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 requisite skills to be better advocates, how colleagues respond to him calling himself a “solicitor advocate”, movement away from adversarial practices, and the need or otherwise for more open-mindedness when it comes to our understandings of advocacy. 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 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 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!

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-pandemic climate, and his broader words of wisdom for in-house lawyers in better managing such administrative tasks. 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 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, and how Thomson Reuters can continue to assist private practitioners and in-house teams in ensuring best practice. To learn more about Thomson Reuters and its offerings, click here. Thomson Reuters invites in-house counsel who’d like to hear more about these trends to join its upcoming, complimentary roundtable: RSVP 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 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 practice in the new year, and how CT Group can help. To learn more about CT Group and its offerings, 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!

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, 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!

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 importance of the little things in getting a sale across the line. 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!

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 reinforcement of principles for optimal client service delivery, and how the role of the lawyer will continue to evolve in the near future. To learn more about Unisearch Expert Opinion Services, 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!

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 of advancing artificial intelligence and other technologies, working collaboratively with in-house teams, and why legal work in this space is so stimulating at this critical juncture. 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!

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 culture, fostering work-life integration, whether sees an increase in such approaches across the profession, how the approach influences the many hats that boutique law firm owners have to wear, and what will constitute best practice for firm leaders as working life continues to evolve across the professional services 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!

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 reflections on LOD’s survey findings and what they mean for law departments across the country, as the new year approaches. To learn more about LOD’s Global Survey Report, 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!

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, practical tips around communicating one’s speciality to the broader market, striking the right balance with branding in the modern age, and how carving out one’s niche feeds into one’s sense of self as a person and practitioner. 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!

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 team and the broader business implemented a net zero strategy as well as achieved B Corp certification, ESG considerations moving into the future, and the lessons he and his team have learnt along the way. 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!

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 excites her about the younger generation leading the charge in adding more colour to lawyers’ identities to the outside world.

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, and how practitioners across the board have to adapt their practices heading into 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!

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 about the practice of law, and what excites her about her continued journey in the legal profession.

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 much more!

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 creative ways to implement new practices for one’s firm. 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!

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 award, being a finalist in one year and winning in the next, and her perceptions of reluctance or fear among others to put themselves forward, and why. Ms Gong reflects on the steps involved in making an awards submission, the flow-on benefits that come with seeking such feedback on one’s work outside of the normal professional development process, the perspective one gains from looking back on their work in the past 12 months, why young lawyers should have more confidence in themselves, and overcoming self-limiting mindsets in order to celebrate one’s many achievements as an emerging leader in 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!

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 Pulbrook, 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 Pulbrook 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 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 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 scenarios) and the business case for kindness moving forward. The College of Law is working to imbibe kindness in its educational offerings; it is a strategy that proposes a different industry outlook, one with the potential for creating a more well-rounded profession moving forward. There is so much more to this movement than just being “kind”; it is about building a sustainable and more equitable legal industry. To learn more about the College of Law and its offerings, 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!

“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 leaders can take away from her experiences, how workplaces can move to better accommodate idiosyncrasies, and how individuals can reasonably negotiate for desired conditions so that all parties can be as productive, efficient and successful as possible in a professional services environment that remains uncertain and volatile. 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!

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. Why she believes the finance industry is a great industry for women. 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: 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 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 guidance for corporate legal to navigate the breadth of practical and professional concerns as we move towards a new year. To learn more about the report and Wolters Kluwer, 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!

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 litigation, and the trends moving forward that make wills and estates such a “special” area of 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!

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 forward, how best practitioners can help ensure laws are fit for purpose, and why such legal work will be so critical moving forward. 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 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 excites her about her continued literary and professional trajectory. 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 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 as a practitioner but also discover success in the process. 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 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, 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 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 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 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: 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 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 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!

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 on what makes a good partner, why all lawyers need an understanding of the objectives and drivers of the energy transition, guiding clients rather than forcing decisions, and why such work for partners of all stripes is so exciting.

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 leader and wearing the multiple hats of small-firm owners, striking the right balance so that one can still enjoy the journey of running a firm, investing in the right people and processes, and remembering why one decided to go out on their own and ensuring it is a rewarding 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 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 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 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!

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 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 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 Board, click here.

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 individual responsibility in driving change, and how workers could push for 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!

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 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 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 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!

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 transaction teams, future hurdles to contend with, and why they are so passionate about the work they both do moving forward. 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 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 recruiters to push back on unconscious bias. To learn more about nrol, 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!