The term “intersectionality” was first coined by a lawyer. As a move towards the post-pandemic market, adopting an intersectional approach to legal practice will be increasingly essential for meaningful service of one’s clients. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Regal Lawyers principal Mannie Kaur Verma to discuss what intersectionality means in the context of legal practice, how and why such an approach is so important to Ms Kaur Verma and the barriers she has faced in life that gave rise to such an approach in law. The pair also talk about how intersectionality pertains to the underlying altruism of legal practice, pushing back against potential scepticism to mainstream adoption of intersectional approaches to clients, how it applies in an increasingly virtual practice environment, and practical steps that lawyers and leaders can take to reposition their collaboration with clients. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

Outside of the unrealities played out on television screens, criminal law can be packed full of exciting cases, clients and, sometimes, court appearances – but it’s also highly competitive, so how can new lawyers make a career out of it? Protégé chats with a relatively new criminal lawyer on the pathway he took into the field. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Naomi Neilson is joined by criminal lawyer Ben Watson to discuss his career journey into this exciting space of the legal profession. Much like many other practice areas, this meant pursuing stepping stones and alternative careers before finding the best move forward. In another episode packed full of advice for new lawyers, Ben chats about how a different career dream came first but ultimately led him to criminal law. He also discusses what soon-to-be-lawyers wanting the same career should start doing now and offers tips for law students on making it into the wide world of law. Ben also shares how a Facebook page he created turned into a useful source of information for criminal lawyers. Not only is this space an opportunity for lawyers to chat about cases and ask for advice, but it has also become a hub for a community to engage with each other, network, and share professional and personal stories. For all this and more, have a listen below! If you have any questions about the episode or if there are any topics that you might want us to look into, please reach out – we would love to hear from you! We’re also always open to new guests, so if you have an exciting story to tell, if you’re standing out as a student or graduate, or if you can offer some tips for our young lawyers, get in touch. You can reach us here: Emails: [email protected] or [email protected] Socials: Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter or reach out to me directly here.

One year ago, a period of “drastic change” was predicted for litigators. Not only did that come to pass, but more change is looming for lawyers in this space. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes return guest Jason Betts and first-time guest Christine Tran, both partners at Herbert Smith Freehills, to discuss the year that was in litigation, what predictions for this area of law came to fruition and what has surprised litigators, and how such change is set to impact firms and clients in 2022. The trio also reflect on the regulatory and parliamentary environment for the coming year, the evolving nature of relationships with in-house teams, new responsibilities for leaders of litigation teams, and Mr Betts and Ms Tran’s top tips for litigators to ensure success in the post-pandemic market. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

On the second episode of our new show, LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with Immediation, we delve into all things technology for barristers: how best practice for those at the bar is evolving, what it will mean to be a tech-enabled barrister in the future, and why now is a great time to begin exploring new tech options for 2022. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Immediation founder and managing director Laura Keily, a barrister practising in Melbourne, as well as TA Law managing director Stephen Foley, to unpack what best practice has looked like in the past for barristers – both in Australia and abroad – how it is changing and has “dramatically” accelerated given the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The trio also explore what online courts will look like in the future, adapting to new styles of advocacy, why those willing to try will benefit over others, given the user-friendly nature of new legal tech platforms, how accessible and affordable technology is becoming for barristers and why such developments are so exciting for those at the bar in a looming post-pandemic marketplace. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

Whether the supposed “Great Resignation” materialises or not, law departments are going to have to do all they can to keep in-house counsel happy. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Carlyle Kingswood Global director, in-house (legal and governance) Phillip Hunter to discuss whether or not the “Great Resignation” talk is overblown, whether law departments are cognisant of the need to be better catering to employees, and how legal candidates are feeling at this juncture of the global pandemic. The pair also discuss whether there is an increased desire to move in-house across the legal profession, if lawyers are increasingly keen to move overseas, improving a business’ employee value proposition, and how in-house counsel can ensure they are getting the best deal for themselves. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

As the founder of a business that specialises in the arts, Alana Kushnir believes that there is “absolute potential” for lawyers to combine what they are passionate about with daily legal practice. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Guest Work Agency founder and director Alana Kushnir to talk about how and why she built a niche practice in art law, the considerations she underwent in determining whether or not to corner this segment of the market, and the need to have a diversified professional offering as part of that niche segment. The pair also reflect on how the age of coronavirus has impacted upon Australia’s arts sector, lessons learned for professionals in this space, and why Ms Kushnir’s experience offers hope to other lawyers who want to create a niche practice in an area of life they are passionate about. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

Paul McCann was the head of litigation and Sydney office lead partner of a top-tier firm who saw a “noticeable decline in the happiness factor” for lawyers across the board. He decided to start a new firm, through which he felt he could better lead the next generation in meaningful, substantive ways. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Cornwalls principal Paul McCann to discuss the reasons he left BigLaw behind, the type of leadership he wants to see in the legal profession and the values he tried to imbibe within his staff. The pair also discuss what constitutes best practice for leadership in a post-pandemic market, how best to create hospitable, collegiate environments for lawyers, what Mr McCann wants to see the profession looking like, and other words of wisdom for existing and emerging leaders in law. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

Law departments cannot risk becoming a “bottleneck for business”. Helping the business scale their operations at this critical juncture not only helps manage workflow issues but will also help shore up the long-term relevance of the law department, says one expert. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Stockholm-based Victoria Swedjemark – the founder of consulting and advisory business Glowmind – to discuss what it means to scale, why there is a need for a more scalable legal service delivery model, and key practical pillars for law departments to strategise about their scaling operations. The pair also talk about the performance of European-based law departments with regard to scaling businesses, putting the department in the best possible position to implement the key pillars, overcoming environmental challenges, and the importance of knowledge sharing in one’s circle of corporate counsel. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

When Sally Nicholes founded her firm, she was adamant that the practice be one that actually gives back and promotes the rights of those most vulnerable. Given the hurdles that LGBTQIA+ persons and families have historically faced, having a dedicated arm within her firm to support such clients was a must. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Nicholes Family Lawyers managing partner Sally Nicholes and partner Rebecca Dahl, who detail how and why their firm’s dedicated LGBTQIA+ practice group came to be, the issues and challenges it aims to address for vulnerable and disadvantaged clients, and how the age of coronavirus has exacerbated some of these concerns for families. The two partners also dive into the legislative evolutions that have changed the nature of legal work in this space, the impact of vicarious trauma versus the emotional rewards that come from such work, the moral and ethical duties of legal practitioners, and the business case for having dedicated practice groups within law firms for specific demographics of society.

First as an offender and then on the other side of the bench, this budding new lawyer has had a unique experience with the law and the justice system. Through this, he gained some incredible insight into how the profession relegates its newcomers. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Naomi Neilson is joined Queensland Law Society’s First Nations legal executive Joshua Apanui to discuss how his time on the other side of the justice system not only shaped his experience coming into the profession but opened his eyes up to the stereotyping that follows practitioners. Throughout the episode, Joshua touches on how a scholarship with Bond University helped him make a big start in the legal profession. He also explains the work that he has been doing with the Queensland Law Society to make a difference for young, soon-to-be or aspiring lawyers who wish to someday make their own start. Joshua also shares with listeners how his interests in the profession became a reality, his passions for using this new position to give back to the community, and how he hopes to break down barriers for Australia’s Indigenous people. Listeners of this episode can also hear some incredible advice from Joshua on advancing their own careers and coping with the professions’ stereotyping. Have a listen to the episode below! If you have any questions about the episode or if there are any topics that you might want us to look into, please reach out – we would love to hear from you! We’re also always open to new guests so if you have an exciting story to tell, if you’re standing out as a student or graduate, or if you can offer some tips for our young lawyers, get in touch. You can reach us here: Emails: [email protected] or [email protected] Socials: Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter or reach out to me directly here.

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Olvera Advisors, Mirzan Mansoor explores what the post-pandemic future holds for Australian businesses. Mr Mansoor, a manager at Olvera and former corporate banking executive, joins host Jerome Doraisamy to discuss the state of affairs for Australian businesses in the wake of pandemic-inspired fiscal relief and the need for proactive risk management as disaster payments come to an end as creditors look to recover overdue debts. The pair also examine the need (or otherwise) for businesses to review and then renegotiate their contracts, how lawyers can support businesses at this critical juncture, whether there will be a wave of businesses looking to restructure, and other practical steps that can be taken as the new normal looms. To learn more about Olvera Advisors, click here. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

Both law firms and in-house teams make mistakes when it comes to building and maintaining good relationships. In the current climate, it is especially pertinent that both sides find ways to improve. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Cognetic Legal & Consulting founder and principal Damien Sullivan to discuss the biggest mistakes that law firms make when dealing with in-house teams, the responsibility of those in-house to better communicate their needs, whether those in-house have more leverage in relationships right now, and at what point a law department should cut a law firm loose. The pair also delve into the mistakes that law departments make when working with their external providers, how the age of coronavirus might have changed the nature of working relationships and what opportunities are emerging in such relationships.  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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

On this special episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, produced in partnership with mattero, a panel of experts unpack the most pertinent professional and technological considerations for SME practices in the looming “new normal”. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by mattero chief solutions officer Chris Porter, Lawganised founder and director Ben Deverson, and The Remote Expert founder and principal Emma Heuston to discuss headline issues and considerations facing law firm leaders as we look towards a post-pandemic market, whether now is a good time for practitioners to launch their own firms and why, and the key questions that both existing and emerging legal businesses must answer, as well as how tech platforms can and will assist on these fronts. The quartet also explore the lessons to be learned from colleagues’ experiences with legal tech, figuring out exactly what tech your firm might need moving forward, and the benefits that come from using mattero and why mattero’s offerings are suitable in the current climate. To learn more about mattero, click here. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

Spearheading a national team is not easy, least of all in a listed company and against the backdrop of a global pandemic. However, if one is sure of their purpose and implements the right strategies, opportunities will emerge and success will follow. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Shine Lawyers medical law national practice leader Clare Eves to discuss using life challenges to form one’s leadership style, learning how a business runs and one’s place in it as a leader, strategies for launching a national team, how such strategies evolved in the age of COVID-19 and, in her position, how to balance such considerations against the interests of working within a listed company. The pair also dive into Ms Eves’ upbringing in a small working-class town in the United Kingdom, how early life challenges led her towards the legal profession and, more specifically, finding a path towards a practice area of law for which she was fully equipped, personally and professionally, to navigate issues and opportunities. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with So They Can, a partner and a barrister reflect on their support for the organisation’s education and empowerment programs that empower vulnerable communities in East Africa and how such work has informed their respective professional outlooks. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Wotton + Kearney partner and head of pro bono Heidi Nash-Smith and barrister Hugh Stowe to discuss how and why they both became involved with So They Can, unpack their respective experiences on the ground with the organisation and reflect on how such work has offered a new perspective on the importance of social justice and legal practice. The trio also delve into why it is incumbent upon Australian lawyers to fight for justice, the opportunities for lawyers to become more involved with important causes in a post-pandemic world, and what excites both Ms Nash-Smith and Mr Stowe about the work of So They Can in the future. So They Can is a philanthropic partner for Lawyers Weekly’s upcoming 2021 Women in Law Awards. To learn more about its work, click here. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

In an increasingly globalised market, it is imperative that in-house lawyers understand and appreciate the cultural idiosyncrasies of everyone who sits across from you at the negotiating table – especially given that the age of coronavirus has “changed how we communicate”. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Diligent assistant general counsel and three-time Lawyers Weekly Award winner Haylen Pong to talk about the need for in-house lawyers to improve their communication skills and ensure that, in a post-pandemic world that will be increasingly virtual, they are as attuned to cultural sensitivities as possible for the benefit of their businesses. The pair delve into whether improved cultural awareness should form part of one’s professional development and other practical ways to increase cultural sensitivity, and the need to make time for such education, including how it can assist when one sits at the negotiating table and/or when advising senior management. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

Fear used to hold Nancy Youssef back from achieving success in business. Her five-step process to overcome one’s worries, particularly as we move into a post-pandemic market, is essential for all firm owners. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Nancy Youssef, the founder and financial strategist of Classic Finance Group and founder of Classic Mentoring and Coaching, to discuss the practical steps needed to overcome one’s fears and achieve meaningful, lasting success with one’s small business, and how and why she developed such a blueprint. The pair also delve into the debilitating and crippling nature of business fears, how using a fear-busting blueprint can help support one in their personal life, increasing one’s business confidence, and other opportunities to flourish in the looming ‘new normal’.

Having been caught between the choice of unpredictability in her dream job or the stability in another, one new lawyer shares how she thought she would be giving up her passion for writing when she pursued her interest in law – ultimately, however, she found a way to make both of them work in one big, exciting career. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Naomi Neilson is joined by lawyer, writer, and Lawyers Weekly contributor Stefanie Costi to discuss how her blossoming career in journalism was swapped out for law – but, through a copywriting business and contributing to news sites like ours, found a way to keep working in both. In this episode, Stefanie talks us through a really exciting writing opportunity: contributing a chapter in the Change Makers books about women making an impact on the lives of others. It’s a very interesting read on how she made the switch from writing into law, and the impact people around her had on finding a middle ground. “If my journey says anything, it’s that with a bit of grit, your own permission to dream and the power to not give up, the world is yours for the taking,” Stefanie wrote. “Believe in yourself and have the courage to take the first step.” Stefanie also shares what it meant for her career to grow up with migrant parents and offers some very useful advice for new lawyers. Have a listen to the entire episode below! If you have any questions about the episode or if there are any topics that you might want us to look into, please reach out – we would love to hear from you! We’re also always open to new guests, so if you have an exciting story to tell, if you’re standing out as a student or graduate, or if you can offer some tips for our young lawyers, get in touch. You can reach us here: Emails: [email protected] or [email protected] Socials: Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter or reach out to me directly here.

There is “no greater gift” lawyers can give themselves than claiming what they want for their lives. Having left BigLaw behind to become a sex and relationship coach, Stephanie Rigg understands the importance of being deliberate and intentional about creating a meaningful life for one’s self. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with corporate lawyer-turned-sex and relationship coach Stephanie Rigg about how she has always been a “personal development junkie”, how the onset of COVID-19 in early 2020 provided a circuit-breaker of sorts for her to keep pushing her vocational and intellectual boundaries, which saw her resign from her role as an M&A lawyer and enrol in a training program to be a sex and relationship coach. The pair delve into whether Ms Rigg’s training as a lawyer has provided transferrable skills to her new role, what a sex and relationship coach does, the nexus between ingrained personality traits and healthy relationships, the deleterious impact of workplace stress on one’s sexuality and intimacy with others and how the age of COVID-19 has amplified such concerns, and Ms Rigg’s words of wisdom for lawyers in claiming what they want for their lives. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

Having worked extensively across financial services and having successfully navigated an arduous royal commission into that sector, Scott Stierli knows how best to showcase one’s importance to a business. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by REA Group executive manager (legal) Scott Stierli to reflect on how much legal work in financial services has changed in recent years, what it was like as an in-house lawyer during the Hayne Royal Commission and what lessons emerged from that inquiry. The pair also delve into striking the right balance between proactivity and reactivity when navigating regulatory evolutions, how best to evolve with counterparts across businesses in the new normal, and what a successful in-house lawyer in financial services will look like in the future. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

Not only do emerging leaders like Sheetal Deo have the power to reshape the makeup and tone of the legal profession and the ways in which client services are delivered – they are already doing it. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Shakti (Legal Solutions) founder and principal Sheetal Deo to discuss more substantive diversity and inclusion in law and how best this can be achieved, who is doing well on such fronts already, and why such conversations are so important to her, both personally and professionally. The pair also reflect on the power that young legal professionals have to rethink and redesign the nature of legal service but also how it looks (literally and metaphorically), the inextricable need for good allies, and the direction she sees her own firm taking as we move into the new normal. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

For International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, two senior legal professionals discuss their experiences with stillbirth and infertility, respectively. (Content warning: this episode may be distressing for some listeners. Discretion is advised.) On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Holding Redlich partner Alexandra Tighe and LOD head of marketing and communications (Asia-Pacific and the Middle East) Anita Thompson, who both return to the show to reflect on their experiences with stillbirth and infertility, respectively, the trauma that arises as a result of such heartache, and the number of Australian women who go through similar experiences. The trio also delve into whether or not ingrained personality traits of lawyers might exacerbate the heartache of such experiences, how best employers can support their staff, the role of male colleagues in better supporting women as well as their personal guidance for any lawyer who experiences such heartache and how to find hope. Help is available via SANDS or Pink Elephants for those seeking support in pregnancy loss and via Mercy Perinatal for those seeking information or to support research into prevention of loss. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

On this special episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, produced in partnership with LOD, we explore how trust levels in-house have changed since the onset of COVID-19 and what this means for the legal department of the future. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by LOD Australia managing director Paul Cowling, St Barbara general counsel and company secretary Sarah Standish, and Willis Towers Watson head of legal (APAC) Jon Downes to discuss LOD’s recently published Trust: An Antidote to Uncertainty report and what its headline findings mean for law departments as we move towards a post-pandemic marketplace. The quartet examine how trust is evolving and will continue to evolve within organisations and in-house teams, the potential for unanticipated consequences of changing trust levels and how team leaders can navigate this, corresponding changes to leadership styles, maintaining optimal communication with other business units, and what law departments have to look forward to. Lawyers Weekly recently covered the LOD report here and here. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

From youthful run-ins with a now-Supreme Court judge to the need to find a cure for “resting bastard face”, Ian Whitworth’s life and teachings for business owners are unlike any other. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Scene Change co-founder and author Ian Whitworth to discuss his journey from vet school to cab driving to being an advertising creative director and now a business author, and the myriad professional lessons he learned along the way. The pair discuss whether likeability is more important than skill for law firm owners, the scourge of resting bastard face, staying business fit and other key business truths that lawyers must be aware of, particularly in the wake of so much marketplace change. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

While working towards their dream jobs, new lawyers should not be shying away from alternative career paths and non-traditional legal roles because they may just make the difference on future job applications and in interviews. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Naomi Neilson is joined by IP and commercial lawyer Maiko Sentina to discuss the stepping-stones she took through alternative career paths that ultimately led to her dream role. Maiko, who shares that she was job hunting in her dream field for over a year, talks listeners through the alternative options that allowed her to continue upskilling while revealing new possibilities. Ultimately, this open-minded approach was what led to the foundational skills needed for lawyers and made her more attractive to new roles. We also chat about the non-traditional jobs that should remain on resumes, no matter their irrelevance to law. Showing hiring managers experience in casual, retail roles, for example, could be a way to explain that they can “talk to clients, deal with potential sticky situations and getting instructions from superiors”. Importantly, Maiko shares her advice for students, grads and new lawyers who are sending out resumes and cover letters only to receive rejections or, worse, no response at all: “It’s about sticking to your guns, sticking to what it is that you are passionate about. Don’t be afraid to keep putting yourself out there.” This episode also explores making mentor/mentee connections with senior lawyers and why it’s important to look behind the polished LinkedIn profiles. Have a listen below! If you have any questions about the episode or if there are any topics that you might want us to look into, please reach out – we would love to hear from you! We’re also always open to new guests so if you have an exciting story to tell, if you’re standing out as a student or graduate, or if you can offer some tips for our young lawyers, get in touch. You can reach us here: Emails: [email protected] or [email protected] Socials: Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter or reach out to me directly here.

Doing duty list work in regional and remote towns, Hassan Ameen says, is a great reminder of the privileges that many lawyers enjoy, both personally and professionally. This is just one of many reasons why emerging criminal lawyers will benefit greatly from spending some time working in country Australia. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Bondi Law solicitor Hassan Ameen to talk about his experiences in Goulburn, NSW as a duty list lawyer and what he learned from his time in that regional town, including the need to get to know the local community (from the magistrates and police all the way down to clients on the ground). The pair delve into the intensity of such duty list work, particularly learning about the issues facing Indigenous communities, how Mr Ameen’s time in regional NSW offered him life skills and professional experience that has been invaluable for his practice back in Sydney, and why criminal lawyers coming through the ranks must be on the hunt for duty list experience in regional and rural Australia so they can ultimately be better practitioners. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

Tanya Heaslip grew up on a cattle station in Central Australia. She was the first student of School of the Air to study and graduate from law school and, from there, her career was as varied as it was incredible, including working on the Lindy Chamberlain inquiry and teaching English to Czech lawyers and judges. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by author and freelance in-house commercial and legal adviser Tanya Heaslip to discuss her upbringing on a remote cattle station, attending School of the Air and how such education gave her a unique grounding for legal studies, and her journey from working on a major national inquiry to then moving to the Eastern Bloc after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Ms Heaslip also details her experiences of penning three books about being a girl from Alice Springs, the lessons her uncommon life and career have taught her, and what other corporate counsel can learn, particularly in such a turbulent age. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

Family lawyers in Australia deal with the Family Law Act. Rebecca Chapman, as an international parental child abduction lawyer, deals with the Hague Convention. In such cases, where children have been taken overseas by one parent without the other’s permission or a court order, the stakes are heightened. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by International Social Service Australia managing lawyer Rebecca Chapman to discuss the state of affairs with international parental child abduction: the laws governing such abductions, dealing with different countries, and how the age of coronavirus has impacted upon such legal work. The pair also talk about the extent to which change is occurring in this space as the marketplace shifts, the intensity of such work and the non-negotiable professional skills that one needs to succeed in this practice area. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

The age of coronavirus has presented some fascinating challenges for lawyers in the venture capital space, Myra Beal says, reinforcing key teachings for such practitioners about the need to manage client expectations and join them, over the long term, on their investment journeys. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Metigy general counsel and chief of staff Myra Beal to talk about how the venture capital space has been impacted by the global pandemic and the corresponding issues that lawyers in this space have had to grapple with, together with trends that have emerged and lessons for lawyers moving forward into the new normal. The pair also delve into the extent to which VC lawyers can make educated predictions about how the market will play out post-pandemic, whether there will be a greater diversity of clients on offer moving forward, and how legal work in this space can set one up for a meaningful vocational future. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

In the inaugural episode of LawTech Talks, Lawyers Weekly – in partnership with Immediation – dives into the myriad challenges facing females in Australia’s legal tech sector, and how such hurdles can be overcome. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Immediation founder and barrister Laura Keily, as well as Xakia Technologies founder and CEO Jodie Baker, to discuss the recently-released Diversity in Legal Tech – It’s Time for Action report, which reveals how few of Australia’s legal tech founders are women, the barriers to entry and success, and what practical steps must be taken by all stakeholders to rectify such issues. Ms Keily and Ms Baker delve into their respective experiences as legal tech entrepreneurs and the challenges they’ve both observed and felt, detail how funders and fellow founders can better support women and why, and offer guidance to those coming through the ranks about how best to thrive in an ever-changing market. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

Kathryn Jurd’s role as general counsel for RSPCA NSW can often feel like speaking seven languages fluently, and if she can’t speak an eighth dialect, she’s asked why. This said, day-to-day work for the animal welfare organisation never fails to be “diverse and engaging”, she says. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by RSPCA NSW general counsel Kathryn Jurd to discuss what life is like as the head of legal for a prominent animal welfare organisation charged with duties to protect “non-human” clients from cruelty, the challenges inherent in governing legislation, and the volume of prosecutions that come across her desk every year. The pair also delve into how the age of coronavirus has presented new hurdles for animal welfare and how such environmental changes may impact court matters, the lessons for prosecutors and other lawyers from her time in this role, and how to manage one’s self in the face of such emotionally draining and intense legal work. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

A firm’s value is, ultimately, defined by the clientele. Establishing and effectively communicating that value, in a marketplace that is increasingly crowded, is a foremost challenge for boutique practices right now. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Aptum Legal managing director Nigel Evans to discuss his views on the importance of communicating a firm’s value, the danger of deprioritising value amidst all other business duties and responsibilities, the practical steps to extrapolate value and how frequently such evaluations should occur. The pair also talk about the need for creativity in showcasing a firm’s value, striking the right balance in communicating via modern platforms versus more traditional approaches, to what extent a firm should learn from their competitors, how much should be invested in defining one’s value and why retaining a firm’s is one of the most important things a business owner can do. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

From their first pay cheque, new lawyers should be having open discussions about their salaries with peers to familiarise themselves with the prejudices and the structural discrimination that exists in the profession, one graduate lawyer said. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Naomi Neilson is joined by graduate lawyer Taylah Spirovski in an important conversation about new lawyers being open and honest when it comes to their salaries and the hiring processes. By removing the pay secrecy, the profession can take steps to address its many concerns. Taylah shared that this “normalised rudeness” that can come with discussing money with friends and colleagues has led to pay secrecy, which in turn has “direct implications on the workforce” and, importantly, the lives of women, people with disabilities, people from marginalised communities and many others. “My overarching thought is that law students and young and new lawyers need to familiarise themselves with the prejudice and the structural discrimination within the legal profession as soon as they possibly can. Ultimately, this is going to change outcomes for themselves. Pay secrecy is basically a lack of truth, and it breeds discrimination,” Taylah commented during the episode. As part of the episode, Taylah also discussed other important topics that new lawyers should be having with their peers, including prejudices they face at work. “I think that law students and young lawyers would benefit so much from having conversations with each other about this kind of prejudice, including their own experiences and obviously, the experiences of others that have been recounted in books and research that have come before them for decades,” she said. Have a listen below! If you have any questions about the episode or if there are any topics that you might want us to look into, please reach out – we would love to hear from you! We’re also always open to new guests so if you have an exciting story to tell, if you’re standing out as a student or graduate, or if you can offer some tips for our young lawyers, get in touch. You can reach us here: Emails: [email protected] or [email protected] Socials: Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter or reach out to me directly here.

The challenges faced by lawyers with disabilities are not something that is spoken about often enough by Australia’s legal profession. Three lawyers are looking to change that. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Equality Lawyers principal Natalie Wade, Makinson d’Apice Lawyers special counsel Ella Alexander, and Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office graduate Abbey Dalton, who together founded the Disabled Australian Lawyers Association, to discuss the myriad challenges facing lawyers with disabilities, stigmas faced by such professionals, and the prevalence of ableism. The three founders also go into the role of the rest of the legal profession, particularly leaders, to ensure inclusive and safe working environments, and how the past 18 months have both positively and negatively altered the day-to-day practice experience of lawyers with disabilities, and how those circumstances might evolve post-pandemic. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

According to findings from the Association of Corporate Counsel, too few law departments have and implement equitable briefing policies. This, a barrister and a senior in-house lawyer argue, must change. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Talitha Fishburn, a barrister at Black Chambers in Sydney, and Paul Green, senior lawyer at Westpac Group, to discuss the low adoption rates of equitable briefing policies by law departments nationwide, the lack of knowledge and understanding of such briefing policies, and what might be the best approaches moving forward in ensuring that equitable briefing can be successful. The trio also delve into how Westpac has implemented and enforced equitable briefing in recent years and what other law departments can learn from that bank’s experience, how barristers can better advocate for more briefs, and why a more equitable distribution of legal work is ultimately good for the legal profession. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

While pregnant with her second child, Danielle Snell’s litigation practice was peaking. Not wanting to stop fighting for her clients, she and her business partner unveiled a new firm as she entered her seventh month of pregnancy – proving that there can and should be no obstacles to having personal fulfilment and professional success at the same time. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Elit Lawyers by McGirr and Snell co-founder and director Danielle Snell to discuss why the work she was doing while pregnant was too important to let go as she carried and then raised her second child, the challenges she encountered along the way in building a new practice and engaging with the profession, and why there shouldn’t be any reason why lawyers cannot flourish in ways that, pre-pandemic, might have seemed abnormal. The pair also talk about the lessons that Ms Snell has learned from such an experience and what she would recommend to other women lawyers, what men in law (particularly leaders) can take away and how best they can support their female colleagues, and how her views on leadership have evolved, both in the new normal and as a result of her extraordinary journey. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

Kathleen Folbigg has been branded Australia’s worst female serial killer but new research into the deaths of her four children, backed by the world’s leading experts, may instead make her Australia’s worst miscarriage of justice. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Naomi Neilson is joined by solicitor Rhanee Rego to discuss the new scientific evidence that suggests Ms Folbigg has spent the past 18 years behind bars for crimes she never committed.  Backed by genomic testing, a group of eminent scientists have cast doubt on Ms Folbigg’s guilt and her 2003 conviction for the manslaughter of her son Caleb and the murders of her three other children, Patrick, Sarah and Laura. With a new petition, Ms Rego and others on Ms Folbigg’s legal team hope to see her free.  During this episode, Ms Rego shares the legal avenues still available to Ms Folbigg (whether a pardon is granted or not), explains how the controversial diary entries play into this new research, and discusses what Ms Folbigg’s potential wrongful conviction could mean for the justice system – including what should and shouldn’t be accepted as credible and reliable forensic evidence and research.  “This case should be of concern to everyone because it establishes that hard scientific facts can be pushed aside in preference of subjective interpretations of circumstantial evidence. That is scary and, frankly, one that every lawyer, every person, should be concerned about. It’s not just about Ms Folbigg,” Ms Rego said. Ms Rego also examines how media and public perception plays into a case like Ms Folbigg’s, the opportunities that wrongful convictions offer the legal system, how she herself got involved in Ms Folbigg’s matter, and much more.  Have a listen now! Additional notes: What is the new scientific research?  The crux of the petition is based on the full genomic sequencing of Ms Folbigg and all four of her children. It found that Ms Folbigg had a previously unreported mutation to the CALM2 gene designated G114R. The CALM2 gene controls how calcium is transported in and out of heart cells and studies have found variations can cause heart problems in young children. This was found in both Sarah and Laura. Caleb and Patrick’s genomes showed a separate rare genetic variant in the BSN gene, with studies in mice linking it to early lethal epileptic fits. Patrick was diagnosed with epilepsy before his death and Caleb had a floppy larynx. Have a question? If you have any questions about this episode and Ms Folbigg’s case, send us an email at [email protected] for any future episodes or other content. 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, LinkedIn and our new Instagram.   If you have any other topics in mind or if you would like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

Welcome the first edition of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast with our hosts Major General (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson, former head of the Department of Defence's Information Warfare Division, and Phil Tarrant, director — defence and security at Momentum Media. The Cyber Security Uncut podcast is a fortnightly podcast unpacking Australia's innovative and vibrant cyber security sector, from the latest business trends facing the industry through to breaking global news. The pair begin by analysing the emerging trends within cyber warfare and the growing use of information operations as an exploitable domain. They also examine how cyber security is an ever growing financial risk to Australian companies, discussing the importance of cyber security protocols within businesses. The podcast wraps up by analysing the importance of a sovereign cyber security industry in Australia to service the nation's growing cyber security needs. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Connect Team

As the amount of money coming into Australian venture capital grows, so too will the demands for return on investment. For legal counsel in VC, there are opportunities abound right now. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by AirTree general counsel Nick Brown to discuss his career in VC and M&A, how the investment market in Australia is on the rise, and the nuts and bolts of supporting one’s business in the myriad deals that eventuate. The pair also discuss designing the blueprint for a VC law department when one is the first in-house lawyer, how integral financial expertise is for lawyers operating in this space, and how exciting it is to help develop the next generation of great Australian companies. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

For those in tax law, the modern market is providing ample opportunity to better support Australian businesses and see them flourish. It is, undoubtedly, a practice area through which one can give back to the community, particularly in such turbulent times. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by ABA Legal Group director Andrew Antonopoulos and associate director Toni Eisenhut to talk all things tax law in the wake of COVID-19, including the state of affairs since the onset of the pandemic, how their firm moved to better support businesses, why emotional investments in client success are just as important as professional investments of time. The trio also discuss the importance of trusting one’s team so as not to compromise the firm’s strategy, lessons learned about how to best serve the business community, looming legislative and regulatory updates, and opportunities emerging in tax law and for practitioners interested in this 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: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

Future national security law leaders were once again invited to the Australian Crisis Simulation Summit to brush up on real-life skills during very realistic experiences. The summit’s director spoke to Protégé on what’s in store for the delegates. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Naomi Neilson is joined by Australian National University penultimate-year Bachelor of International Security Studies/Laws (Hons) student and ACSS director Gemma Dabkowski to discuss the success of the summit’s first year and what’s new for delegates in its second year. Those who were invited will get to participate in three realistic and intense full-scale national security crisis simulations. Everything, from the scenarios through to the very lifelike newsroom, is designed to prepare the delegates for everything they will need to know to manage complex, interdisciplinary national security challenges in future. During the episode, Gemma shares how she and her team connected with leaders in the national security space and invited them to come on board. She also talks listeners through the experience of setting up the summit, leading a major team, and managing several different parts and many different students to get it off the ground. Much like last years’ event, this year’s was impacted by the COVID-19 lockdowns. Gemma discusses how she and her team were not only able to pivot the summit into a virtual event, but how much more they were able to include because of it. Have a listen below! If you have any questions about the episode or if there are any topics that you might want us to look into, please reach out – we would love to hear from you! We’re also always open to new guests so if you have an exciting story to tell, if you’re standing out as a student or graduate, or if you can offer some tips for our young lawyers, get in touch. You can reach us here: Emails: [email protected] or [email protected] Socials: Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter or reach out to me directly here.

The world is changing around us, and thus so are the ways that lawyers network and build their personal and professional brands. But, contrary to popular opinion, being online is not just for NewLaw practitioners – “traditional” practitioners who use time-based billing can also find success in this realm. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Chamberlains special counsel James d’Apice, who runs the Coffee and a Case Note brand, to discuss how he has built his brand across various online platforms whilst retaining a more traditional legal practice, and why such a blend is complementary for him. The pair also talk about how the next generation of lawyers are consuming content and how professional development is thus evolving, whether NewLaw practitioners have “co-opted” the online sphere away from traditional practitioners, and how best lawyers can rethink their branding moving forward into the post-pandemic marketplace, regardless of what their practice methodology looks like. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

This year's R U OK? Day serves as an important reminder to open up the conversation on mental health, both in the workplace and at home, according to David Coleman, member for Banks and Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.   In this special episode, join Momentum Media director Alex Whitlock as he speaks to Mr Coleman.   Together, the pair discuss the importance of shining a spotlight on mental health issues, share why the consequences of stigmatising mental health are significant, and reveal how you can make a difference to your workplace, community, family and friends. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

Being the first in-house lawyer for a business, and working without a blueprint, can be a daunting prospect. However, it is also a hugely rewarding and stimulating opportunity. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by JobAdder general counsel Simone Vrabac to talk about the foremost challenges faced by legal counsel in start-ups during the age of coronavirus and how they have had to grapple with those, the vocational pathways available for those interested in working as the lawyer for a new venture and the practical skills needed to succeed, particularly in the new normal. The pair also delve into the need for effective, meaningful communication – both within one’s business but also with a community of legal counsel in similar roles, for the purposes of knowledge-sharing, so that one can better serve one’s business, and why such work is so exciting on a personal level. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

Making sure that the local community knew that Argon Law “had its back” during the worst of the age of coronavirus has been critical to the firm’s success in the past year. Here, they delve into how they went about solidifying such support. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Argon Law founder John Gallagher and senior associate Melinda Bryant to talk about how their Maroochydore-based practice determined the best practice approach to the onset of the age of coronavirus, crafting a recipe for success in this time. The trio also reflect on how Argon moved to better support clients with meetings in the car park while wearing PPE, understanding the benefit of community intimacy and the utility of cross-referrals, and key lessons (including and especially the need for good workplace culture) for other suburban and regional firms from their experience in this turbulent time. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

Chris Parsons has led an incredible legal career, across multiple countries for one of the world’s biggest law firms. However, he believes that the best thing he has ever done is go public about his debilitating mental health issues. (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, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Herbert Smith Freehills partner and India Practice chair Chris Parsons to the circumstances that led to his breakdown and battle with severe mental health issues, why it was so important for him to be transparent with the outside world about his battle, and how his workplace responded to his needs. Mr Parsons also delves into how his journey has shaped his perspective on the duty of leadership, his optimism for the mainstreaming of lawyers being able to tell their stories, and how best to come back “from a place of brokenness”. Help is available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636. Each law society and bar association also has further contacts available on their respective websites. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

These three former legal counsel left behind in-house life to pursue creative opportunities. The professional experience gleaned as corporate lawyers, however, has been invaluable to their new vocational pathways. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by interior decorator Katie Riddell, florist Corrie MacGregor and writer Kate Nakashima to reflect on how and why they each decided to stop being in-house lawyers and start chasing their creative dreams, the challenges faced with such shifts in career direction, and how the pandemic impacted upon their new pursuits. The quartet also delves into the practical ways that lawyers can engage with creative opportunities, why such creativity can make one a better legal professional, and offers guidance to lawyers who might be reluctant about making time to be creative. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!

A healthy quantum of competition can be useful for lawyers, both in challenging themselves and achieving optimal outcomes for clients. However, competitive streaks can often cross the line, venturing into abuse against those across the table. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Kalpaxis Legal director and principal Cassandra Kalpaxis and Barton Family Lawyers principal Courtney Barton to discuss the prevalence of overly competitive and adversarial approaches among litigators (which have been amplified since the onset of COVID-19), and why some lawyers might engage in such behaviour. The trio also talk about the role of leaders in modelling the right behaviours for their staff and those coming through the ranks, the need for more collaborative practice and balancing it against one’s duty to win for their clients, and how such approaches can and will work in the post-pandemic new normal. 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 and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email [email protected] for more insights!