Lawyers Weekly Podcast Network

More claims. More complexity. Higher stakes. How AI and rising civil penalties are reshaping workplace litigation and what employers need to do to keep pace. In this special episode of The Legal Brief, produced by Lawyers Weekly's sister brand HR Leader in partnership with national law firm Kingston Reid, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Kingston Reid partner James Parkinson about two emerging trends currently reshaping the conduct of workplace litigation in Australia. Artificial intelligence is increasingly being deployed in legal proceedings, and this trend shows no sign of abating. The rise of the "AI advocate" is driving a surge in rights-aware self-represented litigants, with generative AI capable of producing legally framed claims. While this presents a perceived expansion of access to justice, it also places significant pressure on courts, tribunals, and employers who are required to navigate AI-generated materials in order to respond to claims. The presenters explore how Australian jurisdictions are responding, through evolving guidance notes and procedural guardrails, and why a recalibration towards more traditional, oral advocacy may be on the horizon. Against this backdrop, our presenters also explore the growing prominence of collective employee claims. With significantly higher civil penalties and intensified regulatory scrutiny, the economics of enforcement have shifted. Resolution is no longer confined to employee remediation, and may increasingly involve consideration of payments to prosecuting parties, including unions. For employers, the implications of these developments are clear: compliance must be proactive, remediation swift, and litigation strategies rigorously stress-tested. In a system being rapidly reshaped in the wake of new technology, organisations that recognise these shifts and act early to address issues will be best placed to navigate a more complex and costly disputes landscape, whereas employers who fail to adapt risk being outpaced: procedurally, financially, and strategically. 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

AI capability alone isn't enough for legal work, and it may never be. In this special episode of LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with LexisNexis, we discuss how and why having everything under one, governed environment is the way of the future for law firms and in-house teams. Host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back LexisNexis Chief Technology Officer Greg Dickason to discuss the need for AI to be verifiable and defensible, overcoming bloated tech stacks, ensuring authority and validation for your source material, the place for governance and oversight, and what LexisNexis Protégé offers right now to help firms and in-house teams get there. To learn more about LexisNexis' Protégé, click here.

Once a professional gets to the age of 60, they often hit an inflection point, personally and professionally. Here, a former big four auditor and recruiter turned coach unpacks how and why this happens and what older legal practitioners need to do to ensure they can continue to flourish, in whatever form that takes. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Sean Spence & Associates director Sean Spence about his work with lawyers, what happens to lawyers once they hit their 60s, the impact of the billable hour upon individuals, the extent to which being locked into one's identity as a lawyer influences their direction, the "positive corollary to these negatives", practical steps that older lawyers can take if they hit this inflection point and the questions they should ask of themselves, and what younger lawyers can and should do in anticipation of reaching this vocational 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

According to this head of legal, it's "almost impossible" to have workplace excellence without also building and maintaining a good and kind team culture. Here, she unpacks how to tick all boxes. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back ANZ head of legal Danielle Nahum to discuss why a culture that is good and kind is not incompatible with achieving excellence, whether legal leaders are adequately focused on the need to tick all boxes, whether what constitutes excellence is evolving, and challenges standing in the way of excellence and good culture. Nahum also reflects on how and when she learnt the need to strike the right balance between achieving excellence and creating the right kind of culture, how she looks to implement this in her own team, the importance of proactively managing such issues, identifying elements contributing to suboptimal outcomes or culture, better managing scattered workforces, better integration of team members with different cultures, and how leaders can stay calm and ensure such priorities do not fall down the to-do list. 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Shine Lawyers, we dive into the forces shaping Australia's class action landscape and what comes next for one of the country's leading plaintiff firms. From emerging litigation trends and the rise of big tech claims to innovation, scale and strategic growth, the conversation offers a timely look at where the market is heading and how Shine is helping lead it. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Shine Lawyers Head of Class Actions Craig Allsopp about his path in law, the passion that continues to drive his plaintiff practice, and his recognition as a finalist in the class actions category at the upcoming Partner of the Year Awards. The episode also explores Shine's push to deliver class actions more efficiently through technology and smarter cost management, its investment in international mass torts, its expanding national footprint, and its campaign to attract top legal talent to its high-performing class actions team. Together, these priorities reflect a firm with strong momentum, a clear market position, and an ambitious vision for the future of class actions in 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

While many lawyers may dismiss podcasting as a novelty or a waste of time, Dennis Meador argues that this mindset could not be further from the truth, with podcasting quickly becoming a game-changing tool for building authority, strengthening connections, and standing out in an increasingly competitive legal market. In a recent episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Grace Robbie speaks with Dennis Meador, the founder and CEO of The Legal Podcast Network, who shares why podcasting is rapidly emerging as one of the legal profession's most beneficial tools, unpacks the five types of podcasts lawyers can launch, and explains why every successful podcast begins with a clear purpose and strategy. He also delves into what intentional storytelling truly looks like for lawyers and how they can master it to build stronger connections, credibility, and influence. Meador dives into the widening gap between lawyers who are embracing podcasting and those still underestimating its power, explains how podcasting enables lawyers to build powerful "pseudo relationships" with potential clients, unpacks the tangible business and branding benefits that come with intentional storytelling, and stresses why lawyers can no longer afford to treat podcasting as an afterthought, but instead as a strategic priority for the future of their practice. 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

Whether a developer, business, or user bears the onus of responsibility if an autonomous agentic AI tool makes a mistake remains an open question, on both the legislative and policy fronts. In the absence of legislative or policy guidance, such questions could cause legal and contractual headaches. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Lander & Rogers partners Matthew McMillan and Margaret Gigliotti about the advent of agentic AI and its significance, the parties who could have responsibility for mistakes made by new technologies and why, the liability concerns at play, the potential for increased disputes or contractual claims, the need for legislative and policy clarity, and the role of lawyers in ensuring best practice in the workplace and with clients until such developments come to fruition. 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

There is an emerging trend whereby clients are increasingly using AI tools to prepare and negotiate a broader range of documents internally, from term sheets and employment agreements through to commercial contracts and internal governance materials, often without legal review at the earlier stages (or at all). Such a trend creates serious downstream risk, one partner argues. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Hazelbrook Legal partner Aabid Farouk to discuss the downstream disputes risk where documents are incomplete, inconsistent, poorly negotiated or not properly tested against regulatory and enforcement realities, and how the rise of AI-enabled legal and commercial workflows is likely to drive further growth in disputes, investigations and enforcement work over time. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with legalsuper, we unpack the looming Payday Super reforms, what law firms need to know, and how to get prepared. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with legalsuper partnerships manager Guy Mahony to discuss what legalsuper does, what Payday Super is and why it's been introduced, how the new regime looks to overcome existing issues, whether law firms and legal workplaces will be impacted, and if law is set to be held to a higher standard under the new regime. Mahony also fleshes out the practical implications for law firms, examining payroll processes and structures, the practical steps to be taken, overcoming data issues, compliance boxes to be ticked, what legalsuper is doing to support law firms, why firms cannot leave taking action to the last minute, and why firms can and should see the looming changes as an opportunity. To learn more about the upcoming Payday Super changes and legalsuper, click here. This information is of a general nature. Please refer to the legalsuper PDS & TMD available at www.legalsuper.com.au before making any decision. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance. 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

For decades, the legal profession has been seen as an industry dominated by privileged and upper-class backgrounds, but one law student is challenging that narrative by shining a light on the importance of greater diversity within the profession and the immense value of ensuring people from all walks of life have a place in law. In a recent episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Grace Robbie speaks with Piadora Rahme, a lawyer at Corrs Chambers Westgarth, about her motivations for wanting to become a lawyer, her journey growing up in Mount Druitt, her experience of receiving an Equity Early Offer scholarship for her law degree, and the financial benefits that scholarships provide, as well as the powerful role it can play in opening the doors to university for many individuals. Rahme also explores the barriers that continue long after admission for students who receive equity scholarships, reflects on the moments questioned whether she truly belonged alongside other law students, candidly shares the difficulties of building connections and finding mentors, and delves into why the legal profession must continue to broaden its reach to ensure people from all backgrounds and communities have a genuine seat at the table and the opportunity to be part of the industry.

Amid enormous market and professional change, there is enormous potential for leaders in law firms to empower and elevate their teams, rather than be bogged down in adapting to a shifting landscape. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Katie Minogue, a former principal at Maurice Blackburn turned leadership coach, about her journey as a personal injury lawyer, how and why she pivoted to being a facilitator and leadership coach, the demand for better leadership in the current climate, and what's standing in the way of firm heads being better leaders right now. Minogue also delves into what constitutes good leadership in the current climate, whether it's more difficult than ever to be a good law firm leader, the questions that firm leaders must be asking of themselves ahead of the new financial year, whether leaders are actively prioritising such matters at this point, and how optimistic she is about the future quality of leadership in law firms. 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

In this special episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, produced in partnership with LegalVision, we explore how law departments can better support their workplaces in the face of increasing regulatory scrutiny of psychosocial hazards, especially in the age of AI. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with LegalVision head of enterprise James True about the work of his team and the broader firm, why no law department can ignore the risks inherent with psychosocial hazards, how and why there is a nexus between safety risks from AI and psychosocial hazards, the state of affairs for legislative change nationwide, and how well law departments are doing when it comes to managing psychosocial hazards. True also delves into what increased regulatory scrutiny and a changing legislative environment mean for business operations, the questions that law departments must be asking in order to best serve their workplaces, how in-house teams can navigate the onboarding and utilisation of AI while upholding duties to avoid psychosocial hazards, and practical steps to be taken. Learn more about how the firm helps in-house teams with LegalVision's Desk Extension service. 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

A lawyer and award-winning author has fused her two worlds into one striking work, releasing a novel she describes as a sharp "piss-take" of the Australian legal profession and the entrenched norms that shape life within it. In a recent episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Grace Robbie speaks with Rebecca Lim, the head of legal, financial services regulatory at Judo Bank and an award-winning author, about her unique dual career spanning law and writing. Lim unpacks her journey navigating both worlds, shares why creative outlets for lawyers are essential, delves into the transferable skills from writing that have shaped her legal skill set, and explains how she balances two demanding yet very different careers. Lim also discusses her newly published book, which she described as a sharp "piss-take" of the Australian legal profession, where her protagonist turns the traditional corporate ladder narrative on its head, unpacks what she hopes young lawyers will take from the book, and explains how liberating it was to write so candidly and so differently, for a legal audience. 

In a time of voluminous geopolitical and sociocultural change, there are myriad opportunities for legal practitioners to work across borders in the Asia-Pacific region, furthering their clients' interests and bolstering their vocational capabilities. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with the president-elect of the Inter-Pacific Bar Association (IPBA), James Jung, about his career, what motivates him to serve in extracurricular roles, why new thinking and a new approach is needed to work across borders in the current climate, challenges that lawyers face in these times, and why it will be a priority for him as president of the IPBA. Jung also delves into how his own journey is demonstrative of inter-regional collaboration, the dangers of isolationist approaches and the role of lawyers in pushing back, what it looks like for lawyers to be more connected across borders, the opportunities to be grasped, and practical steps to be taken. 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

According to one employment law partner, there is a movement from employers towards seeking permission to use the likeness of employees, for open-ended purposes, in agreements and clauses. For individuals handing over their likeness, there could well be "very serious implications" moving forward. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Angus & Carr partner Lachlan Carr about how employment law, and its myriad strands, stands at the intersection of humanity and commerce, how and why employers are increasingly looking to use the likeness of current and former employees in perpetuity, what's driving such an increase, and the flow-on consequences for workers. Carr also delves into the evolution of new technologies and how AI can and might exacerbate such concerns, whether the balance of power is shifting too far in the direction of employers, the questions employment lawyers like himself have to answer right now, practical steps to be taken, the extent to which employment law itself will continually undergo evolution in the face of market change, and how best lawyers in this space can be advising clients right now. 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

The traditional notion of the "ideal" law student – expected to excel at everything, all at once – has long been ingrained in the legal profession. But, as one law student argues, that model is no longer realistic, calling for a long-overdue shift to reflect the complexities and pressures of studying law in today's environment. In a recent episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Grace Robbie speaks with Lucy French, immediate past president of the Deakin Law Students' Society and commencing law graduate at MinterEllison. She unpacks how the legal profession has traditionally defined the "ideal" law student, challenges the pressure to do everything at once, questions why these outdated standards persist, and highlights the importance of navigating a law degree at your own pace. French also challenges the traditional notion of the "ideal" law student, arguing it must be redefined to reflect the realities of today's legal landscape, while sharing the personal benefits of taking a more measured, holistic approach to her degree, calling out the persistence of outdated expectations from firms and universities, stressing there is no single blueprint for a law student's journey, and underscoring the need for more open, honest dialogue so students feel supported in carving out their own path.

Practitioners across the board must identify ways to enjoy their work and maintain an optimal level of joy in the day-to-day, one BigLaw partner says. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Jones Day partner Christine Tran about her recent reflections on the importance of stepping back to explore or rediscover the passion one has for their work, what lawyers can learn from professional athletes, the dangers of burnout, and the inability of lawyers to switch off. Tran also delves into how she is deliberate about maintaining joy in her work and why it is so close to her heart, the kind of lawyer she is and how she intends to maintain such an attitude, what she tells junior lawyers in her team about such matters, the practical ways that lawyers can maintain or regain joy in their work, being OK with whatever happens on the journey, and why joy is more important than ever right now. 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

The relatively new general protections regime has seen a "sharp uptick" in Fair Work claims over the past year. Here, we dive into how and why such claims are on the rise and what it means for businesses and lawyers alike. In today's episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Justitia Lawyers & Consultants partner Jess Toop about the state of affairs for general protections claims, why we're seeing an uptick in such claims, what such applications are looking like, how AI is being used to generate the claims, and the impact of these developments. Toop also gets into how the Fair Work Commission is responding, what it all means for employment lawyers, how business behaviours are shifting in the current climate, how employers must prepare, the broader trends to watch out for, and her advice for clients 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

In the face of widespread adoption and utilisation of new technologies, there is much that lawyers across the board must take into account when using AI, from client confidentiality to guidance from the courts. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Mills Oakley partner Dalvin Chien to discuss why lawyers must care about ongoing tech developments, guidance that has been issued to and from the profession recently about AI use and what such guidance means, the importance of in-house policies for AI use, and the real-world problems that practitioners face when using AI in practice. Chien also gets into what we've learnt from headline instances of AI use in recent times, practical steps to ensure responsible and effective use of AI tools, the best ways to boost productivity and client service delivery, the need for good training, and how the day-to-day roles of lawyers coming through the ranks will continue to evolve. 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

While trust and lawyers have not always gone hand in hand, Jennifer Gardner has stressed that being trustworthy, credible, and reliable has rapidly become one of the most critical assets a lawyer can possess to succeed in today's evolving legal landscape. In a recent episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Grace Robbie speaks with Jennifer Gardner, a US-based trial lawyer, persuasive communication expert, and dynamic speaker. Gardner explains how the deep understanding of psychology and ability to craft compelling narratives have helped her win trial cases, discusses how lawyers are increasingly recognising the importance of engaging the emotional dimension when representing clients, and stresses that without trustworthiness, a lawyer cannot effectively do their job. Gardner also highlights the common missteps that can undermine a lawyer's credibility and trustworthiness, outlines practical strategies to actively build and strengthen these qualities, emphasises that these attributes should be cultivated from the very outset of a legal career, and stresses how long-term success in the profession is inseparable from being credible, reliable, and trustworthy. 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

For most lawyers, opening a firm is a slow, carefully mapped-out process – but Kate Redman has turned that convention on its head, launching her own practice in just six weeks despite never having envisioned herself as a firm owner. In a recent episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Grace Robbie speaks with Kate Redman, the director and principal solicitor of Kate Redman & Associates, about her remarkable journey of launching her practice in just six weeks despite never having previously envisioned running a firm. Redman reflects on the mindset shift and self-belief that made it possible and shares insights into balancing the intense demands of starting a business with the realities of personal commitments and parenthood. Redman also reveals the key priorities she focused on to open her firm within such a tight time frame, unpacks the biggest challenges she encountered along the way, reflects on the importance of turning lived experience into practical lessons, offers candid advice for lawyers considering taking the leap into firm ownership, and weighs in on whether she would recommend launching a practice under similarly intense time pressure. 

While most people receive a neurodiversity diagnosis early, Libby Thomas faced hers in the thick of a high-pressure legal career, using the experience to uncover powerful strategies, shatter stigma, and create a professional life where she can truly excel. In a recent episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Grace Robbie speaks with Libby Thomas, associate at Travis Schultz & Partners, about her journey of receiving a neurodiversity diagnosis in the midst of a demanding law career. Thomas reflects on the challenges of being diagnosed later in life, shares what her daily life as a lawyer looked like before understanding her condition, and recounts the powerful moment she finally received clarity after a decade of searching for answers. Thomas also explains the mindset shifts and practical systems she put in place to thrive professionally, reflects on the presence of stigma in the legal profession around neurodiversity, and stresses the importance of law firms creating an environment where neurodivergent lawyers can flourish. Thomas encourages others on similar journeys to speak openly about their experiences and helps fellow lawyers build more sustainable and fulfilling careers.

From being a comedian in Japan and a creative executive in Hollywood to being a partner in a global law firm, Nick Abrahams has led an extraordinarily diverse career. Here, he reflects on what such a varied vocational journey has taught him, including whether you can be successful by being yourself. Join host Jerome Doraisamy as he speaks with lawyer and comedian Nick Abrahams in this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show. They discuss Abrahams' upcoming shows at comedy festivals in Sydney and Melbourne and what he talks about in those shows, whether one can be successful by being one's self, how he reconciled his creative self with being a lawyer in private practice, and how he came to specialise in digital transformation as a practitioner. Abrahams also gets into futurism and the AI space, finding work that makes sense to him personally and professionally, what he's learnt along the way, and why it's both acceptable and beneficial to have accidental or unexpected movements in one's career.

In this special episode of LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with Clio, we explore how well legal practices are faring in adopting and managing technological offerings, and why having access and control of data is the "most critical piece" in ensuring firms have the most secure framework possible for success. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Clio International General Manager Sarah Murphy about the provider's recently released State of Legal Tech 2026 report, how Australia fares compared to global counterparts, the headline takeaways from the report, operational consequences for practitioners from findings on data, and the serious governance questions firms need to answer. Murphy also delves into the system friction facing lawyers, bridging the gap between the business of law and the practice of law, concerns about cyber threats, how technology is influencing the "legalpreneur" trend, what Australian firms must prioritise right now, and why better data management is key to everything. To learn more about Clio, click here.

Danielle Nahum has learned a lot as a leader over the years, including the power of kindness and the importance of team stability. In times of upheaval, such lessons prove invaluable in navigating periods of broader uncertainty. In this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Danielle Nahum, ANZ head of legal – group procurement, about what makes a good in-house legal leader and what she's learned about leadership. They discuss whether it's harder than ever to be a good leader in-house, the headline challenges facing law departments at present, and whether there are opportunities arising from this. Nahum also delves into how to lead by example, approaches that may not work, how she looks to build the right kind of culture for her team, creating a stable environment, keeping team morale high, managing a multi-generational workforce, how leaders can upskill, and what aspiring leaders should learn. 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Distinctive Finance, we unpack what continued rate rises mean for legal practitioners looking to purchase a property or expand their investment portfolios, and how best they can respond to the market right now. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Distinctive Finance directors and founders Christian Goodall and Leighton Packer on how lawyers can and should be thinking about the economy at this critical juncture, the conversations lawyers are having with brokers right now, what rising interest rates mean for lawyers' investment and financial strategies, and the risk of missing out on key opportunities. Goodall and Packer also delve into the importance of structure in one's borrowing capacity, how self-employed lawyers can maximise their borrowing capacity, refinancing as a strategic move, why debt recycling can be beneficial, how to think about loan structure and offset accounts, taking advantage of what's happening in the market, how 2026 compares thus far to previous years, and whether this year provides a better window of opportunity for lawyers than previous years. To learn more about Distinctive Finance, 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

In this special episode of LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with Axiom, we explore what law departments actually want from their providers right now and how those teams are being pushed beyond standalone AI tools and towards more connected, governed workflow models. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Axiom chief technology officer CJ Saretto and Harvey Australian country head Ashleigh Whittaker about what in-house teams are asking for when it comes to collaboration with providers, why traditional workflows make collaboration difficult, and what law departments should be looking for as they rethink collaboration models. Saretto and Whittaker also delve into Shared Spaces, best use cases and why it's so important, Axiom's role in helping clients move from AI experimentation to real workflow adoption, how law departments should think about the balance between AI, human judgement, and provider support, and what it all says about the future legal operating model. To learn more about Axiom, click here.

For Luke Zadkovich, a "central premise" upon which to build a team is having people whom lawyers like to work with. Taking such an approach has been essential not only to growing the firm he leads but also to ensuring its success. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Floyd Zadkovich managing partner Luke Zadkovich about his journey working in large firms in multiple jurisdictions, setting up a transatlantic firm, lessons he's learnt as a managing partner of an international practice, and what having a cohesive workplace and culture means to him. Zadkovich also discusses balancing business interests against having the right people on the books, challenges that firm leaders face in maintaining cohesion, ensuring everyone feels supported, the practical ways he looks to drive cohesion, what excites him about his firm's journey, and his guidance to other firm leaders about the importance of internal cohesion in driving forward a firm's objectives. 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

Many professional services providers feel uneasy about asking existing clients for work. Here, we unpack the practical ways lawyers can become more comfortable making such requests, without being pushy about it. In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Prodonovich Advisory principal Sue-Ella Prodonovich about the need for lawyers to continue building their book, why selling may not come naturally to them, how urgent a priority it is to get more comfortable with asking for work, and tapping into one's ability to listen. Prodonovich also runs through seven ways lawyers can feel more comfortable asking for work, without being pushy about it, adapting their mindset to be better at selling, and the need for lawyers to remember to play the long game. 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

In this episode of the Contested Ground Podcast, produced by Lawyers Weekly's sister brand, Defence Connect, hosts Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson, and Steve Kuper discuss the immediate aftermath of the US–Israeli strikes against Iran and the ramifications for Australia. The trio lays the foundation for a mini-series of focused podcast conversations over the coming weeks to address the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on Australia and the Australian public. Topics covered by the trio included: The impact on social cohesion and the rise of foreign interference in Australia's diaspora communities. Australia's declining industrial sovereignty and the impact of contested, frayed and interrupted supply chains. The economic impacts of the conflict in the Middle East and Australia's cost-of-living crisis and the fuel security challenges Australia faces. The impact on Australia's key economic pillars and the connective tissue of logistic supply chains. Cyber security, disinformation and proxy activity in Australia. Migration and the challenges facing Australia's diaspora communities. Questions relating to Australia's geographic isolation and the psychology behind our "Tyranny of Distance" and the impact on Australia's security posture. Questions relating to what kind of "Middle Power" Australia wants to be. 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

Moving across the world for a semester of law is no small decision, but one student's journey proves the leap is worth it, highlighting the professional, personal, and career-defining benefits that await those who take the plunge. In a recent episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Grace Robbie speaks with Daphne Fong, a recent law graduate from UNSW and a graduate lawyer at King & Wood Mallesons, about the ins and outs of her recent European exchange, reflects on the professional skills she developed from learning in a global classroom, shares the personal growth she experienced from stepping outside her comfort zone, and delves into the invaluable experience of collaborating with law students from across the world. Fong also highlights how the experience has positioned her strongly for the next stage of her legal career, offers a roadmap for law students hoping to follow a similar path, outlines the practical steps needed to turn the idea of an international exchange into a reality, and encourages students who may be unsure about studying abroad to take the leap and embrace the experience.

LawUno, a new platform to connect legal professionals and students, employers, and vendors, is launching this week, in conjunction with Lawyers Weekly's 30 Under 30 Awards. Here, the platform's founder discusses its importance in an ever-shifting professional services marketplace. In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with LawUno, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with LawUno founder Jessal (Jesse) Shah about the platform's support for Lawyers Weekly's 30 Under 30 Awards, the issues facing younger practitioners, what LawUno is and why it's being launched, and the importance of network and connection. Shah also delves into the market challenges that LawUno looks to address, how practitioners and employers alike will benefit from using the platform, the expansion plans for LawUno, crafting one's own journey in law, how the profession has responded to the pending launch already, and his message to all finalists and winners of this year's 30 Under 30 Awards. To learn more about LawUno, 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

The decision by the United States and Israel to launch strikes on Iran has had significant flow-on consequences – not just geopolitically and economically, but also legally and contractually, for businesses whose cargo sails through the Strait of Hormuz. It is thus incumbent upon shipping lawyers like Alison Cusack to not just support clients through the ongoing conflict but also address misinformation that has run rampant since last weekend. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Cusack & Co founder and principal Alison Cusack to discuss the state of affairs for shipping since the US-Israel-Iran conflict began just under a week ago, the misconceptions floating around, the significance of the Strait of Hormuz, and the ramifications of it shutting down. Cusack also delves into the conversations she's been having with clients to steer them through the conflict, what optimal client service delivery looks like against the backdrop of a potential "forever war", how she's managing herself personally, lessons she's learnt from previous shipping crises and how to apply those lessons now, and the importance of offering the right support in such consequential times. 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

After the first year or two of trading, there is much for SME firm owners to reflect on – and not just business wins, losses, and lessons. For James d'Apice, this process has involved everything from staying true to his personal and professional vision, pursuing passion projects, supporting the local community, and planning for expansion. In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Gravamen founder and principal James d'Apice to discuss his headline takeaways from the first two years of running his own firm, the mistakes he's made and learnt from, what the past two years have taught him about himself as a practitioner and business owner, and why staying true to his vision is so essential. d'Apice also delves into the apparent death of the long lunch and what that might mean for business owners in law, the importance of pursuing passion projects to reinvigorate one's practice, how he's looking to grow the firm moving forward, and what he's looking 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Commonwealth Private, we unpack what 2025 taught us about the investment landscape and how legal practitioners can interpret the market this year and into the future. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Commonwealth Private and Wealth chief investment officer James Foot about his headline takeaways from the market in 2025, the strength of returns for investors, behaviours and ongoing expectations, and what the next five to 10 years could look like. Foot also delves into how and why AI adoption has been highest in professional services, whether AI is a threat or opportunity, the future of US exceptionalism, the need for diversification and having a holistic perspective on the market, the role of alternatives in an investor's journey, and what lawyers should know about the year ahead. To learn more about Commonwealth Private, 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

In the past year, multiple appeals pertaining to trademark proceedings made their way to the High Court, speaking to the volume and complexity of developments in this area of law. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Halfords IP partner Aparna Watal to discuss her non-traditional path into practising IP law, why 2025 was such a busy year for trademark lawyers, how and why IP lawyers more broadly are being impersonated for scams, and why the High Court is receptive to hearing IP matters in the current climate. Watal also delves into the impact of ongoing challenges for IP lawyers like herself, the trends she's keeping a close eye on in 2026 and beyond, how best such lawyers can better serve clients moving forward, and what's exciting about legal work in this space right now. 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

Deeann Cropley has always wanted to use her legal skills for "purpose and good". Now running a Geelong-based charity while working as in-house counsel, she's found ways to not only make an impact on the community but also better serve as a corporate lawyer. In this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Barwon Water legal counsel and Pass the Snacks Geelong founder Deeann Cropley about her journey as a lawyer, wanting to use her legal skills for good, her Geelong-based charity and why she founded it, why its work is so important, its reach and further vision, and how she manages running a charity as a full-time in-house lawyer. Cropley also discusses why it's so important for corporate counsel to roll up their sleeves and be more involved in the communities around them, her sense of service, what she's learnt about herself as a lawyer and how it's made her more curious, agile, and adaptable, how in-house lawyers can make more impact, making the time rather than finding the time, and what excites her about her ongoing work. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

Having spent years working at the intersection of where the law engages with the community, particularly vulnerable persons, Tania Wolff has seen the system at its best and at points where justice isn't accessible, leading to a loss of confidence in public institutions. Addressing that loss of faith in the system is essential, she says, both for the sake of justice and social cohesion. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Law Council of Australia (LCA) president Tania Wolff about her varied vocational journey as a practitioner and her work for legal member bodies, what motivates her to advocate for the legal profession, her concerns about the erosion of confidence in public institutions and the justice system, and the potential impacts of such a loss of confidence. Wolff also delves into LCA's priorities for her term as president, what the member body does, managing the health and wellbeing of the profession while pushing for societal change, professional opportunities created by new technologies, and the "extraordinary privilege" of being LCA president. 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

Straight out of law school, many young lawyers dream of the prestige and fast pace of BigLaw – but Sally Callander flips the script, revealing how practising in the bush can offer career-defining skills, deeper client connections, and a lifestyle you'll never get in the city. In a recent episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Grace Robbie speaks with Sally Callander, principal and owner of DLH Solicitors, about her journey from practising in Sydney's legal scene to regional NSW, explores her experience practising law in the bush for the past 14 years, delves into the rewarding lifestyle and full career she has been able to create, and points out the practical skills and expertise she has been able to gain that aren't typically available in city practice. Callander also highlights the growing trend of young lawyers reckoning the value of spending time practising in regional areas, discusses how such experiences can fast-track professional development, debunks the notion that moving to the bush is career-limiting, and shares practical advice for young lawyers considering this path and want to embrace this opportunity.

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with UniSuper, we explore women lawyers' financial security and the long-lasting impacts of superannuation disparities with male colleagues. Host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes UniSuper national manager of business development Veronica Barbetta to discuss UniSuper's work and its reach across the legal profession, the need to examine the financial and economic implications of pay gaps for women, how the super pay gap is exacerbated by the persistent lack of women leaders in law, and the factors contributing to financial disparity. Barbetta also delves into the impact of career breaks on women lawyers' financial security and forward planning, the need for greater attention to the super pay gap, how burnout is a contributing factor to financial disparities, what employers need to be doing, ensuring financial wellbeing is part of the holistic picture, and how UniSuper can assist. To learn more about UniSuper, 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

In an age of sociocultural change, and against the backdrop of employers' positive duties to prevent sexual harassment and other forms of misconduct, preparing for workplace claims made against the backdrop of cultural traditions like Valentine's Day may not be so far-fetched. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Swaab partner Michael Byrnes to reflect on a recent blog he posted about the workplace relations issues inherent with Valentine's Day, the potential for workplace claims to arise in the wake of such cultural traditions, and whether employers need clauses in their policy for sexual harassment to account for such calendar dates. Byrnes also delves into employers' positive duty to prevent sexual harassment, changing social and cultural expectations for workplace behaviour, whether the inclusion of new clauses risks infantilising employees, catering to a multi-generational workforce, and what will constitute best practice for employers, HR professionals, and employment lawyers. 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

Here, an award-winning sole practitioner shines a light on the business and practice lessons one learns as a business owner that are not necessarily taught or advocated to students and graduates. Host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back C Legal & Co founder and principal Claire Styles to discuss some of the things she's learnt over the years that she wasn't aware of as a younger practitioner, the impact of realising one is not prepared for certain professional or business scenarios, the business pressures that she's seen and experienced, and why law firm owners need, for example, to be able to trust their bookkeepers. Styles also delves into the ethical lessons one learns once they're out in the profession, the need to thrive rather than survive, how many of the lessons she's learnt can be picked up in advance versus learning by doing, her advice to lawyers about how they can be more comfortable with not always being able to control what's coming, and how they can move to craft their careers and vocational journeys in ways that make sense to them. 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Unisearch Expert Opinion Services, we explore how global and domestic regulation of artificial intelligence influences how lawyers practise and operate their businesses and what will constitute best practice moving forward. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Unisearch expert Professor Mimi Zou, Head of School, Private and Commercial Law, UNSW and Unisearch Expert Opinion Services Business Development Manager Christopher Aaron Yong about the state of affairs for regulation of AI, domestically and globally, what's on the horizon for regulatory updates, and lessons Australians can glean from overseas experiences. Zou and Yong also delve into what will constitute best practice for legal practitioners in 2026 and beyond, operational considerations, consequences for not adapting approaches, questions that legal businesses need to be asking, the kinds of expert services that will be required moving forward, and broader key takeaways for lawyers nationwide. 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

From Gen Z to Baby Boomers, the legal profession is one of the few institutions where five generations work side by side. Here, Ann-Maree David stresses that while each generation brings their own habits and approaches to practice, law firms must be intentional about reducing friction and ensuring those generations collaborate – rather than clash – at work. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Podcast, host Grace Robbie, speaks with Ann-Maree David, the executive director for the College of Law in Queensland, who delves into how five generations are currently working side by side in the legal profession, discusses the distinct characteristics and differences of each generation, and addresses the challenges of balancing and embracing diverse perspectives in the workplace. David also highlights the importance of law firms implementing strategies to create an environment that fosters collaboration and teamwork across all generations, outlines practical approaches firms can adopt to achieve this, emphasises the significant benefits that arise when different generations work with and not against each other, and stresses that cultivating such inclusive environments can profoundly strengthen 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

For this GC, building the right law department involves looking more to a lawyer's attributes rather than their skill set, and following a step-by-step process to ensure challenges are being met and the business's growth trajectory is accounted for. In this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Linktree senior vice president, office of the founders, people, and legal Rosanna Biggs to discuss the need for law department leaders to think about how they resource for their teams, whether there are things that in-house teams are doing wrong with regard to hiring, the inherent recruitment challenges, and her process for ensuring any hire for the legal team is fit for the business's purposes. Biggs also delves into the critical importance of attributes rather than one's skills, the team leader's role in approaching department growth with the C-suite, how to convey the way you run the legal function, how individual lawyers can put their best foot forward, why curiosity is so essential, how in-house roles are changing, and how businesses can better identify and recruit the best in-house lawyers possible. 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Legal Home Loans, we explore the firm's charity partnership with ReLove, the essential work being undertaken by that organisation, and how legal professionals can get involved. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Legal Home Loans director Andrew Johnson and ReLove co-founder Ben Stammer about the charity's work in providing used and excess furniture for families impacted by domestic violence, homelessness, or facing hardship, why its work is so important for the community, how Legal Home Loans came to support ReLove's work, and what its partnership looks like. Johnson and Stammer also discuss how Legal Home Loans' support strengthens the work of ReLove, tapping into lawyers' sense of service to the community, the broader environmental impact of the charity's work, how lawyers using Legal Home Loans have responded to having donations made on their behalf, how lawyers and law firms are getting involved in the charity's work, and how others can get involved. To learn more about Legal Home Loans, click here. To learn more about ReLove, 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

As someone who co-founded a law firm while seven months pregnant, award-winning managing partner Danielle Snell is acutely aware of the need to create a culture and workplace whereby legal staff – lawyers and partners alike – do not feel as though their responsibilities outside of work come second. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Elit Lawyers by McGirr and Snell managing partner Danielle Snell to discuss the importance of reflecting on the need to balance the myriad roles one holds in life, how well the legal profession has done in accommodating idiosyncratic needs, and why the opinions and viewpoints of junior staff are incredibly important. Snell also delves into how being told that becoming a mother would stunt her legal career spurred her to create a better culture for her own staff, the need to seize opportunities to create a better environment, championing the idea of staff bringing their full selves to work, how she and her business partner inculcate such ideas across their firm, challenges inherent with such an approach, and how best other firm leaders can look to make practical changes in their own workplaces. 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

While athletes across all disciplines have off-seasons, lawyers – like many professionals – do not get downtime, physically and mentally, to rejuvenate across the calendar year. Here, we discuss the need to meaningfully switch off (as best as possible) for the sake of optimal client service delivery and self-care. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Brisbane Family Law Centre director Clarissa Rayward to discuss the pursuit of happiness for lawyers, how lawyers sustain their careers, the extent to which she is able to switch off from work, the factors making it difficult for lawyers to disconnect, and what it means to properly detach one's self from work. Rayward also reflects on whether it's becoming more difficult for lawyers to switch off, her observations from conversations with colleagues in the family law space, structural issues preventing lawyers from switching off, the comparison of lawyers to professional athletes, practical ways that lawyers can disconnect, and why lawyers must appreciate the importance of disconnection, so that they may perform at optimal levels. 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, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au

One sentence. One moment. One career-defining shift. Here, Jessica Thurtell reveals how speaking your bold goals out loud early in your career and aiming high as a law graduate can completely transform the trajectory of your legal journey. In a recent episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Grace Robbie speaks with Jessica Thurtell, a consultant at Clyde & CO, about the defining moment early in her legal career when, during her first graduate rotation review, she declared her ambition to become a partner, discusses the reactions from those around her – from family members to fellow graduates – about her bold declaration and explains why saying yes to as many opportunities as possible can be crucial for building a successful legal career. Thurtell also emphasises the importance of young lawyers setting ambitious goals early and sharing them with those around them, explores which career goals are worth pursuing and how to balance achievable short-term milestones with long-term ambitions, outlines habits and strategies for staying on track despite inevitable setbacks, and highlights the power of mentors in guiding and supporting goal achievement.

According to the founder of AI Paralegal, the legal profession needs to realise that, instead of AI meaning more work with fewer people, the advent of such technology means that legal teams can do more, with more people. In this episode of LawTech Talks, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with the founder of adieu.ai and AI Paralegal, Andrew Wight, about how he got into legal tech, his journey with adieu.ai, how AI Paralegal came to be and what the future holds for the platform, and why lawyers need to discard the myth of AI taking jobs. Wight also discusses how lawyers can be thinking bigger about their AI vision, creating greater access to justice, results from AI Paralegal's beta stage, practical steps to reframe one's thinking on AI utilisation, impacts upon the charging for services, and the trial and error that is coming for legal of all stripes.

In the current climate, law departments should have established themselves as more strategic and business-facing and should no longer be pure legal gatekeepers. Continuing on that trajectory, and ensuring the team can balance all competing priorities, is a foremost challenge for GCs and their teams in 2026 and beyond. In this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Somerset Hoy, general counsel – deputy secretary, strategic services and advice at the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, about what she likes about legal work in the public service, how all law departments should already have transitioned to becoming more business-facing and less legal-focused, why the in-house legal team is no longer the "Department of No", and the questions teams must be asking of themselves in how to continue that transition in 2026. Hoy also discusses resolving the conflict between keeping more work in-house versus moving away from being a legal gatekeeper for a business, making the time to balance all duties, challenges standing in the way of legal teams moving away from gatekeeping, becoming all things to all teams within a business, the role of a GC in bringing their team along for the journey, and what the law department of 2030 could look like. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook, X 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au