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

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

We “can’t change the world in one day”, says Squire Patton Boggs Perth managing partner Tony Chong. However, he can and is doing what he can to promote diverse workplaces and reduce discrimination in the broader community. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Mr Chong — one of the first non-white managing partners of a BigLaw firm in Australia — about his journey in law (including a background in accounting), whether he aspired to the leadership position he is now in, the value of being involved in community work and not-for-profit organisations, and how best lawyers can roll up their sleeves for such work. Mr Chong also details his focus on diversity at Squire Patton Boggs, what he has observed over the years with regard to the bamboo ceiling, the presence of unconscious bias, what guidance he has for other law firm leaders around Australia, whether he is optimistic about the capacity for meaningful change in Australia’s legal profession, and what is motivating him to be a better leader. 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 LawVu, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with LawVu chief legal evangelist Shaun Plant about empowering in-house lawyers to upskill and have more impact on their organisations. Mr Plant details his legal career to date, why upskilling in-house is so critical, the nexus between such professional development and fulfilment as a lawyer, the four key pillars to a connected legal function (including a focus on productivity, optimising engagement, proactivity and focusing on impact), the evolution or otherwise of best practice principles during the age of coronavirus, practical steps needed, and how to learn the skills essential to becoming a high-performing in-house legal team.  To learn more about LawVu, click here.

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

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

When engaging an expert like a neuropsychologist, it is imperative that lawyers not only find the right expert but understand and appreciate why they are doing so and, therefore, what the right questions to ask will be. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back author and neuropsychologist Dr Hannah Korrel to discuss how and why lawyers would look to utilise the expertise of neuropsychologists and in what practice areas such expertise would be called upon, whether lawyers properly understand such expertise and know the right questions to ask. Dr Korrel also details the practical steps that lawyers should take in ensuring they are asking the right questions, whether certain questions are one-size-fits-all or if certain principles are adaptable, how to engage the services of the right kind of professional, whether lawyers should upskill on neuropsychology, and why lawyers must be neuropsychological considerations for client service delivery as part-and-parcel of their duties to the court. 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 Noel Lim, “real justice means maintaining your rights as well as your dignity”. It’s a mantra he’s hoping to inspire in law students and grads coming through the ranks. On this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Anika Legal founding chief executive Noel Lim to discuss how and why the community legal centre got started, what it aims to do and why such work to ensure access to justice is so important, and how it involves students completing their practical legal training to bolster their professional skills and insight into key justice issues. Mr Lim also details why access to affordable housing is such a pertinent challenge, how the age of coronavirus exacerbated such concerns, how to better look after one’s self whilst being immersed in such legal work, and how best those coming through the ranks can meaningfully make time for volunteer work such as addressing and providing safe and affordable housing. 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 recent collapse of crypto exchange FTX not only offers lessons but also provides an opportunity to reflect on the difficulties in regulating the digital assets and cryptocurrency space. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Stirling & Rose founding partner James Myint and managing director Natasha Blycha about what’s been happening in the crypto space, why the idea that crypto and digital assets are not regulated is a misnomer, the myriad difficulties in regulating this space, and whether such challenges can be overcome. The pair also detail what happened to FTX and what lessons can be drawn from this episode, what further regulation we may see in this space, and what lawyers who work in digital assets, cryptocurrency and smart legal contracts have to look forward to in the near future. If you like this episode, show your support by 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 Metrics Credit Partners, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Metrics managing partner Andrew Lockhart about all things private debt in the post-pandemic market and what investors are looking at as we look ahead to a potential global recession. Mr Lockhart discusses the state of affairs for private debt, why it has been an attractive prospect for investors across the board and what is driving its increasing attractiveness in the wake of market volatility, what lessons can be learned from previous recessions if indeed another one comes to pass, and why geopolitical issues may have ripple effects. He also delves into the ramping up of restructuring and insolvency, the role of private debt in such times, how best lawyers can perceive the state of affairs in determining how to advise their clients, the practical steps that legal professionals can and should be taking, and what non-bank lenders and alternative investment fund managers may need from lawyers moving forward. To learn more about Metrics Credit Partners, click here.

Krystal Kovac assumed a leadership role in-house in her late 20s, and has learnt the key characteristics that help her bring the most benefit to an organisation – which will be particularly useful if a recession comes to pass in Australia. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Tonkin general counsel Krystal Kovac about her journey to leadership in-house at an early stage of her legal career, the importance of learning by doing, why truly listening to other business functions is so critical, and the balance between proactive and reactive collaboration across the organisation. Ms Kovac also details the lessons she has learned that have helped her professional development as a general counsel, thinking holistically, the “big ticket” items she is focused on right now, her thoughts on how best GCs can make positive contributions in uncertain and volatile times, and the need for confidence in one’s self and one’s ability. 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 — both on a personal level and as president of the Australian Law Students’ Association — is on a mission to let the legal profession know that neurodiversity, and disability more broadly, is “nothing to be ashamed of”. It’s a conversation, she says, the profession needs to be engaging in more. On this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Annabel Biscotto, a third-year law student at Curtin University and president of ALSA, about how and why she got involved in extra-curricular activities at law school, her diagnosis and experience with ADHD, why she sees it as being a significant ailment, and how she manages her condition and navigates it day-to-day. Ms Biscotto also reflects on the volume of neurodivergent persons in Australia, whether such conditions are the “new anxiety and depression” in the legal profession in terms of broader awareness, why advocating for better awareness and treatment of disability and neurodivergence is so important for Australian law students, the practical steps that employers can and should take (from a student perspective), and what she would say to profession leaders about these all-important issues if she had them all in a room. 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!

Given the pace of change in work, health, and safety — not just legislatively, but also due to sociocultural and economic shifts in the wake of the pandemic — leaders in law must be well on top of how best to manage their teams, lest they be left behind in a post-pandemic marketplace. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Maddocks partner Catherine Dunlop about the state of affairs of workplace safety laws in Australia, the increased difficulty for leaders to look after staff in a post-pandemic landscape, looming legislative changes at the state and territory level, and how best workplaces can effectively monitor the health and wellbeing of staff in an increasingly hybrid working environment. Ms Dunlop also touches on how best to ensure no one is falling through the cracks, better managing client relationships, the place of the billable hour moving forward, the duty of care that may be owed by law departments to their external providers, the place for individual responsibility, the need for honesty from leaders, and the evolution of workplace policies by legal employers. 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 Support for Lawyers, we explore the changing landscape around wellness conversations in Australia’s legal profession, and whether the burden of responsibility is shifting in a post-pandemic new normal. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Support for Lawyers founder and director Marguerite Picard about her own journey as a lawyer and the professional struggles she has overcome, the critical importance of proactive efforts to manage lawyers’ wellness, the current state of affairs for the holistic health of Australian legal professionals, and the potential impact of recent marketplace changes. Ms Picard also delves into who bears responsibility for the health and wellbeing of lawyers in the post-pandemic new normal and why, movement away from box-ticking mentalities, the need for greater collective education, and details the Support for Lawyers platform and why it is so beneficial for professionals. To learn more about Support for Lawyers, 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!

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

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

A limitation of the criminal justice system, ACT-based prosecutor and author Katrina Marson says, is that it is reactive to misconduct such as sexual violence. A more stringent, and proactive approach to education is needed nationwide, she argues — so as to improve sexual wellbeing and reduce harassment and assault. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by ACT Director of Public Prosecutions senior prosecutor Katrina Marson, who is also the author of Legitimate Sexpectations: The Power of Sex Ed. Ms Marson discusses her vocational journey as a prosecutor, why such work is personally and professionally meaningful, the limitations of the criminal justice system and the need to rebalance the burden of responsibility in reducing crime. Ms Marson also delves into what new and improved education about sex could look like, societal receptiveness to the need for better education, ensuring that Australians across the board are exposed to age-appropriate teachings about sexual wellbeing, the broader social implications for improvements in the education system, the role of lawyers in elevating appropriate standards, how best to have “shame-free” conversations, and the broader duties of Australian legal professionals. 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 Commonwealth Bank, hear from two award-winning innovators about what constitutes successful innovation, in firms big and small, in a rapidly evolving marketplace. Lawyers Weekly Editor Jerome Doraisamy and National Director for Professional Services at Commonwealth Bank, Daniela Pasini, co-host this episode. We welcome Gilbert + Tobin Partner and Chief Knowledge and Innovation Officer Caryn Sandler (winner of the Innovator of the Year category at the 2022 Australian Law Awards) and Peripheral Blue Founder and Managing Director Mellissa Larkin (winner of the Innovator of the Year category at the 2022 Partner of the Year Awards) to discuss all things innovation. Ms Sandler and Ms Larkin reflect on whether innovation is client or firm-led led at this juncture, striking the right balance between proactive and reactive innovation. We delve into what constitutes internal and external innovation in law firms, and embedding transformational mindsets into the teams. We explore the challenges inherent in that process, the essential capabilities needed to deliver great customer outcomes and what the future could look like for innovators in law. To learn more about Commonwealth Bank’s professional services 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!

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

Since the early days of her legal career, award-nominated legal counsel Charlotte Olsen has been determined to garner broad, diverse professional experience. Such an approach means that, as a junior in-house lawyer, she is well placed to support not just her law department, but the business more broadly. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with NRL legal counsel Charlotte Olsen about the range of roles she had in law thus far and how such different vocational opportunities have served her, what her day-to-day looks like working for the National Rugby League, overcoming the proactive and reactive challenges in that role, and combining her passions for law and sport. Ms Olsen also outlines how best junior legal counsel can put their hands up to better support across all business functions, determining the best modes of communication in a post-pandemic landscape, how those coming through the ranks can unpack and work through the myriad issues they’ll face so as to better develop and thus contribute to a business, how best senior corporate counsel can aid that development, and what junior counsel have to look forward to in 2023.

The birth of barrister Rhiannon Malone’s son, one year ago, was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, and that of her husband’s. Unexpectedly, it turned out to be the worst day they’d ever experienced. Here, she reflects on the trauma of unexplained loss. (Content warning: this episode may be distressing for some listeners. Discretion is advised.) On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Melbourne-based barrister Rhiannon Malone about her early days as a barrister, her experience with unexplained stillbirth and the impact upon her and her husband, and how such trauma has changed her sense of self (both personally and professionally). Ms Malone also discusses how she has looked to make her way back from such trauma, including getting back into working life, stigma that barristers may feel about such experiences, how colleagues across the Victorian Bar have supported her, and what advice she would offer other lawyers about her experiences. 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 Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Madison Marcus, Theresa Armstrong details the importance of learning from uncomfortable or upsetting experiences – from the courtroom to client conference rooms – and how legal professionals can grow into the advocates they need to be. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Madison Marcus director Theresa Armstrong, who is the managing partner of the firm’s Parramatta office, about her storied career in law, why open conversations about upsetting moments with key stakeholders are needed, some of the teachable moments she’s experienced in her own career, why clients may feel emboldened to mistreat their lawyers, and the experience of women lawyers in such interactions. Ms Armstrong also delves into practical ways that lawyers of all stripes can regain their confidence, develop their resilience, build up their emotional intelligence (particularly in a post-pandemic landscape, in which more lawyers are working remotely and flexibly), why lawyers should be unafraid to learn from such upsetting interactions and how doing so will ultimately help them become better practitioners. To learn more about Madison Marcus, 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!

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

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

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

On this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Blumers Personal Injury Lawyers director Noor Blumer to discuss the application of ethics, and ethical conduct, particularly in uncertain and turbulent times, and why ethical conduct remains so critically important for all lawyers. Ms Blumer outlines practical examples of ethical problems she has witnessed during her storied career, why ethical conduct is as important as ever, if the need for ethical conduct is heightened in the current age, navigating particular hypothetical ethical conundrums, whether abiding by ethical conduct rules is becoming harder, and her guidance for fellow lawyers in ensuring optimal ethics in the post-pandemic new normal. To learn more about Blumers, click 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!

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

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

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

The novelty of working remotely, or flexibly, has not worn off for many legal professionals. The mainstreaming of WFH is, for some, an irreversible trend. But are there ways that the office can become a more enticing workspace? On this episode of Legal Lightbulbs, our hosts — Lawyers Weekly editor Jerome Doraisamy and Bowd chief executive Fionn Bowd — reflect on the bounty of choice that legal professionals have in determining where they work from each day, the systemic and environmental issues that meant that some pre-pandemic workplaces were not conducive to collegiality and development, and why businesses should even see upside in having staff come back in to a shared workspace. The hosts also dive into whether the law office is even salvageable in the post-pandemic new normal, how best collaboration and efficiency can be gleaned in new-look office spaces, the inextricable need for better training and development in person, and understanding that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to recreating a vibrant, full office moving forward. To learn more about Fionn Bowd, click here. If you have questions you want to see answered on this show, reach out to Jerome at [email protected] or Fionn at [email protected]. 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!

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

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

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

Since its inception in 1976, Sunshine Coast-based firm Bradley & Bray Lawyers has had numerous iterations. Being open and receptive to change, and incorporating such a willingness into a firm’s business model, is imperative if that business is to roll with the times. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Bradley & Bray Lawyers director Jacob Corbett to discuss his journey to firm leadership in his late 20s, how his firm has evolved since the 1970s and why, and how his mentor instilled in him the importance of seeking out perspectives from the next generation of leaders. Mr Corbett also delves into why new iterations of a boutique law firm are so important in an ever-changing marketplace, how best small firms can evolve with the times, what lessons can be learned from such change, and his advice to other firm leaders about ensuring such change is baked into one’s value proposition and business model. 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 LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with mattero, we explore the role that legal tech has played, and will continue to play, in supporting the growth trajectory and success of women legal professionals. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by mattero marketing manager Fiona Chevallier-Knospe, By George Legal director Georgina O’Farrell, TBA Law principal solicitor and founder Jacqueline Brauman, and Balance Family Law director and co-founder Perpetua Kish to discuss the nexus between legal technology and pathways in law for women lawyers, what legal practice management currently looks like for women in the profession, and how day-to-day life as lawyers is shifting following the age of coronavirus. The guests also discuss headline challenges and opportunities moving forward in the post-pandemic market, their experiences to date with legal tech and how it has helped them better manage their businesses, what there is to look forward to with utilisation of tech as law firm owners in the new normal, lessons learned for emerging leaders in law, and what excites them about their use of legal tech (such as mattero’s) in the future. To learn more about mattero, click here.

The defence industry will likely be one of the most high-profile in the coming years. The pace of change together with sociopolitical, technological and environmental factors make it a fascinating and stimulating space to be in, says one lawyer. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Piper Alderman senior associate Travis Shueard to discuss his passion for defence industry work, how and why he saw an opportunity to steer his legal career in this direction, what the day-to-day looks like for lawyers in this space, and having a heightened sense of purpose as a practitioner. Mr Shueard also delves into finding the best value as a lawyer in this space, the best practice principles for legal service, challenges to overcome in the defence industry space, navigating environmental shifts, trends and opportunities looming on the horizon, his own professional goals, and thoughts on how much the defence industry space might grow in the coming years. 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 LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with LexisNexis, we explore the skills divide for technology use in the workplace, the need to acknowledge and embrace the spectrum of proficiency, and how best to bridge that divide in the post-pandemic new normal. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with LexisNexis head of UX research (Asia and Pacific) Chantelle Maree about what the skills divide is, the generational differences driving that proficiency spectrum, the extent to which the spectrum is actual versus perceived, and why addressing that spectrum is so critical for legal practitioners and businesses amidst current market turbulence and uncertainty. Ms Maree also delves into the practical ways that the skills divide can be address, the nexus between the divide and psychological safety, why the divide is not yet insurmountable, the responsibilities upon individuals to upskill, and how LexisNexis can assist. To learn more about LexisNexis, 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!

The management of contractor safety is “one of the most misunderstood areas of law”. At a time when in-house counsel are so busy with other urgent priorities, the safety of their business’ contractors cannot be forgotten. On this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by LinkSafe freelance legal consultant and ContractorSAFE legal and safety consultant Sue Bottrell to discuss why contractor safety management is such an important conversation, why it is a blind spot for many lawyers right now, and the holistic approach needed to such safety. Ms Bottrell also discusses the practical steps that can and should be taken by employers and their legal departments to shore up their contractor safety management practices and policies, the need to ensure that the onus of responsibility falls on certain parties, and broader guidance for in-house counsel in seeing this broader conversation as being inextricably linked to one’s duties. 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 niching down a firm’s practice offerings to opening a new regional office, Kerri Shaw and Gemma Bunner have learned the importance of regularly evaluating the health and direction of their firm. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Shaw & Bunner Legal founders, Kerri Shaw and Gemma Bunner, to discuss how and why they founded a firm together in the Hunter region in NSW, how the firm has fared in its first few years, why they have opted to scale down the number of practice areas they offer to clients, and the recent opening of their second office, in Gunnedah. Ms Shaw and Ms Bunner also reflect on the general health of regional law firms in the wake of the age of coronavirus, adapting to changing dynamics (both in the market and within one’s own business), why it is so important to regularly evaluate how the firm is performing, the questions that must be asked as part of such a process, and what the future looks like for regional firms such as theirs. 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!

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

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

It is striking, Victorian shadow minister Dr Matt Bach MP notes, how similar the criminal justice remedies of 200 years ago are to today’s policies and processes. To that end: has Australia learned from history? On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Victorian shadow minister for transport infrastructure, child protection and youth justice Dr Matthew Bach MP about his thoughts on the criminal justice system, and specifically youth justice, in the context of needed law reform — both in Victoria and across Australia. Dr Bach reflects on his career and journey in politics, his PhD in 19th century British history, the similarities between criminal justice approaches of that age and today’s world, lessons to be drawn from such similarities, what might need to change in today’s landscape (particularly against the backdrop of the post-pandemic world), how lawyers can contribute to such processes, and what the Victorian Liberals will do on these fronts if elected later this year. 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 Empire Group, we explore emerging trends in salaries for legal professionals on Australia’s east coast and what these trends mean for legal recruitment in a post-pandemic market. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Empire Group partner Alison Crowther to discuss the company’s recently released 2022 Legal Salary Guide, explore the latest developments in salaries in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, why such developments are so consequential, and what they mean against the backdrop of the supposed Great Resignation following the age of coronavirus. Ms Crowther also reflects on the phenomenon of “quiet quitting” in the context of recruitment, why emerging trends reinforce what we know about the recruitment market, the role of legal recruiters moving forward, and what candidates can look forward to in the future. To learn more about Empire Group and its salary guide, 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!

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

Legal work in regional towns is ramping up in the post-pandemic market. For leaders like Najeh Marhaba, it provides a great opportunity to bolster one’s practises amidst increased competition — whilst still enjoying the lifestyle benefits of being out of the major metropolitan areas. On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Hicksons partner-in-charge in Newcastle Najeh Marhaba about how he and his family ended up moving out of Sydney and to Newcastle and the Hunter region, his experience of working in regional NSW, how and why there is an increased volume of work in the regions post-pandemic and how such increases bolster national firm’s growth. Mr Marhaba also delves into the looming challenges for regional practices in a post-pandemic market, how well placed regional practices are to withstand the ongoing economic turmoil, growth opportunities for big and small practices in the regions, and why others can and should consider growing their businesses across regional Australia. 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 episode, brought to you by Lawyers Weekly’s sister brand, Space Connect, host Adam Thorn speaks with Joel Lisk, a space law research associate at the Jeff Bleich Centre at Flinders University in South Australia and a PhD candidate at the Adelaide Law School. Mr Lisk recently co-authored a research paper on the regulation of satellite constellations and space debris in low-Earth orbit alongside Melissa de Zwart. In this episode, he speaks to Adam about how he found himself in the emerging field of space law and the complexities of the field. They further discuss the increasing risk of space debris on earth and in orbit and look at some of the avenues for regulation. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: 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!

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

Many lawyers move in-house seeking greater work/life balance. What they cannot forget, however, is that they may have a responsibility to the health and wellbeing of the law firm’s lawyers they brief. On this episode of Legal Lightbulbs, our hosts — Lawyers Weekly editor Jerome Doraisamy and Bowd chief executive Fionn Bowd — reflect on the extent that law departments, and particularly leaders of those in-house teams, owe a duty of care to the firms that make up their external legal services panels (even if that duty isn’t written into a position description). The pair discuss the moral and ethical imperatives to support other professionals and the need for a holistic approach to stakeholder management. They consider the capacity of firms to turn down work in favour of clients who may offer better working conditions, and the balancing act with which in-house legal teams must grapple when working with firms but also meeting the needs of their internal clients. Jerome and Fionn workshop incentives that could be offered, ways of showcasing value for stakeholders, and other practical approaches that can and should be explored by both sides. To learn more about Fionn Bowd, click here. If you have questions you want to see answered on this show, reach out to Jerome at [email protected] or Fionn at [email protected].