Lawyers Weekly Podcast Network

With voting now underway for the 2025 federal election, we take a look at the legislative and constitutional requirements governing our electoral processes, the quirks of the Australian system, and what – apart from the beloved “democracy sausage” – makes the Australian way special. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Professor Donald Rothwell of the Australian National University about his work in international law, how our electoral system came to be at the time of Federation, the advantage for the incumbent prime minister of the day, major changes we've seen to our electoral laws, and how Australia ended up with a preferential voting system. Professor Rothwell also reflects on whether our current legislative and constitutional frameworks are fit for purpose with our elections, the appetite or otherwise for reform, the recent saga of MPs who were dual nationals, whether job-sharing MPs will be a thing of the future, the laws and processes governing minority government, whether such governments are truly representative of our democracy, and other interesting and quirky features of our system. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

Given the unique needs of clients in family law proceedings, it is fundamental that those in regional and rural Australia have access to the requisite court resources, processes, and, ultimately, access to justice. Much more work, one principal argues, needs to be done to ensure this. In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Tiyce & Lawyers principal Michael Tiyce to discuss the political promises that get made to better support those in the regions, the gaps faced by such citizens relative to those in the cities, how the advent of technology has assisted or worsened matters in family law, and whether the major parties are pledging change ahead of next weekend's federal election. Tiyce also delves into the impact on family law practitioners from such limited access for regional clients, how those families have to navigate the barriers in front of them, how and why Australia has such a gap between those in the regions versus those in the cities, how urgent such issues are from the practitioner perspective, what more can be done to accommodate regional Australians, and how the courts and practitioners are working together to better support those on the ground and ensure access to justice. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

While one cannot control the external environment, one can control the progress and direction of their legal career. As this BigLaw partner has learnt, putting one's best foot forward on any given client matter and making the biggest difference one can is the best way to get ahead and open new professional doors. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Clifford Chance partner David Clee about his professional journey, the idea of not always following commonly trodden pathways in one's career, the importance of being open to different pathways, how he has remained open-minded about opportunities while also following a guiding light for what he has wanted in his career. Clee also delves into the need to “maximise the return” on any client matter one works on, being clear about where one wants to end up while also not looking too far ahead, mitigating the “natural inclination to be in a hurry”, finding greater purpose, overcoming environmental uncertainty, adopting the right mindset, and the importance of seeking feedback. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

The complexity of cyber security implications for businesses, and therefore their lawyers, “has exploded” in the last few years, and the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) being used in such criminal activity cannot be understated. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Norton Rose Fulbright partner and Australian head of cyber security Annie Haggar to discuss how and why this year is so busy for cyber lawyers, the proliferation of election disinformation and misinformation and how this impacts cyber lawyers, how the nature of such legal work will continue shifting ahead of 2030, and how data breaches involving AI are changing the game. Haggar also delves into how businesses can navigate the threat of AI and its intersection with cyber security, whether this intersection is the next frontier for cyber lawyers, lessons from recent case law involving Medibank and an ASIC proceeding involving a financial services provider, and what the rest of the year looks like for lawyers 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

While some law students may believe that rushing through their degree offers a competitive advantage, this might not be true. Instead, taking a more measured approach to your studies can be beneficial. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Grace Robbie speaks with Charlotte Carles, a young ambassador for UNICEF Australia and the founder of Gen Z Abroad, about her initial ambition to pursue a legal career, how her deep dive into the mental health challenges facing law students sparked her passion for advocating for a slower approach to completing a law degree, what this approach looks like in practice, and how this mindset has enabled her to undertake a traineeship with UNESCO in Jakarta and an international internship in Tahiti. Carles discusses how taking a more measured approach can significantly enhance a student's professional development, identifies the valuable skills they can gain that they wouldn't from the classroom, outlines the personal benefits of slowing down, including improved wellbeing and the opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends, explores how this approach can better position students for a smoother transition into full-time legal practice, examines whether universities should actively encourage this measured approach, and outlines strategies for law students interested in implementing this approach in their academic journey.

Motivated by issues such as the ongoing housing crisis and workers' rights, lawyer turned aspiring MP Hannah Thomas is looking to unseat the Prime Minister in Sydney's inner west. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with a former lawyer and the Greens candidate for the electorate of Grayndler, Hannah Thomas, about the different roles she held as a lawyer, what such varied legal experience taught her, her upbringing in Malaysia and eventual move to Australia as an international student, and how experiences with racism have helped form her views. Thomas also discusses her thoughts on the ongoing housing crisis, cost-of-living crisis, and workers' rights, how these issues impact younger Australians, the importance of having minority government in Australia, her interactions with voters in the PM's electorate, running as a young candidate, and why more young lawyers and non-lawyers can and should put their hands up for 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, 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

For Dr Colin James, the legal profession's relative reluctance to appreciate the impact of trauma in workplaces and educational settings is, in part, due to a “masculinist” history that has fed longstanding stigmas and repression of feelings that may arise as a result of being exposed to trauma in the course of one's work or study. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with retired legal academic and author Dr Colin James about his long and storied legal career and research, his decades-long interest and work in trauma, domestic violence, and masculinity (spurred by a lack of justice and fairness in society), his perception of law's embrace of trauma theory, and how and why the profession has been reluctant – relative to other sectors – to meaningfully acknowledge the need for change. James also discusses the need for legal workplaces and law schools to better incorporate trauma theory, the strategies that must be implemented in doing so, going beyond legislative requirements, the urgent need to make such changes in the current climate, as well as his newly published book, Vicarious Trauma and Burnout in Law. If you like this episode, show your support by  rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

Having given evidence as an expert witness dozens of times nationally and regionally, Owain Stone understands not only the biggest challenges such experts face when engaged by lawyers but also how best lawyers can work with their experts to achieve optimal outcomes. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Alvarez & Marsal managing director and Australian head – disputes and investigations Owain Stone about how and why he became an expert witness, what such professionals do and why, the pressure that can come from giving evidence, and the headline challenges faced when engaged by, and working with, legal professionals. Stone also delves into issues with instructions received and misunderstandings from lawyers about the role of experts, mistakes that lawyers can make with their experts, practical steps that lawyers can take to better work with experts, concerns pertaining to concurrent evidence and conclaves, and his broader wisdom for lawyers to ensure they can best service clients by way of working better with expert witnesses. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

In Labor's pre-election budget, Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced a ban on non-compete clauses for workers earning less than $175,000. Here, we unpack implications for businesses, workers, and the political climate, as well as the consequences not only for employment law but also for M&A and litigation. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Hall & Wilcox partner Fay Calderone to discuss the announced ban on non-compete clauses for non-high-income workers in budget 2025, what the response has been from businesses and employment lawyers, and the likely consequences for the M&A market and litigious climate. Calderone also delves into the divide between political impressions of this announcement versus the business reality, striking the right balance between employee freedom and business protections, who employment lawyers will have to collaborate with moving forward, what constitutes best practice for lawyers looking ahead, and her broad guidance to businesses in the wake of the announced ban. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

Jade Hopper, once a former gold medal-winning athlete, has traded the tennis courts for the courtroom. Here, she shares her journey and how her experience as a professional athlete has given her a competitive advantage in the legal field. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Grace Robbie speaks with Jade Hopper, a special counsel at Nicholes Family Lawyers, about her career as a professional Australian tennis player, the challenges she faced in balancing her law degree with travelling the world to compete in tennis tournaments, the factors that led her to retire from tennis and pursue a full-time career in law, and the disappointment she felt from her coaches and family when she decided to give up the sport. Hopper discusses her legal career to date, highlights the skills and habits she developed as an athlete that have carried over into her work, how these skills have provided her with a competitive advantage in the legal field, emphasises that women who participate in sports can cultivate a mindset that can be instrumental in driving success within a professional environment, and shares the importance of being open to the twists and turns that may occur throughout one's career.

In this second episode featuring lawyers turned political candidates, we speak to the asbestos, dust and occupational cancers lawyer looking to return the Queensland-based seat of Capricornia into Labor's hands. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Maurice Blackburn lawyer Emily Mawson about growing up in a coal mining family, how unionism and justice were ingrained in her at an early age, the importance of standing up for workers, developments in protecting workers from illnesses, and how she – as a young lawyer – came to stand as a candidate for Labor. Mawson also delves into the headline issues facing voters in Queensland, why she feels being a plaintiff lawyer makes her well placed to listen to and address those concerns, the need for more younger candidates in elections, how she's found the transition from legal practice to being a candidate, and why it is so important for young lawyers to roll up their sleeves and better service the community. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

Given the breadth of change to the nature and delivery of legal services in recent years, a lawyer's connection to clients will be the difference-maker. Practitioners who do not appreciate this, one firm managing director says, will “become extinct”. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back FCW Lawyers managing director Andrew Douglas to discuss the ever-increasing importance of prioritising connected, intimate client relationships against the backdrop of the current market conditions, what it says about where the business of law is at, and how artificial intelligence is accelerating these shifting sands. Douglas also delves into the disconnect between client expectations and lawyers' capacities, the place for selling one's self and one's services, what good service looks like, the motivators to evolve one's approach to building and maintaining client relationships, questions to ask of one's self, taking on more hats as a service provider, and taking greater care in one's work rather than simply churning and burning in the age of AI. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

Having previously served as a nurse and having grown up with neurodivergent family members, Libby Thomas believes there is much more that legal employers can do to better support lawyers with idiosyncratic needs – particularly those coming through the ranks. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Travis Schultz & Partners associate Libby Thomas about her previous career in nursing, how and why she became a personal injury lawyer, her family's experiences with neurodivergence and how it has informed her views on workplaces' support or otherwise, and the stigma that still surrounds such conditions. Thomas also delves into the impact of stigma upon neurodivergent people, how her firm is supporting all staff, what other law firm owners need to be asking of themselves and their businesses, practical steps to be taken, the business case for support neurodivergent workers, and why she thinks the legal profession still has a long way to go.

In this first episode in a series of conversations with lawyers turned political candidates, ahead of the 2025 federal election, we sit down with the 30-year-old King & Wood Mallesons solicitor running to keep the Gold Coast seat of McPherson in Liberal-National hands. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with LNP candidate Leon Rebello, a former ministerial staffer who has worked at KWM as a solicitor for the past six years, about his upbringing and the values his family instilled in him, how work as a practitioner in foreign investment has shaped his views about the role of government, and the headline issues and challenges he is hearing on the ground from Gold Coast constituents. Rebello also discusses the importance of having all generations represented in our nation's capital, how his legal background will aid him if elected as a member of Parliament, and what excites him about the future of 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

Remuneration and incentives have always been a Pandora's box for law firm leaders. In the post-pandemic climate, however, in which employee values have shifted, the equation has become trickier. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show (produced by HR Leader), host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with TalentCode HR founder and managing director Trudy MacDonald about the difficulties firm leaders have long had with implementing successful remuneration and incentive strategies, how COVID-19 spawned a shift in employee thinking around work/life balance, the Great Exhaustion and its implications, the impact of resenteeism, and how difficult it is for employers to cater to idiosyncratic needs of all staff. MacDonald also reflects on whether employees are staying put right now (following the Great Resignation), employee disgruntlement amid high inflation and a cost-of-living crisis, how the latest WGEA data might impact employee thinking, the steps that HR professionals and C-suite executives need to take, measuring success, and the folly of viewing remuneration as an isolated issue. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

If you work in a global business and opportunities arise to relocate abroad, leaning in can make you a much more rounded corporate lawyer, says one award-winning in-house lawyer. In this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Modaxo Traffic Management group legal counsel Emilie Franklin to discuss the work of the business and how a recent acquisition gave rise to an opportunity to relocate to Toronto, how she and her family came to emigrate and the personal and professional thought processes undertaken in doing so, and how she navigated the period of transition. Franklin also delves into the cultural differences one must adapt to when living and practising in another jurisdiction, her evolving views on what it means to be a good corporate lawyer, lessons she's learnt since relocating, why other corporate lawyers should explore relocation opportunities if their businesses allow for it, and what excites her about her continued development while living and working in Canada.

Tomorrow (Saturday, 8 March), Western Australians will head to the polls to elect their next government, in what is being seen as a bellwether for the upcoming federal election. Here, the president of the state's Law Society details what law reforms and justice outcomes lawyers in the Wildflower State most want to see. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Law Society of Western Australia president Gary Mack about the myriad professional hats that he wears – including serving as the mayor of a Perth-based town – what being a mayor has taught him about legal service, the state of affairs for those out west, and why this state election is a unique one. Mack also delves into the four pillars of the WA Law Society's election platform – a well-functioning legal system, youth justice reform, criminal justice reform, and civil justice reform – why it is so essential for the next state government to address these, and how optimistic he is that the state's Law Society can work collaboratively with the incoming government. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

Earlier this week, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) released its second annual breakdown of gender pay gaps in large Australian businesses. Here, Lawyers Weekly dives into the law firm data and what it says about where the profession is at in tackling salary inequity. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Lawyers Weekly senior reporter Naomi Neilson to discuss the brand's coverage of the WGEA data release, the key takeaways pertaining to BigLaw firms in Australia, the broad differences in performance between firms, and how the legal profession is faring relative to other sectors. Doraisamy and Neilson also discuss flaws in the WGEA methodology as it pertains to the inclusion of partnership salaries, how individual practitioners can and may interpret the latest data, why the profession must remember that achieving pay parity is a long-term project, overcoming self- and societal stigmas, and why Lawyers Weekly will be keeping a close eye on future senior appointments in firms, and how those firms respond to the global pushback against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

Employee ownership structures could become increasingly common in the Australian market, and – in an age of rapid market change and shifting employee sentiment – it could well be an option that firm owners opt for to ensure long-term business success. In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Dorsisamy speaks with South East Lawyers director principal Melanie Heffernan about what an employee ownership structure is and looks like in practice, whether such structures are common (or becoming common) in Australia, the differences to share agreements, and whether these structures are suitable for SMEs in the current climate. Heffernan also delves into the benefits that can arise from employee ownership structures, the inherent challenges, whether there is appetite from lawyers and law firms to explore such options, the questions to ask of one's business when implementing such a structure and the practical steps to doing so, whether such structures can and will become mainstream Down Under, and what excites her about the potential future of the business model 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

Despite the legal profession's strong emphasis on professional connections, many law students and young lawyers struggle to establish them early in their careers, often hindering their ability to enter the field. Here, a new firm owner shares her personal journey, detailing how she overcame these obstacles through determination, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Grace Robbie speaks with Selina Nikoloudakis, the principal of Divorce Legal, about her challenging journey in securing employment within the profession by not having industry connections, how she ultimately broke into the field with the support of a former university tutor, the crucial role of a strong support network had on her to maintaining motivation and perseverance, and how her deep commitment to helping others gave her the resilience to keep fighting her way into the profession. Nikoloudakis also outlines the key steps and strategies she employed to start building her professional network, reveals the value of maintaining connections with former university tutors, explores the ongoing challenges law students and young lawyers face in building these essential relationships early in their careers, highlights what more universities should be doing to support their students in this process, and offers insightful guidance and encouragement for those encountering similar obstacles, urging them to remain persistent, stay committed to their goals, and continue striving for success.

In recent years, there have been numerous examples of workers – such as rugby star Israel Folau – having suffered employment consequences, including termination, for expression of personal views. This, Josh Bornstein argues, is demonstrative of a concerning and increasing level of power and control that corporations now have over the private lives of their employees. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Maurice Blackburn principal and head of employment law Josh Bornstein about why workplace and industrial relations law is so stimulating for lawyers and also essential for the community, the need for trauma-informed approaches to practice, and the evolving societal landscape that has resulted in corporate entities having greater control over their employees' lives. Bornstein also reflects on the extent to which the court of public opinion drives corporate decision making regarding employment of individuals, how technology and social media contribute to this storm, his take on “corporate cancel culture”, the difficulty corporations have in balancing legal obligations against community expectations, how global pushback against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) may exacerbate such issues, and why he thinks we are living through a “second Gilded Age”. Bornstein is the author of Working for the Brand: how corporations are destroying free speech. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

For Elle Jones, working as a fractional general counsel not only better suits her needs – it also works well, she says, for businesses that don't have an in-house legal function. This vocational pathway, she has observed, is “popping up all over the place”. In this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Essential Legal Solutions director and principal Elle Jones about how she changed careers and ended up in law, how and why she transitioned in-house, why fractional work has become a more suitable vocational path for her, and what the day-to-day looks like while working with multiple organisations. Jones also delves into striking the right balance with her work, the approach she employs, the value of doing non-GC work for clients, switching between various projects, ensuring a business is receptive to the idea of working with a fractional practitioner, the challenges and opportunities facing fractional GCs right now (including tech developments), and why we'll see more fractional GCs in the market. If you like this episode, show your support by  rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

Recently, the High Court has recognised that an “impoverishment of evidence” will not, in and of itself, give rise to successful applications for permanent stays of proceedings. Here, a BigLaw partner unpacks two recent decisions from the court and what those matters mean for litigators. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Clyde & Co partner Luke O'Kane about his career as a litigator and why there is an increase in the number of claims being brought pertaining to historical sexual abuse and personal injury, the lessons and takeaways from two recent High Court decisions, and the implications of those judgments for stay applications. O'Kane also delves into how an absence of evidence should be treated in such matters moving forward, the need for courts to treat such matters in more idiosyncratic ways and not take blackletter approaches to proceedings, what such rulings mean for claimants, how the rulings change the landscape for litigators on both sides of the table, and his broad guidance to litigators nationwide in the wake of the High Court's decisions. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

The prospect of a career break for family planning and childrearing purposes can be incredibly daunting. Here, a firm owner and new mum reflects on how legal business leaders can step away from their practices in ways that work for them. In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Jaide Law founder and principal Malisa Howard to discuss the importance of speaking openly about the hurdles women lawyers face in stepping away from their legal practices to take maternity leave, why taking such leave is so important for mothers in law, and the myriad physical, emotional, psychological, financial, and professional considerations one needs to weigh up in undergoing such processes. Howard also delves into perceptions that expecting mothers in law may have to face, how she mapped out how she wanted to take leave and manage her business needs, the thought processes and practical steps involved, whether cross-referral and load-sharing arrangements are worthwhile, how technology can assist in such processes, navigating one's fears and anxieties about the business' health, overcoming stigma, the different maternity leave structures, and her personal reflections on her journey with maternity leave and coming back to running her law firm. If you like this episode, show your support by  rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

Lawyers, Jahan Kalantar says, are a “conduit for complicated problems”. To this end, practitioners must be better at appreciating the “greater fiduciary duty” they hold not just to the courts but also to clients and their idiosyncratic needs. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back the “TikTok lawyer”, Jahan Kalantar. They discuss the ever-present need for lawyers to be better communicators with clients of all stripes, being more than a blackletter practitioner, the extent to which needs and expectations dictate communication styles, how the age of AI and other new technologies change client impressions of communication, and the place for soft skills against the backdrop of a need for greater tech proficiency. Kalantar also delves into how best to contact clients, adapting to tailored approaches, practical steps to become a better communicator, having a deeper understanding for you who are, as a practitioner, listening more, and discusses his new book, Talking Your Way Out Of Trouble. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!  

Here, a senior corporate lawyer reflects on the three-year career break she took to be a full-time carer and what businesses need to do to ensure that the idiosyncratic family needs of workers, including in the law department, are accounted for. In this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show – brought to you by Lawyers Weekly's sister brand, HR Leader – host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with ANZ senior procurement lawyer Porscia Lam about her legal career and decision to take a three-year break to care for her son, balancing work against family needs, what the response was like to her move, and how her perceptions of Australian workplaces have evolved in recent years. Lam also delves into the need for businesses to better accommodating parenting needs, identifying the business case for increased support, what works and doesn't work when supporting parents with neurodiverse children, ingraining such support in the workplace's culture, the role of law departments in driving such change and making sure such support remains, even against the pushback against DEI measures. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

In recent days, and on the back of lower inflation, hopes of a rate cut have been boosted. Here, we unpack how legal professionals of all stripes can prepare for such a decision by the Reserve Bank and how they can leverage their unique professional benefits to do so. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Legal Home Loans director of sales Cullen Haynes to discuss why the February RBA meeting is generating so much buzz, what happened in 2024, whether we can expect rates to be cut soon, the factors influencing the RBA's decision, and how a potential cut could affect borrowing costs and loan approvals for lawyers. Haynes also delves into the implications for lawyers moving forward, including those who are prospective buyers and those who are already property owners, the unique advantages lawyers can access to improve their borrowing prospects, the financial stress lawyers are feeling, and the advantage of being ready to act quickly before rates are called. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

In the face of myriad forms of elder abuse and against the backdrop of an ageing population, interprofessional collaboration on legal matters will be paramount moving forward. In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back M De Mestre Lawyers founder and principal Mary-Ann de Mestre to discuss the state of affairs in elder law, the various forms of abuse that elder persons may suffer, the urgent need to address such matters, and why broader education for lawyers and non-lawyers is required. De Mestre also fleshes out the impact that such work can have on lawyers, the practical steps that must be taken by practitioners (including upskilling and specialising), whether elder law will soon be seen as a standalone niche practice area, the need to liaise and engage with myriad stakeholders, and what good collaboration will look like in the future. If you like this episode, show your support by  rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

Here, a Canberra-based barrister details her pathway to joining the Bar and outlines how emerging practitioners can forge their own pathways to becoming barristers. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with barrister Vicki Geraghty, who practises out of Blackburn Chambers in Canberra, about why she wanted to join the Bar, the questions one asks of one's self in making that decision, how being a parent influences such a career path, and the initial practical steps to take on the road to becoming a barrister. Geraghty also delves into what it means to be a reader, the factors to take into account when choosing a barrister chambers, what to look for in tutors and mentors in one's chambers, the experience of taking the bar exams, what she knows about the journey to being a barrister that she wishes she knew earlier, and what constitutes good advocacy for those at the Bar. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

Oftentimes, it is necessary for lawyers to outline clear boundaries so that the client relationship is not blurred. Doing so, one firm leader says, allows her to walk into court with a clear conscience and be the best advocate she can be. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Emma Turnbull Lawyers director and managing partner Emma Turnbull about her work as a criminal defence lawyer and why it's a meaningful vocational path for her, how and why she's a better lawyer because she rides horses, why it's so important to set boundaries with clients, and why clients may try to push those boundaries. Turnbull also delves into the ways in which clients may try to blur lines, her experience as a female practitioner, how empathy can be misconstrued, how to put in place necessary guardrails, how she sets boundaries from the outset of a client relationship, whether there are relevant professional conduct considerations at play, the questions to ask of one's self in setting boundaries, whether it is easier said than done, and why she is a better lawyer by virtue of knowing where the line in the sand is. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

Traditionally, the burden of judging has fallen to the individuals on the bench, and the profession and broader society have not taken responsibility for preparing and supporting them to do the important work required by the judiciary. So, what can be done? In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with University of Western Australia lecturer Dr Jessica Kerr about her academic work and why it is so important, the lack of support that judicial officers have traditionally received in undertaking their roles and why, the flow-on consequences for judges, and the need to improve holistic judicial competence. Kerr also delves into what we want and expect from the judiciary, the practical steps to be taken to improve judicial competence and elevate support for such officers, the stigma surrounding wanting to become a judge, and the need for a more diverse bench. She also touches on her experiences as a criminal magistrate in the Seychelles. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, brought to you by our sister brand, Cyber Daily, we look back at some of the most notable cyber incidents from the past 12 months and look ahead to what can be expected in the new year. Hosts David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss CrowdStrike's outage and amazing response to the takedown of ransomware giant LockBit, reflect on the Change Healthcare hack, which saw the data of about a third of the population of the United States compromised, the behind-the-scenes maneuvering between greedy ransomware-as-a-service operators, hacker affiliates just wanting to get paid, and a company realising that it really does have to pay an exorbitant ransom. The pair also discuss the takedown of ransomware giant LockBit and the remarkably sassy response of the law enforcement agencies behind the operation, look back at another ransomware operation that turned out to be nothing but an extensive scam, and reflect on July's CrowdStrike outage, both its wide-ranging impact and what turned out to be an excellent and comprehensive response from CrowdStrike itself, before turning the gaze forward to wonder what they might see in 2025. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

Criminal defence lawyer Rebecca Fogerty recently wrapped up her term as president of the Queensland Law Society. Here, she reflects on her presidential term, what she's learnt about her role as a practitioner, and the experience of the broader legal profession. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes Jasper Fogerty Lawyers partner and QLS immediate past president Rebecca Fogerty to discuss why she loves criminal defence work, her perception of the challenges and trends facing lawyers in this space (particularly in Queensland), and why she wanted to serve with the Queensland Law Society. Fogerty also discusses the achievements of her presidential term, how she managed to juggle competing roles and the difficulty legal professionals face in trying to have it all, what she's learnt about herself and the broader profession, her changing perception of what makes a good advocate, and what excites her about legal advocacy into the future. If you like this episode, show your support by  rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

Experience has taught Damien Toohey – a practising barrister and professional pilot – that there are “no limitations in life”. Here's how he does it. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Damien Toohey of 2 Selborne Chambers in Sydney about his career journey, including early life in the law and pivot to working as a professional and commercial pilot, how he returned to the law and then again to the skies, and the significant life events along the way that have shaped his outlook and trajectory. Toohey also reflects on how flying is the “ultimate test of character”, how his work as a barrister and pilot respectively offer complementary lessons and why he's a better holistic professional, what's happening in the aviation law space, what his journey has taught him about life, and how other lawyers can ensure they are experiencing life to the fullest. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

Shipping lawyers are not strangers to pivoting in the face of overnight geopolitical and legal changes. How might the recent threat from US President-elect Donald Trump impact practitioners in this space? In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back The Shipping Lawyer, Alison Cusack, to discuss the shipping law landscape in 2024 and what was learnt from that year, the recent threat from Donald Trump to take back control of the Panama Canal and the history of the canal (and lessons from the Suez Canal experience). Cusack also discusses the frequency with which shipping lawyers have to adapt to geopolitical shifts and navigate client expectations, how best such lawyers can roll with the punches, the fatigue that can set in amid so much change, and what she's looking forward to in the year ahead. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

In the emotionally charged and ever-shifting landscape of immigration law, cultural empathy may well be the most critical skill that practitioners bring to the table for their clients, argues one senior lawyer. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Katsaros & Associates founder and senior lawyer Dimitrios Katsaros about recent changes in the immigration space and the extent to which the Albanese government has made good on its promise to overhaul the system, and how the looming federal election may change the landscape further in 2025 and beyond. Katsaros also delves into what constitutes cultural empathy, why it is so important when dealing with clients from different backgrounds, what it looks like in practice and how best one can ensure empathetic interactions, and why it is at the top of the list of priorities for lawyers in this space in the coming 12 months. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

In December, the High Court of Australia overturned a 115-year-old precedent and determined that “sham” terminations can cause psychiatric injury. Here, we unpack the implications of this decision for businesses nationwide. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Pinsent Masons partner and head of employment law and reward (APAC) Aaron Goonrey about the expansiveness of legal work in this space, what the decision in Elisha v Vision Australia Ltd held, what was ordered and what it means moving forward. Goonrey also delves into the extent to which employment law is entering a grey area as a result of the decision, how it changes the landscape for employment lawyers across the country, and what will constitute best practice for lawyers in this space in 2025 and beyond. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

The rise of generative AI and other new technologies not only changes the nature of legal practice but also client expectations and demands. Here, we flesh out the need for lawyers to evaluate their pricing structures as part of their service offerings so they may remain competitive. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Hive Legal executive director and experience designer Melissa Lyon and principal Adrienne Trumbull about their firm's journey, being ahead of the curve on flexible working, why they price their services in non-traditional ways, whether billable units give clients more control, and why it is so important to reconsider how legal services are priced. Lyon and Trumbull also flesh out the disconnect between clients' understandings of legal practice versus how those services are being priced, navigating how courts are interpreting the use of AI and new technology, how critical a priority evaluation of pricing models will be in the new year, the questions that firm leaders must be asking of themselves, and why they should see this conversation as an opportunity to step back on reflect on the importance of legal practice and servicing the community. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

Energy and resources is, and will continue to be, an incredibly busy practice area. Here, a BigLaw partner reflects on what it's like to work in this space, what the future might hold, and how those coming through can succeed. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Clayton Utz partner Susan Taylor about her journey as a lawyer and why she finds energy and resources to be such an exciting space to work in, why it intersects with so many other practice areas right now, and the current day-to-day experience of those working in this space. Taylor also delves into how busy energy and resources work is, how such work will ramp up during the course of 2025 (regardless of the federal election outcome), what constitutes best practice when advising clients, the trends she's anticipating in the coming months, why taking a holistic approach to such work is essential, what it means to be a good lawyer in this space, and her advice to those wanting to transition to energy and resources practices.  

While things are improving, traditionally, professions like law have not catered well to a diversity of idiosyncratic personal needs. Here, one senior in-house counsel reflects on her experiences with neurodivergence and how she identified ways that she could flourish vocationally. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Procreate head of legal Sarah Standen about her work in intellectual property at a software company, why it is so important to talk about neurodivergence in law, her own experiences and diagnoses, and the stigma that is often attached to neurodivergence across the community. Standen also reflects on how her diagnoses led her to identify the best pathway forward for her career-wise and how she could play to her strengths and interests, the thought process and practical steps she undertook, the questions one needs to ask of one's self, and what excites her about her own journey moving forward.  

For this BigLaw special counsel, it has been hugely encouraging to see the elevated investments and priority being placed on pro bono by Australia's largest law firms, which is better positioning those businesses to create positive change nationwide. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Gadens special counsel in sustainability and social impact Shabnum Cassim about her background and interest in social justice and human rights, the emotionally draining nature of such legal work, her perception of the growing importance being placed on pro bono practices by large law firms, and why they are making such investments. Cassim also touches on the continued trajectory of pro bono arms of law firms, balancing a firm's business and social impact interests, having clients who are more socially focused, taking a more holistic approach as a lawyer in any area of law, the duties of team leaders in pro bono moving forward, and what excites her about pro bono offerings in Australia into the future. If you like this episode, show your support by  rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

For anyone, starting law school is enormously challenging, both personally and professionally. For first-generation Australians, there are additional challenges to contend with. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, King & Wood Mallesons applied legal coordinator (disputes and litigation) and JD law student Fauzia Hussein speaks with host Jerome Doraisamy about feeling vulnerable and out of place relative to those with privileged backgrounds, the need for more nuanced support for law students with migrant backgrounds, and overcoming cultural differences. Hussein also touches on giving first-generation students a chance at employment, how she has benefited from such support, and the importance of building a legal profession that embraces and includes individuals from all walks of life.

The exiting national workers' compensation scheme, one principal argues, is “certainly not fit for purpose” and shouldn't be implemented nationwide. Here, she details why a better approach, covering workers of all types, is required if workers' compensation is to better cater to the evolving needs of staff everywhere. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Maurice Blackburn principal Alison Barrett about why plaintiff work is so meaningful for her, the current landscape across all Australian jurisdictions for workers' compensation, whether those schemes are fit for purpose, the existing issues with the Comcare scheme, and the looming consequences that will arise should those issues not be addressed. Barrett also delves into how the cost-of-living crisis and high inflation may compound existing issues for claimants, what is currently being done to improve Comcare and workers' compensation more broadly, how lawyers in this space can better navigate the current landscape, why mental health claims continue as a trend, and her broader guidance for lawyers looking to not only better service clients but also advocate for a better national approach. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

The new anti-money laundering reforms are part of a “perfect regulatory storm” that professionals like lawyers have to grapple with. With new reporting obligations drawing closer, firm leaders will have to ensure their practice management and compliance operations are up to speed. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Norton Rose Fulbright senior adviser Jeremy Moller about the new anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) reforms and why they've been introduced, what the reforms aim to achieve, the responses from lawyers and member bodies and why such professionals are concerned with the reforms. Moller also delves into the challenges that legal professionals will face in light of the reforms, why the regulatory space is shifting so much and how this impacts lawyers, where lawyers can seek assistance in such times, and the opportunities that abound from setting one's firm apart from competitors. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

The challenge of securing employment and opportunities within the legal profession has become increasingly formidable for the next generation of lawyers. However, it is essential to recognise that there are viable pathways to enter the legal field and establish a successful career. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Grace Robbie speaks with Amelia Daou, a final-year law student at Deakin University, about how her initial aspiration to pursue a legal career was a means of financing her dream of owning a fashion company and what factors ignited her passion to pursue a legal career. She also shares her desire to enter the corporate legal sector upon graduating and addresses the specific challenges law students face as they seek to enter the legal profession. Daou also shares her personal challenges in applying for entry-level jobs in the legal profession, discusses what motivated her to overcome these struggles and secure her first internship at a law firm, highlights the effects of experiencing setbacks and obstacles on law students' confidence and motivation to continue pursuing opportunities, explains the benefits of gaining work experiencing outside the legal field, identified the skills that such experience foster that is transferable to the legal profession and offers supportive insights for law students facing similar challenges, reassuring them that they are not alone in their pursuits. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

For Daniel Kalderimis KC, navigating his way out of serious depression meant going beyond mere box-ticking to feel better – it required an exploration and understanding of what it means to find one's zest for life. (Content warning: This episode may be triggering or upsetting for some listeners. Discretion is advised.) In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Daniel Kalderimis KC, who has chambers in Auckland, Wellington, and Singapore/London, about his journey in law, his experiences with depression and how he learnt to wade his way through, and how and why he discovered that “doing philosophy” in respect of his own life would offer more purposeful, meaningful outcomes. Kalderimis also reflects on the lessons he's learnt from historical writers about what it means to live better; how he found his zest; how he is a more skilled, more rounded legal practitioner as a result of adopting a more philosophical outlook on health and life; why he wrote a book – Zest: Climbing from Depression to Philosophy – about his experiences; and his broader guidance to lawyers everywhere. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

In the coming months, DLA Piper's managing partner in Australia, Amber Matthews, will hand over the reins to Shane Bilardi. Here, the pair reflect on the challenging and competitive legal services marketplace and their confidence in how the firm is positioned moving forward. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Amber Matthews and Shane Bilardi about their respective journeys in law (including becoming successive heads of the Australian arm of one of the world's biggest law firms), current market issues and challenges and the hurdles for firms like DLA to overcome, and where it intends to differentiate from competitors. Matthews and Bilardi also discuss the advantages of being a global practice in the Australian landscape and the importance of global firms, where the firm currently sits in the national market, leveraging environmental change and bringing the firm along for the ride, why courage is required to drive change, and what excites them as they both enter new phases of their careers. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

In addition to the continued acceleration of cyber, data and privacy breaches globally, there has been a raft of legislative and regulatory reform in the past 12 months. Taken together, lawyers in this space “are going to be very busy” in the coming year. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Pinsent Masons partner Veronica Scott about working in such a consequential legal practice area, her takeaways from 2024 and what can be learnt from reforms in this space, the consequences for practitioners in advising clients, and what the new laws will look like in practice. Scott also delves into the extent to which clients are willing to work with legal on such matters, why 2025 is shaping up to be such a frantic year for practitioners in this space, how lawyers can better manage themselves and their practices against the backdrop of such voluminous workloads, and why it remains such a meaningful area to practice law in. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

Stuart Fuller – the former global managing partner of King & Wood Mallesons and former global head of legal services at KPMG – recently retired from legal practice. Here, he reflects on his extraordinary career, the biggest challenges and achievements, and where he sees legal services heading in the future. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Fuller – who returns to the show – to discuss how and why he decided to retire, what he sees as being his biggest accomplishments as a leader in legal businesses, how he rose to the top of some of the biggest practices in the world, his reflections on Mallesons' merger with King & Wood, and the changing nature of leadership in law. Fuller also delves into his observations about KPMG's growth, how he sees the legal services marketplace evolving in Australia, how other lawyers can ensure they are ready – personally and professionally – to transition to retirement, why he's particularly interested in the future of remuneration and globalisation in legal services, and why he remains such a “huge believer in [the] dream” of lawyers as business enablers and servants. 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

Dr Alecia Simmonds has always been interested in the ways we govern intimate life. Here, she reflects on notable cases in Australia's past that explored gender dynamics, emotion, love and relationships, and what is says about our legal frameworks. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with UTS Faculty of Law associate professor Dr Alecia Simmonds about her academic work and interests, and the extent to which the legal battles that women have fought over the years have evolved. Simmonds also discusses her recently released book – Courting: An Intimate History of Love and the Law – and how she came to pen it, the cases she covered that were of greatest personal and legal interest, how expectations and standards around the legalities of courtship have changed, the takeaways from those instances, whether Australian society has learnt the requisite lessons from such sociocultural proceedings, and how optimistic she is that we, as a nation, can ensure our legal frameworks can sufficiently govern love and relationships. If you like this episode, show your support by  rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Lorica Partners, we unpack Rick Walker's experience of trekking the Camino de Santiago in Spain, what it taught him – personally and professionally – and what lawyers can take away when planning for 2025. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Lorica Partners founder and senior adviser Rick Walker about his upbringing and how this has shaped his life and approach to financial planning, why he chose to undertake the 800-kilometre route on the Camino de Santiago, not having any expectations going into such an undertaking, what the day-to-day experience was like across those weeks, and the insights and perspective he gained from the trek. Walker delves into his renewed appreciation for life's small joys, the significance of documenting his reflections on the trek, and the lessons such an expedition offers lawyers. He explores how his client interactions have transformed, what introspective questions lawyers should pose as the new year approaches, and the critical importance of recharging and resetting during the summer break to craft optimal strategies for 2025. To learn more about Lorica Partners, 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 editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!