonis talks about his journey in law and setting up CXT Legal, practising in private market transactions, the importance of understanding clients’ commercial objectives and delivering value through legal advice, and the need for flexibility and adaptability in the face of market changes and trends. He also touches on the need to imbibe a mindset of growth and national presence in one’s employees and how best to work with and for clients right across the country.  If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show)

After over a decade in-house, Jeremy Hanrahan decided to head back into private practice, joining the partnership at Lander & Rogers. Here, he discusses the requirements to succeed in making such a vocational move. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Lander & Rogers partner Jeremy Hanrahan about his expansive career (both in private practice and in-house), what he learnt from more than a decade of working in-house, how and why he decided to go back into a law firm, and the personal and professional drivers for such a transition. Mr Hanrahan also details the importance of staying adaptable and open to opportunities, the personal adjustments required when making career shifts, including the importance of self-care and maintaining a work/life balance, the nuances of understanding client needs from both an in-house and private practice perspective, the importance of problem solving and being solution-oriented

In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with lawyer, academic and COO Fabi Fugazza about the pervasive issue of unconscious bias in the legal profession and how it impacts hiring, sourcing and progression practices. Ms Fugazza – a lawyer at Equity Generation Lawyers, sessional academic at Western Sydney University and the University of Sydney, and chief operating officer of the Italian Coalition for Civil Liberties and Rights – stresses that unconscious bias is not limited to overtly discriminatory behaviours but also includes covert, unintentional biases that can significantly impact recruitment and progression within organisations. She shares alarming insights indicating that unconscious bias is still prevalent in the legal profession and reflects on the fact that despite the increasing number of women lawyers in Australia, only a small percentage reach leadership positions – a disparity that is not limited to ge

In this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Modaxo and Trapeze Group senior legal counsel Emilie Franklin, who recently won the TMT Lawyer of the Year category at the Corporate Counsel Awards, about navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with being the inaugural in-house lawyer for a business and building legal structures and processes from scratch. Ms Franklin emphasises the importance of team growth and nurturing young lawyers to ensure a seamless transition to the remote work environment. She also shares her strategies for maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders overseas, fostering collaboration, and securing a seat at the executive table. The duo delve into the delicate balance between effecting change without disrupting the established organisational flow, especially for legal departments often seen as an impediment rather than an enabler. Ms Franklin offers practical advice on engaging with stakeholde

In this episode, Smart Property Investment’s Phil Tarrant and Finni Mortgages’ chief executive, Paul Glossop, discuss the current state of Australian lenders and the property finance landscape following on from yet another rate decision. The duo delves into the latest Reserve Bank meeting and its impact on interest rates and mortgage rates, discussing conflicting data on unemployment and within the retail sector, and the potential for future rate fluctuation. Paul highlights the significant rental growth in the past 12 months, making it an opportune time for property investors, before emphasising the importance of investors taking proactive steps to refinance, extract equity and borrow responsibly. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Week

Law can be an elitist profession. Socioeconomic diversity can put some practitioners at a disadvantage in building relationships in a profession in which one’s network is one’s net worth. However, as one award-winning lawyer explains, there are ways that practitioners and the broader profession can overcome such disparities. In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Emplawyer managing principal Michelle Dawson, who won the employment category at the 2023 Partner of the Year Awards, about the effects of socioeconomic disparity on lawyers’ careers, and the need for broader recognition and opportunity. Ms Dawson details her personal and professional experiences, outlines the practical steps she has taken to succeed and offers her guidance, both for individuals and the broader profession, to address socioeconomic diversity as part of broader diversity and inclusion efforts profession-wide. <p clas

In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Morgan Collens, a paralegal at Nevile & Co Commercial Lawyers in Melbourne, to discuss what she has learnt about the need for the next generation of legal professionals to take control of their personal and financial futures, specifically by ensuring they have a will and testament in place. Ms Collens discovered her passion for wills and estates while working with lawyers. She emphasises the importance of considering wills and estates early in one’s career, particularly for the younger generation, including members of the queer community who may have unique challenges in estate planning. She highlights the need to view oneself as a client and to list all assets, even small ones like bank accounts or share portfolios, to ensure a smoother transition for loved ones after one’s passing. If you like this episode, show your support by <a href= "https://podcasts.appl

In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Stephanie-Kate Bratton, a lawyer, author, and mother, about her personal and professional journey and why showing our children all that lawyers do is so important. Ms Bratton reflects on her journey in the legal profession (which has taken her overseas to work in-house with one of the world’s biggest companies), her health struggles and what perspective she has gleaned from such hardships, being an advocate in the workplace, and what inspired her to create the “My Mummy Is…” book series for young children. She also discusses her thoughts on the importance of role modelling (especially for women in the legal profession), the experience of working parents in law and managing the juggle, reconciling one’s identities as a lawyer and parent, as well as her reflections on the progress made in addressing gender issues in the profession, and how far we still have to go.  <

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show – produced by our sister brand, Cyber Security Connect – we explore the impact of and response to the cyber breach suffered by national law firm HWL Ebsworth, including the statement that cyber security coordinator Air Marshal Darren Goldie released. Hosts Liam Garman and Daniel Croft dive into the latest news in cyber security in Australia, beginning with a discussion of ANZ bank CEO’s decision not to sign up to a voluntary anti-scam code that would see banks required to reimburse those who fall victim to scams. The pair then discuss the impact of the HWL Ebsworth breach and the statement that cyber security coordinator Air Marshal Darren Goldie released regarding his response to the attack. The episode wraps up with an outline of the current status of artificial intelligence (AI) regulation and the concerns raised by both governments and the private sector regarding the risk

On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Theo Dorizac, the general counsel at Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) in Australia. They discuss the media and entertainment landscape, successful in-house team management, wellness considerations for law departments, and leadership during the post-pandemic new normal. Mr Dorizac shares how he transitioned from private practice to working in media law. He shares his passion for working in a creative space while using his legal skills. They delve into the importance of wellness in law departments, especially during the pandemic, and how SBS implemented formal work goals to address wellbeing. Mr Dorizac emphasises the significance of understanding the impact of decisions made in the media industry and bei

In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy sits down with Emily Purvis, the principal of PURE Equine Law. They discuss the importance of client-centricity in a niche legal practice and the practical aspects of driving a business forward in such a specialised area. Ms Purvis recently won the sports and entertainment category at the 30 Under 30 Awards. They discuss the founding of Ms Purvis’ firm, her passion for horses, and her desire to serve an underserved market within the equine industry. Ms Purvis emphasises three key principles that guide her practice: technical excellence, innovation, and accessibility. She also stresses the importance of managing client expectations and finding cost-effective solutions to better serve her clients. Ms Purvis also discusses lessons that other lawyers can learn from her experience in equine law. She encourages lawyers to know their market well and be open-minded to creative solutions. S

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Madison Marcus, we discuss how best those who have recently been elevated to more senior roles can successfully transition into their new duties and responsibilities. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Madison Marcus director Benoir Bayssari about his vocational journey (including his brief foray into dentistry), how he assumed a leadership position, the need for approachability as a leader, how leaders have had to adapt their thinking and strategies in recent times, and lessons Mr Bayssari has learnt during times of hardship in the market. Mr Bayssari also delves into the extent to which leaders have to get creative in the post-pandemic new normal, practical steps for lawyers who have been promoted to senior associate, special counsel, partner, and other roles should take in assuming their new duties, where they can be looking for external guidance, whether in-office working wi

In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Naomi Neilson sits down with author Claire Baylis to delve into her thought-provoking book, Dice. Ms Baylis, who previously studied law and worked as a law academic, shifted her focus to fiction and legal research in Rotorua, where she became involved in the Trans-Tasman Jury Study, which forms the backdrop for her novel. Dice revolves around a sexual assault crime committed by four boys who create a dangerous sex game based on the throw of a dice. The unique aspect of the book lies in its narration, as it is told through the perspectives of each of the 12 jurors.  Ms Baylis joins the podcast to shed light on the complexities of sexual consent within legal settings, the impact of social media, the role of intoxication in trials, and the difficulties jurors face when dealing with sexual violence cases.  The pair discuss the efficacy of adversarial trials, particularly in sens

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Beacon Legal, we explore the market trends and lessons coming out of FY23 and what lawyers across the board need to know as FY24 gets into full swing Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Beacon Legal director Alex Gotch about the headline takeaways and reflections from the past 12 months and what has stood out in the legal recruitment space, the stabilisation that is currently being experienced in the market, how lawyers can and should be interpreting what is currently happening with salaries, and how lawyers are faring relative to those in other sectors. Mr Gotch also talks about what is being seen with regard to bonuses being paid, expectations for certain practice areas, whether now is a good time for lawyers to be thinking about living and working overseas (on the back of salary and bonus trends in Australia), practical steps to take to put one’s self in the best position movi

In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Scott McCartney, a Wotjobaluk man and chief executive of the Kinaway Chamber of Commerce Victoria, and Matthew Karakoulakis, a Kokatha and Narungga man and principal solicitor of AMK Law, to discuss the issue of black cladding. Black cladding refers to businesses that falsely represent themselves as Indigenous-owned when they are not. Mr McCartney and Mr Karakoulakis discuss the negative consequences of black cladding and its impact on the Indigenous business community and the broader community. They highlight the need for proper certification and education to address the issue, as well as the role of lawyers in advocating for regulatory and legislative changes to prevent black cladding. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple

In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy interviews Rex Afrasiabi, the principal of MA Legal and Bond Conveyancing Property Lawyers, about maximising profits in the new financial year. Mr Afrasiabi discusses the challenges in the current economic climate for boutique firms and emphasises the importance of setting realistic goals, conducting regular business health checks, and creating a roadmap for success. The pair also converse on the value of a positive firm culture and the impact it has on staff satisfaction and client experience. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook, Twitter 

The law is becoming more colourful and unique, Kiarah Kelly says, and the more that emerging legal professionals lean into their idiosyncrasies and showcase such personality to clients, the better off the profession – and those it serves – will be. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Brisbane Family Law Centre practice leader Kiarah Kelly, who recently won the family law category at the 30 Under 30 Awards, about what motivated her to enter the legal profession, how she navigates it on a personal level, what it means to have an imperfect path, and why she embraces her imperfections on her vocational journey. Ms Kelly also discusses how and why younger lawyers are more attuned to the notion of embracing one’s individuality, how she does it (practically) on a day-to-day level, how others can look to move towards leaning into their uniqueness, why it will benefit clients, and how best employers in law can

Prominent personal injury lawyer Henry Carus has been in practice for four decades. While it has not always been an easy ride, it is a journey he is still very much enjoying, and here, he shares some pertinent wisdom for other practitioners striving for such longevity in the profession. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Henry Carus + Associates principal Henry Carus about his reflections on over four decades in legal practice, how and why he chose this vocational pathway, why it is so critical to be respected as a practitioner, the numerological concepts that are meaningful to him, and how he looks to incorporate such principles into his practice. Mr Carus also delves into his approach to managing and looking after staff, the practical ways to stay on track with one’s approach to practice and leadership, the importance of continual learning (regardless of one’s tenure), lessons he’s learnt in 40

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with nrol, we dive into the vocational benefits of undertaking an overseas secondment or moving overseas as a lawyer. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with nrol director Jesse Shah about whether lawyers in Australia are increasingly thinking about moving overseas as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, which lawyers are most interested in such a move and why, and if now is the right time for lawyers to be considering moving overseas for legal work. Mr Shah details the myriad of professional benefits that can come from spending time practising overseas, why more lawyers can and should consider this vocational option, his own reflections on having lived and worked in multiple countries over the course of his career, the questions one should ask one’s self about the prospect of such a move, and nrol’s recent international expansion. To learn more about nrol, <a href="https://

Law department leaders will face significant challenges in the new financial year, however, effective utilisation of one’s resources – from emerging platforms to team members’ capabilities – will help GCs be better placed to navigate such pressures. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Deloitte partner and general counsel Tala Bennett about her interest in the technology space, how she manages such a large law department and delegates accordingly, and why she sees talent and technology as being the headline challenges for in-house legal teams in the new financial year. Ms Bennett also discusses how to find the right balance when managing the idiosyncratic needs and desires of one’s staff members, why privacy and security will remain such critical issues for law departments to grapple with, the ever-increasing need for good communication with stakeholders, effective triaging of priorities, facilit

Having left Iraq with his family during a period of turbulence, Milad Juma understands full well how fortunate he was to have the opportunities in front of him. It’s something he does not take for granted, and he is adamant about giving back. In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with PRD Legal principal Milad Juma about his firm’s strategic alignments with not-for-profit organisations, why retention of one’s desire to support the community is so critical, how being a leader in a boutique firm gives one the capacity to make greater contributions to the community, and how he got started on driving his firm to better service the community. Mr Juma also reflects on being multilingual and how this helps his provision of legal services, the perspective that lawyers can glean from community service, how the pandemic impacted his work in this space, how his firm’s efforts will continue into the future, and how

A legal degree can be particularly challenging, especially during the final year. Having had two part-time jobs, a cadetship and a legal internship while working, law student Georgia Fryer can attest to this better than most. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Lauren Croft speaks with proud Dharawal woman and University of Sydney law student Georgia Fryer on juggling multiple jobs while studying and how law students should be prioritising their time. Ms Fryer is the 2023 recipient of the Australian Academy of Law’s annual First Nations Scholarship, a cadet at Legal Aid NSW, and has two part-time jobs, in addition to studying a bachelor of laws and having recently completed a bachelor of arts (media and communications). Now in the final year of her legal degree and looking at completing her practical legal training course later this year, Ms Fryer delves into how she manages to balance her commitments, when to prioritise work over univers

As someone who grew up during the advent of social media, the advertising laws surrounding such platforms have become a point of fascination for Isabella Orlic. There is, she details, a huge amount happening legally in this space right now. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with BlackBay Lawyers graduate Isabella Orlic about her interest in advertising law and how it pertains to social media platforms, the inherent challenges being seen and experienced at this juncture, and whether the law is keeping up with the proliferation of development. Ms Orlic also discusses the onuses being placed on lawyers operating in this space, current regulatory guidelines and how they play out in certain examples (including how lawyers can advertise themselves), best practice for advertising, the emergence of “bluewashing”, and why practising in advertising law is so stimulating. If you like this ep

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Plenti, we do a deep dive into all that has happened in the family law space in recent times and what such developments mean for practitioners. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Plenti head of legal finance Rose Dravitzki, Lavan partner Framy Anne Browne, Mills Oakley partner John Mazzotta, and Lander & Rogers partner Genevieve Dee to discuss recent updates in family law, the impact on the day-to-day experience of practitioners, significant and notable remaining challenges, the experience of those in Western Australia, and how the current economic climate may be influencing the on-the-ground experience of those operating in this space. The guests also discuss the necessary practical and professional steps that family lawyers must take in the face of such pressures and market forces, responding to the increased volume of activity, the extent to which experiences differ across t

More so than many sectors, construction has experienced myriad crises in recent years. In the face of such challenges, award-nominated legal counsel Omro Alansari has learnt the importance of making sure one is equipped to handle crises, if and when they arise. In this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Omro Alansari, the group legal counsel at Ace Contractors Group, about his attraction to the construction sector and how he wound up working in-house in this space, the state of affairs for construction in recent years and why it has been so challenging for legal counsel, and what constitutes a crisis. Mr Alansari also dives into the practical steps to take in order to make one’s self and the law department crisis-ready, how to triage those actions, managing one’s self personally as part of such actions, whether crises are still afoot for construction counsel, lessons he’s learnt about becoming crisis-r

With the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announcing its monetary policy decision for July, borrowers are now left to ponder if the latest move indicates the central bank is kicking the rate can down the road or signaling a change in its trajectory. In this episode, Smart Property Investment’s Phil Tarrant and Finni Mortgages’ chief executive, Paul Glossop, give a catch-all on the rationale for the latest reserve bank decision by unpacking the trends in inflation and job wage growth. They also discuss the preparations Australians are making for the anticipated “mortgage cliff”, and offer valuable insights into the future actions of the RBA in the coming months. Highlighting the worst is not over for mortgage holders as the impact of the rate hikes continues to bite, the duo emphasise the importance of borrowers not only scrutinising loan rates but also seeking a structure that will effectively “keep the wolf at the door”.

One must always be looking for better ways to do one’s job, says Yule Guttenbeil. In the context of artificial intelligence (AI), this means exploring how best such technologies can be incorporated into a legal practice and leaning into such modes of operating. In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Attune Legal principal Yule Guttenbeil to talk about how and why he first became interested in AI, how he came by his ethos of finding better ways to do one’s job and how that ethos has served him, and how experimenting with AI platforms has spurred both excitement and trepidation. Mr Guttenbeil also delves into the headline challenges for AI use for practitioners at this juncture, efficiencies he has been able to identify by using such platforms, the need to be prepared to lose some time in one’s day, in the short term, to gain long-term benefit, lessons he has learnt from his extensive use of various A

There is an inherent open justice and transparency on one hand and national security on the other. At present, the Human Rights Law Centre argues, Australia is not striking the right balance between the two — which risks undermining our democratic processes. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Human Rights Law Centre senior lawyer Kieran Pender to discuss HRLC’s recent submission to the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (titled Open Justice, Closed Courts), why open justice is so pertinent to a functioning democracy, the current legislative provisions that need consideration, and the consequences of having certain proceedings shrouded in secrecy, such as in the cases of Bernard Collaery and Witness K. Mr Pender also discusses the constitutional implications arising from the current legislation, striking the right balance between transparency and national security,

Having worked in-house for more than 25 years, Peter Connor feels strongly that if corporate counsel can adopt the right framework for their daily operations, particularly in a volatile market, they can unlock opportunities that otherwise may not be available to them. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with former international in-house lawyer AlternativelyLegal founder and chief executive Peter Connor about what makes life as a corporate counsel so great, from his perspective, the need for such lawyers to transition even further into the business realm and develop corresponding acumen, and why business concerns have to be at the forefront as opposed to legal ones. Mr Connor explains the nexus between business acumen and professional agility, unpacks the T-shaped approach for corporate counsel, how to understand and appreciate what the corporate vision can and must be, practical steps to turn one’s self into more of

Migrants are returning to Australia post-pandemic, and with more and more non-English speakers in our community, some firms may see a need to build international desks that can better service those persons to ensure equal access to justice. Both from the perspectives of legal service and business needs, building such a desk makes a lot of sense. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Robinson Gill principal Lu Cheng about her experience in running her firm’s China desk, how and why the opportunity to build such a capability within her suburban firm came about, what is so important about building such desks, and the ever-present need to ensure equal access to justice to those in the community. Ms Cheng also responds to questions about whether or not offering such services for non-English speakers in the community will become a duty for law firms of all stripes, the challenges in establishing an intern

The legal profession, Rose Inglis believes, is becoming more open-minded to the possibilities and opportunities that arise from thinking beyond blackletter skills. Developing more holistic skills will help lawyers better unlock their career potential, she says — thereby allowing them to live their best professional lives. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Rose Tinted Law principal Rose Inglis about her journey as a now-former solicitor and the vocational epiphanies that occurred along the way, the impact of certain professional realisations upon her, why it is so important for lawyers to occasionally learn hard lessons about themselves and their careers, and the need to ask certain questions of yourself. Ms Inglis also reflects on the proliferation of legal professionals straying from the supposed traditional path, whether those who do not take the time to be introspective could be falling behind

It is crucial, award-winning legal counsel Christopher Doherty believes, for in-house lawyers to be motivated about the business they are working for. Having such purpose, being curious and employing the right approach to boot will spur counsel to success. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Virgin Australia senior legal counsel Christopher Doherty about his experience of working in-house in diverse sectors, why in-house life is so motivating for him, and striking the right balance between being the generalist that a business needs versus developing expertise in particular areas. Mr Doherty also discusses his perspective on the “T-shaped professional” and why such an approach is so critical for in-house lawyers, having such an approach be transferrable across sectors, why he is so interested in the aviation industry, the headline challenges he is seeing in this space right now, believing in the business one works

Award-winning lawyer Stephen Annicchiarico feels strongly that the greatest sense of professional achievement comes from having built, or contributed to, something from the ground up. Here, he reflects on his experience creating his firm’s IP practice as a young practitioner. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with WRP Legal & Advisory senior associate Stephen Annicchiarico, who recently won the IP category at the 30 Under 30 Awards, on what motivates him about working as an intellectual property lawyer, how and why he realised that there was an opportunity for him to build his firm’s practice in that space, and how to go about convincing firm leaders to let an emerging lawyer take on such a responsibility. Mr Annicchiarico details the practical and educational steps he took to ensure he could successfully build his practice, how being a young lawyer helps in such a process, being nimble and agile, bui

Achieving high heights as a young lawyer is not about taking the “right steps” up the ladder — success will instead arise by way of identifying the actions one can take to be the best version of one’s self, be happy and healthy in one’s work and ensure one can meaningfully contribute to the community. On this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Pragma Lawyers director Nick Malone about his recent appointment to the West Australian firm’s directorship and what such a promotion means to him, his strategy and trajectory moving forward, what kind of leader he plans to be and how he will give back, in the wake of guidance and mentorship he has received during his career. Mr Malone also delves into the extent to which that mentorship influenced his vocational pathway versus his own intrinsic drivers, the practical steps one can take to ensure they remain on a path that is true to them, the questions that one can and

As the winner of multiple Lawyers Weekly awards, Calli Tsipidis knows a thing or two about how best to succeed as an emerging legal professional. Here, she discusses how the next generation of practitioners can put their best foot forward and why backing yourself is so essential. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Foxtel Group legal counsel Calli Tsipidis about her journey in law to date, why in-house life is so motivating for her, how developing commercial nous is integral in allowing young lawyers to assert themselves, and the all-important need for authenticity, both from one’s self and the workplace. Ms Tsipidis also touches on how best young lawyers can assert themselves and seek out the guidance and support they need to grow, the benefits that can and will flow from backing one’s self both personally and professionally, how to interpret such considerations against the backdrop of one’s welln

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with nrol, we explore what candidates are looking for in an employer as the new financial year approaches and how best they can focus on what is most important. Host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back nrol director Jesse Shah to discuss where candidates are at as the end of financial year approaches, what they are telling him about what they are seeking in FY24, whether candidates are leaning more towards having a better workplace culture or a higher salary in the coming year, and how one’s level as a lawyer may dictate such thinking. Mr Shah explains how the proliferation of burnout may be influencing the motivations of candidates moving forward, the extent to which inflation and cost of living may drive one’s thinking, the decrease in the number of firms looking to make above-CPI salary bumps, how best candidates can weigh up the various considerations in front

For Katherine Mackenzie, working in government roles means ensuring protection of the public is at the heart of all that one does. As an experienced public sector lawyer, it is “a nice way to live your professional life”, she says. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency criminal offences unit national manager Katherine Mackenzie about her experience in government departments and why such a vocational pathway has been meaningful, the work of AHPRA, the criminal prosecutions that her team investigates and why, and how the scope of such investigations has evolved. Ms Mackenzie also delves into the 100th prosecution that AHPRA recently undertook, what the day-to-day can look like for such professionals, the looming challenges for such work in the near future and how best to respond, best practice lessons stemming from her work, and legislative amendments on the

Jessica Rippon has a deep affinity for the construction sector and wants to see it make improvements across the board. This passion, together with her drive to nurture the next generation, makes her well placed, she feels, to best serve clients and the broader community. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Construction Legal principal Jessica Rippon about how and why she developed a passion for the construction sector, the issues she’s seen in the industry that need addressing, changes that should be implemented, how she looks to serve the sector and why boutique law firms need to expand into more holistic offerings. Ms Rippon also details the broader market challenges spurring the need for such holistic approaches to legal and commercial services, what such challenges mean for lawyers on the ground and how she is looking to develop younger practitioners, trends on the horizon that lawyers

From insurance sector updates to the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), there has perhaps never been a greater volume of challenging work for personal injury lawyers to do. For Jeremy Roche, ensuring that our nationwide frameworks are operating properly is critical if lawyers in this space are able to support clients and the community as best as possible.   On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Attwood Marshall Lawyers partner Jeremy Roche about his family’s long and storied history in personal injury law, why he is so passionate about this space, how the nature of such legal work has evolved in recent years and why there is so much work in this space right now.   Mr Roche also details the existing issues between compensation schemes across the country and why he think

On this special episode of LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with LexisNexis, we explore what lessons have been learnt from recent advancements in artificial intelligence and how lawyers can and should be adapting to the brave new world. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by LexisNexis Asia and Pacific Managing Director Greg Dickason to discuss the breadth of change we have witnessed in the development and utilisation of AI in recent months, why use of AI for lawyers isn’t going anywhere, the primary challenges currently being experienced with AI as it continually evolves, and what lawyers can confidently use such platforms for at this point in time. Mr Dickason also reflects on how significant the advent of AI is for daily legal practice (relative to other earth-shattering events), how lawyers should perceive the scale and pace of change, whether lawyers will be left behind if they do not adapt to using AI right now, how much ch

Bianca Lau, who runs an award-winning law department at Youi Insurance, argues that we are currently living through a new era for corporate legal professionals — one in which in-house teams have greater scope and opportunity to make their mark. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Youi Insurance head of legal Bianca Lau about navigating the necessary adaptations to management of law departments in recent years, remaining true to the vision one has of the team that one leads, the current state of affairs in the insurance sector and how to perceive its challenges, and anticipating what might be coming for the sector. Ms Lau also details how best to balance what’s on the horizon for in-house counsel and future considerations for the sector one works in, managing competing priorities, bringing one’s team along for the journey, what makes a good in-house counsel and leader right now, getting buy-in ac

With the Reserve Bank (RBA) announcing its policy decision for June, borrowers are bracing for another rocky month marked with more mortgage pain. In this episode, Smart Property Investment’s Phil Tarrant and Finni Mortgages’ chief executive, Paul Glossop, talk about the central bank’s move to take another swipe at inflation, how mortgage holders are being caught in the crossfire and why they think borrowers are not completely “out of the woods” just yet. While the duo acknowledge it will take a longer time for the rate rise cycle to reach its last stop, they explore the different ways borrowers can find reprieve amid the rising mortgage squeeze — including a modified serviceability assessment rate offered to those who have a good track record among lenders. Lastly, they advise property owners to focus on “lon

Clients are now demanding more human-centred services, Natasha Hannah says, and as such, law firm leaders must walk the talk when it comes to showcasing greater empathy and consideration for all stakeholders and staff — and ensuring such an approach is all-encompassing. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with in house nous director and principal Natasha Hannah about her journey as an employment lawyer, why being an outsourced in-house lawyer is such an appealing vocational pathway for her, her experience of launching a boutique business while pregnant, and walking the talk when it comes to having a human-centric approach as an employment lawyer. The pair also discuss the place for bias when it comes to being more human, practising law and operating a business in ways that are true to one’s self, how being more human pertains to supporting individuals in the context of child-rearing, bringing stakehold

Eleven years ago, the former Queensland state government proposed laws to criminalise gays, lesbians and singles from undertaking surrogacy. Internationally renowned surrogacy expert Stephen Page was among those who fought against the flagged laws and ultimately won that fight. Here, he discusses why lawyers can and must embrace change and always remember to serve others. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Page Provan director Stephen Page about his personal and professional journey, leading the fight against the then Queensland attorney-general’s push to criminalise gays, lesbians and singles from undertaking surrogacy, why this fight was so important and the toll it took on him. Mr Page also reflects on the legal skills he drew on during that fight, how it made him a better lawyer and advocate, why the label “activist” isn’t a bad thing for legal professionals, and how and why it is so critical

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Naiman Clarke, we discuss why it is so important for lawyers who are hoping for pay rises in the new financial year to be pragmatic about what salary increases they can garner in the current climate. Host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Naiman Clarke director Elvira Naiman to discuss whether we are in danger of seeing lawyers have unrealistic expectations about their potential salary increases, why lawyers may be anticipating higher-than-normal pay rises, the factors that can and will drive the quantum of increases, and how a potential recession might impact such eventualities. Ms Naiman also reflects on the potential outcomes for lawyers who may find that their salary increases aren’t in line with what they were expecting, whether there could be increased movement between employers in the near future, the salary ranges we might be able to expect in the

Here, an ex-police prosecutor turned law student discusses why he has decided to swap ends of the bar table. On this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jess Feyder speaks with Joshua Kelly, who has spent two decades as a cop and held the role of police prosecutor, about why he decided to begin a law career. Mr Kelly discusses why his role in the police force has aided his understanding of the law and why it gives him a unique perspective to practise from. He discusses cases during his time as a prosecutor that impacted him and motivated him to make the change to law. Mr Kelly also talks about where he sees his legal career going and where Australia’s prosecution system might be flawed. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers

Given how much the legal landscape is modernising, relationships are more essential than ever before. As Gabriella Pomare says, “it’s who you know, it’s who you get to know, and it’s about putting yourself out there”. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with The Norton Law Group partner Gabriella Pomare about becoming a leader in the firm set up by her father, what leadership means to her in the context of their family law firm, and the challenges involved in being a good leader in the age of COVID-19. Ms Pomare also details her thoughts on good relationship management, instilling the right mentalities in junior staff, navigating idiosyncratic needs and personality differences within a team, building and maintaining relationships with various external stakeholders, what constitutes a good investment of time and energy in relationships, why it is more important than ever before, and balancing such manag

On this special episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, produced in partnership with LOD, we explore how law departments can successfully navigate cost-cutting in these economically uncertain times. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by LOD head of market insights Mark Dodd and senior legal counsel Helena Kolenbet to discuss what in-house legal teams are currently grappling with when it comes to cost-cutting, the impact of such fiscal constraints on those teams, how Australian law departments might be faring compared to overseas counterparts, and whether cost-cutting is at, or near, the top of in-house leader’s list of urgent priorities. Mr Dodd and Ms Kolenbet also outline practical ways that law departments can thrive amid a cost-cutting environment

Justice David Smuts of the Supreme Court of Namibia shares how he has helped shape Namibia’s laws and legal system to imbed human rights into the country. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jess Feyder speaks with Justice David Smuts about the changes he’s been instrumental in in Namibia’s legal system and how he went about securing those changes. Justice Smuts discusses how he challenged laws and aspects of the constitution, at a time when the country gained independence and its constitution and legal framework were being formed. His Honour also discusses how he has presided over court cases and worded judgments, aiming to influence the law and broader society to move towards equality and rights for both humans and animals. Justice Smuts discusses his career path, his motivations, and the methods he’s used to challenge laws and drive change, reflecting on how Namibia’s society has changed and how th

Becoming a parent did more than reshape Matthew Hodgkinson’s personal life — it also changed, for the better, his professional pathway, leading him to become a “fractional” general counsel and have a greater appreciation for the need for “forgiving” advice and perspective as an in-house lawyer. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Papillon Lawyers principal and managing partner Matthew Hodgkinson about how and why he ended up being a “fractional” general counsel, what that means and how it differs from being a freelance GC, the familial circumstances that mean operating as a fractional counsel is suitable for his needs. Mr Hodgkinson also unpacks how his vocational journey has shaped his thinking on what it means to be a good general counsel, the need for “forgiving” legal guidance and business advice, how fractional GC life is compatible with the post-pandemic world, whether he thinks the number

Historically, Simon Tupman muses, the legal profession has associated strong performance as a practitioner with leadership capabilities. In an ever-changing professional services marketplace, he says, leadership in law must have a more all-encompassing approach — because good lawyers don’t necessarily make good leaders. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Simon Tupman — a consultant, speaker and mentor to law firms — about what he believes law firms and legal teams are getting wrong when it comes to identifying leaders and why, whether poor leadership can cancel out any financial benefits that arise from promoting successful practitioners, and whether a revamp of business models in law will be required to better elevate certain leaders. Mr Tupman also reflects on how flexible and adaptable leaders in law have been since the onset of the global pandemic and what they are getting right in the new nor

On this episode of The Protégé Podcast, Sydney-based law student Niki Nojoumian talks about why Australia should lower the voting age, and the legal and societal changes that would surround it. Host Jess Feyder speaks with Niki Nojoumian, a law student whose essay on lowering the voting age in Australia has gained recognition. Ms Nojoumian discusses the changes that should come with Australia adopting a voting age of 16, why it is especially relevant for this change to happen now, and why she found it important to advocate for a lower voting age. She also talks about why she decided to formulate the essay and the influential role her mentors have played in the project, discusses how law students can become engaged with the topic,

Across Australia, corporate entities have taken a stance on the proposed Indigenous Voice to Parliament. But what happens if a lawyer in a firm has a different view from their employer? On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Swaab partner Michael Byrnes to discuss why so many corporate entities, including law firms, have decided to take a position on the Voice, the market factors driving such corporate positioning, and the potential implications for their employees — particularly those who might have opposing views. Mr Byrnes details the various employment and workplace relations scenarios that will have to be worked through, how employees can reasonably express their views if they are in conflict with their employer’s position, the dangers of overstepping in publicly contradicting one’s employer, and the steps both sides may need to take to ensure freedom of expression is balanced against corporate

On this special episode of LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with law image, we explore how and why the legal profession is outsourcing much of its non-core work and what leaders in firms and businesses need to know to drive efficiency and productivity in an ever-volatile market. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with law image innovation and technology lead Tim Hall and head of commercial and corporate services Michael Wrobel to discuss what we mean by outsourcing and managed services, the market and workplace circumstances driving law firms and in-house teams towards outsourcing, whether the post-pandemic new normal has accelerated movement towards outsourcing, and existing barriers to meaningfully outsourcing the non-core work of one’s firm or team. Mr Hall and Mr Wrobel also detail their longer-term predictions for outsourcing against the backdrop of the current state of the market, the headline concerns and problems needing resolution for firms and tea

As an experienced GC, David Cosgrave has learnt that — when determining legal advice in scenarios one will not see every day — appreciating the motivations of people and how to balance risk and goals will help in-house lawyers best serve their clients. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with longstanding general counsel, lecturer and risk governance adviser David Cosgrave about why he gravitates towards litigators when hiring for in-house roles, the importance of having a real-world understanding of risk, how to formulate advice in sensitive and/or unique legal issues and find amicable, acceptable resolutions. Mr Cosgrave details for the listeners his experiences providing advice in such extraordinary scenarios, from speaking to family members of persons on life support to athletes refusing to undergo drug tests, the unique perspective that one gleans from providing advice in such scenarios, and the

Working part-time as a lawyer can often be associated with caring responsibilities. However, as Meg Crawford details, there is a multitude of personal or lifestyle factors that may lead a lawyer to pursue other vocational pathways while maintaining a part-time practice — lawyers always, she believes, have such options in front of them. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Justitia Lawyers and Consultants special counsel Meg Crawford about her journey as a lawyer and  the ups and downs she has experienced in her life, how those experiences have led her towards other pursuits, and how her perception of what she wanted to do vocationally has evolved over time. Ms Crawford also details what her three-day working week set-up looks like and how she makes it work with her firm, changing views on what it means to be a legal professional, how those coming through the ranks can explore part-time working arran

Last week, the Reserve Bank of Australia made the surprise decision to increase the cash rate — the 11th time in 12 months it has done so — given that inflation isn’t coming down. The current economic landscape and subsequent property market offer much food for thought for lawyers. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Legal Home Loans director of sales Cullen Haynes and legal lending specialist Rachael Massoud to discuss why the RBA raised the cash rate this month, the circumstances giving rise to such a decision, the challenges that lawyers looking to buy are now facing, and whether any particular demographic of lawyers is being hit hardest right now. Mr Haynes and Ms Massoud also explore the impact that rate rises are having on lawyers, how to interpret the record profits being made by the big banks at present, the “mass migration” currently being seen in the property market, and deta

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Naiman Clarke, we explore the myriad impacts of a high-stress environment on lawyers and why prioritising one’s health and wellbeing when seeking a new role is not only necessary but also puts one in the best position to then satisfy their vocational and financial goals. Host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Naiman Clarke owner and managing director Elvira Naiman to discuss why mental health concerns remain such a pertinent factor in any conversation about legal recruitment, the current state of affairs for jobseekers and how they are prioritising wellness as a consideration when looking for new legal roles. Ms Naiman also reflects on some of the new-age professional challenges and scenarios that lawyers are dealing with that both impact wellness and influence thinking about vocational pathways, how recruiters can and do look to navigate conversations about wellness with jobseeke

There is a presumption, among some legal professionals, that transactional experience is preferable for those working in-house. As Belinda Wong demonstrates, however, bringing a litigation background to a corporate legal role can be just as valuable, particularly in an ever-changing market. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Laing O’Rourke corporate counsel Belinda Wong about her litigation background and experience to date, the upskilling she has done since moving over from BigLaw to an in-house role, her perception of litigation experience and how it has shaped her abilities as a lawyer, and how her skills have been transferrable to her new in-house role. Ms Wong also outlines how perceived requisite skills may be evolving in the post-pandemic landscape, whether there’s an increased demand for litigators in-house, other trends she sees in the market, whether we will get to a point where litig

By his own admission, Nick Mann was naïve about the practicalities of founding a law firm. Because of that, however, he was forced to focus more intensely on his vision for a new practice. Setting and abiding by such a vision, he says, is integral for success. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Polaris Lawyers founder and director Nick Mann about how and when he made the decision to start his own practice, the various considerations he undertook in getting from A to B, identifying what one wants one’s firm to look like, and the difficulty of staying true to that vision. Mr Mann also details the importance of being able to identify if and when a firm owner has erred in the formulation of direction and how best to get back on track, the lessons he has learnt on this front, and what other boutique law firm owners can take away from his experience in thinking about where they want themselves, and the

Andrew Raad is only in his early 30s and is already an equity partner at his firm. Having a clear understanding, when he was at law school, of what he wanted to do helped put him on the path to achieving his vocational goals. Figuring out how to pave your own way, he says, is key. On this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Speirs Ryan partner Andrew Raad about his journey since graduating from law school, reflections on the culture of the tertiary environment and how it can influence students’ thinking about career direction, how he garnered insight and self-awareness into who he was and what he wanted, and how others can best balance those considerations. Mr Raad also delves into the construction of one’s day-to-day, how those coming through the ranks can start asking themselves pertinent questions to better define their own career path, additional steps to take in a post-pandemic market, and how the next ge

Firm owner Geoff Ebert has been coaching Australian rules football, including at the professional academy level, for nearly three decades. There are numerous lessons, he says, that senior lawyers can learn from his experience in nurturing the next generation. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Your Online Legal Group principal Geoff Ebert, who talks about his background and career in Australian football, why coaching was of interest to him, what his coaching regimen looks like for teams, as well as his mentality in leading players, and what he gets out of such a vocational pursuit. Mr Ebert also outlines his journey as a legal professional and now firm owner, how he juggles his coaching commitments with his development as a lawyer and business manager, transferrable skills and traits between those two pathways, tackling various mental health challenges that arise with those in his charge, lessons

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with nrol, we delve into the proliferation of burnout among legal professionals in the post-pandemic environment and its impact on perceptions of the job market in law right now. Host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back nrol director Jesse Shah to discuss the complexity of burnout and factors driving it in the current climate, recent studies detailing the extent to which lawyers are currently suffering, what is being seen on the ground right now with candidates, and what recruiters across sectors have to navigate as a result. Mr Shah also explores some of the lessons coming out of conversations being had with candidates right now as it pertains to burnout in the profession, whether the current climate is making candidates rethink what they want in a legal job, what they are valuing right now, some practical steps that candidates can take to ask themselves the right questions in order to

The law is just one aspect of multifaceted decisions for businesses of all stripes, and for corporate counsel, being integrated as part of the DNA is fundamental in the post-pandemic marketplace. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Investa chief legal and risk officer Lesley Chan about what it means to be a good lawyer and how to achieve success in-house, how perceptions of being a good lawyer in-house have evolved since the onset of the global pandemic, and why juggling multiple hats may no longer be good enough in the current climate. Ms Chan also discusses her views on what’s driving the need for in-house lawyers to be more than just good lawyers, who is driving that need for change, how law department leaders can upskill themselves and their teams, and what excites her about challenging herself and those around her to be better and do more than simply being a good legal professional. <

With the Reserve Bank (RBA) delivering a shock rate decision for May, mortgage holders are left reeling on what steps to take to minimise the impact on their finances. So in this episode, Smart Property Investments’ Phil Tarrant and Finni Mortgages’ chief executive, Paul Glossop, talk about the central bank’s surprising move to resume rate hikes after a month-long pause to check the economy’s pulse and unpack the data points that influenced the latest decision. And while the duo acknowledged the latest cash rate increase will be the “nail in the coffin” for some borrowers due to higher repayments, they encouraged mortgage holders to reassess their current strategy and create a plan that can help them weather the latest rate hike storm. They also unpack the various options available to borrowers, which include mortgage restructuring, refinancing to a fixed or variable rate, or switching to a different lender that offers a more competit

All SME law firm leaders and owners will face hurdles to overcome, both personal and professional. What matters is what one takes away from such trying times and how best you apply those lessons in moving forward. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Gale Family Law director David Gale about some of the setbacks he has faced in his life and why he chose to share those in the public forum of LinkedIn recently, the impact of those setbacks and how he has responded in order to move forward, both personally and professionally. Mr Gale also reflects on the lessons that can and should be gleaned from experiencing certain setbacks, the practical approaches he has applied in navigating those setbacks and what works and doesn’t work, safeguarding one’s self and one’s business from future potential hurdles, whether boutique firm owners can be better at talking about the setbacks they’re facing, and how best

On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, we explore the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence and digital media, how Australia and the globe should go about regulating tech advancements, and the role lawyers play in this area.   Host Jess Feyder spoke with Shane Budden, special counsel in ethics at the Queensland Law Society, about the critical juncture point we are at in the need to regulate new and existing technological inventions, while ensuring doing so in a way that its benefits are not suppressed for individuals and society.   The pair discuss where Australia is at with regulating tech, the major harms facing Australian society, and how Australia can be at the forefront of understanding and regulating new tech creations.   They also talk about how Australia can navigate regulation on a global level a

Being boxed in to a particular area of practice has “never really appealed” to Virginia Crawter. Instead, she has looked to pave her own way in law, allowing her — as a senior legal counsel — to operate in ways that make sense to her, thereby allowing her to provide as much benefit to a business as possible. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Main Sequence head of legal and company secretary Virginia Crawter to discuss the lessons she’s learnt from her varied legal career, whether moving in-house has better allowed her to tick the vocational boxes that are most important to her, the day-to-day of in-house government roles and well as what life looks like for in-house VC lawyers, as well as the headline challenges faced by such professionals. Ms Crawter also outlines what crafting her own adventure means to her, how and why she realised such a mindset would be so important for her journey, how to communicate wit

For SME law firms operating in emerging practice areas, ensuring that you and your business meaningfully understand the work being undertaken by your clients — rather than simply having a surface-level appreciation — is critical to the longevity of that firm. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Celia Legal founder and principal Chris Elias to discuss growing a law firm in the spaces of fintech and web3, his perspective on building such a business in the current climate, the headline issues and challenges to be overcome and how he looks to be as across new and emerging technologies as he possibly can be. Mr Elias also delves into how upskilling in new and emerging technologies not only helps grow his business but also makes him a better legal professional for clients, how and why lawyers must be better at client experience moving forward, and what boutique firm owners can learn from those

A 294-page review of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has been released, putting forward 51 recommendations to improve the structure, governance, and decision-making processes of the central bank. The review considered the RBA’s performance over the past 30 years and has recommended the biggest overhaul of the central bank in its 63-year history. In this episode, Momentum Media managing editor of mortgages Annie Kane is joined by the managing editor of property and financial services Phil Tarrant to discuss why the RBA review is calling for two RBA boards, their thoughts on dropping to eight cash rate decisions a year, and Philip Lowe’s reactions to the review.

Numerous overseas jurisdictions have implemented “right to disconnect” laws — recognising that workers should be able to switch off outside of working hours. What’s the likelihood that we’ll soon see such laws implemented here? On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by barrister Ian Neil SC to discuss what “right to disconnect” laws are and why they have been implemented in overseas jurisdictions, how such laws operate overseas, whether the need to disconnect has been heightened since the age of COVID-19, and lessons legislators can take from the experiences in other countries. Mr Neil also outlines whether there is an appetite for introducing such laws in Australia (from legislators and employers alike), whether such rules against contacting staff outside of hours could even work in the post-pandemic professional services marketplace, and whether he thinks Australian lawyers will ever be able to do practice with such la

In this special episode of LawTech Talks, brought to you in partnership with PracticeEvolve, we provide invaluable insights into selecting the right practice management system for your law firm in a rapidly evolving marketplace. Join host Jerome Doraisamy as he interviews Adam Bullion, the General Manager of Marketing, and Anthony Bryce, the Sales Lead in Australia and New Zealand, from PracticeEvolve. In this episode, they delve into the world of practice management systems and the environmental considerations to keep in mind when selecting the right one for your law firm. Listen in as Mr Bullion and Mr Bryce share their insights on how PracticeEvolve assists firm owners in navigating the complex decision-making process of choosing the best software for their unique needs. They also discuss the essential questions that firm owners should be asking when considering software selection and the benefits and drawbacks to consider. Additionally, the

The legal profession has, on the whole, been receptive to adopting new technologies for daily operations. Even among those who utilise tech, however, there remains an element of resistance to change — particularly if using a tech platform means giving over control over a given task, argues one lawyer. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with McLay Legal Consulting principal and consultant Fiona McLay about how prevalent technophobia is among Australian lawyers, why it is an issue for so many practitioners, what we mean by technophobia, and whether lawyers feel duty-bound to complete tasks as traditionally intended. Ms McLay also delves into the most common reasons for technophobia, whether the age of COVID-19 has reduced the number of lawyers who resist using various technologies, the practical steps that lawyers can take to overcome any resistance they may have, how best to undergo a mindset shift in terms of your daily

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Madison Marcus, we dive into how firms and practitioners alike can deal with the influx of insolvencies and bankruptcies that could occur if a recession comes to pass. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Madison Marcus director John De La Hoyde about his passion for commercial litigation and insolvency, how and why he came to practise in these spaces, where Australia is at with regards to insolvency against the backdrop of a looming recession and coming out of the pandemic, what clients are currently up against, and how and why it is so important for businesses to be planning ahead and not waiting until it is too late to restructure. Mr De La Hoyde also outlines which sectors are at most risk in the near future and what kind of flow-on consequences there will be for litigators and insolvency lawyers, lessons to be taken from the last economic downturn, what will

When selecting external providers, in-house teams may soon have to move away from thinking of certain firms as a “one-stop shop” and instead be more deliberate in choosing great lawyers to make up a legal services panel, argues one GC. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Sydney Fish Market (SFM) general counsel Michael Guilday to discuss SFM’s recent court success, why he looks more closely at individual lawyers in firms rather than the firms themselves when deciding who to brief, identifying the standout individuals with whom one might want to work, the existence of unconscious bias in briefing decisions and whether big firms have been allowed to rest on their laurels in remaining on legal services panels. Mr Guilday also outlines market fragmentation and the proliferation of BigLaw lawyers starting their own boutique firms and how that can impact briefing decisions, his non-negotiables for t

Protecting a boutique practice against cyber risks must be viewed in the same vein as any other business risk, and one will discover that dedicating such time and resources to preventative action is absolutely achievable amid so many other responsibilities, one award-winning practitioner argues. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Law & Cyber founder and legal practitioner director Simone Herbert Lowe — who last year won the Innovator of the Year category at the Women in Law Awards — about what innovation means to her and how she applies that within her own firm, the state of affairs for cyber attacks in Australia, and why boutique practices need to be just as worried about cyber attacks as multinational companies are. Ms Herbert-Lowe also delves into why firms might be a target for different hackers, her practical guidance for boutique firm owners to ensure they are upholding their professional d

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Naiman Clarke, we dive into what lawyers need to know when considering a vocational shift to corporate legal life, from salary expectations to requisite experience. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Naiman Clarke’s managing director, Elvira Naiman, about how life in-house has evolved over the last two decades and what change has been witnessed since the onset of COVID-19, evolving and emerging trends on the back of the pandemic, what roles law departments are most keen to fill right now, how much experience private practice lawyers should have before moving in-house, and additional skills they may need before doing so. Ms Naiman also details the extent to which branding is important in making such a vocational shift, salary expectations and realities for those shifting to corporate legal roles, post-pandemic and/or recession-inspired fluctuations in in-house r

With the Reserve Bank (RBA) announcing its policy decision for April, there is much speculation about whether the central bank has reached the peak of its current rate hike cycle or if there is still more pain to come for borrowers. So in this episode, Smart Property Investment’s Phil Tarrant and Finni Mortgages’ chief executive, Paul Glossop, talk about the factors that will affect the bank’s decision-making process in the coming months before unpacking the current sentiment among consumers, particularly borrowers who are bearing the brunt of the rate increases. With owner-occupier refinances hitting a record high, the duo discuss the importance of borrowers “looking under the hood” of their loans before looking into how mortgage holders can “sharpen the pencil” on their finances. Lastly, they also share their opinion on where — and when —  the RBA may choose to close

Succession planning is something that all boutique firm leaders must proactively prepare for. Knowing how and when is the right price to sell your firm for, however, may be eluding certain business owners. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with California-based practitioner Mike Chastaine about his journey as a firm owner, how and why he ended up selling that practice, adopting a state of mind whereby you’re a business owner providing legal services and the need for flexibility in getting a firm to a position where it can be sold for a price that the owner is happy with. Mr Chastaine also details how to quantify the right price to sell at based on personal circumstances and one’s practice area, any black and white questions that must be answered in determined how and when to sell, realising that — one day — every firm will be handed over in some capacity, being more open to acquisition opportunities

Most people come to law, Matthew Endo says, because they are interested in solving problems. Understanding one’s values prior to entering the profession can be critical, he notes, so that emerging practitioners can be best placed to make a difference. On this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Squire Patton Boggs associate Mathew Endo about how, as a claims and contract specialist, he came to decide to study and practise law, what he’s learnt from working in multiple jurisdictions across the globe, having a holistic perspective on coming into legal education and his thoughts on the future of online learning for law students. Mr Endo also discusses his views on balancing professional development and legal education, the importance of extracurricular activities in further developing one’s legal skills, how cultural issues in law will continue to play out, and his broader guidance to junior lawyers about how the

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Legalwise Seminars, we dive into the rise of artificial intelligence platforms like ChatGPT, the lawfulness of and issues surrounding such tech, and the broader implications for practitioners of all stripes. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Patrick Fair, adjunct professor at Deakin University and principal of Patrick Fair Associates, about ChatGPT and why its advent is so significant, how and why such technologies are only going to get better, the lawful considerations that practitioners have to take into account with these platforms and the need for legislative and regulatory frameworks to catch up to the pace of change. The pair also discuss how platforms like ChatGPT can alter the ways in which practitioners operate day-to-day, the checks and balances that will have to be implemented in utilising such platforms, new skills that will have to be developed, a

Any and all responses that businesses can make to a ransom demand are fraught with risk. Lawyers working with clients in the face of such cyber extortions must be able to navigate the legal and ethical issues arising from breaches and attacks and ensure they are continually upskilling against the threat of this evolving landscape. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Lander & Rogers partner Melissa Tan to discuss the state of affairs with cyber extortion payments, why mitigating factors surrounding the pressure of extortion payments aren’t taken into account by regulators, fueling the fire for potential class action proceedings, and how such ransom demands are fraught with risk, no matter how an extorted entity reacts. Ms Tan also dives into where the law is at on the criminalisation of such payments, how strictly said laws are being enforced, any urgent legislative updates that might be required,

Relative to other jurisdictions, Australia is “very well prepared” for data and cyber breaches. However, the law remains “untested”, and how proceedings for such breaches will play out remains to be seen. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Professor John Swinson, who teaches privacy law and cyber security law in the School of Law at the University of Queensland, about growing awareness of data and cyber security issues and subsequent legal proceedings, where we’re at with such proceedings, how prepared Australia is compared to overseas jurisdictions and why. Professor Swinson also delves into broader privacy issues, what’s happening in the United States and what lessons can be taken from that jurisdiction for Australia, particularly pertaining to the awarding of damages, how courts here might quantify damages for certain proceedings, whether arbitrary determinations will be needed moving forward,

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with nrol, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with nrol director Jesse Shah about the gaps that legal employers are trying to fill, from practitioner to support positions. Mr Shah details the hiring constraints he is currently seeing in the legal profession and why such constraints are in place, whether he thinks the prospect of a recession is having an impact on hiring for certain positions, the state of affairs for legal support roles and how issues can be overcome, and why he believes partners need to take urgent action in filling certain positions. The episode also details Mr Shah’s views on the importance of retention for legal employers, why the current market is the hardest period of his career to date, why he perceives the candidate’s market remaining in place for a while longer, and how best he thinks employers and prospective employees ali

With the CPD deadline fast approaching, many lawyers will be looking for ways to complete their annual requirements. On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with LawCPD, we discuss why legal professionals may find themselves scrambling to get their points in and how best they can manage in the home stretch. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with LawCPD director Sarah Mateljan about the various circumstances facing lawyers that may impact their ability to accrue the requisite points, whether the post-pandemic new normal has made things harder for lawyers, pain and pressure points in finding time to get points, and practical steps that can and should be taken to avoid overwhelming one’s self in anticipation of the deadline. The pair also detail how best lawyers can ensure they are ticking the right boxes in accruing points, balancing their education accordingly between capped and uncapped, how providers can hel

Onboarding a new director in a law firm is a “really significant decision”. Staying true to the vision of your firm, and remembering what is most important, will help boutique leaders ensure that bringing new people into the fold is successful. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Polaris Lawyers principal and director Meg Caines about her own vocational journey towards directorship, whether it is something she had aspired to, the daily duties and responsibilities for directors of law firms, and what it’s like both personally and professionally. Ms Caines also details what a law firm needs to consider in determining how and when to introduce a new director into the fold, the boxes to be ticked in getting from A to B, how it can be a case-by-case process, the need to be flexible in going through the motions, lessons learnt from previous experiences of bringing on new directors, and her advice to oth

Businesses of all stripes must adjust to the evolving economic and environmental landscape, especially with the competition regulator ramping up its focus on key areas, argues one BigLaw partner. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Maddocks partner Shaun Temby to discuss how and why he enjoys his work in competition and consumer law, how and why there have been so many more prosecutions pertaining to cartel activity in recent times, what such prosecutions mean for lawyers working in this space, and how best to advise clients with regard to such a regulatory focus. Mr Temby also unpacks the state of affairs around greenwashing activity and how the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is viewing this (alongside other regulators), how best to liaise with in-house legal teams about such greenwashing and broader environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns, the other headline re

Foreign-qualified lawyers, both in-house and in private practice, can and do face myriad hardships practising in Australia. But, as Eimear Fitzmaurice can attest, overcoming those challenges is absolutely achievable. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with in-house property lawyer Eimear Fitzmaurice about her experience of moving to Australia from Ireland to practice, the hurdles that foreign-qualified lawyers have to overcome in new jurisdictions, and what she has learnt, both personally and professionally, since migrating. Ms Fitzmaurice also dives into juggling vocational and financial hurdles as a foreign-qualified lawyer, pulling one’s self through challenging times, how best employers can support legal professionals who have come from overseas (especially in the new normal), why employers should welcome such practitioners, and why those facing such challenges must persist. If you

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Commonwealth Bank, we speak to an award-winning BigLaw partner about the state of affairs in cyber risk, data and technology practices, and how best the legal profession can steer businesses through ongoing volatility. Lawyers Weekly editor Jerome Doraisamy and Commonwealth Bank national head of professional services Daniela Pasini serve as co-hosts, with Corrs Chambers Westgarth head of TMT James North joining, to discuss the key takeaways and reflections from 2022 in the practice of cyber risk, how lawyers must be navigating the legal minefield currently confronting them, and what will constitute best practice in the face of said issues and challenges. Mr North also delves into how we should perceive the legislative framework and whether proposed changes will see Australia catch up to the realities on the ground, whether cyber insurance is worthwhile, buildi

Most people study and practise law for emotional reasons, but as lawyers, we are trained to sideline those emotions and consider legal issues objectively and dispassionately. What kind of impact does this have, particularly with regard to LGBTI rights? On this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Manchester Law School reader in human rights law Dr Senthorun Raj about a recent research paper he published on the mapping of emotional grammar as it pertains to LGBTI rights in law schools, why this is such an important topic, whether emotion is incompatible with blackletter law, and the extent to which law can or should be divorced from passion. Dr Raj also discusses whether emotional grammar, particularly as it pertains to LGBTI rights, is even more critical in the post-pandemic new normal, the need to get the next generation of lawyers into good habits from day one, how best to incorporate emotional literacy into

Amidst another RBA rate hike in March, Australians are not only facing the looming threat of falling off the mortgage cliff but are also finding themselves trapped in a different kind of financial dilemma — a mortgage prison. Smart Property Investment’s Phil Tarrant and Finni Mortgages’ chief executive Paul Glossop acknowledged the increased pocket pain that borrowers are burdened with, thanks to the central bank’s continued monetary policy tightening in 2023. And while refinancing has become the go-to recourse for borrowers to deal with the blows, they shine a spotlight on borrowers who find themselves unable to switch lenders due to rate hikes negatively impacting their serviceability. On that note, they unpack the “moving parts” that impact a borrower’s serviceability and delve into possible solutions to escape (or prevent) being stuck in mortgage prison.

As a solicitor who is trusted to manage her daily routine as she sees fit — so long as the work gets done — award winner Phoebe MacDougall can’t think of a single reason why lawyers would not be able to perform better if they, too, were trusted to live and practice as they please, rather than in more traditional, cookie-cutter schedules. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back MacDougall & Hydes solicitor Phoebe MacDougall to discuss her firm’s unique approach to flexibility, what her day-to-day looks like, how she makes time rather than finds time for the things that matter to her while also succeeding as a practitioner, and the myriad benefits she (and her practice) gleans from such an approach. Ms MacDougall also delves into how best lawyers and their employers can have substantive conversations about setting up such trusting relationships and schedules, how both parties can and will benefit, the

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Coaching Advocates, we explore the mindset of legal professionals and how best lawyers can reframe their thinking to better ensure personal and vocational success. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Coaching Advocates directors and co-founders Lara Wentworth and Katie Gray about why it is important to better understand and appreciate the mindset of lawyers, the nexus between mindset and mental health, the various traits of lawyers’ mindsets (including scarcity), how common such thinking is, and why it is critical to shift certain deleterious thinking. Ms Wentworth and Ms Gray also explain whether scarcity and related thinking has been heightened in recent years, the consequences of getting stuck in certain mindsets, practical ways to shift detrimental mindsets for lawyers, whether black-and-white rules exist, the legwork that lawyers must undertake themselves in addition to seek

In the wake of looming law reform in defamation, and given that it is “becoming harder and harder” to successfully sue for defamation, managing client expectations from the outset of proceedings is going to be especially pertinent for practitioners. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Bartier Perry partner Adam Cutri and associate David de Mestre to discuss the state of affairs in defamation law in Australia, lessons coming out of recent high-profile proceedings, where we’re at with the Stage 2 reforms, clarifications around the meaning of “serious harm”, and limitations on the amounts of non-economic loss. Mr Cutri and Mr de Mestre also delve into the proactive and reactive measures that are looming that lawyers in this space will have to be across, how lawyers on the ground feel about the reforms as they presently stand, the headline issues and challenges that defamation lawyers will have to con

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Blumers Personal Injury Lawyers, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Blumers director Noor Blumer about the state of affairs for confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements and the extent to which such arrangements can come into conflict with the principle of open justice. Ms Blumer details how confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements pertain to our understanding of justice, the extent to which they are prevalent in litigious proceedings, the increase in complainants publicly disclosing the offences allegedly committed against them, and recent cases — including the allegations against Dyson Heydon and the Fox News saga in the United States — that have led the charge on such public disclosure. She also outlines the nexus of such conversations to defamation proceedings, community perceptions and how social media reinforces certain biases, and whether law reform is n

Given how much the working world has changed in recent years, emerging leaders in law have a greater capacity to redefine who and what they want to be in the profession. Ensuring that one always remembers the human element of practice, and is community-minded, will be critical, however. On this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back HWL Ebsworth solicitor and Voices of Influence Australia chief executive Taylah Spirovski to discuss the many hats she wears and how she juggles her various responsibilities, why her work with Voices is so important, why advocacy must be part of a young lawyer’s journey, and whether holistic success for those coming through the ranks has evolved in the age of coronavirus. Ms Spirovski also delves into how shifts in power are redefining what emerging lawyers can or should look like, getting the best deal for one’s self, practical steps to take to glean broader perspectives, how and w

If being tough on crime worked, Attorney-General of the Northern Territory Chansey Paech says, then Australia would be the safest country in the world. What is needed, he argues, is better justice reinvestment and more substantive consultation — such as through the Voice — so that First Nations communities can be given a seat at the table and taken off the menu. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes NT A-G Chanston “Chansey” Paech to discuss his life and upbringing in the Top End, how his early life has informed his perspective and politics, the need to bring all Australians on the journey of sociocultural change, the pertinent suggestions from the Uluru Statement from the Heart that need implementing, and why the proposed referendum to institute a Voice to Parliament is so critical. A-G Paech also talks about the passage of legislation in the NT to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 years

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Commonwealth Bank, we speak to two partners and practice leaders at BigLaw firms about the tools that those in the partnership will require if they are to succeed in a new-look professional services marketplace. Lawyers Weekly editor Jerome Doraisamy and Commonwealth Bank national head of professional services Daniela Pasini serve as co-hosts, with Mills Oakley partner and head of cyber and insurance Jason Symons and Hamilton Locke partner and head of restructuring and insolvency Nick Edwards joining to discuss what are the most pertinent traits of partners who have been able to build and maintain successful practice groups, how they look to develop those skills in emerging firm leaders, and how emerging technologies can and will support the development of such skills moving forward. Mr Symons and Mr Edwards also detail how to build out a team to manage client demand, addressin

Peter Hunt AM has been a leading advocate for change to the legal classification of psychedelic medicines in Australia, with the hope that it will revolutionise mental healthcare and outcomes for those across Australia. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jess Feyder speaks with Mr Hunt, co-founder of the organisation Mind Medicine Australia, about psychedelic medicines and the changing legalities in Australia. Mr Hunt discusses the mental health epidemic plaguing Australia and how psychedelic medicines such as psilocybin and MDMA can address the mental suffering of people with treatment-resistant depression, severe post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health issues. Mr Hunt discusses the legal barriers and complications surrounding access for patients and speaks about the essential role lawyers can play over the coming years. Editor’s note: After the episode was recorded, the Therapeutic Good

Much has been made of “niching down” and of running micro practices. For Rachael Bosnjak, operating a “niche micro” law firm provides the best pathway to build a purposeful practice from which she can serve clients and the community at large. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Passage Migration Consulting principal Rachael Bosnjak about how and why she became passionate about migration law, whether having an MBA under one’s belt is a prerequisite for running a successful SME law firm, her plans for her business, and what it means to have a niche micro firm. Ms Bosnjak also delves into the need for purposeful practices, how she has established one, what sets a niche micro firm apart from other boutique practices, the headline benefits and opportunities that arise from having such purpose and running niche micro practices, whether this might be an emerging trend, and her guidance to those looking t

Many emerging legal practitioners find it difficult to meaningfully sell themselves to prospective employers. In an age in which hybrid working and virtual communication are rife, that proposition becomes even harder. Learning how to write a better job application, thus, is essential. On this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Herbert Smith Freehills graduate recruitment manager James Keane and senior associate Jason Feng about why there is a need for emerging lawyers to write better job applications, whether such writing doesn’t come naturally to new practitioners, and how the age of COVID-19 has made it harder for prospective lawyers to sell themselves. Mr Keane and Mr Feng detail the headline dangers of not being able to write good job applications, discuss a white paper they wrote to help those coming through the ranks write better applications, the balance between showcasing what one has done versus what

As was recently evidenced in a US-based law firm, there remain misconceptions in legal services workplaces about taking parental leave. Here, Danielle Snell — who co-founded her award-winning law firm while seven months pregnant — discusses why such biases continue to exist and what we can do to overcome them. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Elit Lawyers by McGirr & Snell managing director and co-founder Danielle Snell (whose firm won Boutique Law Firm of the Year at the 2022 Australian L

Many in-house lawyers, Kate Sherburn says, “limped to the finish line” at the end of 2022. Now that the new year is in full swing, corporate counsel must make concerted efforts to better manage themselves and their workloads. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Who Gives A Crap legal beagle Kate Sherburn to discuss her reflections on 2022, how and why many in-house lawyers were exhausted by year’s end, the impact of such exhaustion and why a new approach in 2023 is so essential. Ms Sherburn details what she will be doing this year to be more deliberate about her schedule, what she is most looking forward to (both personally and professionally), what she’s learnt from her own experiences and observations of others, and her guidance to other corporate counsel about best practice in the next 12 months. If you like this episode, show your support by <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.co

With the RBA serving up a 25-basis-point rate hike in February, can borrowers continue to hold the line? While the going is getting tough for property investors, these experts say it’s time to take control of their mortgage. With the RBA set to continue its fiscal policy tightening in 2023, Smart Property Investment’s Phil Tarrant and Finni Mortgage’s chief executive Paul Glossop look at the possibilities in front of investors to ‘finetune’ their mortgages. As the financial landscape rapidly changes, the pair also unpacks how lenders are becoming more competitive with their offerings, sharing some of the strategies that are available to mortgageholders. The duo also underlines the importance of being proactive in optimising their financial position as the RBA’s rate rise cycle continues in the coming months.

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with LawCPD, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back LawCPD director and co-founder Sarah Mateljan to discuss the most pertinent trends that legal professionals will need to be across if they are to keep their heads above the parapet in what promises to be a turbulent, uncertain 12-month period. Ms Mateljan fleshes out why lawyers’ use of technology is shaping up to be such a significant trend in the coming year, including the myriad technological considerations for lawyers and why such duties must be seen as part and parcel of a lawyer’s obligations. She also talks about the need or otherwise to “master” hybrid work, the potential hurdles arising from mainstream, long-term flexible and remote working arrangements for legal teams and how best to navigate updated legislative frameworks, and addressing workplace safety in new-look workplace environments, and

Too many lawyers and law students fall into the trap of comparing themselves to their colleagues and classmates and make vocational choices based on a narrow view of what constitutes success and what they think they should be doing (something the host of this show has fallen into the trap of doing in years gone by). Instead, lawyers need to forge their own paths and be true to themselves. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Cassandra Heilbronn, a Queensland lawyer currently based in Saudi Arabia as the chief executive officer of a private family office, to discuss the pertinent issue of lawyers comparing themselves to others and making career decisions on others’ trajectory, the myriad ways in which this can manifest and how it plagues lawyers of all stripes. Ms Heilbronn reflects on her own journey, the advice she offers lawyers she speaks to (as a mentor and as a public speaker), the co

At a time when it is much more difficult for SME law firms to grow organically, ensuring that a business can continue to thrive is more important than ever. Having a successful plan in place for firm acquisitions is one critical avenue that firm owners can take. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Justice Family Lawyers principal Hayder Shkara to discuss his firm’s performance during the age of coronavirus, how and why he had been on the lookout for an opportunity to acquire another practice to complement his first, how the chance to acquire Melbourne Family Lawyers in mid-2022 came about, and the practical steps he undertook to ensure — both personally and professionally — that it was the right move for him to make. Mr Shkara also details the boxes he felt needed to be ticked to move forward on such an acquisition, when it can be advantageous to acquire another practice rather than start a new office from scratc

Tom Penglis understands firsthand what issues exist in Western Australia’s criminal justice system. Now the co-founder of the WA Justice Association, he — together with colleagues like advocacy director Steven Thiele — is on a mission to ensure that emerging and existing legal professionals better appreciate the shortcomings of Australia’s justice system and what they can do to improve it. On this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with WA Justice Association co-founder and non-executive director Tom Penglis and advocacy director Steven Thiele about Mr Penglis’ experience of incarceration, what he learned from his term of imprisonment and how it offered him perspective on the criminal justice system, what WAJA does and why, and how it involves law students in its important work. Mr Penglis and Mr Thiele also discuss the flow-on benefits for emerging lawyers who broaden their understanding of the criminal j

On this special episode of LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with Sympli, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Sympli chief executive Philip Joyce to discuss the year that was and what we can expect in the new year in the e-settlements space. Mr Joyce discusses what was learnt from 2022, particularly the impact of legislative developments, the need for more flexibility, choice and efficiency, any potential hurdles that may arise in ensuring ease of access and seamless operations of platforms moving forward, and navigating marketplace headwinds to ensure practitioners and clients can thrive in the coming 12 months. He also delves into the most pertinent and exciting challenges that will be faced in 2023, what Sympli’s outlook for the new year is and what the disruptor is aiming to achieve, his predictions for progress by the year’s end, and what he is looking forward to in the broader e-settlements space. To learn m

A new report shows that almost half of companies are failing to identify clear modern slavery risks in their supply chains and that too many companies’ promises on corporate reporting remain unfulfilled. Why is this the case, and how can it be overcome? On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Human Rights Law Centre senior lawyer Freya Dinshaw about HRLC’s new report, Broken Promises, detailing corporate failures on reporting requirements, the headline findings from that report, why businesses are failing to meet their obligations, and how a lack of legislative understanding is contributing to said failures. Ms Dinshaw also reflects on how and why blame should be distributed for the current state of affairs, whether there exists a disconnect between companies’ public ESG commitments and what is happening on the ground, why the law department needs to find new and better ways to enga

Many lawyers, over their career, will identify a vocational niche and stick to that practice area, such as mergers and acquisitions. For Kristen Porter, “niching down” means something else: identifying a sector she feels strongly about, and wearing multiple hats for those in that sector, so as to “really understand” specific businesses. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with O*NO Legal founder and legal strategist Kristen Porter, who refers to herself as “The Real Estate Agent’s Lawyer”, about how and why she came to work with those in real estate, her experience of starting a boutique law firm at the beginning of COVID-19, and why those who started such firms at the beginning of the pandemic have fared so well in the intervening years. Ms Porter also discusses what niching down means to her, how she came by that strategy, why such a pathway is inspiring to her, whether there is and will alwa

Against the backdrop of a still turbulent and uncertain professional services marketplace, finding ways to increase efficiencies in the law department must remain front of mind — especially as it will make all other urgent priorities much easier to navigate. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with head of legal, office of the general counsel at King & Wood Mallesons, Stacy Ford, about his varied legal career, what he sees as being the headline issues facing law departments right now and why, whether businesses like BigLaw firms are better placed than most corporates at identifying and tackling market challenges, and how his own department looks to manage such hurdles. Mr Ford also discusses why finding ways to increase efficiencies is especially pertinent for in-house teams in the new year, why it is so important to re-evaluate those processes on a regular basis, how optimising a department’s processes makes all othe

Award-winning dealmaker Sandy Mak is optimistic about the M&A outlook in Australia this year. It will be critical, however, for practitioners in this space to take advantage of the fortuitous marketplace trends, she notes. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Corrs Chambers Westgarth partner and head of corporate Sandy Mak — who last year won the Dealmaker of the Year category at the Women in Law Awards — to discuss her headline reflections on the mergers and acquisitions market in 2022 and what lessons were learnt from the past 12 months, why she is an optimist about the market and, particularly, Australia’s position relative to other jurisdictions. Ms Mak also discussed how energy, healthcare and tech sectors are creating fertile ground for M&A practitioners, how ESG considerations can and will dictate success this year, some of the challenges that lawyers will face this year, as well as the opportunities, and som

Almost 13 years ago, Rebecca Bishop was in a horrific car accident, which she says she is lucky to have survived. Following this, she has not only overcome the physical and emotional trauma inherent in such an accident but has also emerged from it with pertinent life lessons for all legal professionals. (Editor’s note: This episode may be distressing for some listeners. Discretion is advised.) On this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Elite Building Services co-founder and self-proclaimed Office Goddess and R U OK? Day community ambassador Rebecca Bishop about how and why she has learnt what is most important to her vocationally, her journey of coming to legal study and navigating that course whilst working, what it’s like being an off-campus student and why being a lawyer is the proudest achievement of her life. Ms Bishop also details the car accident she experienced and the toll it had on h

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Leo Cussen Centre for Law, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Leo Cussen executive director Shirley Southgate to discuss the symbiotic relationship between the legal profession and education providers, and why it is so integral. Ms Southgate details the need for such symbiosis, the history of such collaboration, how the age of coronavirus taught the profession new ways of working together on legal education, the importance of proactivity in communicating educational needs, and how best providers can meaningfully create substantive educational programs. She also reflects on the partnerships that Leo Cussen has and how these have been successful, the lessons to be gleaned from 50 years in operation, looming challenges on the horizon, ways to take advantage of market opportunities, new offerings that Leo Cussen currently has, and why such offerings are s

Not enough boutique firm owners appreciate that contracts are inextricably linked not only to the day-to-day success of a business but also to an optimal client experience. This has to change. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Checklist Legal founder and chief contract enthusiast Verity White about how and why she became fascinated with the importance of contracts, why having an intricate knowledge and understanding of contracts is so integral for lawyers, the common mistakes that lawyers make with their utilisation of contracts, and what they need to consider when designing contracts. Ms White also details how best to tick the right boxes in contract design, best practice principles regardless of practice area, prioritising contract updates amid the triage or urgent priorities, getting started on the journey, and why those who ignore the need to improve their contract utilisation will b

On this episode of Legal Lightbulbs, our hosts — Lawyers Weekly editor Jerome Doraisamy and Bowd chief executive Fionn Bowd — speak with Shakti Legal Solutions founder and principal Sheetal Deo about whether the legal profession needs to move beyond conversations about unconscious bias if we really want social change. Jerome, Sheetal and Fionn discuss the nature and prevalence of unconscious bias, where Australia’s legal profession is at in raising awareness of and addressing such biases, why it is exhausting to even still have such conversations, and why the profession may hesitate to explore other avenues of change. The trio also flesh out the unique opportunity that the profession currently has to enact substantial change, what such change looks like, whether radical revolution or a quiet dismantling of existing structures is needed (or whether there is a middle ground to be chartered), the hurdles blocking change, and how best to navigate such movement in the post-

Lawyers don’t always appreciate just how pervasive sport is — not just in discourse and society but also in the operational practice of law. Those who aren’t paying attention should do so, particularly given how many lessons can be gleaned for best practice. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Thomson Geer partner Jacquie Seemann about the need for greater cognisance about the place of sport in shaping the direction of society and legal practice, the lessons to be taken from recent sporting controversies both in Australia and globally, the extent to which the community wants sportspeople to discuss important issues, the advent of sportswashing, and how integral sport is to the development and functioning of society and its lawyers. Ms Seemann also discusses her lifelong participation in sport, winning medals at the Maccabiah Games, her involvement in community projects, why keeping up her p

The past two years have seen high levels of movement, inbound and outbound, for in-house lawyers in Australia. With market volatility and uncertainty set to continue in the new year, it is certainly possible, if not likely, that such busy activity will continue in 2023. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back G2 Legal Australian director Daniel Stirling to reflect on the year that was in in-house recruitment, whether predictions made this time a year ago have panned out, what occurred that wasn’t anticipated, and perceptions about the advent or otherwise of the Great Resignation for corporate counsel. Mr Stirling also reflects on the challenges that are expected for the coming year, whether a potential recession will impact in-bound recruitment in certain practice areas, how in-house leaders can leverage resilience and shore up their resources, whether 2023 will see even higher rates of ac

Emma Maxwell practises what she calls “NewFamilyLaw”. Operating a legal business in such innovative ways is critical, she believes, in order to not only deliver optimal services to clients but also to practise in ways that make more sense to the modern lawyer. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Anchored Family Law director Emma Maxwell to discuss the advent of “NewFamilyLaw” and why practising in such a way is critical in the post-pandemic new normal, how and why such non-traditional pathways are appealing to her, and the issues and challenges that give rise to a need to practise in different ways. Ms Maxwell also discusses the hardship she has faced whilst practising, what she has learnt from her experiences, why making necessary changes to day-to-day practice benefits everybody, knowing how and when to switch off, what such an approach looks like in 2023, and what excites her about suc

Emily Hickman has always had, as she says, a “deep care” for humanity and strongly desires to contribute positively to the world around her. As a lawyer-turned-intimacy-and-sexuality-coach, she is determined to help others better connect with themselves and the world around them, which will — among other things — help them be better at their jobs. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with lawyer turned intimacy and sexuality coach Emily Hickman about how and why she entered the legal profession, her desire to do good in the world, the ups and downs she has experienced in changing vocational direction, and the path that led her to upskilling as a coach for intimacy and sexuality. Ms Hickman also outlines the parallels between her former career in law and the work she now does, what an intimacy coaching relationship looks like, creating connections where people actually feel seen, whether lawyers w

Too often, in-house lawyers are afraid that they won’t be seen as hardworking or committed. However, speaking up for what one needs in order to flourish actually demonstrates an ability to adapt and better manage the juggle. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Royal Melbourne Hospital chief legal officer and corporate secretary Fleur Katsmartin about her construction of a pseudo-maternity leave arrangement whereby she retains some work whilst being on leave, why such an arrangement works for her, how best to make such arrangements work in the post-pandemic new normal, and how in-house lawyers can ensure they are getting the best deal for themselves. Ms Katsmartin also discusses her longstanding interest in the health sector, how she fared working as a sole in-house lawyer for a hospital during a global pandemic, the challenges arising during such an age, and lessons learnt for other corporate counsel from being a

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, shadow minister for cyber security and shadow minister for countering foreign interference, Senator James Paterson joins Phil Tarrant (director - Momentum Media) and MAJGEN (retired) Dr Marcus Thompson to discuss the regulatory impediments preventing Australia from becoming a leader in cyber security. The group begins the podcast discussing the cyber security threats facing Australia and the role of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) Senator Paterson then details how foreign interference and espionage have overtaken terrorism as the primary security concern for Australia. The team wraps up the podcast in outlining the importance of attracting the right talent with the right skills to power Australian cyber security businesses. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or

Maithri Panagoda recently celebrated four decades in legal practice. In that time, he has learnt many lessons — including and especially the importance of integrity. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Carroll & O’Dea partner Maithri Panagoda to discuss his journey from Sri Lanka to Australia, how and when he realised that legal practice was his vocational calling, his passion for justice and the rule of law, the most significant periods and experiences in his legal career, and his perceptions of injustice. Mr Panagoda also details the landmark cases he has been fortunate enough to work on, the impact of those cases, his time working in regional Australia, the lessons he has learnt over the course of his storied career, his advice for lawyers in the current climate, and what excites him about the future of law in Australia. If you like this episode, show your support by <a hre

Australia’s legal profession has made great strides, in recent years, in transforming day-to-day practice methodologies. However, are lawyers their own worst enemies when it comes to achieving true and lasting innovation? On this episode of Legal Lightbulbs, our hosts — Lawyers Weekly editor Jerome Doraisamy and Bowd chief executive Fionn Bowd — speak with ALTA president and Legally Yours chief executive Karen Finch about barriers to innovation for lawyers, but also the unexpected creativity of lawyers.  The trio also debate whether legal practice should be focused on innovat

In-house lawyers need to be seen as an extension of business objectives. In order to build such an impression, counsel must learn how to effectively and clearly communicate across all business functions. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Airbus One Web Satellites deputy general counsel and University of Miami School of Law Adjunct Professor Krista Russell to discuss her passion for the business of law, the defined role she sees for in-house counsel, the gap in knowledge that law graduates have pertaining to legal practice, and why in-house lawyers need to be especially cognisant of the nexus between communication and business success. Ms Russell also details why overcoming challenges in effective and clear communication is so integral to overcoming other department-wide challenges, the practical steps that in-house counsel can implement to ensure they are communicating in better ways, avoiding particular phras

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with legalsuper, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with legalsuper executive manager of people and culture, Jessica Lancashire, in the wake of the inaugural Women in Law Forum about how best the profession can ensure female practitioners can thrive and secure their futures. The pair reflect on the evolution of conversations about Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) over the years, the state of affairs for the advancement of D&I in Australia’s legal profession, how well or otherwise the profession is doing in promoting equality for women coming through the ranks, the fiscal imperative in doing so, and the prevalence of self-stigma in having such conversations. Ms Lancashire also details how best existing leaders can support emerging leaders in their growth and development, the need to find new and creative ways to support the next generation, the Artesian Female Leaders Venture Capital Fund and

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Leo Cussen Centre for Law, we explore the nexus between lawyers’ professional development and legal innovation, and why thinking differently about education in a post-pandemic market is so essential. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Leo Cussen mentor and lawyer Liz Chase and ANIKA Legal chief executive Noel Lim to discuss the state of affairs in legal innovation, how and why the importance of innovation has been heightened in recent times, the inextricable need to improve access to justice, and the place for partnerships for optimal delivery of legal education in the future, such as that between Leo Cussen and ANIKA. Liz and Noel also delve into the need to develop a disruptive mindset that can heal a broken system, the broader benefits that those coming through the ranks can provide to broader society by thinking and practising differently, the need to avoid being left behin

Emily Barnes sensed, as an in-house lawyer, that there weren’t enough female mediators, with a glaring gap in the marketing being that certain voices weren’t being heard. Now working as a mediator, she feels it is “the best job I’ve ever had”. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Dewberry mediator Emily Barnes to discuss her varied career paths prior to finding mediation, why moving into this space was so personally and professionally important for her, whether there still exists an imbalance in the mediation space, and her perception of the state of affairs for mediation in Australia as we head into a new year. Ms Barnes also outlines how and why mediation use is increasing and why it is now its own standalone profession as opposed to being a retirement plan for lawyers, the opportunities being created by increased demand for services, practical steps to get more involved in mediation wor

Earlier this week, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raised interest rates for the eighth consecutive month. How should legal professionals who hold mortgages, and those who may hold mortgages in the near future, interpret the moves by the RBA and the economic climate around them? On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Legal Home Loans director of sales Cullen Haynes and legal lending specialist Josh Jaramillo mere minutes after the RBA’s December cash rate call about what the latest rise in interest rates means for lawyers with mortgages, the advent of the “fixed repayment cliff”, and whether lawyers should be looking at breaking their rates early. The pair also detail how younger practitioners who are looking to get into the property market should interpret the current climate, the available good news amidst the pain points, including the incentives that lawyers have access to when borrowi

Camilla Love started F3 — Future Females in Finance to bring more women into the financial services industry. The program — which won the Women’s Community Program of the Year award 2022 from the Women in Finance Awards 2022 — aims to educate young women about careers and finance and nudge as many of the next generation of female talent into financial services as possible. In this episode of In Focus, partnered by Mortgage Choice, we catch up with the founder of F3 (and managing director of eInvest), Camilla Love, and Mortgage Choice's executive manager corporate communications, events & franchise marketing, Sally Chadwick, to discuss what more we can do to ensure greater female representation in finance. Tune in to find out: The turning point that led Camilla Love to start F3 What we can be doing to welcome more women into financial services What the future looks like for wo

In a predominantly white corporate landscape, Australia’s legal profession can be a daunting place for those who don’t necessarily fit the preconceived mould. How best, then, can one identify one’s place as a lawyer? On this episode of Legal Lightbulbs, our hosts — Lawyers Weekly editor Jerome Doraisamy and Bowd chief executive Fionn Bowd — speak with lawyer turned high-performance life and business coach Rugare Gomo about his journey as a black, gay, migrant lawyer, the fronts on which he felt that he had to fight, and how and why he consciously left the law. Rugare discusses feeling pressure from family and his community, working his way through the legal profession, the issues he felt he couldn’t ask about or di

The financial services regulatory regime is “designed to be technology agnostic, so it ought to keep pace as much as possible with new products and new ways of delivering those products”. However, given seismic shifts in recent times, the current regime “just doesn’t fit”. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with K&L Gates partner Daniel Knight to discuss how and why existing laws haven’t kept pace with the rapid evolution of cryptocurrency and changes in open banking and payments, why there is a need for a more tailored response, recent developments that have accelerated the need for new laws, and what such introduced legislation could look like. Mr Knight also responds to questions about the reasonableness and likelihood of forward-looking legislation and regulation in this space, how such developments will impact upon the day-to-day work of lawyers in financial services, whether any fluctuati

With the Reserve Bank of Australia delivering a year-end rate pain and borrowers facing a dreaded “mortgage cliff” this Christmas, these experts recommend mortgage holders change up their holiday plans and take steps to strengthen their financial positions. With the central bank pumping up the cash rate to its highest level in a decade this December, Smart Property Investment’s Phil Tarrant and Finni Mortgages chief executive Paul Glossop call on mortgage holders to review their loans and take proactive steps to weather the rate hike headwinds. The duo also lay out strategies on how investors can strengthen their balance sheets, such as increasing their rental prices, extracting equity, repricing their existing loan or refinancing with a more pocket-friendly lender. <

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Leo Cussen Centre for Law, we explore the “pivotal moment” in recruitment we are currently witnessing and why having a better understanding of how best to attract and retain top talent, by way of upskilling, is critical. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Leo Cussen manager of industry engagement and careers Alex Giannopoulos and Leo Cussen director of CPD Linda Baxter to discuss why the nexus between recruitment and legal education is so pertinent in the current climate, whether team leaders are more cognisant of the need to upskill, the current state of affairs for legal recruitment, and anticipated opportunities for such leaders moving forward into the new year. Alex and Linda also outline their top tips for selecting the right candidate, how to navigate the interview process, getting candidates over the line, best practice principles that may not h

We “can’t change the world in one day”, says Squire Patton Boggs Perth managing partner Tony Chong. However, he can and is doing what he can to promote diverse workplaces and reduce discrimination in the broader community. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Mr Chong — one of the first non-white managing partners of a BigLaw firm in Australia — about his journey in law (including a background in accounting), whether he aspired to the leadership position he is now in, the value of being involved in community work and not-for-profit organisations, and how best lawyers can roll up their sleeves for such work. Mr Chong also details his focus on diversity at Squire Patton Boggs, what he has observed over the years with regard to the bamboo ceiling, the presence of unconscious bias, what guidance he has for other law firm leaders around Australia, whether he is optimistic about the capacity for meaningful change in Austra

On this special episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, produced in partnership with LawVu, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with LawVu chief legal evangelist Shaun Plant about empowering in-house lawyers to upskill and have more impact on their organisations. Mr Plant details his legal career to date, why upskilling in-house is so critical, the nexus between such professional development and fulfilment as a lawyer, the four key pillars to a connected legal function (including a focus on productivity, optimising engagement, proactivity and focusing on impact), the evolution or otherwise of best practice principles during the age of coronavirus, practical steps needed, and <a href= "https://www.lawyersweekly.com.au/biglaw/36044-new-connected-legal-certification-upskills-in-house-legal-professionals" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.lawyersweekly.com.au/biglaw/36044-new-

Prospective clients, and the broader legal profession, will often have preconceptions about a lawyer’s capacity — particularly when it comes to working women with families. Professionals must, Alana Jacquet says, be confident in their own abilities and vocational pathways, and not let anyone get in the way. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Our Lawyers principal Alana Jacquet about her move from Sydney to the Southern Highlands of NSW, how and why the opportunity arose for her to assume the management of a boutique firm, the challenges she has experienced in running a business and managing a team, and how such experiences have shaped her sense of self as a lawyer. Ms Jacquet also details the struggles she has faced in proving herself to the market given her juggling of family and professional responsibilities, how commonplace such experiences are for women lawyers, the approaches she has

Advocacy is, arguably, the “purest form of lawyering”. Learning how to do it well, two senior practitioners argue, is fundamental. On this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Chamberlains Law Firm director James d’Apice and senior associate Hugh Smith to discuss why advocacy skills are so critical for the next generation of lawyers to develop, what it feels like to be an advocate, and why it is so important to them to better educate those coming through the ranks about best practice. The pair also outline the holistic elements that shape a good advocate, balancing the competitive nature of advocacy against the need to look after one’s self, the non-negotiable tenets of good advocacy, how the age of coronavirus has reinforced or changed best practice principles, what advocacy looks like in the new normal, and how emerging lawyers can get more involved in such leg

When engaging an expert like a neuropsychologist, it is imperative that lawyers not only find the right expert but understand and appreciate why they are doing so and, therefore, what the right questions to ask will be. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back author and neuropsychologist Dr Hannah Korrel to discuss how and why lawyers would look to utilise the expertise of neuropsychologists and in what practice areas such expertise would be called upon, whether lawyers properly understand such expertise and know the right questions to ask. Dr Korrel also details the practical steps that lawyers should take in ensuring they are asking the right questions, whether certain questions are one-size-fits-all or if certain principles are adaptable, how to engage the services of the right kind of professional, whether lawyers should upskill on neuropsychology, and why lawyers must be neuropsychological considerations for cl

According to Noel Lim, “real justice means maintaining your rights as well as your dignity”. It’s a mantra he’s hoping to inspire in law students and grads coming through the ranks. On this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Anika Legal founding chief executive Noel Lim to discuss how and why the community legal centre got started, what it aims to do and why such work to ensure access to justice is so important, and how it involves students completing their practical legal training to bolster their professional skills and insight into key justice issues. Mr Lim also details why access to affordable housing is such a pertinent challenge, how the age of coronavirus exacerbated such concerns, how to better look after one’s self whilst being immersed in such legal work, and how best those coming through the ranks can meaningfully make time for volunteer work such as addressing and providing safe and affordable housing. <br

The recent collapse of crypto exchange FTX not only offers lessons but also provides an opportunity to reflect on the difficulties in regulating the digital assets and cryptocurrency space. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Stirling & Rose founding partner James Myint and managing director Natasha Blycha about what’s been happening in the crypto space, why the idea that crypto and digital assets are not regulated is a misnomer, the myriad difficulties in regulating this space, and whether such challenges can be overcome. The pair also detail what happened to FTX and what lessons can be drawn from this episode, what further regulation we may see in this space, and what lawyers who work in digital assets, cryptocurrency and smart legal contracts have to look forward to in the near future. If you like this episode, show your support by <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/au/po

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Metrics Credit Partners, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Metrics managing partner Andrew Lockhart about all things private debt in the post-pandemic market and what investors are looking at as we look ahead to a potential global recession. Mr Lockhart discusses the state of affairs for private debt, why it has been an attractive prospect for investors across the board and what is driving its increasing attractiveness in the wake of market volatility, what lessons can be learned from previous recessions if indeed another one comes to pass, and why geopolitical issues may have ripple effects. He also delves into the ramping up of restructuring and insolvency, the role of private debt in such times, how best lawyers can perceive the state of affairs in determining how to advise their clients, the practical steps that legal professionals can and should b

Krystal Kovac assumed a leadership role in-house in her late 20s, and has learnt the key characteristics that help her bring the most benefit to an organisation – which will be particularly useful if a recession comes to pass in Australia. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Tonkin general counsel Krystal Kovac about her journey to leadership in-house at an early stage of her legal career, the importance of learning by doing, why truly listening to other business functions is so critical, and the balance between proactive and reactive collaboration across the organisation. Ms Kovac also details the lessons she has learned that have helped her professional development as a general counsel, thinking holistically, the “big ticket” items she is focused on right now, her thoughts on how best GCs can make positive contributions in uncertain and volatile times, and the need for confidence in on

Annabel Biscotto — both on a personal level and as president of the Australian Law Students’ Association — is on a mission to let the legal profession know that neurodiversity, and disability more broadly, is “nothing to be ashamed of”. It’s a conversation, she says, the profession needs to be engaging in more. On this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Annabel Biscotto, a third-year law student at Curtin University and president of ALSA, about how and why she got involved in extra-curricular activities at law school, her diagnosis and experience with ADHD, why she sees it as being a significant ailment, and how she manages her condition and navigates it day-to-day. Ms Biscotto also reflects on the volume of neurodivergent persons in Australia, whether such conditions are the “new anxiety and depression” in the legal profession in terms of broader awareness, why advocating for better awareness and treatment of disability and n

Given the pace of change in work, health, and safety — not just legislatively, but also due to sociocultural and economic shifts in the wake of the pandemic — leaders in law must be well on top of how best to manage their teams, lest they be left behind in a post-pandemic marketplace. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Maddocks partner Catherine Dunlop about the state of affairs of workplace safety laws in Australia, the increased difficulty for leaders to look after staff in a post-pandemic landscape, looming legislative changes at the state and territory level, and how best workplaces can effectively monitor the health and wellbeing of staff in an increasingly hybrid working environment. Ms Dunlop also touches on how best to ensure no one is falling through the cracks, better managing client relationships, the place of the billable hour moving forward, the duty of care that may be owed b

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Support for Lawyers, we explore the changing landscape around wellness conversations in Australia’s legal profession, and whether the burden of responsibility is shifting in a post-pandemic new normal. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Support for Lawyers founder and director Marguerite Picard about her own journey as a lawyer and the professional struggles she has overcome, the critical importance of proactive efforts to manage lawyers’ wellness, the current state of affairs for the holistic health of Australian legal professionals, and the potential impact of recent marketplace changes. Ms Picard also delves into who bears responsibility for the health and wellbeing of lawyers in the post-pandemic new normal and why, movement away from box-ticking mentalities, the need for greater collective education, and details the Support for Lawyers

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with nrol, we dive into the headline hurdles that legal employers are having to overcome, particularly with a likely recession looming on the horizon. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with nrol director Jesse Shah about the current state of affairs for legal recruitment in Australia, the impact of preferences for remote working on hiring, the insurmountable challenges facing SME employers relative to BigLaw competitors and how employers are having to rethink their attraction strategies in the post-pandemic new normal. Mr Shah also touches on the types of roles that are seeing elevated hiring challenges right now and why, the metropolitan areas of Australia that are facing particular issues, the gender split in recruitment at this critical juncture, the need for idiosyncratic approaches to hiring, and how a recession can and will impact upon legal

In practice areas like wills and estates, lawyers and clients alike have been heavily reliant on paper in years gone by. In today’s world, such an approach is no longer mainstream. Moving your practice towards more environmentally friendly and technologically reliant processes, and bringing the client along for the journey, is critical. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Safewill Legal lawyer Lauren Solomonson to discuss how and why she became a wills and estates lawyer, why making the transition to paperless is so important — especially for lawyers in this space, the challenges in making such a transition, and navigating the sensitivities of this particular practice area. Ms Solomonson also details her own firm’s experience in making this transition, overcoming hurdles in the shift, evolving pricing structures, what’s happening across the market in wills and estates, challenges for such

A limitation of the criminal justice system, ACT-based prosecutor and author Katrina Marson says, is that it is reactive to misconduct such as sexual violence. A more stringent, and proactive approach to education is needed nationwide, she argues — so as to improve sexual wellbeing and reduce harassment and assault. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by ACT Director of Public Prosecutions senior prosecutor Katrina Marson, who is also the author of Legitimate Sexpectations: The Power of Sex Ed. Ms Marson discusses her vocational journey as a prosecutor, why such work is personally and professionally meaningful, the limitations of the criminal justice system and the need to rebalance the burden of responsibility in reducing crime. Ms Marson also delves into what new and improved education about sex could look like, societal receptiveness to the need for better education, ensuring that

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Commonwealth Bank, hear from two award-winning innovators about what constitutes successful innovation, in firms big and small, in a rapidly evolving marketplace. Lawyers Weekly Editor Jerome Doraisamy and National Director for Professional Services at Commonwealth Bank, Daniela Pasini, co-host this episode. We welcome Gilbert + Tobin Partner and Chief Knowledge and Innovation Officer Caryn Sandler (winner of the Innovator of the Year category at the 2022 Australian Law Awards) and Peripheral Blue Founder and Managing Director Mellissa Larkin (winner of the Innovator of the Year category at the 2022 Partner of the Year Awards) to discuss all things innovation. Ms Sandler and Ms Larkin reflect on whether innovation is client or firm-led led at this juncture, striking the right balance between proactive and reactive innovation. We delve into what constitutes int

While the Reserve Bank’s rate hike trajectory is painting a grim horror story for mortgage holders, these experts say there’s strategic ways to beat the financial stress. As the central bank announces its cash rate decision for November and warns of more rate pain to come, Smart Property Investment's Phil Tarrant and Finni Mortgages chief executive Paul Glossop explain how borrowers can “sharpen the pencil” on their mortgages. And while inflation will likely continue to be an economic scourge for Aussies, the experts unpack how repricing your existing loan or refinancing with other lenders can help loosen the screws on the household budget. The duo also urge borrowers to talk to mortgage professionals and enumerate what questions should be asked while they’re on the call to make sure they get the shar

Since the early days of her legal career, award-nominated legal counsel Charlotte Olsen has been determined to garner broad, diverse professional experience. Such an approach means that, as a junior in-house lawyer, she is well placed to support not just her law department, but the business more broadly. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with NRL legal counsel Charlotte Olsen about the range of roles she had in law thus far and how such different vocational opportunities have served her, what her day-to-day looks like working for the National Rugby League, overcoming the proactive and reactive challenges in that role, and combining her passions for law and sport. Ms Olsen also outlines how best junior legal counsel can put their hands up to better support across all business functions, determining the best modes of communication in a post-pandemic lan

The birth of barrister Rhiannon Malone’s son, one year ago, was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, and that of her husband’s. Unexpectedly, it turned out to be the worst day they’d ever experienced. Here, she reflects on the trauma of unexplained loss. (Content warning: this episode may be distressing for some listeners. Discretion is advised.) On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Melbourne-based barrister Rhiannon Malone about her early days as a barrister, her experience with unexplained stillbirth and the impact upon her and her husband, and how such trauma has changed her sense of self (both personally and professionally). Ms Malone also discusses how she has looked to make her way back from such trauma, including getting back into working life, stigma that barristers may feel about such experiences, how colleagues across the Victorian Bar have supported her, and what advice sh

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Madison Marcus, Theresa Armstrong details the importance of learning from uncomfortable or upsetting experiences – from the courtroom to client conference rooms – and how legal professionals can grow into the advocates they need to be. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Madison Marcus director Theresa Armstrong, who is the managing partner of the firm’s Parramatta office, about her storied career in law, why open conversations about upsetting moments with key stakeholders are needed, some of the teachable moments she’s experienced in her own career, why clients may feel emboldened to mistreat their lawyers, and the experience of women lawyers in such interactions. Ms Armstrong also delves into practical ways that lawyers of all stripes can regain their confidence, develop their resilience, build up their emotional intelligence (particularly in a post-pa

The financial services industry has historically been male-dominated but encouraging more women into the space is not only good for society, but good for business too. In this episode, partnered by Mortgage Choice, Anthony Waldron, chief executive of financial services and Mortgage Choice at the REA Group, outlines how the industry can move away from being “male, stale and pale” and encourage more women into the space. Tune in to find out: The barriers that might be holding back female representation What can be done to encourage diversity in industry Why Mortgage Choice is partnering with the Women in Finance Awards 2022 And much more! If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: <a href=

Five years ago, the Coalition government announced it closed the loophole that enables perpetrators of sexual abuse to hide assets in superannuation. Since then, nothing has changed. As such, Andrew Carpenter is on a mission to ensure that this changes — and soon. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks to Websters Lawyers senior associate Andrew Carpenter about how and why he started working with survivors of sexual abuse, the financial issues they encounter, the impact upon those survivors, and the broader legal and societal implications for perpetrators being able to hide assets in their super accounts. Mr Carpenter also delves into the specific changes that advocates like himself — and numerous foundations he collaborates with, including the Grace Tame Foundation — are pushing for, the likelihood that the new Labor government will introduce measures to close this loophole, the state of affairs

Becoming one’s own employer can be a daunting prospect. However, if the right opportunity presents itself, junior lawyers should be unafraid to grab it with both hands. On this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with award-nominated lawyer and principal of KF Lawyers Australia, Katrina Favre, about the circumstances that led to her leaving her job to set up her own firm, the personal and professional deliberations that went into making that decision, the navigation of client relationships in such a process, and weighing up the pros and cons of such a vocational window of opportunity. Ms Favre also reflects on making such a leap during a global pandemic, ensuring that one’s branding is up to scratch in order to succeed, the challenges to overcome in establishing a new practice as a junior lawyer, the non-negotiable steps that a new business owner must take, thinking of one’s self as a business owner and not

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Blumers Personal Injury Lawyers director Noor Blumer to discuss the application of ethics, and ethical conduct, particularly in uncertain and turbulent times, and why ethical conduct remains so critically important for all lawyers. Ms Blumer outlines practical examples of ethical problems she has witnessed during her storied career, why ethical conduct is as important as ever, if the need for ethical conduct is heightened in the current age, navigating particular hypothetical ethical conundrums, whether abiding by ethical conduct rules is becoming harder, and her guidance for fellow lawyers in ensuring optimal ethics in the post-pandemic new normal. To learn more about Blumers, click <a href= "https://www.blumers.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.blumers.com.au/&source=gmail&u

On this special episode of LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with LexisNexis, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with LexisNexis executive vice-president and general counsel Ian McDougall about how technology, in general, is proving to be as much of a challenge to the rule of law as a support to it. Mr McDougall details how and why there is an intersection between the rule of law and the advancement of legal technological platforms and processes. Are lawyers losing sight of the importance of the rule of law amidst the mainstreaming of legal tech? He discusses the practical steps that lawyers must take to ensure the rule of law is not lost in the shuffle, why the rule of law is not a competing priority in the wake of myriad market disruption and turbulence, and the benefits that will flow — both for lawyers and their clients — should the rule of law be promoted in one’s use of tech. For more information about the LexisNexis Rule of Law Foundation at their eff

Corporate counsel have, for some time, been cognisant of the need to be more adept with cyber security. The recent Optus attack is not only a timely reminder of this need — but it also offers myriad lessons and warnings for in-house lawyers in how they manage their business’ affairs. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes Hall & Wilcox partner and head of cyber Eden Winokur to discuss the fallout from the recent cyber attack on telco giant Optus, the key takeaways from a legal standpoint from that attack, and why in-house lawyers must see this as a wake-up call for ensuring that cyber is front and centre of everything that they do within and for their business. Mr Winokur details the corporate lessons from the attack, practical steps that corporate counsel can and must take moving forward, stakeholders with whom they have to engage, challenges they will have to navigate, and the opportunities

Despite multiple award wins, Jason Betts doesn’t allow himself to get complacent. No matter what, he always pushes himself to do more and won’t ever presume that a client is fully satisfied with his service. Being comfortable in such discomfort, he feels, has been critical to his success. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Herbert Smith Freehills partner Jason Betts — who won the Litigation Partner, the Dispute Resolution Partner, and the Excellence Award categories at the 2022 Partner of the Year Awards — about the traits that are necessary to success for law firm leaders, avoiding intellectual arrogance, and having the fortitude to be humble. Mr Betts also explains why he thinks partners must be comfortable being uncomfortable, what that looks like and how to embrace it, what he has learnt from failures in his career, maintaining hunger for the role, and offers advice for aspiring partne

The novelty of working remotely, or flexibly, has not worn off for many legal professionals. The mainstreaming of WFH is, for some, an irreversible trend. But are there ways that the office can become a more enticing workspace? On this episode of Legal Lightbulbs, our hosts — Lawyers Weekly editor Jerome Doraisamy and Bowd chief executive Fionn Bowd — reflect on the bounty of choice that legal professionals have in determining where they work from each day, the systemic and environmental issues that meant that some pre-pandemic workplaces were not conducive to collegiality and development, and why businesses should even see upside in having staff come back in to a shared workspace. The hosts also dive into whether the law office is even salvageable in the post-pandemic new normal, how best collaboration and efficiency can be gleaned in new-look office spaces, the inextricable need for better training and development in person, and u

Advocating for your career as a junior lawyer is “not just about going for the next rung” — so much more is involved, says this professional. On this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with K&L Gates lawyer Mei Gong about her career to date, how she learnt about the need to advocate for one’s career, why it is so important for junior lawyers to do so, and whether such advocacy comes naturally to her and to other new legal professionals. Ms Gong also discusses her experiences during the COVID-19 lockdowns and how they inspired her to better advocate for herself, what she has learnt along the way, the questions that junior lawyers should ask of themselves in getting started on the advocacy journey, practical steps to take, and what she has learnt about herself — personally and professionally — on her journey. If you like this episode, show your support by <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-lawyers-weekly

One decade ago (to the date of publication of this episode), Lawyers Weekly editor Jerome Doraisamy admitted himself to hospital, in light of his spiralling anxiety and depression, which verged on suicide ideation. Here, he reflects on that period of ill-health, his journey since, and lessons learned. Content warning: This episode contains content that may be disturbing or distressing to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, Herbert Smith Freehills senior associate Codie Asimus interviews Jerome Doraisamy about his mental breakdown 11 years ago, the 18-month bout of ill-health that followed (including hospitalisation), what he learned from his experiences with severe clinical anxiety and depression, and how he feels reflecting on that time of his life, one decade on. Codie and Jerome also discuss the current state of affairs for wellness in Australia’s legal

A must-listen for anyone with a mortgage, Property Finance Uncut gives Aussies the latest intel on the lending scene. Join Smart Property Investment’s Phil Tarrant and Finni Mortgages chief executive Paul Glossop to unpack the latest Reserve Bank of Australia cash rate decision.

Since its inception in 1976, Sunshine Coast-based firm Bradley & Bray Lawyers has had numerous iterations. Being open and receptive to change, and incorporating such a willingness into a firm’s business model, is imperative if that business is to roll with the times. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Bradley & Bray Lawyers director Jacob Corbett to discuss his journey to firm leadership in his late 20s, how his firm has evolved since the 1970s and why, and how his mentor instilled in him the importance of seeking out perspectives from the next generation of leaders. Mr Corbett also delves into why new iterations of a boutique law firm are so important in an ever-changing marketplace, how best small firms can evolve with the times, what lessons can be learned from such change, and his advice to other firm leaders about ensuring such change is baked into one’s value proposition and busine

On this special episode of LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with mattero, we explore the role that legal tech has played, and will continue to play, in supporting the growth trajectory and success of women legal professionals. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by mattero marketing manager Fiona Chevallier-Knospe, By George Legal director Georgina O’Farrell, TBA Law principal solicitor and founder Jacqueline Brauman, and Balance Family Law director and co-founder Perpetua Kish to discuss the nexus between legal technology and pathways in law for women lawyers, what legal practice management currently looks like for women in the profession, and how day-to-day life as lawyers is shifting following the age of coronavirus. The guests also discuss headline challenges and opportunities moving forward in the post-pandemic market, their experiences to date with legal tech and how it has helped them better manage their businesses, what t

The defence industry will likely be one of the most high-profile in the coming years. The pace of change together with sociopolitical, technological and environmental factors make it a fascinating and stimulating space to be in, says one lawyer. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Piper Alderman senior associate Travis Shueard to discuss his passion for defence industry work, how and why he saw an opportunity to steer his legal career in this direction, what the day-to-day looks like for lawyers in this space, and having a heightened sense of purpose as a practitioner. Mr Shueard also delves into finding the best value as a lawyer in this space, the best practice principles for legal service, challenges to overcome in the defence industry space, navigating environmental shifts, trends and opportunities looming on the horizon, his own professional goals, and thoughts on how much the defence

On this special episode of LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with LexisNexis, we explore the skills divide for technology use in the workplace, the need to acknowledge and embrace the spectrum of proficiency, and how best to bridge that divide in the post-pandemic new normal. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with LexisNexis head of UX research (Asia and Pacific) Chantelle Maree about what the skills divide is, the generational differences driving that proficiency spectrum, the extent to which the spectrum is actual versus perceived, and why addressing that spectrum is so critical for legal practitioners and businesses amidst current market turbulence and uncertainty. Ms Maree also delves into the practical ways that the skills divide can be address, the nexus between the divide and psychological safety, why the divide is not yet insurmountable, the responsibilities upon individuals to upskill, and how LexisNexis can assist.

The management of contractor safety is “one of the most misunderstood areas of law”. At a time when in-house counsel are so busy with other urgent priorities, the safety of their business’ contractors cannot be forgotten. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by LinkSafe freelance legal consultant and ContractorSAFE legal and safety consultant Sue Bottrell to discuss why contractor safety management is such an important conversation, why it is a blind spot for many lawyers right now, and the holistic approach needed to such safety. Ms Bottrell also discusses the practical steps that can and should be taken by employers and their legal departments to shore up their contractor safety management practices and policies, the need to ensure that the onus of responsibility falls on certain parties, and broader guidance for in-house counsel in seeing this broader conversation as being inextricably linked to one’s duties.<br

From niching down a firm’s practice offerings to opening a new regional office, Kerri Shaw and Gemma Bunner have learned the importance of regularly evaluating the health and direction of their firm. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Shaw & Bunner Legal founders, Kerri Shaw and Gemma Bunner, to discuss how and why they founded a firm together in the Hunter region in NSW, how the firm has fared in its first few years, why they have opted to scale down the number of practice areas they offer to clients, and the recent opening of their second office, in Gunnedah. Ms Shaw and Ms Bunner also reflect on the general health of regional law firms in the wake of the age of coronavirus, adapting to changing dynamics (both in the market and within one’s own business), why it is so important to regularly evaluate how the firm is performing, the questions that must be asked as part of such a process, and what the future looks

Mediation is on the rise — not just as a practice methodology, but as an avenue for litigious proceedings. Those operating in this space need to not only be able to adapt to changing circumstances, but also unlearn certain traits gleaned as a legal professional. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Nicole Davidson — a Melbourne-based commercial mediator and negotiation consultant who recently won the inaugural Mediator/Arbitrator of the Year category at the 2022 Australian Law Awards — about how and why she got into mediation as a vocational path, why mediation is such a critical avenue, the motivations of clients and whether lawyers are as open to mediation as an avenue as they should be in the course of litigation. Ms Davidson also delves into the headline issues and challenges for mediation as a growth area, whether mediation is on the rise in Australia, navigating evolving environmental

On this special episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, produced in partnership with LOD, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Australian managing director Paul Cowling and head of market insights Mark Dodd about its recently released report, Risky Busyness, exploring the state of in-house teams globally. The pair reflect on the key challenges being faced by law departments around the world, why risk management is top of mind for general counsel, why talent attraction and retention are such a concern and whether idiosyncrasies of in-house life are contributing to such hurdles. Mr Cowling and Mr Dodd also detail the top priorities for in-house teams, how law departments can better demonstrate value to other business functions, what departments are investing in, the perception of law departments within their businesses, and how legal teams must view the findings of this report. To read the full report, click <a href

It is striking, Victorian shadow minister Dr Matt Bach MP notes, how similar the criminal justice remedies of 200 years ago are to today’s policies and processes. To that end: has Australia learned from history? On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Victorian shadow minister for transport infrastructure, child protection and youth justice Dr Matthew Bach MP about his thoughts on the criminal justice system, and specifically youth justice, in the context of needed law reform — both in Victoria and across Australia. Dr Bach reflects on his career and journey in politics, his PhD in 19th century British history, the similarities between criminal justice approaches of that age and today’s world, lessons to be drawn from such similarities, what might need to change in today’s landscape (particularly against the backdrop of the post-pandemic world), how lawyers can contribute to such processes, and what the Victorian Libera

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Empire Group, we explore emerging trends in salaries for legal professionals on Australia’s east coast and what these trends mean for legal recruitment in a post-pandemic market. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Empire Group partner Alison Crowther to discuss the company’s recently released 2022 Legal Salary Guide, explore the latest developments in salaries in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, why such developments are so consequential, and what they mean against the backdrop of the supposed Great Resignation following the age of coronavirus. Ms Crowther also reflects on the phenomenon of “quiet quitting” in the context of recruitment, why emerging trends reinforce what we know about the recruitment market, the role of legal recruiters moving forward, and what candidates can look forward to in the future. To learn more about Empi

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Blumers Personal Injury Lawyers, we delve into the practice management hurdles that can and do arise when representing clients involved in high-profile proceedings. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Blumers director Noor Blumer about the rules and principles guiding lawyers in high-profile proceedings and the extent to which media can or should be engaged, difficulty of such management in the age of social media, balancing media engagement against a client’s best interests and advising clients about best practice. Ms Blumer also outlines lessons she’s learnt from high-profile cases in the past, her personal experience in such matters, practical steps to take to better control the media narrative, the critical importance of good communication, what lawyers must avoid doing, and how lawyers can learn more about their duties and responsibilities with media. <div style="font-we

Legal work in regional towns is ramping up in the post-pandemic market. For leaders like Najeh Marhaba, it provides a great opportunity to bolster one’s practises amidst increased competition — whilst still enjoying the lifestyle benefits of being out of the major metropolitan areas. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Hicksons partner-in-charge in Newcastle Najeh Marhaba about how he and his family ended up moving out of Sydney and to Newcastle and the Hunter region, his experience of working in regional NSW, how and why there is an increased volume of work in the regions post-pandemic and how such increases bolster national firm’s growth. Mr Marhaba also delves into the looming challenges for regional practices in a post-pandemic market, how well placed regional practices are to withstand the ongoing economic turmoil, growth opportunities for big and small practices in the regions, and w

On this episode, brought to you by Lawyers Weekly’s sister brand, Space Connect, host Adam Thorn speaks with Joel Lisk, a space law research associate at the Jeff Bleich Centre at Flinders University in South Australia and a PhD candidate at the Adelaide Law School. Mr Lisk recently co-authored a research paper on the regulation of satellite constellations and space debris in low-Earth orbit alongside Melissa de Zwart. In this episode, he speaks to Adam about how he found himself in the emerging field of space law and the complexities of the field. They further discuss the increasing risk of space debris on earth and in orbit and look at some of the avenues for regulation. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: <a

Instances of bias are “incredibly rare” in Australia’s judicial system. However, given Australians’ right to independent and impartial hearings, it is imperative for lawyers to understand and appreciate how best to serve their clients if and when actual or apprehended bias manifests. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Armstrong Legal national practice director of criminal law Angela Cooney and J Sutton Associates director Andrew Tiedt to discuss the different forms of bias in court proceedings, how frequently bias occurs in hearings, and high-profile instances of bias arising in Australian courts and what was learnt from those cases. Ms Cooney and Mr Tiedt also respond to questions about what can be construed as actual or apprehended bias, what criminal lawyers need to know about managing prospective or perceived bias, whether the advent of virtual hearings helps or hinders lawyers in identifying instances of bias

Many lawyers move in-house seeking greater work/life balance. What they cannot forget, however, is that they may have a responsibility to the health and wellbeing of the law firm’s lawyers they brief. On this episode of Legal Lightbulbs, our hosts — Lawyers Weekly editor Jerome Doraisamy and Bowd chief executive Fionn Bowd — reflect on the extent that law departments, and particularly leaders of those in-house teams, owe a duty of care to the firms that make up their external legal services panels (even if that duty isn’t written into a position description). The pair discuss the moral and ethical imperatives to support other professionals and the need for a holistic approach to stakeholder management. They consider the capacity of firms to turn down work in favour of clients who may offer better working conditions, and the balancing act with which in-house legal teams must grapple when working with firms but also meeting the needs

A must-listen for anyone with a mortgage, Property Finance Uncut gives Aussies the latest intel on the lending scene. Join Smart Property Investment’s Phil Tarrant and Finni Mortgages chief executive Paul Glossop to unpack the latest Reserve Bank of Australia cash rate decision.

Laura Frederick, a former senior in-house counsel at Tesla, loved her job at the global behemoth. What was missing, however, was a sense of freedom over her personal and professional beings — something that only she could create for herself. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with How To Contract founder and president, and former Tesla lawyer, Laura Frederick about her legal career to date, her experiences at Tesla and what life is like working for one of the world’s most talked-about companies, her background and interest in contracts and how and why she decided to “niche down” into this area of practice. Ms Frederick also explains why niching down was so important for her as a corporate counsel, rather than trying to be the jack-of-all-trades, why she decided to leave in-house to run her own firm, why having freedom in one’s day-to-day is so critical

No one starts a law firm thinking about how they’re going to exit it. However, it is imperative (particularly in an age of turbulence) to not only ensure continuity in your business once you leave it but also do so in a way that makes both personal and professional sense to you and your successor. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Justitia founding partner Sarah Rey and new managing partner Melissa Scadden to talk about the inception and early years of the Melbourne-based boutique, how and why Ms Rey determined she needed to step away from the position of firm head, Ms Scadden’s career and when and why assuming a leadership role made sense to her. Ms Rey and Ms Scadden also detail their pre-requisites for undertaking a succession process, and the elements involved, the personal factors that go into such considerations, the firm mission moving forward, how succession planning can be unde

Australian Bar Association president Dr Matt Collins QC says he is proud of how well barristers across the country have adapted to the new normal in recent years. Looking ahead, the bar is shaping up to be a stronger, more united cohort as a result, he believes. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Australian Bar Association president Dr Matt Collins QC to discuss his personal experiences of practice during the age of coronavirus, how he feels barristers fared in general, the advent of virtual hearings and other changes that barristers have had to grapple with, and whether professionals have had to relearn what it means to be a barrister. Dr Collins also stresses the importance of retaining the art of persuasion in whatever hearing one appears in, what the future looks like for in-person chambers, whether barristers could embrace hot-desking, how regional barristers have fared in this age,

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with the Australasian Legal Practice Management Association (ALPMA), learn more about what the future will hold for legal practice managers, including all those with leadership and management responsibilities, as we exit the age of coronavirus. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with ALPMA strategic learning and development manager Fiona Croswell and PwC directors of NewLaw Eric Chin and Carl White about who ALPMA is and what it does, the headline issues for all legal practice managers in the post-pandemic new normal, juggling client expectations in the new normal, striking the right balance moving forward, and necessary skills to ensure that balance. The trio also reflect on the ongoing war for talent and the rise of new roles in legal businesses, the pace of change and need for adaptability, ensuring that all employees feel accommodated and that they have purpo

“Quiet quitting” is more than a TikTok fad. It may have far-reaching consequences for daily legal practice and the evolution of businesses in law. Is this good or bad for the legal profession On this episode of Legal Lightbulbs, hosts Jerome Doraisamy and Fionn Bowd reflect on what “quiet quitting” means in the context of Australia’s legal profession and why lawyers are so fascinated with the concept. They discuss whether it is reasonable for lawyers to “quietly quit” their jobs by silently refusing to do more than they are paid for and the pejorative nature of the term itself. The pair also flesh out the broader rejection of traditional, longstanding modes of practising law and debate who might be more likely to “quietly quit” their jobs. They ask about the relationship between “quiet quitting” and our duties to the court and our clients, and what “quiet quitting” means against the backdrop of the Great Resignation. Jerome and Fionn touch on the ever

The most successful fast-growing companies are ones that are not only open to change, but are “naturally wired” to be comfortable practising and operating in non-traditional modes. The law department plays a critical role in driving such an approach.   On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by harrison.ai general counsel and company secretary Jennifer Mulheron to discuss what life is like at the healthcare tech start-up and why such work is so rewarding, the importance of being open-minded with shifts in one’s career trajectory, and managing the juggle of being GC and co sec.   Ms Mulheron also delves into the hurdles for tech start-ups to overcome in the current climate, moving past a risk-averse

There has been a shift, marketing expert Aleks Czerwinski says, away from traditional business presentation towards establishing emotional connections with clients and communities. Therefore, being authentic is imperative if a firm’s marketing campaigns are to tell a story and resonate broadly. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Pump Me Up founder Aleks Czerwinski to discuss her career to date in marketing and how she came to work with and for law firms, her broad perception of how well law firms in Australia are doing with their marketing efforts, the biggest mistakes that SME firms make with marketing, and misconceptions that they might have. Ms Czerwinski also dives into the hesitancy to commit to campaigns, practical steps that firms must take to ensure longevity from their marketing efforts, whether there is a specific quantum of time required each week to guarantee success, the nee

Jason Symons has always been passionate about growing a business. It’s “in my DNA”, he says. Recently, when the opportunity arose to build a new cyber practice at Mills Oakley, he grabbed it with both hands. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Mills Oakley partner and cyber security practice head Jason Symons to discuss his interest in cyber law, how the launching of his new practice at Mills Oakley came about and why he opted to make the move, what the experience of launching such a new practice has been like, and the balance between proactive and reactive work when building a new group. Mr Symons also delves into some of the challenges of launching a new practice in a national firm, what he is learning from this period, the trends and opportunities he has taken advantage of amidst such a growth period, what his goals are for the group moving forward, and what he’s learned about himself — both personally and profe

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Macquarie Business Banking, learn about how law firms across the country were able to adapt to the turbulence of a global pandemic. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Macquarie Business Banking’s National Segment Head for Legal, Matthew Bolle, to discuss the findings and key takeaways from the 2022 Business Barometer report, including the impacts of the pandemic upon law firms, the building of profits during that time, the scale­ to which firms invested in technology, how easy firms made it for clients to do business with them, and the extent to which customer experience was improved. Bolle also details how well law firms appear to be proactive about managing external events like a pandemic, the top challenges for legal businesses, considerations for workplace wellness, whether specialised boutique firms are diminishing, and ultimately how wel

From the age of 12, Megan Patten knew she wanted to become a lawyer. However, less than two years after being admitted, she left legal practice. The realisation that she no longer wanted to be a lawyer, she says, was “like a bus hitting me”. (Content warning: this episode may be distressing for some listeners. Discretion is advised.) On this episode of the Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Australian Energy Regulator senior analyst Megan Patten about her lifelong desire to become a lawyer, the work she did once admitted, how and why she realised that she no longer wanted to work as a lawyer and the circumstances surrounding that epiphany. Ms Patten also details prioritising her health and wellbeing during

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Madison Marcus, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Madison Marcus partner and division leader of sustainability/ESG and banking and finance Eric Boone about the elevation of environmental, social and governance concerns as we move into a post-pandemic market. Mr Boone details his vocational journey and how he became so personally and professionally invested in ESG work, particularly modern slavery, and his motivation for serving clients across the board in the best and most holistic ways possible. He also outlines the intersection between ESG and other legal practice areas, the need to “fully leverage” such considerations across practices, the increased prominence of ESG following the age of coronavirus, how Australia’s corporate approaches to ESG compare to global counterparts and whether such organisations are being proactive or reactive about implementing their approach

Trent Blacket, the co-founder of EMT Partners, helps operate three businesses: a law firm, an advisory firm, and an investment firm. Two and a half years since inception, Mr Blacket remains as excited and engaged as ever and has a clear understanding of how his entrepreneurial thinking can help achieve his personal and professional goals. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with EMT Partners co-founder Trent Blacket about the three arms of his parent business, the concept of lawyers as venture capitalists, why he wanted to establish an operation that is more expansive than the average legal practice, how his experiences working overseas have informed his thinking and direction, and what the journey for EMT has been like so far. Mr Blacket also reflects on the implications for operating a law firm and also making investments for clients, the value proposition of such an expansive operation, how

Like personal relationships, being a business owner in law requires commitment, especially in the face of challenges. Finding ways to maintain love for your law firm, as its owner, is paramount to that firm’s success. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Caralee Fontenele, the director of Collective Family Law and director of Scalable Law, to discuss her journey as a business owner (including learning how and when to hand over responsibilities as a practitioner so as to focus on running the business), understanding the needs of one’s business, what it means to have love for one’s legal business and the importance of maintaining that love even when challenges strike. Ms Fontenele also details the strategies she employs to ensure she keeps up the love even when she’s not feeling it, the need to “spice it up” from time to time, the importance of proactivity in showing love to one’s business, the need to think outside

Why should law firms invest in technology? How can it shape their future? What difference will technology make to everyday life at the firm? Can efficiency, productivity and successful outcomes be driven by employing the right technology infrastructure? What will the law firm of tomorrow look like? On this special episode of LawTech Talks, LexisNexis head of core product (Pacific) Lindsay O’Connor talks to LexisNexis managing director (Pacific) Greg Dickason about the disruptive change technology is bringing to the legal world, enabling law firms to become more client-centric. For more information on LexisNexis solutions, click<a href="https://www.lexisnexis.com.au/en/homepage" target= "_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.com/url?q=https://

Despite the hardship she has suffered as a result of vicarious trauma in the workplace, award-winning lawyer Zagi Kozarov is still highly motivated to support the community around her, especially now that a decade-long fight that culminated in a High Court challenge has concluded. (Content warning: this episode may be distressing for some listeners. Discretion is advised.) On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Kozarov Lawyers principal director Zagi Kozarov, who won the Wellness Advocate of the Year category at the 2022 Partner of the Year Awards and whose firm won Wellness Initiative of the Year at the 2022 Australian Law Awards. Ms Kozarov discusses her firm's growth plans, details the vicarious trauma she suffered in previous employment that led to proceedings over 10 years about duty of care and PTSD in the workplace, the need for employers to better

Our constitutional system is not separate from our national ecosystem. In the wake of increased litigation pertaining to climate change, it is incumbent upon legal officers, including judges, to consider how “old laws”, such as the Constitution, can and should address “new problems”, like the impacts of global warming. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by UTS Law teaching academic Dr Costa Avgoustinos to discuss how and why the effects of climate change can and will have consequences for the Australian Constitution and the nexus between the Constitution and our ecosystem. Dr Avgoustinos also discusses the key pillars of federalism and corruption in adversely affecting our Constitution in the context of climate change, the role of the judiciary in addressing climate-related concerns, the various political positions that lawyers and judges alike will have and take, the limits on governmental power, and why all lawye

Becoming a legal counsel in the defence industry was not a pathway that award-winning lawyer Katherine Stapels planned for, but it is a space that she has come to "really love". On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with DroneShield general counsel Katherine Stapels — who won the Defence Lawyer of the Year category at the 2022 Corporate Counsel Awards — about her vocational journey towards working in defence, what listed company DroneShield does and why its work is so important to Australia, and what the law department is responsible for in achieving the company's aims. Ms Stapels also fleshes out how best to stay in touch with the community of defence lawyers, building relationships across a business, approaching applications with regulatory bodies, navigating the broader regulatory landscape, best practice for defence lawyers amidst all of the environmental challenges, lessons for defence lawyers based on her experi

When Travis Schultz & Partners was launched, its founder — whose name is on the door — presumed the firm would be kept small, with perhaps just over half a dozen staff. Now pushing 50 professionals, Travis Schultz has learned how to navigate the unanticipated scaling of a legal business and how to ensure it thrives. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Travis Schultz & Partners founder and principal Travis Schultz to discuss his firm’s growth journey from boutique to a bigger player in the Queensland marketplace, its beginnings to where it is now, mistakes that Mr Schultz thinks he has made and what he has learned from them, the various arms to sustainability, and when firm leaders need to think about changes to the firm’s position and strategy. Mr Schultz also discusses how and when to share responsibilities with others in the business, the personal challenges of leading a rapidly expand

Max Beavis always wanted to work overseas — with different clients and in different jurisdictions — as part of his growth as a lawyer. Currently working in London, he spoke with Lawyers Weekly whilst back in Sydney about what it’s like to live and work internationally as an up-and-coming lawyer and how and why others should look into it. On this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Clifford Chance’s newly qualified associate Max Beavis about his longstanding ambition to work overseas as a lawyer, broaching the conversation with one’s employer about the possibility of making such a move, whether there is a particular approach that lawyers should take when having those conversations or a right time to do so, and how those conversations might go as we move out of the age of coronavirus. Mr Beavis also discusses his experiences of living in London, staying on top of his health and we

There is often a tendency, among legal employers, to immediately seek solutions to workplace risks to mental health. If this approach is taken with psychosocial hazards, however, “invariably, risks are going to get missed”. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with K&L Gates partner Dominic Fleeton and Proactive Action managing director Emma Parsons about legislative changes pertaining to employer obligations for managing mental health risks in the workplace, including the intent to provide said employers with greater detail about what their obligations entail.  Mr Fleeton and Ms Parsons dive into the myriad issues surrounding psychosocial hazards, whether non-traditional approaches are needed in the post-pandemic world, the role of team leaders moving forward, and what will constitute best practice in the future. 

Increasingly, employee share/stock ownership plans are being implemented, one GC says. The law department will play a big part in ensuring that such plans are not only fit for purpose but can help drive businesses forward in the post-pandemic market. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Linktree general counsel Rosanna Biggs about what employee share/stock ownership plans (ESOPs) are, why they are so important and becoming more common, what a typical ESOP looks like, the utility of offering such plans and whether more and more lawyers are keen to take them up. Ms Biggs also discusses the extent to which legal recruiters are seeing them as part of their work, how the law department can help in setting up ESOPs, whether trial and error forms part of such implementation, knowledge-sharing about such plans amongst fellow in-house lawyers, how best the law department can argue for such plans, and what the mainstreaming

Whilst gleaning professional benefits such as improved business functions and greater capacity to scale are essential takeaways from the utilisation of legal technology, there are other, broader vocational benefits: ensuring that one can practise in ways that make sense to them is, for one entrepreneur, at the core of the future of legal services. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Firmsy founder and chief executive Claudia King about her motivation for transitioning into the legal tech space, what it means to practise law from the heart and how and why legal tech is critical to this concept, and how practitioners of all stripes can benefit from adopting such an approach. Ms King also explains why it is too important, from a client perspective, for their legal service providers to think about their use of tech in such ways, the hurdles facing lawyers in adopting this approach, how they ca

Change is inevitable in the legal profession. Understanding how that change is being managed, and the approaches being adopted to manage such change, is just as, if not more, important as the advent of change itself. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with UNSW senior lecturers Dr Justine Rogers and Dr Felicity Bell (who are the deputy director and research fellow, respectively, for the Law Society of NSW’s Future of Law and Innovation in the Profession (FLIP) research stream) about their recent research, published by Cambridge University Press, into change managers in the law and better understanding the stereotypes we have about those who embrace or are resistant to change. Dr Rogers and Dr Bell detail the interviews they conducted with change managers across the board in Australia's legal profession, the changes being introduced in legal organisations, what we mean by the term “change managers”, the extent

Megan Comerford has always loved Australian rules football. Now the general manager of legal for the AFL Players Association, she is in a position to wake up, every day, and undertake rewarding legal work. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by AFL Players’ Association general manager of legal Megan Comerford to discuss her career in law to date, the primary focus on collective bargaining for male and female players, being part of a “niche business within a niche industry”, what the daily grind looks like and how such legal work is evolving, with the advent of the AFLW. Ms Comerford also explains the need to cater to the idiosyncratic needs of both male and female players, in conjunction with their varying personal circumstances, the need to be adaptive and flexible with any external circumstances in the sporting world, the importance of knowledge sharing with legal counsel in other sporti

Since she was a little girl, Sally Callander has wanted to be a lawyer. Armed with education and passion for gender equality and women’s roles in law, she has established her own firm in Mudgee, NSW — a move that has endeared her to locals, thanks to her genuine empathy for their concerns and values, together with her advocacy for women. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Sally Callander Law principal solicitor Sally Callander — who is a finalist for Regional/Suburban Lawyer of the Year at the 2022 Australian Law Awards — about her lifelong ambition to become a lawyer, how and why she and her family moved to regional NSW, her background in sociology and gender studies, and what the early days of legal practice in the regions were like. Ms Callander also details her philosophy on women in the workplace, why she runs an all-female law firm, how the regions are changing, the critical approac

Following her admission last year, Jemma Barnard has recently been promoted to associate at her firm. Here, she reflects on how to get from A to B and lessons learned in assuming greater responsibility and growing as a legal professional. On this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Travis Schultz & Partners associate Jemma Barnard about her journey from property management to legal studies and then becoming a lawyer, working her way up to associate and what she’s learned in her early days of legal practice. Ms Barnard also discusses being given responsibility for her own file load and management of a paralegal joining her team, the importance of having a good mentor as part of one’s professional development, and what excites her about continuing her journey as a legal professional. If you like this episode, show your support by <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-lawyers-we

Senator Lidia Thorpe, the first Aboriginal Australian to represent Victoria in the federal Senate, spoke with Lawyers Weekly during the recent Reconciliation Week about what broader Australia can learn from Indigenous legal principles and how existing laws and legislative processes can be alienating for First Nations people. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Senator Thorpe, a DjabWurrung, Gunnai, and Gunditjmara woman representing the Greens in the Federal Parliament, about her personal and political interest in the Indigenous experience in Australia’s legal system, what drives her to advocate for change, and her perception of why there are fewer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lawyers in Australia relative to their numbers across the national population. Senator Thorpe also details how she feels existing laws and processes can be alienating for First Nations people

Better managing one’s money isn’t just good practice for general life, says law-graduate-turned-financial-educator Paridhi Jain. The skills developed from effectively staying on top of financials can also, she says, make you a better legal professional. On this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Paridhi Jain, who is the founder of financial education business SkilledSmart, about her own experience at law school and why she would have benefited from having greater knowledge about her financials, how and when she realised that educating others about money was her calling (as opposed to legal practice), and why law students and young lawyers do not worry about their money as much as other demographics. Ms Jain outlines some key lessons that those coming through the ranks in the legal profession must know about managing their money, the attitudes they must be adopting, putting a positive spin on one’s bud

Adele Anthony has, as she put it, “always wanted to be the bride and not the bridesmaid” when it comes to her career. At 45, she decided to get her law degree, and — now, a few years after graduating — is a finalist for the Sole Practitioner of the Year category at the 2022 Australian Law Awards. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes Your Legacy Lawyer principal Adele Anthony — whose firm is also a finalist in the Regional Firm of the Year category at the upcoming Australian Law Awards — to discuss her career and journey before entering law school in her mid-40s, what drove her (personally and professionally) to be a law firm owner, the need to talk about one’s own experiences with clients, and garnering a more holistic perspective on what her clients are experiencing. Ms Anthony also delves into working as flexibly as possible, the extent to which one should compartmentalise, her approach to n

Recently, “extensive” reforms have come to pass in tackling the far-reaching cyber security risks facing the nation. These reforms, Melissa Tan, will cut across every industry and businesses of all sizes. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Lander & Rogers partner Melissa Tan about how and why she became involved in cyber security as a legal practice area, why the reforms to the Security of Critical Infrastructure (SOCI) Act were brought in and what positive security obligations now exist, and whether lawyers should be viewing these reforms – including the improved ability for government to provide assistance – as a positive or negative development. Ms Tan also discusses how these reforms compare to the situation overseas, whether lawyers working in this space have any reasonable precedents to follow in adhering to new rules, what will constitute best practice for lawyers advising

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Madison Marcus Law Firm, host Jerome Doraisamy converses with Madison Marcus’ financial services direct lead and partner Perry Hume regarding recent learnings through current developments in the crypto space, why crypto isn’t going anywhere, and how legal practitioners can respond moving forward. Mr Hume delves into the day-to-day of a lawyer practising in the crypto space, the state of affairs in the broader market, whether our definition of cryptocurrency is evolving, his reflections on recent volatility and the consequences of recent fluctuations, and the how and why the crypto world is currently the “Wild West”. He also discusses where Australia is at, where it is heading in terms of regulation, and why practitioners must wrap their heads around the idea that crypto is not going anywhere and that it will permeate across many practice areas. Mr Hume responds to

For award-winning principal Keith Redenbach, making decisions based on what’s right and just is far more important than being “shackled by political decision making”. Doing the right thing – based on integrity, honesty and transparency – is a much better path towards vocational satisfaction than being bogged down by negative influences, he says. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Redenbach Legal principal Keith Redenbach – who is a finalist in three categories at the upcoming Partner of the Year Awards – to discuss his experiences working in BigLaw firms (here and abroad), the good and bad lessons he took away from that time in his professional life, how those lessons are applicable to now running his own SME firm, as well as the skills that have served him well as a firm leader. Mr Redenbach also dives into the need to make one’s own luck and how to ensure such success, prioritising heal

Prosecutorial work involves not only the responsibility a practitioner has to clients, but sometimes also the expectations of the community. Aaron Guilfoyle - who led the successful prosecution of Ardent Leisure following the Dreamworld tragedy - understands the need to balance all responsibilities. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by MacDonnells Law special counsel Aaron Guilfoyle (who spent nearly two decades at the Commonwealth DPP, including as an assistant director and principal federal prosecutor) about how and why he got into prosecutorial work, the importance of keeping one's emotions in check with overwhelming subject matter, and reflects on his experiences in the Dreamworld proceedings. Mr Guilfoyle also discusses how to wade through the expectations of clients, victims and community members in order to achieve successful outcomes, creating blueprints for success, looming challenges for prosecutorial em

After stints as a lawyer in the UK and Germany before moving to Australia, Alison Clegg found a home in the oil and gas sector and then in ethics and compliance. Here, she details the foremost considerations for good compliance officers in the new normal.  On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Shell ethics and compliance manager Alison Clegg to discuss what drew her to the oil and gas sector, why ethics and compliance is such a critical cog in the machine of global companies like Shell, how and why she moved away from legal practice and finding positivity in her new vocational pathway. Ms Clegg also delves into what the day to day of a compliance officer looks like, the need to encourage best practice rather than scare colleagues into it, the non-negotiables for someone in her position, the inextricable place of workplace culture in her role and duties, how compliance considerations are trickier in a post-pandem

Having joined the bar in the late 1970s, Max Kimber SC has garnered extensive experience in mediation and dispute resolution. Here, he details his top tips for those seeking greater proficiency in mediation, especially against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving professional services landscape. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Sydney-based barrister Max Kimber about his career at the bar, why he sees mediation as being such an important avenue for exploration by lawyers engaged in litigation, and how the mediation landscape has evolved in recent decades. Mr Kimber outlines 10 things that lawyers engaged in such work must know if they are to be proficient in this space moving forward, including, but not limited to, when mediation and ADR processes can and should be used, how to select the right mediator, the need to educate one’s client about the pros and cons of the litigation process and

As per her firm’s mantra, Kiera Peacock says that the law “should be used as a force for good”. To this end, she has been heavily involved in legal work for and with candidates in the last two federal elections. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Marque Lawyers partner Kiera Peacock about how and why she got involved in legal work pertaining to our electoral processes, what falls under the broad umbrella of such legal work, what the day to day looked like during the recent federal election and who she was working with. Ms Peacock also reflects on the intensity of such legal work in the lead-up to an election, what she has learned about herself both personally and professionally from the election cycle, how other lawyers can be involved in elections work in the future, and why such legal work is so important for the effective functioning of our democracy. If you like this episode, show your support by

Legal professionals of all stripes are increasingly cognisant of the importance of environmental, social and governance considerations in a successful, modern business. There are a handful of ESG considerations, however, that may be flying under the radar and are in need of greater attention. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Corrs Chambers Westgarth head of responsible business and ESG Phoebe Wynn-Pope to discuss the current, underlying dangers pertaining to ESG and why they are so important to be across, including concerns about lack of integration in businesses, the importance of having a risk-based mindset and how that can and should operate. Ms Wynn-Pope also delves into the extent to which Australian businesses across the board are taking a sufficiently holistic approach to ESG, the stakeholders that must be engaged, the role of the law department in ensuring businesses are adhe

Law firms across the country are currently promoting lawyers to partner. Here, HFW commodities partner Ranjani Sundar reflects on having made partner just over one year ago, what she’s learned and what others must know about being a new partner. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Ms Sundar about life as a commodities lawyer (particularly during the age of coronavirus), how and when she made partner, what she has experienced in the 12 months since becoming a partner, the need for support when stepping into that role and being able to lean into those support systems. Ms Sundar also delves into the importance of having mentors whom you can confide in and trust, being proactive about managing yourself and your workload, the challenges of building a new practice, the need to be adaptable and flexible in what that practice looks like, and her advice for those striving for partnership in a post-p

Amelia Schubach may be in the early years of her legal career, but that hasn’t stopped her from putting herself forward – and ultimately becoming – the driver for changes to workplace wellness at one of Australia’s biggest law firms. On this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Amelia Schubach (a finalist in the Wellness Advocate category at the 30 Under 30 Awards 2022) about how she has always been conscious of mental health issues, how she – as a junior lawyer – became the person leading wellness initiatives and activities at BigLaw firm Hamilton Locke, the right ways to go about having those conversations with one’s superiors, and the impacts that her work has had at that firm. Ms Schubach also reflects on what she has learned about herself, both personally and professionally, from being a driver of such change, how those coming through the ranks can look to influence their workplaces at a time in which workforces are more sc

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Blumers Personal Injury Lawyers, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Blumers director Noor Blumer (Director | Blumers Personal Injury Lawyers, Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Business, Government & Law | University of Canberra) about life in medical negligence law and why it is such an important practice area. Noor details her experiences in “med neg”, including how she entered this practice area, what it involves, its critical importance to broader society, the capacity for vicarious trauma in such work, the need for transparency with lawyers entering this practice area, and how the age of coronavirus has impacted upon the work of lawyers in this space. She also delves into the lessons she has learned, as an expert in this field (both personally and professionally), the extent to which class actions are a feature of med neg law, what constitutes best practice for lawyers in this s

In her acceptance speech upon winning the FMCG Lawyer of the Year category at the 2022 Corporate Counsel Awards, Danielle Keyes reflected that there is so much work that goes into rolling a burrito. Here, the GC for Guzman y Gomez unpacks what it takes to succeed as an FMCG in-house lawyer. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Guzman y Gomez general counsel Danielle Keyes to discuss her journey from insolvency litigation in BigLaw firms to working for a major food chain, how she went about adapting to her new and different vocational pathway, and how the age of coronavirus amplified the headline issues and challenges for FMCG business and their law departments. Ms Keyes also reflects on striking the right balance in an often-manic working day, the lessons she has learned about what constitutes success for FMCG legal counsel (and counsel across the board as well), what she has learned abo

Following a career in the Australian Navy and then leading the Australian and Canadian arms of a global aerospace and defence conglomerate, Ron Fisher is now serving as principal adviser on defence industry matters for an award-winning NewLaw firm. Here, he discusses why such advisory work is so important for firms and law departments moving forward. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Proximity principal adviser Ron Fisher – who was formerly the president and chief executive of Raytheon Canada and managing director of Raytheon Australia – to discuss his naval career and experience in a major defence technology company, the projects he has worked on in the defence sector and what he learned from those projects, and where defence industry projects may be headed under a new federal government. Mr Fisher also outlines his perception of how legal work in the defence industry space will evolve

In this special episode of LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with LexisNexis Legal & Professional, Lawyers Weekly editor Jerome Doraisamy joins a webinar hosted by the global tech provider to reflect on the future of legal drafting. LexisNexis Legal & Professional head of core product (Pacific) Lindsay O’Connor leads a discussion with Mr Doraisamy about how the use of certain tools can help practitioners transform their practices by instantly accessing vast amounts of information online and bolstering their ability to turn said access into actionable insights. Tools like Lexis Create, for example, help practitioners enable context switching, risk mitigation, team collaboration, and much more. The pair also reflect on live polling results coming in from audience participants pertaining to their experiences with legal technological platforms and processes, the broader environmental and professional factors influencing perceptions of legal tech, and what

Charles Cho – the general counsel at NSW Treasury – joins the show to discuss his department’s winning of the Government Team of the Year category at the 2022 Corporate Counsel Awards and why government work is so stimulating. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, Mr Cho speaks with host Jerome Doraisamy about the various projects that his law department has worked on in the past 12 months leading to their eventual award win (including and especially the NSW government’s stimulus package during the peak of COVID-19). Mr Cho reflects on the duties of in-house teams in government departments and having a heightened sense of social responsibility, how government work may evolve for in-house lawyers in the near future, his analogy for the difference between in-house and private practice legal work in navigating client relationships, and makes his pitch to other lawyers to consider working in-house in government, in light of the purposeful and consequen

In this special episode, produced by Lawyers Weekly’s sister brand, Cyber Security Connect, hosts Phillip Tarrant and Major General (retired) Marcus Thompson speak with Clyde & Co partners Reece Corbett-Wilkins and Avryl Lattin about how cyber has evolved into a legal obligation for businesses and firms. The episode begins with an analysis of the proceedings of the Federal Court against RI Advice, in which ASIC argued that cyber security controls within businesses were fundamental to minimise the threat of data misuse. The guests continue with an analysis of the requirements of financial services reporting in the event of cyber security breaches. Finally, the podcast wraps up with an examination of how businesses can ensure that they are meeting their obligations for data protection. To learn more about Cyber Security Connect, click <a href= "https://www.cybersecurityconnect.com.au/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener" data-saferedirecturl= "https://www.google.

Water is foundational to life on this planet, and increasingly, we cannot take it for granted. Ensuring access to clean, safe water has been recognised internationally as a basic human right, and here in Australia, we need to start thinking of it as such in how our communities and marketplace move forward. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by University of Canberra Law School senior lecturer Dr Cristy Clark to discuss what is meant by the idea of water being a basic human right, how and when it was recognised as such by the United Nations, when the human right to air may be acknowledged, and the legal implications of recognising water as a human right, particularly against the backdrop of climate concerns. Dr Clark also outlines the state of affairs in Australia in recognising water as a human right, the level of consciousness that Australians have about some of the dire consequences of lac

The movement away from paper, and acceleration in uptake of technological platforms, is perhaps no more stark than in the conveyancing space. And, there is much more change and excitement still to come. On this special episode of LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with Sympli, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Sympli chief executive Philip Joyce about the state of affairs in the conveyancing landscape in Australia and the acceleration of recent trends, the flow-on benefits from increased marketplace competition, the advent of interoperability and why it is so important, and looming issues and challenges following the passage of recent legislative changes in this space. Mr Joyce also outlines the journey of Sympli as a provider, the need to meaningfully communicate value propositions for practitioners experiencing a high volume of change in their daily practice methodologies, overcoming the potential for “ch

The notion of “doing more with less” is a foremost consideration for in-house legal teams. For team leaders, ensuring that the health and wellbeing of the department doesn’t fall by the wayside in the process has to be inextricable from such a notion. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by NSW Department of Planning and Environment deputy general counsel of property and commercial Somerset Hoy to discuss the need to be seen as an enabler rather than a roadblock and how this may free up more budget for the legal team, prioritising the health and wellbeing of individual team members when trying to do more with less and whether this is oxymoronic. Ms Hoy also delves into how to ensure that doing more with less whilst catering to wellness is a compatible approach, the need for creative and out-of-the-box thinking, and a reframing of the conversation with other departments in the business, so that the legal team can thr

Despite being born with total blindness, Amanda Heal has always been determined to make a difference. Here, the lawyer-turned-author and keynote speaker reflects on her journey in law, the challenges faced in practice and why all can be overcome if one has an underlying mission in their life. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Ms Heal about her early life and living with a disability, the struggles she faced in finding work in law, her 17-year stint as a government lawyer, whether those years were formative in helping her find her vocational purpose, and ultimately realising that, deep down, she had always wanted to help and inspire people. Ms Heal discusses the vocational epiphany she had and the steps she took to realise her dreams, the central message she imparts and advocates for, how lawyers can determine if they are living out their true purpose and whether it has to be vocationally driven, what lawyers can take away from her

Anjali Nadaradjane has always been interested in international relations – a passion which she has immersed herself in whilst furthering her legal development. It’s an area and skillset, that will be fundamental for the next generation of lawyers, she believes. On this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by MinterEllison lawyer Anjali Nadaradjane to discuss her long-term interest in international relations and international law, the bounty of projects she has involved herself in (from the US Consulate Sydney Youth Advisory Counsel to New Colombo Plan National Summit), and what she has learned – both about herself and the world around us – from such engagement. Ms Nadaradjane also argues for emerging legal professionals to better educate themselves about the Asia-Pacific region, noting that literacy about our region is essential – not only as the geopolitical and sociocultural landscape evolves, but also

Legal employers have made great strides in recent years to better accommodate and cater to the myriad wellness needs of professionals. However, there are longstanding structural issues that impact the wellbeing of those coming through the ranks, which are incredibly difficult to overcome. On this episode of Legal Lightbulbs, produced by Lawyers Weekly and Bowd, hosts Jerome Doraisamy and Fionn Bowd discuss the circumstances that give rise to elevated levels of unhappiness as well as psychological distress, anxiety and depression among new practitioners. They talk about reactive versus proactive approaches, inherited structural problems, and whether junior lawyers prefer WFH arrangements as a way of counteracting some of the worst aspects of the workplace. Jerome and Fionn also reflect on whether WFH arrangements will improve happiness levels over time or whether they will give rise to new problems. They ask whether employers have a

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with 30 Under 30 principal partner Taylor Root, Lawyers Weekly speaks with two of the finalists for the financial services category about the challenges of the past year and how they have navigated those. Hosts Jerome Doraisamy and Taylor Root head of Australia Hayden Gordine speak with The Fold Legal senior associate Glenjon Aligiannis and Herbert Smith Freehills solicitor Sarah Webster about how and why they got into financial services, the headline issues and challenges that they have had to grapple with in the past 12 months, how the advent of WFH arrangements has changed the nature of financial services work and the opportunities for young lawyers to establish themselves in this practice area. The quartet also discuss cyber security challenges for AFSLs moving forward following a recent Federal Court case and how those proceedings reinforced what constitutes best practice for l

Twice in his expansive career, award-nominated lawyer Michael Guilday has served as the inaugural general counsel for a business he has worked for. Establishing the law department – as well as its processes and position within the business – whilst ensuring optimal service, brings with it myriad challenges but also opportunities. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Sydney Fish Market general counsel Michael Guilday to discuss how he came to be the inaugural in-house lawyer for two different businesses, the process through which a business will look to engage its first-ever corporate counsel and the reasons for doing so, the need to help reduce costs and address other headline issues that led to the hiring of a lawyer. Mr Guilday also reflects on how overwhelming it can sometimes be to manage such a workload as the only lawyer but also the opportunities that come from such circumstances, the need to be “comfortab

By its very nature, criminal law sees a greater prevalence of mental health issues than most other practice areas, requiring many lawyers in this space to be “quasi mental health practitioners” as well as legal service providers. Managing this, on top of vicarious trauma, can be trying. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Dowson Turco Lawyers partner Nicholas Stewart to reflect on the myriad mental health concerns that affect criminal law clients and vulnerable communities in Australia, how such health issues have been exacerbated during the age of coronavirus and how these issues have changed the nature of legal service delivery in this time, and the extent to which criminal lawyers are required to go above and beyond in their care for the wellbeing of clients. Mr Stewart also discusses the scourge of vicarious trauma, the difficulty criminal lawyers may have in working remotely from clients, how change can be ef

There has, arguably, never been a better time to not practise as a lawyer. This is because, Sam Burrett says, there are myriad opportunities for the next generation of law grads to find roles in the legal profession that can be more stimulating and exciting than anything we’ve seen before. On this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Clayton Utz client relationship manager Sam Burrett to talk about his personal journey of coming to terms with not being a practising lawyer (something he’d envisioned for himself) and what this said about him and his career, the social influences around what being a lawyer is, what it means to be in a law-adjacent role, and what such roles could look like in the future. Mr Burrett also dives into why such law-adjacent roles are shaping up to be so important in a post-pandemic world, what they entail day to day, the trajectory of such roles, how to learn more about them, w

In 2010, Dr Dinesh Palipana was involved in a car accident that left him with quadriplegia. Now working as an ER doctor, he has a greater appreciation for the inextricable importance of the law in supporting vulnerable persons in society, as well as his role in advocating for meaningful change. On this episode of  The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Dr Dinesh Palipana, the 2021 Queensland Australian of the Year, to discuss his experiences in law school and subsequent mental health issues, his appreciation for the rule of law and its capacity to help fight for people, the car accident that left him wheelchair-bound and the physical and psychological aftermath of that accident, and how it has provided him with the opportunity to hopefully leave the world a better place. Dr Palipana also outlines the crux of his advocacy and what he is hoping to achieve – not just for persons living with disability, but more br

On this special episode of LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with LexisNexis Pacific, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with LexisNexis legal software solutions sales manager David Atherton-Cooper about the inextricable need for practitioners and business owners to ensure they are striking a balance that not only makes sense to them but also ensures that they are in control of the firms they operate. The pair reflect on the state of affairs for legal business owners in the wake of the age of coronavirus, where the industry is at with regards to increased commercial activity, demand for private client services, scattered workforces and workplace challenges, as well as additional hurdles including reduced reliance on paper and keeping track of caseloads. Mr Atherton-Cooper then discusses the symptoms that might indicate whether a business owner has crossed the threshold of a firm running that practitioner versus being the one running

As a property lawyer, what gets Lisa Briese out of bed in the morning is seeing buildings get built. Having spent over 16 years in-house, she now works as an external provider with a team that moved from the in-house realm into an incorporated legal practice – a move which, she says, offers substantial perspective on how lawyers can serve clients and what those clients need from their lawyers. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Arena Law executive counsel Lisa Briese to discuss how and why her team moved from in-house to the external realm – something she says she is seeing “more and more” from in-house lawyers, and the vocational and administrative reasons for corporate counsel to reconfigure the day-to-day makeup of their practices, as well as the lessons for providers and clients in doing so. Ms Briese also reflects on her passion for property law, the joy of being able to tangibly

Queensland Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman joins The Lawyers Weekly Show to discuss the increasing prevalence of scams and other cyber issues, particularly in the wake of natural disasters. Dealing with such issues, she says, must be “right at the top of the list” for lawyers. A-G Fentiman – speaking to host Jerome Doraisamy during Queensland’s 2022 Law Week – detailed why a spotlight on the rise of scams is so important, the extent to which Queenslanders have experienced scams in recent times and why, and the stigma and shame that comes from suffering a scam or cyber attack (whether one is an individual or part of a business). She also reflects on the scams that have been undertaken on the back of multiple natural disasters in the state, delves into the current levels of community and professional awareness of such issues, the proactive steps that private practice and in-house lawyers can and should be taking to prevent scams and attacks, how lawyers c

On this special episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, produced in partnership with Maurice Blackburn, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with the firm’s chief executive, Jacob Varghese, about how law departments can proactively and reactively minimise the costs involved with litigation and ensure greater value for their businesses. Mr Varghese – who spoke at the recent Corporate Counsel Summit to in-house lawyers about the state of affairs with litigation costs – dives into the current litigation climate and the inherent costs, whether the age of coronavirus has exacerbated certain trends, the longstanding incentives in place to retain the status quo when it comes to the cost of legal services and how law departments can and should be responding. He also explains the need for in-house teams to “be as creative as possible” in getting lower prices, the danger of “leaving value on the table”, how corporate counsel are performing when it comes to better appreciating

While some businesses may use the NewLaw tag as a “marketing ploy”, there has never been more choice – both for lawyers and buyers of legal services – and, as such, the value of NewLaw methodologies is being reinforced as we head towards a post-pandemic market. , market On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Law Squared founder and director Demetrio Zema to reflect on how well NewLaw firms were prepared for and performed during the age of coronavirus (relative to more traditional practices), how certain methodologies were validated during the last two years, and how the term NewLaw may have evolved during this time. Mr Zema also responds to the idea that “NewLaw is no longer new”, offers his thoughts on large law firms having NewLaw divisions, criticises those who use the tag for marketing purposes without making meaningful change, ensuring his own firm maintains its competitive edge by stayi

Given how much the marketplace is shifting, professionals and business owners have a duty, Natasha Blycha argues, to bolster their understanding and appreciation of the myriad developments in the digital space. It is not enough to simply use tech platforms, she says – lawyers need to pay attention to the subtleties and broader questions arising from such evolution. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Stirling & Rose founder and managing director Natasha Blycha to discuss what encompasses digital law, her interest in digital law (both personally and professionally), and the legal duties one must assume in better understanding the intricacies of digital law. Ms Blycha also outlines her newly established firm’s practice methodologies, the challenges inherent with staying on top of the fast pace of change in the tech and digital landscapes, accepting equity as payment in exchange for fees for start-ups that may not ha

Like many sectors, the legal profession had to adapt to meet the demands of the COVID-19 lockdowns. Now is a good time to ask: what positive changes should be kept in the long term, and what problems might need to be solved due to new ways of working? Guest host for The Lawyers Weekly Show, Shandel McAuliffe, asked Michael Byrnes (partner at Swaab) and Carly Stebbing (founder and principal at Resolution123) their thoughts on the future of the profession, the challenges and ideas for overcoming them. The discussion included how to ensure junior solicitors can learn from senior practitioners when working from home. Mr Byrnes also raised that the experience of working from home sometimes varied widely between juniors in more cramped home-working conditions and seniors with the privilege of a comfortable home office. Resolution123, as Ms Stebbing described it, is an “online virtual firm”. From this standpoint, Ms Stebbing shared tips for the profession on how h

According to general-counsel-turned-careers-coach Claire Bibby, in-house lawyers are increasingly concerned with being able to live out their values and have a meaningful career – something that is hugely important in the current climate. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Coaching Advocates co-founder and former GC Claire Bibby to reflect on the extent to which discussions of vocational pathways occurred in-house, why things are shifting, the questions being asked and why, and the difference between superficial and substantive discussion points. Ms Bibby also discusses the reasons for the environmental shift towards more comprehensive conversations about vocational purpose, finding new and better ways to lead one’s team, the place of both emotional intelligence and positive intelligence in successful leadership, why professionals are being more proactive rather than reactive about fi

Five years ago, Clarissa Rayward started an online community for like-minded legal professionals, which has become so much more than just a knowledge-sharing discussion board, she says – “connection” is what makes such a venture so personally and professionally rewarding. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Brisbane Family Law Centre director Clarissa Rayward to discuss what inspired her to set up The Club (her online community for lawyers), the time and effort that oversight of such a community requires, how it forms part of her broader business plans, and how and why the community she has brought together has been so meaningful and purposeful for her. Ms Rayward also delves into the importance of connection to your colleagues, the ever-increasing need to be nimble and agile in interpreting legal practice methodology, how individual lawyers glean different benefits from being part of su

This episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, brought to you by Lawyers Weekly’s sister brand, Cyber Security Connect, unpacks the latest in cyber security policy and how cyber is shaping up to become an election issue. Host Phillip Tarrant speaks with Major General (Ret’d) Marcus Thompson about the impact of the recent Solomon Islands-China agreement on Australia’s security. The pair also provide an assessment of the Morrison government’s actions and discuss the opposition’s policies around cyber security, including Project REDSPICE. This episode also sees an analysis into whether such cyber policies are achievable in their stated timeframe, casting doubt on whether there is a sufficient flow of cyber security graduates to fill a largescale expansion in the cyber security industry. Elsewhere, the pair chat about the latest cyber security news, including recent data showing a fourfold increase in phishing attacks and how his team seeks to continuously improve

The question of how to attract and retain graduate lawyers is “one of the most vexing issues” facing law firms. Why is it so difficult to hold on to the next generation of leaders in law? Welcome to another episode of Legal Lightbulbs: the show that sees hosts Jerome Doraisamy and Bowd chief executive Fionn Bowd discuss and debate the questions to which lawyers have always wanted answers (but have perhaps not felt comfortable asking). In this episode, Jerome asks Fionn about the issues that give rise to new and young legal professionals wanting to move on from the firms with whom they began their careers, why it is so important for firms to figure out better retention strategies, the war stories that can and do emerge from those coming through the ranks, whether greater transparency about the realities of life in big law firms could be the difference-maker and how such honesty harks back to the need for market differentiation. Jerome and Fionn

We are fast approaching the period in which fraud that took place during the global pandemic, across the corporate landscape, will become apparent. For this reason, and more, bolstering levels of corporate integrity is as important as ever. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back KPMG partner and head of anti-bribery and corruption Dean Mitchell to discuss what we mean by the term corporate integrity, why it is of such personal and professional interest to him, how working in rural East African villages informed his perspective and what lessons he learned from that period of his life, and how the principles of corporate integrity have been reinforced by the age of COVID-19. Mr Mitchell also reflects on recent conversations he’s had with senior professionals across the corporate landscape pertaining to corporate integrity and its state of affairs, why the “washout” of fraud and corruption i

Both Annabel and Hugh Griffin grew up in families that ran businesses. Now a married couple, and each bringing their own experiences to the table, the pair understand better than most what it will take to achieve their ultimate goal: to become the “most highly regarded and best boutique law firm in Australia”. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Hazelbrook Legal chief executive Annabel Griffin and managing partner Hugh Griffin to talk about how they met, the different vocational backgrounds they bring to the firm they run together, how and why they decided to run a business together while also being married, and their ultimate plans for their award-winning legal practice. The pair also discuss the opportunities abound in the Canberra market and how this region might grow in years to come, challenges that they’re foreseeing, their approach to recruitment and growing their team, the need for discipline as business o

Since the advent of work-from-home arrangements, much has been made of the danger of losing the “water cooler conversation” for the sake of professional development. According to one employment and industrial relations partner, however, there are issues across the board that employers and employees alike must promptly grapple with. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Piper Alderman partner Joe Murphy to discuss the myriad and ongoing changes to the nature of work in workplace and employment issues, what we mean by hybrid working arrangements, and the various issues and challenges that he sees arising from the mainstreaming of such arrangements in a post-pandemic market, for the purposes of different lawyer demographics. Mr Murphy also outlines the potential solutions and strategies to the hurdles that he is foreseeing, whether leaders have to redefine what professional development is for those coming through the ra

Two-time Golden Gavel winner Olivia Irvine has come to learn, over time, certain things about herself: she is funnier, braver and not as adverse to being uncomfortable as she’d imagined. Such lessons are critical, she says, in living out the career one wants to and becoming the individual one is supposed to be. On this episode of The Protege Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Hazelbrook Legal lawyer Olivia Irvine, who has twice won the NSW-based Golden Gavel competition (an annual comedic public speaking event), about her interest in law from an early age, how and why she got into public speaking, her experience with Golden Gavel and the importance of finding comfort in discomfort while speaking on stage. Ms Irvine also delves into the need for up-and-coming lawyers to challenge whatever preconceptions and assumptions they may have about themselves, navigating hardship if and when it arises, riding the wave of an evolving sense of self, how she has

Increasingly, SME firm owners will have to grapple with how best to manage the idiosyncratic needs of a scattered workforce. Implementing the right steps, Joanne Alilovic says, is essential.   On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by 3D HR Legal director Jo Alilovic to discuss her new book (Homeforce: Building a Connected, Engaged Home-Based Team), why managing the juggle is such a passion area of hers, how and why she has moved away from non-traditional modes of working and how it changes the nature of her life as a lawyer.     Ms Alilovic also talks about the need to remember a firm’s vision, establishing roles, managing details, reorganising one’s team, the need for effective training and support, and the importance of evaluation, how taking such steps has worked for her firm, and other advice she has for boutique professionals. If you like this episode, show your support by

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Myroslav Khmarskyi – managing partner of Ukrainian law firm Avitar – about what is happening on the ground and how his law firm is responding. Mr Khmarskyi joins the show to discuss the work that his law firm does in Kyiv, what it was like in the first days of the invasion of Ukraine and how he felt, what the key realisations have been for Ukrainian people in the past month, the importance of community and the nonsensical nature of materialism. He also delves into how he and his partner are keeping their business running, how they are managing the health and wellbeing needs of their staff in such extraordinary times, the lessons lawyers around the world can take – from a wellness perspective – from the current experience of Ukrainians, what more he thinks lawyers and legal associations can be doing in this time, and his message to lawyers around the world for news consumpt

Having spent years in senior in-house roles, Sarah Galbally and Shannon Landers are at a point where they want to utilise their expertise to service clients in ways that make personal and vocational sense to them. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes Neon Legal directors Sarah Galbally and Shannon Landers to discuss what it means to be a freelance general counsel, why such a pathway was appealing to them respectively, the kind of work that their boutique firm handles and why, running an outsourced in-house model and creating a hybrid between private practice and in-house styles. Ms Galbally and Ms Landers also discuss how to look after one’s self while marketing services in the ways they want to, what they’ve learned about themselves as legal practitioners that they wouldn’t have known had they not chosen their new vocational pathway, why they think other in-house lawyers can and should cons

SME firm owners who hold their accountants to a higher standard are much better placed to be confident in themselves and how they run their businesses. Accountants who do not help firm owners feel such confidence should be let go. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes TLTurner Group owner and managing partner Terrell Turner – who joins the show from North Carolina – to discuss his accounting firm’s work in advising SME law firms, the issues he sees daily with his clients, how finances are a common problem for law firm business owners, and the most frequent challenges that such firm owners will experience with their accountants. Mr Turner also delves into the questions that firm owners must be asking of their accountants across the calendar year (not just at tax time), the importance of regular, meaningful communication, the red flags and trigger points that firm owners must be aware of in deali

On this episode of LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with LodgeX, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with LodgeX founder and chief executive Kathy Constan about the impact of legal innovation over the years – how far we’ve come, the current state of affairs and what legal service providers have to look forward to in an ever-evolving marketplace. Ms Constan outlines a brief history of the first and second waves of legal technology, argues why the third wave isn’t something to be feared, what excites her about ongoing and future developments in tech, why she has such a strong academic interest in such evolutions and what excites her about the future, especially having run a boutique practice for nearly three decades. She also fleshes out the state of affairs in e-conveyancing, the looming issues and challenges for providers in this space, the corresponding trends and opportunities amidst the aforementioned third wave of legal tech, an

When it comes to the sheer scale and pace of change in the development of risk, how we understand it and how to respond to it, in-house legal teams are finding that “the law isn’t being a helping hand”. This needs to change. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes Australian Law Reform Commission senior legal officer Nicholas Simoes da Silva to discuss the commission’s new background paper, Risk and Reform in Australian Financial Services Law, and the evolution in thinking about risk as a drive in financial services law reform. Mr Simoes da Silva spoke about the need for increased flexibility and reduced complexity, the extent to which corporate counsel are subject to legislative changes, the state of affairs for risk and how it has entered mainstream language, how the law isn’t always helpful in assisting in-house teams mitigate risk, and how legislative frameworks need to be able to handle changing approaches

Sarah Jefford is “sick of the mediocrity” in federal politics. This, coupled with her strong sense of social justice and keen awareness of inequity across Australia, is driving her to serve her community as a member of parliament On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by award-nominated family and surrogacy lawyer Sarah Jefford – who is standing for the Australian Greens in the Victorian electorate of Wills – to discuss her 2018 experience as a surrogate for two fathers and how that experience informs her work as a family and surrogacy lawyer. Ms Jefford also outlines her motivations in running for Parliament, why Indigenous issues are so close to her heart, why she thinks lawyers are uniquely concerned with integrity in politics and environmental concerns relative to other professional services strands, how she can serve the community around her and what she’s learned along the campaign trail to date. If

Less than a year after he was admitted, award-nominated lawyer Jonathon Naef was presented with an opportunity to help create a new kind of family law practice. He grabbed that opportunity with both hands and is helping bring a new way of working to the fore, thereby changing perceptions of the utility of practising in traditional modes. On this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Balance Family Law co-founder Jonathon Naef to discuss how he met his mentor and director of Balance Family Law Perpetua Kish, the circumstances that led to the launch of the award-winning practice, the much-needed perspective that new practitioners can and do bring to the table, and why stepping up to help build a law firm was such a good challenge for him. Mr Naef also reflects on the various issues and challenges he has faced and how he has overcome these, how to leverage one’s position as an emerging leader in law, the inextricable nexus between

Keith Wolahan – a solicitor-turned-barrister who has served multiple combat tours in Afghanistan – believes strongly in serving the community around him. The lessons he has learned in his varied and impressive career will serve him well if elected as an MP.  On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Melbourne-based barrister Keith Wolahan, who is the Liberal Party’s candidate in the Victorian electorate of Menzies, to discuss his career in private practice and at the bar, what more than two decades of service in the Australian Army have taught him, and why the idea of helping people in stressful times has always appealed to him. Mr Wolahan also explains his reasons for running for a seat in the House of Representatives, his vision for Australia and how that vision will serve him well if elected, why the national interest should always trump self-interest, why economic concerns are so important to lawyers, his thoughts

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Holding Redlich, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with partners Libby Carroll and Christine Lithgow about all things government legal work. The trio delve into the reasons why government work – at a federal, state and local level – is so rewarding, the importance of being able to deliver for the community, how government work has been impacted during the age of coronavirus and the issues and challenges this presented for lawyers in this space, and how the importance of such legal work was reinforced during the global pandemic. Libby and Christine also explain the extent to which government lawyers have to pre-empt what is happening in society and politics, how such proactivity forms part of best practice, what constitutes an effective and meaningful collaboration between external providers and in-house teams, and why government work is shaping up to be so exciting for lawyers in th

As the head of legal for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup (being held in Australia and New Zealand), Emily Jackson is operating in a “very truncated time frame” to help ensure the event is a success. However, she says, such vocational experiences provide a lawyer with myriad lessons, which are “unparalleled” for growth and development. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by FIFA Women’s World Cup head of legal Emily Jackson to discuss how preparations are going for the 2023 event in Australia and New Zealand, how she has ended up in contract positions in-house, the vocational appeal of such contracts, the jurisdictional concerns to grapple with in organising an international sporting event, especially against the backdrop of an ongoing global pandemic. Ms Jackson also discusses the importance of preparedness, particularly given the finite time frames of her current role, triaging dozens

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced numerous measures in last week’s federal budget that will impact upon small businesses such as boutique law firms. Here, we unpack some of those measures and how firms can respond. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Lawyers with Solutions principal Pallavi Sinha about the recent federal budget, delivered on the eve of the 2022 election. Ms Sinha delves into the tax deductions for small businesses, what these mean for firms’ investments in technology and training, and what these measures say about the digital revolution. Ms Sinha also discusses the scrapping of company search fees, mental health support for small-business owners, increased funding for business support hotlines, the need for further assistance in cash flow for boutique law firm owners, how best those owners can support themselves in the near future, and the steps to implement to ensure a successful practice agains

Citizens have a responsibility, human rights law Professor Catherine Renshaw believes, to be politically aware and engaged, and when we contribute actively to our communities, Australia is better off for it. In the face of myriad sociopolitical concerns, she says, now is her time to stand up. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Western Sydney University human rights law Professor Catherine Renshaw – who is standing in the seat of North Sydney, for the Australian Labor Party, at the upcoming federal election – to talk about her varied career in law (from commercial practice to journalism to academia), her lifelong interest in human rights and what all of those personal and vocational experiences have taught her and how those experiences will serve her well in Parliament, if elected. Professor Renshaw outlines the issues that have led her to step into the political ring – including climate inaction, the #MeToo moveme

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Madison Marcus, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Madison Marcus managing director Ramy Qutami to unpack the art of negotiation and what constitutes best practice in the modern marketplace. Mr Qutami reflects on why he is personally and professionally invested in litigation as a practice area, his view of law as a profession that serves the community around it, the issues and challenges that litigators have to grapple with on a day-to-day basis, and the principles that must be employed in navigating those hurdles. He also delves into the strengths and weaknesses of particular approaches to litigation and dealmaking, the need for adaptability and agility, why adversarial and combative approaches are less conducive to best practice nowadays, the need for proactive strategies as well as the reactive ones, the lessons Mr Qutami has learned from a career a

Welcome to another episode of Legal Lightbulbs: the show that sees hosts Jerome Doraisamy and Bowd chief executive Fionn Bowd discuss and debate the questions to which lawyers have always wanted answers (but have perhaps not felt comfortable asking). In this episode, Jerome asks Fionn about the concept of market differentiation and whether – in a modern legal marketplace – differentiation even exists. The pair talk about the lack of trust that graduates have when it comes to law firm marketing, and they dive into the history of how law firms historically differentiated themselves and what it means to have a “brand”. Fionn and Jerome talk about the importance of truth in marketing, how the fear of imaginary clients get in the way of firm marketing, why law firms are like washing powder, and the need to market what you know to be true about your business. The pair also reflect on a handful of law firms that are getting their points o

HFW – founded in the 1880s – has presences all over the globe. For myriad reasons, it sees its Australian operations as central to the firm’s long-term expansion and success. Here, its Australian managing partner explains why. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by HFW managing partner in Australia Gavin Vallely to discuss the history of the global firm, why it sees opportunities for growth in the Australian market and how the age of COVID-19 has reinforced such thinking, the sectors that will form part of the firm’s growth via its Australian operations, and how much the firm hopes to grow by in the coming two years. Mr Vallely also talks about the importance of not growing simply for the sake of growth, making strategic acquisitions, his role as Australian managing partner in overseeing such a strategy, the challenges he sees in successfully achieving the firm’s goals, the opportunities to be grasped in order to ensu

Construction is an integral cog in the machine of Australian society. Even against the backdrop of extraordinary challenges during the age of COVID-19, work as a construction lawyer remains exciting and “intellectually stimulating”, say two BigLaw partners. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Baker McKenzie partners Matt Coleman and Joshua Saunders to discuss the state of affairs in the construction industry and the materials shortages that have been faced in the age of COVID-19, how these and related issues have impacted upon the work of lawyers in this space and how such challenges make for such exciting work. Mr Coleman and Mr Saunders delve into why work as a construction lawyer is so “intellectually stimulating”, whether ongoing geopolitical concerns will exacerbate challenges faced here in Australia, trends and opportunities on the horizon for lawyers in this space, whether the work

Given the capacity to work on both commercial and humanitarian matters, migration lawyers can build diversified practices that those in other areas of law may not get exposed to, says one award-winning practitioner. On this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Crossover Law Group founder and principal solicitor Marial Lewis – who won the migration category at the 30 Under 30 Awards 2021 – about how and why she chose migration law as a pathway, the types of matters that one gets exposed to, and finding the right balance between commercial and humanitarian matters. Ms Lewis also delves into the challenges that lawyers in this space can and do face and how to overcome these, opportunities on the horizon for those interested in this practice area, why she decided to launch her own firm focused on this space, what excites her about the future (as a young lawyer), and why others should consider this as a vocational pathway. If

Georgia Steele has over 15 years’ experience as a lawyer, both in BigLaw firms and in-house at a major bank. The skills she picked up along the way (particularly as a litigator) will serve her well, she says, if elected in Hughes in place of incumbent MP Craig Kelly. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with independent for Hughes candidate Georgia Steele – who previously was a senior lawyer and manager for regulatory affairs at ANZ, prior to which she worked at Allens and Freshfields – about her career in law, what she learned in her decade and a half as a litigator, and how she came to be the Independent candidate in the Hughes electorate in Sydney’s southern and south-western suburbs. Ms Steele also explains the issues that are most important to her as a candidate – namely her “exasperation” with the state of fed

Lawrence Lau started his career as an IT programmer before eventually becoming the corporate counsel for Momentum Media (Lawyers Weekly’s parent company). Here, he muses about his time working in a growing trade media house, why he’s moving to private practice and what he’s learned along the way. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Lawrence Lau (who until recently served as corporate counsel for Momentum Media, working across Lawyers Weekly) to discuss his experiences as counsel in a growing media company, what his day-to-day entailed, how he balanced competing interests and how and why he entered the legal profession as a mature-age student. Mr Lau also delves into the importance of community for in-house lawyers (particularly those working as one-person teams within a business or organisation), key lessons for ongoing success, the need for sole legal counsel to think outside the box, why he’s moving to a priv

Small law firms can and should look to attract work that may, traditionally, have been the domain of the big end of town. Once a boutique secures said matters, there are certain steps they must take in order to ensure success. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back award-nominated lawyer Trevor Withane – who is the principal of Blackwattle Legal – to discuss why boutique law firms must look to take on big, complex matters that they may perceive to be intended for BigLaw firms, the need to engage contract lawyers and paralegals, other key stakeholder relationships such as barristers and accounting firms, and the importance of being people-focused. Mr Withane also details his reflections on team culture and how best to manage relationships, logistical and technical considerations, including and especially “the IT stack”, bringing clients along for the ride, how best to set up one’s office, th

For legal professionals considering property purchases in 2022, there are myriad factors to consider, from when the Reserve Bank will raise interest rates to what’s happening in the world around us. In the face of all such factors, proactivity remains a lawyer’s best friend. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Legal Home Loans lending specialists Rachael Massoud and Luke Mansour about the extent to which lawyers should be concerned about interest rates and when they will be raised, the impact of the Omicron wave – if anything – on the property market, declining purchase rates and geographic trends for property purchasing. Ms Massoud and Mr Mansour also reflect on the continuing trend of purchasing without finance, an increasing number of auctions as opposed to private treaties, whether the recent floods and the onset of war in eastern Europe are affecting, or will affect, prices and/or interest rates, countering any

Having gleaned extensive experience as a legal counsel in the aviation and tech sectors, Andrew Truswell decided the time was right for him to move into private practice so that he might be able to “do more good” as the professional being instructed, as opposed to instructing. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Biztech Lawyers partner Andrew Truswell, a former GC, about his passion for data, tech and aviation and what he sees as being the foremost challenges at present in those sectors, why he wanted to move from the in-house realm to private practice, and the circumstances in which lawyers in firms can achieve more than law department counterparts. Mr Truswell also details why he feels he might now be better placed to implement data strategies for businesses, how he plans to utilise his expertise for the benefit of businesses, the extent to which law departments are on top of their dat

There are many forms of abuse in Australian society that lawyers have to grapple with to support their clients, some of which the law may never catch up with. In a practice area fraught with challenges, lawyers must understand how best to aid not only those clients but also support themselves. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Bartier Perry partners Alicia Toberty and Sharon Levy to discuss how and why their respective legal practices deal with abusive relationships, what constitutes an abusive relationship, the types of abuse that lawyers commonly have to deal with and why, and whether the law has caught up to new forms of abuse, such as “love bombing”. Ms Levy also discusses the shelter she helps run in western Sydney, and she and Ms Toberty detail the myriad challenges for lawyers working in this space, best practice for those with an interest in such law, the need for proactive self

With decades of experience behind them, many inspiring and incredible practitioners have made a name for themselves as international lawyers. While the feat may seem quite daunting for aspiring lawyers, our next guest shares why it is entirely possible to get started on this path to international law immediately. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Naomi Neilson is joined by post-graduate law student Sadaf Azimi – who has already gained years of experience in the international law space – to chat about why it is possible for all new lawyers.  The episode is full of tips on where aspiring international lawyers can get started, what skills they should be looking into and how to craft the perfect application. From her own experience, Sadaf talks about why language was a key component of her own submissions and the Australia-based organisations that c

Welcome to the newest show from the Lawyers Weekly Podcast Network: Legal Lightbulbs. This show sees host Jerome Doraisamy and Bowd chief executive Fionn Bowd discuss and debate the questions that lawyers have always wanted the answers to but have perhaps not felt comfortable asking out loud. In this inaugural episode, Jerome asks Fionn why partners in law firms are seemingly unable to refuse work from clients when presented with it, even if the taking on of said work adds to already-onerous workloads for the lawyers in their teams. Fionn responds with a discussion of the mindset that partners have when it comes to the onboarding and retention of clients, how and why client expectations and demands have evolved over time, the extent to which discounting one’s legal fees reinforces the need to take on any and all clients, the potential consequences for taking on such work, how partners can better communicate the min

Sports disputes are incredibly topical right now, including complaints about bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct and systemic inequality and injustice. Not only this, but sports disputes are unique – thereby requiring innovative, adaptable solutions. On this episode of LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with Immediation, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with former New Zealand solicitor-general Michael Heron QC, Immediation head of legal innovation Kelly Hughes and Immediation manager of legal innovation in New Zealand and sports law expert Henry Moore about what sports disputes are, how they differ from other types of legal disputes, and how such disputes have evolved in the age of coronavirus as well as the responses to them. The trio flesh out lessons that can be taken from their experience of impartial and independent complaints resolution mechanisms, why technology is so imperative in resolving sports disputes, how Immediation communicates the impo

In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, CyberSecurity Connect director Phil Tarrant and MAJGEN (Ret’d) Marcus Thompson, former head of the Department of Defence’s Information Warfare Division, discuss Russia’s history of cyber war and how this vector will continue to shape peace and conflict in the future. The pair begin by discussing MAJGEN (Ret’d) Thompson’s recent opinion piece in The Australian Financial Review, which dives into Russia’s history of cyber and information warfare. In his piece, he argues that Australia must better prepare itself for cyber attacks, which will be weaponised in reprisal against Australia for supporting Ukraine during the recent conflict. Both hosts continue by discussing the impact of cyber warfare on Australian businesses and how many malicious actors work in concert with state-sponsored groups to exploit the cyber domain. The pair wrap

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with LawCPD, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with LawCPD director and co-founder Sarah Mateljan about the lessons learned from the transition to hybrid work and what professional development might look like for lawyers in a post-pandemic world. Ms Mateljan reflects on the advent of online learning for lawyers in recent years, what the mainstreaming of remote and flexible working means for the undertaking of annual CPD requirements for lawyers, the lessons that legal workplaces have learned about effectively communicating with and growing their teams, the inextricable need for optimal wellness and the lessons learned about cyber risks. She also delves into how frequently the nature of legal education can and does shift, how and why lawyers should see legal education as something to look forward to rather than a box to be ticked, the role of providers like LawCP

Special counsel play a critical role within law firms of all stripes. Here, two award-winning practitioners detail how to succeed in this position, particularly against the backdrop of an ever-changing marketplace. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Caroll & O’Dea Lawyers special counsel Hayley Aldrich and Harmers Workplace Lawyers executive counsel and team leader Amy Zhang – both of whom have won multiple categories at Lawyers Weekly award programs – to discuss their respective journeys to the position of special counsel and what this professional does on a daily basis. The two award-winning lawyers also explain how the role of special counsel has evolved in the age of coronavirus, if at all, lessons learned for such practitioners in the last two years, why this particular vocational pathway is attractive separate from the partnership, what challenges are emerging for special counsel, and how best emerging leade

Australia was “once ahead of the curve” when it came to protecting and empowering whistleblowers. However, as Kieran Pender notes, “we are now seeing them being punished”. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Human Rights Law Centre senior lawyer Kieran Pender to discuss the state of affairs in whistleblowing around Australia, including reflection on where our whistleblowing laws once were compared to where they’re at now, and what both major political parties are saying about this umbrella issue with a federal election around the corner. Mr Pender also details numerous current high-profile whisteblowing cases that Australian lawyers should be aware of (such as the trials being brought against former ACT attorney-general Bernard Collaery, ATO whistleblower Richard Boyle and former defence lawyer David McBride), the extent to which Australian legal professionals are paying attention to these cases, how some lawyers

It is imperative that professionals across law departments better understand and appreciate where their colleagues are coming from so that collaboration and collegiality can be better fostered. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by NOVA Entertainment group general counsel and company secretary Ben Willis and senior legal counsel Samantha Walker to discuss the need for legal counsel of all stripes to acknowledge and respect the needs of their colleagues at different levels within a law department so as to be a trusted adviser not only to one’s business but also for those within one’s immediate team. Mr Willis and Ms Walker also delve into their personal investments in legal work in the media space, how and why that landscape has shifted in recent times, the importance of being motivated by the work of one’s law department, why different thinking has been required for lawyers in this space

Award-winning IP lawyer Naomi Pearce has the “preparedness to do things differently”. For her, this means preparing to be flexible, adaptable and creative, but also – and perhaps most importantly – the knowledge that one cannot prepare for every possible situation. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes Pearce IP chief executive and managing director Naomi Pearce – who won the Partner of the Year (SME Law) category at both the 2021 Women in Law Awards and Australian Law Awards – to discuss her journey as an intellectual property practitioner, why she is so passionate about it, how her business fared during the age of coronavirus and the state of affairs in IP law more generally. Ms Pearce also details how her business managed its increased workload in the last two years, the importance of being flexible, adaptable and creative, her broader philosophy on preparedness, recognising the limitations of preparing for any event

One of our 2021 Women in Law Awards finalists shares with Protégé why students do not need to fit into the “perfect” package of what a lawyer should look like – complete with high grades and clerkships – in order to have a successful career. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Naomi Neilson is joined by DLA Piper paralegal and one of our finalists from the 2021 Women in Law Awards Sarah McKenzie to talk about how less-than-perfect grades did not put an end to what is fast becoming a successful legal career in the commercial space.  In the episode, Sarah shares: “I never thought I was a person who would be able to get a clerkship. I wasn’t that star student who was topping all of the courses, I wasn’t involved in moot court. I wasn’t on the law student society. I wasn’t that package of what I thought a perfect commercial clerkship candidate would look l

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with CommBank Professional Services, the reigning Mentor of the Year discusses, among other things, why mentoring should be seen as the right thing to do, rather than simply something employers do for talent retention purposes. Host Jerome Doraisamy and CommBank Executive Manager of Professional Services Julienne Price interview Colin Biggers & Paisley partner Peter Harkin, who won the Mentor of the Year category at the 2021 Australian Law Awards, about why mentoring means so much more than attracting and retaining top talent, his personal experience with mentors, where mentoring programs can make the most difference and what sets good mentors apart. Mr Harkin also outlines what emerging lawyers should look for in a mentor, how lawyers can become mentors in the new normal, how the age of COVID-19 has changed the nature of mentoring relationships, and the need to regularly evaluate o

Kate Jordan is the GC of a large listed company and, before that, was deputy chief executive partner of a BigLaw firm. Despite her very impressive resumé, she says she has “still got a huge amount to learn”. Being curious, and asking questions, is critical to success in-house, she says. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Origin Energy general counsel and executive manager, company secretariat (risk and governance) Kate Jordan, who reflects on her journey from BigLaw to a large law department, how she manages her voluminous workload, the importance of being curious and challenging one’s self, and what such an approach has taught her about herself. Ms Jordan also explains why “bringing curiosity to the table” is so fundamental, particularly in the current climate, why being motivated about one’s employer’s mission is integral, how curiosity aids leaders in self-care and management of wel

Nicole Russell and her husband tried, for years, to have a child. The IVF journey took an enormous toll on her – emotionally and professionally – until finally, a friend volunteered to be a surrogate for her. This experience, including the legal processes, inspired her to shift her practice area to supporting families, as hers was supported. (Content warning: this episode may be distressing for some listeners. Discretion is advised.) On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Russell Walker Lawyers founder and director Nicole Russell to discuss her journey to conception, the hardship involved with so many years of trying to have a child whilst working as a lawyer, the vocational thought process that led to her setting up her own firm and why practising in surrogacy law made sense for her. Ms Russell also outlines how she managed the journey in the context of legal workplaces, how she nav

Warning: This show has been marked as explicit Danny King – in her own words – has “never had a filter” and is “fearlessly and shamelessly” herself. Such authenticity, and ownership over her own struggles, all led her to win the Managing Partner of the Year category at the 2021 Australian Law Awards. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Danny King Legal principal Danny King to discuss her journey from graduation to now running her own boutique employment law practice in Sydney, her approach to finding success as a lawyer, the need to embrace one’s true self and not suppress, and how beneficial raw honesty has been for her legal practice. Ms King also reflects on the need for leaders to have self-awareness regarding their mistakes, why acknowledging that not having all the answers can, in fact, be the best attitude to adopt, looming challenges and opportunities for managing part

Too often, disconnections exist in the working relationships between law departments and their external providers, which can exacerbate wellness issues for individuals and teams. Better understanding and appreciating how to make those relationships work is key so as to better serve clients and also the wider community. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes Canon Oceania chief legal counsel and director of people and finance David Field and Herbert Smith Freehills business development director in Australia Nora Chlap to discuss the friction points that may exist between in-house and private practice and why, the potential impacts upon legal professionals from such friction and whether the age of COVID-19 has worsened such factors. Mr Field and Ms Chlap also delve into the practical ways to improve “legal value chains”, why empathy and open communication is fundamental to such solutions, whether in-house and private pra

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Plenti, two leaders of Australian family law firms outline how to create and sustain a successful business – in a challenging practice area and at an extraordinary time in the marketplace. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Plenti head of legal finance Rose Dravitzki, Australian Family Lawyers executive chairman Grant Dearlove and Amanda Little & Associates principal Amanda Little to talk about their respective roles

For one of our Women in Law Awards finalists, standing out from her peers started with a schedule packed full of full-time work and full-time studying. Looking back, she tells Protégé that every opportunity and every experience helped get her to where she is today – and she would recommend that all law students do the same. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Naomi Neilson is joined by Coulter Legal law graduate and one of our finalists from the 2020 Women in Law Awards, Alli Taylor, to discuss how she managed to study and work full time, where she found the opportunities, and why other law students should consider the same.  Reflecting on her experience, Alli says: “The importance of trying to gain experience while studying, I would recommend to any law student. Any opportunity that was presented to me or that I could seek out, I definitely did.

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with CommBank Professional Services, the reigning Partner of the Year (BigLaw) discusses the myriad aspects of optimal leadership, including and especially empathy, in turbulent and uncertain times. Hosts Jerome Doraisamy and CBA National Director of Professional Services Daniela Pasini speak with Herbert Smith Freehills partner Nicole Pedler – who won the Partner of the Year (BigLaw) category at the 2021 Women in Law Awards – about the need for firms to be adaptable, the challenges faced by firms and their leaders when it comes to talent retention, the need for vulnerability and trust within one’s team, and corresponding skills that leaders must display. The trio also explore what constitutes “legal excellence” in the current climate, growth areas in the 2022 marketplace and what Ms Pedler predicts for her own practice area, ensuring flexibility as part of

Kate Jones has worked in-house for three blue-chip companies, including most recently as the general counsel for Samsung. Here, she discusses what she’s learned and what she sees as being essential to success as a leader of such big teams. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by the outgoing general counsel and company secretary of Samsung Electronics Australia, Kate Jones, to reflect on her career to date and what she has found to be most rewarding, the importance of comradery and collegiality, and how the age of COVID-19 reinforced the need for soft skills. The pair also discuss the pressures involved with leading the law department of public-facing companies, which soft skills will be fundamental moving forward, the challenges surrounding talent retention, the inherent duties of leaders of large law departments (especially with regards to wellness), and what she sees as being the most important priorities for tho

When it comes to retaining clients, reigning Sole Practitioner of the Year Sarah Stoddart says that being authentic and transparent, including about one’s health challenges, makes one more than just a lawyer – it makes one a trusted adviser. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Vitality Law Australia director Sarah Stoddart – who recently won the Sole Practitioner of the Year category at the 2021 Women in Law Awards – to discuss how her multiple sclerosis diagnosis has informed her approach with clients, how she has navigated the virtual nature of client service delivery in the last two years and the biggest lessons for engagement in that time. The pair also talk about the critical importance of meaningful and authentic communication, knowing where to draw boundaries, how best other sole practitioners can become more upfront with clients if they so wish, where client engagement sits as an

Warning: This show has been marked as explicit In 2021, Dr Hannah Korrel advocated the need to break up with bad bosses. Here, she returns to the show to discuss individual responsibility in having a “low tox life” in a workforce that is more hybrid and flexible in nature. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back author and neuropsychologist Dr Hannah Korrel to discuss the myriad toxic issues facing working legal professionals in the age of coronavirus, how difficult it can and might be for lawyers to undo that toxicity, and the need for team leaders new and creative ways to create more inclusive, collegiate workforces. Dr Korrel also delves into the toxicity that will remain problematic for lawyers in 2022, practical steps that lawyers must take to remove or at least reduce toxicity in their day-to-day working lives – both personally and professionally – how cognisant lawyers and their employers are of th

Emma Cleveland and Andrew Goldstein like to practice “on the fault lines of in-house, BigLaw and NewLaw”. It’s an approach to modern legal service delivery, they say, that will be pertinent in a post-pandemic market. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Cleveland & Co founder and chief executive Emma Cleveland and Asia-Pacific managing director Andrew Goldstein to discuss their practice methodology, how and why undertaking legal service delivery in such ways will be fundamental for practitioners heading into the new normal. Ms Cleveland and Mr Goldstein also discuss the attractiveness of the Australian market at this point in time, identifying best practice for various projects, evolving duties and responsibilities for in-house work, why they wish to operate in particular niches and how receptive businesses in Australia will be in future to such ways of working. If you like this episode, show your su

In the last 12 months, there has been an “avalanche” of clients using and requiring assistance with cryptocurrencies, offering much work for firms with expertise in this space. Will part of this new wave of work include class action proceedings? On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Salerno Law managing partner Cliff Savala and associate Krish Gosai to discuss the advent of cryptocurrency as a legal practice area on the rise, what work in this space entails, how and why clients are using cryptocurrencies, and why Salerno Law saw an opportunity to lean into crypto as a practice area. Mr Savala and Mr Gosai also respond to queries about whether there is fertile ground for class action litigation in the cryptocurrency space and why such proceedings might be initiated, getting Australia to a point where such proceedings are not necessary, and what the market has to look forward to in the cryptoc

In addition to its external responsibilities, GreenLaw has made a commitment to ensuring its members are processing all the emotions that come with being on the front lines of climate change legal work and activism. Its head of community sits down with Protégé to discuss how this has made such a big difference already. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Naomi Neilson is joined by Australian National University (ANU) student and GreenLaw’s head of community Emma Bryant to discuss the wellbeing program behind the young person-led organisation and her role in creating initiatives to engage and connect with all its members. Given the work that GreenLaw does, Emma explains that it can often feel “doom and gloom”, with members often left holding the weight of the impending climate crisis. In a safe space under the initiative, members are given the oppo

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Commonwealth Bank, the reigning Innovator of the Year details how innovative thinking has evolved in accordance with changing client expectations and technological advancements. Hosts Jerome Doraisamy and CBA National Director of Professional Services Daniela Pasini speak with Gilbert + Tobin chief knowledge and innovation officer and partner Caryn Sandler about what innovation means to her and her team and how innovation has changed in the last two years, the most influential factors driving new thinking in law firms, managing client expectations and the most important considerations in pursuing meaningful innovation. Ms Sandler, who won the Innovator of the Year category at the 2021 Partner of the Year Awards, also details the pace of change in innovative thinking during the age of coronavirus, responds to findings from CBA’s most recent Legal Market Pulse report, pr

According to Olaf Kretzschmar, there are at least seven different client types that a lawyer will come across over the course of their career. Understanding how each of these clients thinks and operates is fundamental in ensuring optimal client service delivery, as well as purpose, as a legal professional. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by One IP International managing director and chief executive Olaf Kretzschmar to talk about his experience of migrating from Germany and establishing an international legal practice, overcoming hurdles posed by his accent and background, lessons learned from dealing with different types of clients and the extent to which lawyers must employ psychology to breed good relationships. The pair also discuss the worldly team of legal professionals that Mr Kretzschmar has built over the years, the myriad client types that he and his colleagues have identified a

Research shows that nearly half of all US-based lawyers have executive or careers coaches. At a time of market turbulence and vocational uncertainty, it is time for Australian lawyers to do the same. On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Coaching Advocates, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes former general counsel Claire Bibby and former law firm partner Lara Wentworth – both of whom left legal practice and helped co-found global lawyer coaching outfit, Coaching Advocates – to discuss the myriad environmental factors presenting professional challenges for lawyers of all stripes (including but not limited to the Great Resignation). The trio unpack how these facto

With consumers increasingly demanding ethical business practices, one of the biggest priorities for law departments this year must be to bolster standards and expectations for a business’ suppliers and partners, says one award-winning GC. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Accenture strategic partnerships global legal lead Annie Haggar (who won General Counsel of the Year at the 2021 Australian Law Awards) to discuss the nature and state of affairs in ecosystem relationships, the need to respond to increasing consumer demand for ethical business practices, identifying practical steps to operationalise change and balancing proactive and reactive action to improve supply chains. Ms Haggar also delves into where improving supply chains sits in the triage of urgent priorities in 2022, opportunities that can and will arise from solving supply chain issues, how doing so can elevate one’s se

According to the new Regional and Suburban Lawyer of the Year, practitioners who work outside of CBDs are “very well placed” to meaningfully navigate the looming post-pandemic marketplace and sustain successful businesses, given what has been learned in the last two years. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Glissan & Associates lawyer Rebecca Watters to talk about what drew her to work in a suburban legal practice, working across Sydney, managing a diverse clientele, garnering a broader perspective on one’s local community, and why having such close connections to those around you makes one a better lawyer. Ms Watters also discusses what it meant to her to win Regional and Suburban Lawyer of the Year at the 2020 Australian Law Awards, current and looming challenges for lawyers working in the suburbs as well as opportunities on the horizon, lessons for other suburban lawyers based on her

Working in a legal clinic operating outside of her university not only exposed Juris Doctor student Nipuni Barandiwattage to critical legal skills, but also completely shaped the direction that she wants to take the rest of her budding legal career. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Naomi Neilson is joined by final-year juris doctor student Nipuni Barandiwattage to chat about her time working as a volunteer with La Trobe University’s Wills and Wishes Clinic, which delivers vital advice on will writing, power of attorney, medical decision makers, and more.  Nipuni shares how working with the clinic exposed her to incredible opportunities and allowed her to expand on important legal skills. Having found the program by chance, Nipuni said that being involved also inspired a new career direction.   As pa

Award-winning practitioner Cassandra Heilbronn has, over the years, built a sizeable brand as “Lawyer Cas”. When she accepted a role as chief of staff for a private family office in Saudi Arabia, she had to grapple with not referring to herself as a practising lawyer anymore and what that meant for her professional identity. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Ms Heilbronn to discuss the exciting new role she has accepted in Saudi Arabia and what that job entails, deducing whether or not she can still refer to herself as a lawyer and what that emotional process entails, the sense of pride that one attaches to being a member of the legal profession and having an evolving sense of who one is. The pair also discuss adapting one’s professional brand to suit changing circumstances, setting new vocational targets for one’s self, redefining what it means to be a modern legal professional (partic

In 2020, Calli Tsipidis won the In-House Lawyer of the Year and Rising Star of the Year (In-House) categories at the Women in Law Awards. Here, she discusses how she approaches her work and the factors she believes have led to her success. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Foxtel Group legal counsel Calli Tsipidis to discuss the work she does with Foxtel, how the work of her and her team was impacted by the age of coronavirus, how an increased workload opened the door to new opportunities and how she adapted to changing circumstances. Ms Tsipidis also talks about the importance of being passionate about one’s area of work, the need to have a separation between home and work, putting one’s self in the best possible position to win awards and succeed professionally, being authentic, why it is so important to put one’s hand up for recognition, and what she is most proud of.

When it comes to effective utilisation of digital and social media, some law firms are performing well, while others are “putting in pretty dismal efforts”. Garnering better engagement in 2022 is shaping up to be critical to the success of burgeoning practices. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Social Law Co. founder Tegan Boorman (who won the Thought Leader of the Year category at the 2021 Women in Law Awards) to discuss why a successful social media strategy is so fundamental moving forward, how firms across the country are faring, the most common mistakes that firms make and why, and the flow-on financial costs of not getting socials right. The pair also talk about the extent to which business owners can and must be upskilling on social media, how much time those firm leaders should be dedicating to socials, the balance between proactive and reactive content, the place for trial and error, learning lessons fr

There are times, in the course of legal practice, where lawyers will have to push back against rudeness, aggression, combativeness or intimidation. Knowing how and when to push, without disadvantaging one’s clients, is a skill learned over time. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Executive Legal managing partner Jahan Kalantar, who recounts stories of pushing back against judicial officers, legal practitioners and clients where the moment calls for it due to perceived inappropriate behaviour or conduct. The pair talk about what it means to find one’s voice and stand up for one’s self in the context of day-to-day legal practice, how this has manifested for Jahan and what the consequences have been. Mr Kalantar also details why finding one’s voice is so inextricably linked to one’s duties as a legal professional, how it makes one feel to stand up for one’s self, knowing when to take a stand, whether the mainstreami

The combination of lawyers wanting a change, together with law departments expanding with roles they previously hadn’t needed, has created a flurry of recruitment activity in-house. How will this unfold? On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back G2 Legal Australian director Daniel Stirling to talk about the volume of recruitment in the in-house market as we move into the new year, the sectors that are seeing movement and what kinds of professionals law departments are seeking right now. The pair also discuss what kinds of lawyers are looking to move into in-house positions, whether employers have to offer in-house secondments in order to keep staff long-term, whether the increased demand for in-house positions will continue or if it is just a flash in the pan, and how best employers across the board can attract and retain the best talent. If you like this episode, show your support by <a href= "https://p

In an ever-changing professional landscape, it is fundamental for lawyers to wear many hats. Doing so allows for diversification and better connection – personally and professionally – with one’s self. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes Legal Kitz partner and Business Kitz founder and chief executive Sarina Eggers-Stable to discuss tapping into one’s creative side, being a multifaceted legal professional, owning and operating multiple businesses and cross-referring between those businesses. The pair also dive into the need for boutique legal practitioners to build such diversified offerings in the post-pandemic new normal, actively encouraging staff to be more involved with external business opportunities, whether it will be easier for lawyers to get involved in such extracurriculars moving forward, and the benefits of opening one’s self up to such vocational potential. If you like this episode, show you

Having turned down partnership at a firm in her native United Kingdom to follow a different vocational path, Charlotte Smith has learned how to better manage her energy, tap into a mindset of potential and discover confidence in herself, even when things are difficult. It is from this journey that she has discovered how lawyers can practise without limits. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by San Francisco-based executive coach Charlotte Smith to discuss what it means to be a limitless lawyer, how this does apply, and has applied, in her own life, whether there are black-and-white rules or if being limitless means different things to different people, and whether lawyers are becoming more in-tune with their personal and professional needs. The pair also reflect on the need or otherwise for a certain quantum of stress and trauma in order to thrive, practical steps to live and practise in a l

When in-house lawyers talk to each other, they often find that they are all grappling with the same problems. Better understanding how to navigate those challenges, and facilitating such growth and development for corporate counsel, is fundamental for their ongoing success at a critical juncture. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes Are Media general counsel, company secretary and general manager of corporate Adrian Goss, who was recently elected as vice-chair of the global board of the Association of Corporate Counsel. The pair talk about why it is important to put one’s hand up to serve the in-house legal community, the need for professional collegiality, what one can glean from such extracurricular work, what he hopes to achieve for in-house lawyers around the world, how he sees the role of legal counsel changing in the coming year and what Australian lawyers can learn from their global counterparts.

Leaders in law are increasingly aware that people’s needs are changing, and with that, client demands are shifting. Ensuring that businesses can get the most out of their lawyers in the post-pandemic market requires new-age thinking, including considering what can be learned from elite sportspeople. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Frontier Performance founder and principal Pancho Mehrotra to discuss what high performance in professional services means and what can be gleaned from sportspeople, the biggest mistakes that leaders in law make, creating an “attraction business”, and the current headline challenges impeding high performance within legal teams. The pair also reflect on the presence of jealousy and domineering attitudes within law firms and how these sentiments are balanced against wellness needs and happiness, evolving perceptions of psychological safety, addressing environmental issues in more substa

General counsel, and law departments, who move to take on more responsibility for their businesses will have a “real opportunity to make a difference”. Being visible, Teresa Allan believes, ensures the work of that department is more significant and consequential. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Capgemini vice-president, general counsel and ethics and compliance officer Teresa Allan to discuss lessons learned from undertaking acquisitions in the age of coronavirus for law departments, taking on more work so as to ensure the legal team has a seat at the table, and how such increased workload improves the standing of the law department. The pair also delve into striking the right balance between proactivity and reactivity in taking on more work, personal reflections on being more than just the general counsel, practical guidance for those looking to broaden the scope of their work and navigating pushback to su

When she founded her practice, Alison Cusack had never even worked in a law firm, let alone run one. Nevertheless, she found her niche at an early stage and has thrived ever since, establishing herself as a leader in a niche field. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Cusack & Co founder and principal Alison Cusack to discuss the day-to-day for a maritime lawyer, how and why she moved from in-house work to running her worn firm, her attitude towards deal-making, supply chain issues in the age of coronavirus and flow-on impacts for shipping businesses. The pair also talk about popular culture references to maritime issues, sexism in a male-dominated industry, lessons from evolving litigious environments, why Alison has no interest in “stealing others’ clients”, becoming an industry leader in a specific industry and how her niche practice can afford to stay in its lane and not diversify. If you like this

For the immediate past president of the UTS Law Student Society, being involved became much more than picking up important legal skills and making connections. In addition to the rewarding experience and accomplishments, it was an opportunity to learn how to manage a leadership role from the very beginning of her legal career. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Naomi Neilson is joined by former UTS Law Student Society president Vicky Kuo to chat about her experience over the last four years, as president but also in other positions within the organisation. The episode is another spotlight on why law students should be getting involved too. As part of the episode, Vicky discusses all of the advantages to getting involved: from making important connections with other members, learning how to manage a whole organisation, and picking up skills that will be useful in the real legal world. We also talk about what it meant for Vicky to step

2021 has been an extraordinary year for Australia’s property market. There is much that legal professionals can take away, from those looking to get their foot in the door to those wanting to expand their portfolios. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back recurring guest Cullen Haynes, director of sales at Legal Home Loans, and Josh Jaramillo, legal lending specialist at Legal Home Loans, to discuss their reflections on the year that was, the “post-lockdown mindset” for lawyers, and changes in lending services governance laws. The trio also delve into what is firing up investors at this juncture, whether or not there is more stock coming onto the market, what benefits still exist and will be apparent for lawyers moving forward, and how lawyers can and should be perceiving Australia’s property market as we head into the new year. If you like this episode, show your support by <a href= "https://podc

Leaving the bar to become an in-house lawyer may seem an uncommon vocational journey. However, for one award-winning practitioner, the move has been a natural, seamless transition. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back returning guest Matthew Littlejohn, a Darwin-based barrister-turned-manager of litigation at the Office of the General Counsel in Victoria, to discuss his experience as a barrister in the Northern Territory and what he learned about himself in that time, why he wanted to move in-house and what he does in his new role, and what the transition has been like. The pair also discuss the practical and professional skills one learns as a barrister that are transferrable to an in-house role, whether law departments should be recruiting from the bar, if barristers make for better in-house counsel than those from private practice, and what those already in-house can bring to the bar table if they wish to mak

For Janya Eighani, a “partners on commission” model is not just a way to be innovative and chip away at traditional practice methodologies – it is also a way to better support a community of consulting principals and garner broader business and vocational benefits for her firm. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Lehman Walsh Lawyers managing partner Janya Eighani to talk about the “partners on commission” model that her firm established during the COVID-19 pandemic and why, the challenges that have arisen since the introduction of that model and how the firm has managed those, and how the model is advantageous for all parties involved. The pair also discuss the lessons learned from this model, the myriad personal and professional benefits to the firm implementing the model, turning one’s firm into a multi-service offering, new perspective that arises (personal and professional), and ensuring that one’s firm can c

Following a “very active” year, capital markets lawyers should be preparing themselves for a “really interesting” 2022, says one leading partner, who notes that the Australian market will “always support” the right transactions. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Baker McKenzie partner Antony Rumboll, who returns to the podcast to discuss the year that was in capital markets, whether the lessons from 2020 were still applicable this year, how secondary capital raisings unfolded in 2021, how predicted increases to interest rates will impact upon transactions, and the evolving nature of leadership for lawyers in this space. The pair also dissect the evolving nature of relationships with clients, predictions for the capital markets space in 2022 and the daily experience of lawyers, how best those lawyers can adapt to those predictions and better serve clients, and what there is to look forward to in the new year.<br /

When she bought her first home at the age of 21, Annature founder and chief executive Amreeta Abbott couldn’t believe how many documents she had to sign in person. Having worked across professional services strands as a tech entrepreneur, she understands better than most the inextricable need for more efficient processes as we move into a post-pandemic market. On this episode of LawTech Talks, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Ms Abbott to discuss her personal and vocational journeys, how she feels the legal profession is faring relative to other industries when it comes to uptake and meaningful utilisation of technologies such as eSignatures and identification verification, what further change needs to occur in law (both legislative updates and community perceptions), and what sectors of the profession are upping the ante. The pair also delve into the extent to which change is client-driven or led by lawyers, better navigating pain points with eSigning an