Lawyers Weekly Podcast Network

While many law students may hesitate to approach experienced professionals, Kurt Cheng encourages them to take that step, emphasising that the right guidance can accelerate both career development and personal growth. Speaking on a recent episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Grace Robbie speaks with Kurt Cheng, a law graduate at Ashurst and a global ambassador at UTS, where he shares what drives his passion for early-career mentoring, emphasises why it is crucial never to overlook the value anyone can bring to your journey, and explains why meaningful mentoring extends far beyond a one-off coffee catch-up – it's a relationship that requires time and genuine effort to nurture. Cheng also reflects on how empowering and transformative a mentor can be for both personal and professional growth, highlights the importance of choosing a mentor whose journey aligns with your own career path, offers practical strategies for law students looking to connect with the right people, and reflects on his own role as a mentor – highlighting just how rewarding and transformative these relationships can be.

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Cybertify, we unpack why legal practices are increasingly such attractive targets for cyber criminals, the ways they get past defences, and what firms can do to ensure that the “doors are locked”. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with William Welch, the principal solutions architect for the legal sector and AI security at Cybertify, about who the company is and the work he does, why the risks inherent with cyber security are so much more prominent for Australian law firms at present, why every business is a potential target, the need for “locked doors”, why law firm owners aren't fully across the dangers, and the lessons and takeaways from recent breaches in the legal space. Welch also delves into what BigLaw practices need to be doing right now, ensuring systems are talking to each other properly and having the right point people, what SMEs must be doing at present, the questions those smaller firms need to be asking, overcoming concerns about being time-poor, understanding the changing landscape, and how best Cybertify can help. To learn more about Cybertify, click here.

There is much that BigLaw partner Martina Storgato has learnt about cultivating one's place in the legal profession – chief among those lessons is that, when building a network and one's reputation, it is better to view others as colleagues, not the competition. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Mills Oakley partner Martina Storgato about her work in family law, how she's managed that practice area while also having a family of her own, at what stage of her career she realised the importance of building a network and reputation, whether she has a guiding principle for doing so, and taking a nuanced approach to generating business in idiosyncratic practice areas. Storgato also delves into whether the advent of AI and other emerging technologies supports the idea of being nuanced in one's approach to clientele and business generation, the biggest lessons she's learnt about building and maintaining a good network and professional reputation, the questions lawyers should be asking of themselves in such a building process, remaining a good leader, and her broader guidance to lawyers coming through the ranks.

For many lawyers, being a practitioner can become the dominant part of one's identity. Here, Christina Yi reflects on how a girls' trip helped remind her to do the things that bring joy and fulfillment, so that one can ultimately better be of service to clients. In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Allegra Family Lawyers legal practitioner director Christina Yi about the “urgency” involved with family law and the flow-on impacts for lawyers in this space, how being a lawyer can shape how others perceive you, how lawyering can become part of your identity, and what this means for one, both personally and professionally. Yi also discusses a recent holiday she took to revitalise and relax, the positive impact the trip had on her, why she'll be making more time for future getaways, the warning signs lawyers should look out for when it comes to having lawyering become too big a part of one's identity, and what excites her about the new parameters she's set up for herself as a practitioner. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook, 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 more insights!

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Commonwealth Private, we unpack the myriad benefits of private banking for legal professionals, given their idiosyncratic personal, professional, and financial needs. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Commonwealth Private national head of professional services Cassandra Crawford about the work that Commonwealth Private does for clients, the headline financial challenges that senior lawyers face, whether engaging a private banker is more important than ever before, and the most common questions that senior lawyers ask of private banking. Crawford also delves into the extent to which legal professionals are financially educated, how they can better ensure holistic financial security and wellness for themselves and their families, whether complacency needs to be overcome, the questions that lawyers should be asking of themselves, the practical steps to take, and overcoming hurdles getting in the way of looking after one's self. To learn more about Commonwealth Private, click here.

Amid the roar of gunfire and the loss of friends to war, this law student refused to be defined by his past. Instead, he transformed trauma into purpose, forging a remarkable journey from survival to the pursuit of justice. Speaking on a recent episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Grace Robbie speaks with Alfred Brownell, a law student at the University of Queensland, who shares his remarkable journey of growing up in a war-torn country where the sound of gunfire was part of daily life, opens up about the lasting impact of those traumas, reflects on how these experiences have shaped the person he is today, and reveals how, after being unable to pursue medical school, he found inspiration to begin working alongside his father in environmental advocacy. Brownell also reflects on his family's remarkable legal legacy, speaks about his father's story of having to flee the country after government authorities targeted him for his environmental work, recounts his own experience of starting a new life in Australia along with the significant challenges that came with it, explains how the hardships he faced has helped him build meaningful new connections in Australia, and emphasises why it is so important to never give up on studying law, no matter the obstacles that stand in the way.

Mel Storey is one of Australia's most prominent online legal personalities. Here, she reflects on why she recently left her general counsel role to focus on other projects at this stage of her vocational journey, and why it's OK for legal practice to not be one's forever job. In this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back former general counsel Mel Storey – a keynote speaker, podcast host, and “corporate big sis” – to discuss her various roles as a legal practitioner, how and why she got to a point where she felt she had to chase other passion projects, and the thought process that goes into making such a decision. Storey also delves into the identity that comes with being a practising lawyer, navigating the change in her day-to-day from being reactive to now being able to be proactive, why it's okay to consider that law may not be the forever job, the steps to take ensure vocational satisfaction, and what she's excited about moving forward about her own journey. If you like this episode, show your support by  rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook, 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 more insights!

In this special episode of LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with InfoTrack, we explore the looming changes to the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regime, the practical implications for lawyers, and how best to leverage technology amid such a changing landscape. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with InfoTrack Chief Operating Officer Lee Bailie about why the AML/CTF changes represent such a shift for professionals like lawyers, how prepared law firms are for these changes, what's keeping firms up at night regarding the changes, and the role of businesses like InfoTrack in ensuring firms are prepared for the new regime. Bailie also discusses the practical steps to take, and important questions to ask, in ensuring that one's firm is ready, being proactive rather than reactive in anticipation of the changes, the opportunities for firms to grasp, evolving client expectations as they pertain to regulation, and how InfoTrack can support with automating onerous AML/CTF obligations. To learn more about InfoTrack, click here.

Amid myriad professional and technological changes, practitioners need to change how they service clients – for this litigator, there is much to look forward to in being proactive about offering broader, more holistic advice to clients, rather than reacting to traditional needs. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers partner Melissa Care about her work in disputes and litigation, how she's adjusted to her recent promotion to partner, why lawyers need to be thinking more about transitioning from simply being service providers to decision-makers and business advisers, and why this is necessary. Care also delves into whether private practice lawyers need to think of themselves as external in-house lawyers, how one's sense of service can be retained in this transition, the challenges inherent with the transition, how lawyers can get started, the need to upskill, fitting such a transition into one's schedule, whether we risk losing the traditional understanding of what it means to be a lawyer, and how her own journey is reshaping her view of herself as a litigator. 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 more insights!

In this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, recorded at last week's Australian Law Forum, we explore the day-to-day experience of working as a general counsel in a faith-based institution and what other law department leaders can learn from lawyers in such roles. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Seventh Day Adventist Church general counsel Igor Radonjić about how he came to be a “church lawyer” and why the role was appealing to him, what the day-to-day looks like, his own journey with faith, how his faith intersects with driving forward the purpose of a faith-based institution, and how his faith has evolved since starting in the role. Radonjić also delves into the biggest challenges and trends facing faith-based institutions right now, how law departments can better support them, what will constitute best practice for GCs like himself, and what other law department leaders can learn from the expertise of GCs in faith-based institutions. 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 more insights!

Here, two award-winning lawyers reflect on how they broke away from traditional legal vocational pathways to find success in ways that made sense to them – while noting that, for anyone seeking progression, it does not come easy. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Bowes Legal managing partner Jane Bowes and Nova Entertainment group general counsel Danielle Keyes about their early years as “baby lawyers” and how they met, how and why they each chose to explore non-traditional pathways and how they felt about it at the time, and having to redefine what it meant to succeed. Bowes and Keyes also reflect on the idiosyncratic challenges that face women in law, recalibrating expectations of what a lawyer can reasonably achieve when there are other life responsibilities, overcoming cultural expectations, being empathetic as leaders in law but also pragmatic, their guidance for lawyers coming through the ranks about how to forge one's own pathway, and recognising that success is often, if not always, hard-fought. 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 more insights!

From cold calling to securing a paralegal role at a global law firm, this law student shares essential tips and strategies every aspiring lawyer should use to land a position and kickstart their legal career. Speaking on a recent episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Grace Robbie speaks with Victor Yan, a law student at UNSW and a paralegal at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (HSFK), shares his unconventional journey into the legal profession, opens up about how a simple cold email to HSFK led to him securing a paralegal role months later, and discusses the crucial importance of landing a paralegal position while still at university to gain the practical skills that academic study alone doesn't provide. Yan also emphasises the importance of first- and second-year law students taking proactive steps to secure their first paralegal roles, highlights common mistakes he often sees during the application process, outlines five key steps students should follow on their journey to landing a paralegal position, stresses the vital need to prioritise self-care and wellbeing throughout this challenging period, and shares encouraging advice for law students about to embark on this exciting yet daunting new chapter.

In this special episode of LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with Mary Technology, we flesh out the importance of building efficient workflows to overcome the inherent, chaotic elements of taking on new client matters. Host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Mary Technology chief executive and co-founder Daniel Lord-Doyle to discuss who Mary Technology is and the problems it is solving for legal professionals, what fact chaos is and why it's such a challenge, what it means to have efficient workflows, and how urgent a priority fact chaos is for lawyers across the spectrum. Lord-Doyle also delves into how the profession is responding to solutions to navigate fact chaos, the role of AI in overcoming such challenges, navigating trust barriers, unlocking new potential for lawyers to be more efficient moving forward, supporting rapid acceleration of efficiency, and the rewards that come with making an impact on practitioners' operations.

With India looking to be the world's third-largest economy by 2030, and with significant shifts occurring in its legal landscape and how it sees foreign investment, there are boundless opportunities not just for firms with an Australian presence but also for Australia-based practitioners. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Baker McKenzie's Asia-Pacific investigations, compliance, and ethics group head Mini Menon vandePol, who also chair's the global firm's India practice, about how she utilises her name in the course of practice, her reflections on three decades with Bakers, what's happening with the firm's India practice, and how she is leading at a time of significant change for India. She also delves into the challenges that global firms like Bakers face in gaining stronger footholds in India, as well as the inherent opportunities, what such changes to the landscape mean for Australia and its practitioners, how Australians should view the evolving legal landscape in India, and why she's so excited by such change.

The unlawful termination of journalist Antoinette Lattouf by the national broadcaster, which resulted in high-profile proceedings in the Federal Court, has shone a spotlight on workplace policies for social media use by employees, and the need for such frameworks to be fit for purpose. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with McCabes principal Melini Pillay about her journey from being a prosecutor to representing defendants in employment and safety matters, how her background in criminal law offers perspective for her current work, the difficulties of managing five generations in the workforce for businesses, and what happened in the Lattouf v ABC proceedings. Pillay also discusses what the court found and the employment law implications moving forward from these proceedings, the difficulties inherent with striking the right balance with a social media policy, what might constitute bringing one's employer into disrepute, the questions that employers should be asking as a starting point, why policies need to appreciate the prevalence of and place for social media in the modern landscape, and practical steps to take in ensuring the right balance is struck when revamping workplace policies. 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!

When it comes to marketing, Rex Afrasiabi has learnt that people resonate more with a person than they do with a business. Leaning into his own branding has resulted in exponential growth for his firm, which is now allowing him to expand nationally through a capital raise and a retail share offering. In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Bond Property Lawyers founder Rex Afrasiabi to discuss how and why he works with the real estate sector (and targets this sector rather than a particular niche area of legal practice), creating a marketing strategy that allows for growth without spreading one's self too thin, and his views on the importance of personal and professional branding. Afrasiabi also delves into the investment of time and labour for such strong marketing, how his business success has been aided by such marketing, how he plans to take his operations to the next level nationally, reflections on private equity in law firms, why he is looking to raise capital and undertake a retail share offering, and what excites him about such business growth moving forward.

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with LEAP Family Law, we explore how and why so many family law practitioners are leaving the profession and what can be done to better support them in practice. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with LEAP Family Law managing director Jenna Downy about her background as a family lawyer, how and why burnout impacts lawyers in this space, the unique challenges facing family lawyers, the many hats that they have to wear, and how burnout can impact female practitioners more than their male counterparts. Downy also delves into her own experiences with burnout when she practised in family law, the moment of realisation that she experienced, the options that practitioners can and should be exploring, whether they are aware of such options, how LEAP is supporting family lawyers right now, and whether she is optimistic about family lawyers' capacity to proactively and reactively navigate burnout in practice. To learn more about LEAP Family Law, 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!

In this special episode, produced in partnership with Lawyers Weekly's philanthropic partner So They Can, we explore the work being undertaken by the charity in Kenya and Tanzania to support children (especially young girls) living in extreme poverty by way of community health and empowerment projects, education, and family strengthening. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with So They Can's partnerships manager, Emily Whitehouse, and country manager in Tanzania, Roselyne Mariki, about who the charity is and why it does its work in East Africa, the myriad challenges being faced by both girls and boys in certain communities in Kenya and Tanzania, including lacking access to food, water, healthcare and education. Whitehouse and Mariki also discuss the various projects So They Can has running that are supporting children and young adults in communities, including the Empowerment Program for Women and its recent success, how individual professionals can get involved in the charity's operations, and how businesses across Australia can support its work on the ground in East Africa. To learn more about So They Can, 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!

Many young lawyers see AI as a looming threat – something that could disrupt their careers or put them at a disadvantage in an already competitive field. But Lucy Southwick challenges this mindset, arguing that AI is a competitive edge for the next generation of legal professionals. In a recent episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Grace Robbie speaks with Lucy Southwick, a recent manager within Ashurst Advance's client solutions practice. She shares how she began her journey in the innovation area simply by introducing herself to a senior colleague working in that space, discusses how rewarding it is to be at the forefront of emerging technologies and ideas, highlights the growing awareness among Australian lawyers of international work opportunities, and reflects on the valuable skills gained from working abroad. She reflects on her next chapter after four years at Ashurst, discussing how AI is transforming the daily work of junior lawyers, shares why now is the most exciting time to be starting a legal career, emphasises the importance for young lawyers to see AI not as a threat but as a competitive advantage, and addresses the fear some may feel about adopting AI – often influenced by senior lawyers' slower embrace of technological change. Southwick also outlines three practical steps to help young lawyers confidently and responsibly navigate this evolving technology, highlights the crucial role law firms and universities play in upskilling young professionals on AI and its applications, identifies common mistakes young lawyers often make with AI and offers strategies to avoid them, and shares valuable advice on how young lawyers can harness AI to gain a competitive advantage.

From placing seventh in taekwondo at the Rio Olympics to boldly launching his own law firm, Hayder Shkara shares his anything but ordinary path into the legal profession. Speaking on a recent episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Grace Robbie speaks with Hayder Shkara, the principal of Justice Family Lawyers, who admits that while he has a fondness for the TV show, Suits, his true passion for law was inspired by his grandfather – a respected judge in Iraq who championed justice for the vulnerable. He shares how, at just 10 years old, watching the Sydney Olympic Games ignited a dream to one day represent his country on the world stage in taekwondo. He also reflects on the disappointment of falling short at the London 2012 Olympic Games but shares how that disappointment fuelled him to return stronger and place seventh at the Rio 2016 Games. He opens up on how he managed the demanding balance of completing his law degree while training full-time for the Olympics, recalls how, shortly after competing in Rio, he took the bold plunge into entrepreneurship by opening his own law firm, shares he was determined to do this to ensure he didn't face the post-Olympic slum that many athlete experiences, and reveals how he channelled his competitive mindset into his legal career, describing the transition as climbing a mountain. Shkara also candidly shares the toughest challenges he faced when first taking the lap to start his own law firm and how he overcame them, talks about his journey of expanding the firm through strategic acquisitions, discusses how this process has given him valuable insights into what works well in different practices, and equally important, what he doesn't want from his own firm, and offers valuable advice to law students – insights he wishes he had known at the very beginning of his legal career. To find out more about Justice Family Lawyer, click here.

In this special episode of LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with Axiom and Legora, we explore the transformation of legal operations made possible by a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and having the right legal expertise. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Axiom's chief technology officer, CJ Saretto, and Legora's go-to market in APJ, Heather Paterson, about what their respective companies do, the “impossible choice” involved with certain legal work, the headline issues and challenges that are being faced right now, and why a combination of AI and legal expertise is a suitable approach to take moving forward. The trio also discuss moving from hype to feasible results, asking the right questions to ensure successful implementation, the combination of senior legal talent with AI and moving past traditional methods, ensuring quality legal expertise, the benefit of the partnership between Axiom and Legora, and where technology is headed and how teams can get ready. To learn more about Axiom, click here. To learn more about Legora, 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!

Late last year, the chief people officer for national law firm Gilchrist Connell was announced as the BigLaw player's new chief executive - a role she assumed in July. Here, she reflects on her vocational experience and details how coming from an HR background and wearing “many, many hats” lends well to leading a large legal practice. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Gilchrist Connell chief executive Belinda Cohen about her career prior to joining the BigLaw firm five years ago, the work she did as CPO, balancing the proactive and reactive as an HR professional, and how she came to be the firm's CEO. Cohen also discusses the firm's vision as set out by her predecessor, Richard Wood, and how her HR background will assist in furthering that vision, how and why HR professionals are well placed to step into such senior leadership roles, how HR professionals can create such vocational pipelines for themselves, and what excites her 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!

Here, a managing partner and former law society president discusses the experience of delivering a premature baby, what it taught her, and the support offered by the broader legal profession. (Content warning: This episode contains content that may be disturbing or distressing to some listeners. Discretion is advised.) In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with DBH Lawyers managing partner Amy Nikolovski, who formerly served as the president of the Law Society of South Australia and now sits on the society's wellbeing and resilience committee, about the work she and her firm undertakes, how she came to deliver a premature baby and how she was supported by colleagues at the time, and the personal and emotional toll of such an experience. Nikolovski also reflects on the support mechanisms that the broader legal profession has in place and offers for working parents in law dealing with premature delivery, and how individual lawyers can be more comfortable talking about such personal and family matters with their colleagues. Help is available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636. Each law society and bar association also has resources available on their respective websites. If you like this episode, show your support by  rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

A recent Fair Work decision noted that a primary carer doesn't have to be the sole carer in order to receive primary carer parental leave. Here, a BigLaw special counsel unpacks the decision and what it means for employers and lawyers moving forward. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Maddocks special counsel Meredith Kennedy about her work in the BigLaw firm's employment, safety, and people practice, the case of Metro Tasmania Pty Ltd v Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union (and what happened at first instance and then in front of the full bench of the Fair Work Commission (FWC), how “primary carer” was defined in the proceedings and relevant enterprise agreement, and how and why the FWC full bench reached its conclusions. Kennedy also delves into why this matter is so significant, the takeaways for employers nationwide, the need to ensure that workplace policies and frameworks account for all circumstances, overcoming collective biases, riding the wave of sociocultural shifts, best practice for lawyers in this space, and what else such lawyers need to be looking out for.

In this special episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, produced in partnership with TransPerfect Legal, we explore the practical ways that legal teams can use artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce the cost, time and risk associated with handling data in disputes and Investigations. Host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back TransPerfect Legal's APAC Senior Director, Tom Balmer, to discuss how to implement GenAI practically and easily into disputes and investigation workflows – an area which is “ripe for disruption”. The discussion explores how well law firms and in-house legal teams are doing when it comes to understanding and utilising AI, the guardrails to be considered and the easiest ways to save cost and time through the technology, right now. With regulatory investigations and enforcement actions on the rise, economic pressures increasing the volumes of formal disputes, and corporate legal team budgets being squeezed – there has never been a better time to explore ways to practically reduce the external costs and internal burdens of managing disputes and investigations. So if you're keen to learn how AI can help, have a listen to the full episode. 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, brought to you by Lawyers Weekly's sister brand, HR Leader, we explore the need for business leaders and workplaces to “earn the commute” of their staff members returning to the office, including by way of imbibing a common purpose of the broader approach. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Canon Oceania director of people and finance David Field, who also serves as the company's chief legal counsel, to discuss his remit at Canon, how he has found the transition from technical legal specialist to having a bigger picture focus on business, whether businesses are getting it right in bringing staff back to the office, and navigating the disconnect that may exist between generations in the workforce. Field also discusses the questions that businesses need to be asking of themselves when wanting to bring staff back into the office, how he and Canon have looked to answer those questions, the place for trial and error, fostering team collegiality, strengthening common purpose through team building and community involvement, working for the greater good, and the steps that must 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, 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!

Marianne Marchesi's firm had a hugely successful 2024–25 financial year. She credits a lot of that success, she says, to how she and the business responded and adapted to certain difficult periods the year prior – without which, such success may not have been possible. In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Legalite founder and managing principal Marianne Marchesi to discuss her evolving views on disrupting the traditional law firm model, how her firm performed in FY24–25, the challenges faced in the prior financial year, how those hardships have led to certain successes, and how she navigated her way out of wanting to throw in the towel as a business owner. Marchesi also discusses how the firm realigned in such difficult periods, how those experiences have shifted her view on what it means to be a good lawyer and business owner, how she has grown personally and professionally, what other firm owners can learn from her experience, and what excites her 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!

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Unisearch Expert Opinion Services, we explore the ways that businesses and legal professionals can better manage the myriad psychosocial hazards that arise in the workplace, particularly in an increasingly litigious climate. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Unisearch Expert Opinion Services business development manager Christopher A. Yong and Unisearch expert and work, health, and safety specialist Sarah Jezzini to discuss the impact of psychosocial hazards on all areas of a business and the clients they serve, increased levels of understanding and appreciation for how and why psychosocial hazards exist, and the need for an urgent shift to proactive management of such workplace matters. The trio also discuss the legislative and regulatory considerations at play, the state of affairs for litigious proceedings, high-risk areas for litigation, intersectionality's role in the broader conversation, key questions that business leaders must be asking of themselves, practical frameworks to be implemented or adapted, and not letting the metric become the measure. To learn more about Unisearch Expert Opinion Services, click here. If you like this episode, show your support by  rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, produced in partnership with Distinctive Finance, we explore the lessons learnt from the market in the last 12 months, what's working and not working for lawyers, and how best practitioners can shore up their financial security and make investments in the coming year. Host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back the directors and co-founders of Distinctive Finance, Christian Goodall and Mitchell Lobb, to discuss what they have recently observed and been discussing with clients across the board, the key takeaways from the market in the last financial year, lawyers' readiness for looming rate cuts, and case studies of clients whose journeys inform the potential for lawyers to shore up their portfolios moving forward. Goodall and Lobb also delve into the common pitfalls that practitioners face in ensuring financial wellbeing, getting one's ducks in a row, how their experience in private banking informs their approach to legal professionals, what they're paying attention to this coming financial year, what lawyers can and should be focused on, and how lawyers can think about the journey ahead. 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, 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!

Being a first-generation law student can be a daunting and isolating experience, especially when trying to break into the legal profession. But Aloizio Ferreira Compart shares how these challenges can be overcome, encouraging others to view them not as setbacks, but as powerful opportunities for growth and resilience. Speaking on a recent episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Grace Robbie speaks with Aloizio Ferreira Compart, a law student at Western Sydney University and a law clerk from Frank + Law Advisory, who shares that despite coming from a family of lawyers, becoming a lawyer was never part of his original plan, shares why corporate law is now firmly in his sights, reflects on his early years growing up in Brazil, and discusses the bold decision his family made to relocate to Australia in search of new opportunities. He opens up about the early challenges he faced moving to a new country, recalling how he had to learn a new language and adjust to a different culture, reflects on the close bond he shares with his family, forged by being the only realities living in Australia, recalls how him and his twin brother took a term of during year 10 to work full-time to support their parents, who were working 12-hour days, seven days a week, and explains how these experiences taught him independence and important lessons about life. Compart also speaks about being the first in his family to attend university and study law, reflects on the challenges this brought him, acknowledges the barriers many first-generation law students face when trying to break into the profession, shares how he has managed to overcome them, emphasises the importance of finding mentors and building connections with people who have faced similar challenges, notes the unique perspectives that first-generation students and those from non-traditional backgrounds bring to the legal field, and offers words of encouragement to others in similar situations who may feel uncertain or intimidated, reminding them that they, too, have a valuable place in the legal industry.

In this special episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, produced in partnership with Conga, we explore how in-house teams can be better at wading through the fast-changing legal tech landscape to drive efficiency and support broader business goals. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Conga director of strategy, innovation, and transformation Charles Harb about his passion for this space, the headline challenges and trends facing law department leaders on the legal tech front, how well some teams are performing relative to others, and asking the right questions in navigating a changing landscape. Harb also delves into how law departments can evaluate the technologies they may onboard for their teams' purposes, the importance of reporting and analytics, convince executives to buy into the departments' tech needs, and get the tech stack right. He also reflects on CLM and AI for in-house lawyers and why they're such an essential aspect of this broader challenge for law departments. To learn more about Conga, 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!

For many parents in the legal profession, the idea of advancing their careers by opening a law firm can feel daunting or unattainable. But Marial Lewis offers a different perspective – demonstrating that it's possible to successfully juggle the demands of parenthood while building a thriving legal practice. Speaking on a recent episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Grace Robbie speaks with Marial Lewis, the principal solicitor and founder of Crossover Law Group, about her journey launching a law firm just eight months after having her first child, reflects on the inspiration and motivation behind taking such a bold step during a demanding time in her life, sharing how limited support in traditional legal environments compounded by the onset of COVID-19 prompted her to carve her own path, and opens up about the additional challenges of balancing firm ownership with motherhood, having since welcomed two more children. Lewis talks about the strategies and systems she has put in place to juggle the demands of motherhood alongside running a law firm, explains how having a coach should be something that even the best in the game should do, shares the importance of communicating with clients boundaries when it comes to communication and when to respond, and reflects on a time she picked up and worked on a case 24 hours after having her second child. She also reflects on the deeply personal and meaningful nature of working in immigration law, challenges the notion that those navigating parenthood should hesitate to start a firm or advance their legal careers, discusses why she believes many firm owners and partners are struggling in silence, considers how the lessons she's learnt from both parenting and firm ownership have influenced her approach to each, and offers thoughtful advice to aspiring lawyers who hope to grow their families while pursuing their professional goals. 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 many lawyers feel that the only “right” career path is to remain in a large law firm for life, Mia Madafferi emphasises the importance of recognising that pivoting into innovative legal careers is not only possible but also often deeply rewarding. Speaking on a recent episode of the Protégé Podcast, host Grace Robbie speaks with Mia Madafferi, the founder of Grey Rock Consulting, who reflects on the early stages of her legal career at Herbert Smith Freehills, recalls how a role-play exercise at a primary school excursion – acting as New Kelly's lawyer – first sparked her interest in litigation, discusses what it was like to transition straight from university into a major law firm, and what ultimately inspired her move from private practice to an in-house legal role. Madafferi shares that her decision to launch her own consulting practice stemmed from a personal drive to pursue something different, reflects on the challenges many lawyers and individuals face when dealing with people who exhibit “high-conflict” personalities, and discusses how rewarding it is to support those who feel overwhelmed or unsure of how to navigate such difficult dynamics. She also highlights the importance of lawyers recognising their ability to pivot away from traditional career paths and apply their legal skills in innovative and non-traditional ways, ponders on whether this mindset is still relatively uncommon or becoming more widely accepted, underscores the need for universities to start thinking “outside the box” in how they educate law students to better support diverse legal career opportunities, and offers advice to students who may feel daunted by the idea of going against the status quo and who are unsure about pursuing a conventional legal career.

Earlier this month, new regulations for buy now, pay later (BNPL) services in Australia came into effect. Here, a BigLaw partner explains how and why this has come to pass and what the implications are for consumers and practitioners alike. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Dentons partner Yechiel Belfer about the circumstances, including the banking royal commission, that have led to the introduction of the BNPL laws, the headline takeaways from the new regulations, and what it all means for providers, customers, and professionals as a result. Belfer also touches on whether the laws strike the right balance, the challenges for lawyers moving forward, how practitioners can move forward, and whether there are opportunities to grasp to better service clients. If you like this episode, show your support by  rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!

In this special episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, recorded at the Partner Summit 2025, Attune Legal's principal reflects on the extent to which firm partners and principals are satisfactorily proficient with artificial intelligence (AI) and why improving one's grasp of new technologies is of paramount importance. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Attune Legal principal Yule Guttenbeil about his frustrations about perceptions that law firm leaders are not properly grasping AI at this point in time, why this might be the case and the motivations of such leaders, how we haven't yet scratched the surface of what it means to utilise AI at a satisfactory level, and the risks inherent with taking one's time in developing proficiency. Guttenbeil also delves into the steps that firm leaders need to be taking right now, the questions to be asked of themselves and their businesses, the need to update terms of engagement with clients to include language around AI use, becoming confident with AI and how many hours to invest daily and weekly to increase proficiency. 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, recorded at the Partner Summit 2025, LEAP Legal Software founder and chief executive Christian Beck talks about the most notable productivity gains we're seeing from the increased use of artificial intelligence by law firms across the board. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Beck about the monumental shifts being witnessed from such increased use of AI by law firms, his perception of firms' embrace of AI and new technologies, the key challenges pertaining to billing of clients in the age of AI, and the need to adjust a firm's billing practices accordingly. Beck also delves into how best to maximise productivity gains within your own law firm, determining how best to charge for legal services and provide additional value to clients, the need to “be more engaged than ever before” and think more creatively, the practical steps he advises firm leaders to take, what lawyers will be judged on moving forward, and whether it is harder to be a law firm partner now than ever before.

As law students begin the summer clerkship application process, Jessica Trinh shares essential tips and insights – covering the often-overlooked details and common pitfalls – to help law students stand out and secure a position. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Grace Robbie speaks with Jessica Trinh, a fourth-year law and medical science student at UTS and current paralegal. She shares her inspiration for pursuing a law degree, discusses what she enjoys most about her work in the dispute resolution and negligence space, breaks down what a clerkship entails, and highlights why it can be a valuable stepping stone into the legal profession for law students. Trinh addresses the common misconception that clerkships are the only pathway into a legal career, sheds light on alternative routes students can take to launch their legal careers, reflects on her own experience navigating the clerkship application process, details how challenging and isolating it can be, but also expresses how rewarding it can be for law students. She outlines the initial steps law students should take when they start this application process, highlights the importance of thorough background research on law firms, offers practical advice on how to effectively structure cover letters and CVs to ensure all the essential information is included, provides tips for excelling and standing out during the interview process, and stresses the importance of looking after your mental health and wellbeing throughout this process.

While there are myriad risks inherent with silent AI, one BigLaw partner also feels there are opportunities to develop risk controls and garner business. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Clyde & Co partner Darryl Smith about the concept of silent AI and its implications for insurers and businesses, why the issues surrounding it are “very quiet” right now, the perfect storm that is brewing, and the potential challenges coming for the insurance space. Smith also discusses the inherent opportunities with these challenges, the possibility for group claims or class actions, preparing for the unknown, practical ways to better support clients, why he's such a big proponent of using AI, and how and why he's learnt to code. 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 that one of the most common gripes clients have about their lawyers is (perceived) high fees, it is essential that practitioners get this right – as “it'll save us a lot of time”. In this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Gale Family Law director David Gale to discuss the importance of addressing costs concerns, how urgent a priority it is amid other urgent priorities for practitioners, whether pressure to get costs right is getting more burdensome, and how commonly clients will walk away from their lawyers over costs. Gale also delves into his thinking around the setting of costs, how costs arise in fixed-fee arrangements, being transparent across the board about costs arrangements, the questions lawyers must ask of themselves in reducing the risk of disputes, whether too many lawyers are getting costs wrong, and his suggested practical steps. 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!

Believing that you must be available 24/7, that money brings happiness, and that asking for help is a sign of weakness are just some of the common myths lawyers have come to accept as truth. Here, John Kormanik challenges these misconceptions and offers practical advice on what to believe – and do – instead. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Podcast, host Grace Robbie speaks with John Kormanik, a former trial lawyer turned certified professional coach for lawyers, about his early career in the healthcare system, how his desire to serve and support others led him to pursue law, his experience advising clients on death row, and what ultimately prompted him to step away from legal practice after 25 years. Kormanik reflects on the common traits of lawyers who seek professional coaching and explores the personal and professional benefits they can gain from working with a coach. He also outlines the key challenges currently facing the legal profession and debunks five common myths he has identified about what it means to be a lawyer, including the belief that success requires total devotion to work, that lawyers must always be busy, and that greater happiness comes with a higher income. 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 Corporate Counsel Show, recorded at the 2025 Corporate Counsel Summit, two in-house lawyers from ClearBridge Investments reflect on their takeaways from the annual gathering of corporate lawyers and what others need to know. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with ClearBridge Investments head of legal, risk and compliance Annette Golden and legal counsel Sydney Abba about life for lawyers in the financial services sector, their key insights from the summit, how corporate counsel across the board are facing similar issues, and why it is so essential to carve out time for education and professional development. Golden and Abba also delve into the importance of hearing different points of view on the challenges being faced, the need for knowledge sharing at events like the summit, how and why they gleaned so much from attending, and why other in-house lawyers should attend the Corporate Counsel Summit next year.

After a decade-long career as a professional rugby union player, marked by captaincy honours and the pride of representing his country, Michael Wells shares his journey from the rugby pitch to the legal profession. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Grace Robbie speaks with Michael Wells, an associate at BlackBay Lawyers, about his career as a professional rugby union player. He reflects on his decade-long sporting career, including the honour of representing his country,  opens up about the challenges of pursuing a law degree while actively competing as a professional athlete, discusses how he managed to balance these two demanding paths, and shares what ultimately inspired his transition into law. Wells reflects on the toughest aspect of stepping away from his career as a professional athlete to become a full-time lawyer, outlines his legal career to date, what hurdles he faced during the transition, and shares moments where he encountered scepticism from others about his ability to succeed in the legal profession. He also speaks about the transferable skills he developed as a rugby union player and how they have translated into his legal career, notes whether they've given him a competitive edge, and addresses common misconceptions about the career paths athletes pursue after their time in sports.

As a small-firm owner, James d'Apice is walking the road less travelled – not just in terms of his marketing and revenue distribution but also in terms of how he views the firm as an entity. In this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Gravamen founder and principal James d'Apice to discuss his firm's journey since its recent inception, its success thus far, whether he's had a clear vision in mind or has figured the business approach out along the way, what has surprised him about the experience of being a firm owner, and why he has viewed the running of the firm as a “side hustle”. d'Apice also delves into how his mindset aligns with his perception of himself and his purpose as a lawyer, why he donates firm proceeds to chosen charities, navigating pressure points, making hiring decisions for the best interests of the firm, and what excites him about 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!

In this special episode of LawTech Talks, produced in partnership with Thomson Reuters, host Lauren Croft speaks with Thomson Reuters associate general counsel Janine Cane, Abt Legal global associate general counsel Camille Cedergren, and Thomson Reuters director of legal transformation Tyrilly Csillag about building the right legal tech stack for modern legal teams. From overcoming common implementation challenges to getting leadership buy-in and measuring ROI, building an adaptable, integrated legal tech strategy is vital in the current climate. The guests explore key considerations for evaluating and adopting legal technology, offering practical insights on how firms and legal departments can manage risk, drive business growth, and future-proof their tech investments. Cane, Cedergren, and Csillag also highlight the growing role of AI-powered tools in transforming legal teams from operational support to strategic business partners and the importance of future-proofing your tech stack. To learn more about Thomson Reuters and its work in this space, 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!

With many feeling lost and overwhelmed when starting their own law firm, one young lawyer who has navigated these challenges covers key steps to launch and manage your own legal practice with clarity and confidence. In this episode of The Protégé Podcast, host Grace Robbie speaks with Ahmad Faraj, the principal and senior lawyer at Faraj Defence Lawyers, delving into what inspired him to take the leap and start his own law firm. He shares the surprises and challenges he encountered in his journey, highlights the scarcity of resources available to guide aspiring law firm founders through this daunting process, and outlines four essential steps you need to complete before launching your practice. Faraj also offers guidance on choosing the right business model and area of specialisation, shares how lawyers can navigate conflicts with former firms concerning non-compete agreements and client transitions, as well as how to overcome the challenges of juggling the many roles a law firm owner must take on. He also discusses practical tips on landing your first client and building a sustainable client base, highlights the necessity of establishing a consistent digital presence across all platforms, and shares critical advice he wishes he had received early on.

Many senior in-house lawyers, Adrian Moffatt says, find themselves stuck in what he calls the “GC waiting room”. Here, he fleshes out how best law department leaders can support their growth. In this episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Ausco Modular executive general manager of legal and corporate (APAC) Adrian Moffatt about why he's so motivated by in-house life, the inherent issues with the leadership bottleneck in-house and why it is a pervasive challenge, whether there can be more than one GC in a legal team, and the impact that waiting can have on a senior lawyer. Moffatt also discusses the flow-on issues that can arise both for businesses and individuals from this leadership bottleneck, the starting point for both GCs and their seniors in addressing the challenges, building suitable pathways moving forward, how best to come to the table, and his broader wisdom about having the courage to have tough conversations. 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 Corporate Counsel Show, produced in partnership with FTI Consulting, we explore best practices for conducting investigations and regulatory responses and the importance of pivoting from a reactive to a proactive approach to prevention and detection. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Natalie Faulkner, FTI Consulting's Head of Risk and Investigations, Australia, to discuss the work that she and her team do, why she likes helping organisations “against the bad guys”, why investigations are so front of mind for law departments, some recent case studies she's worked on, and the headline takeaways from those instances. Natalie provides practical guidance for conducting investigations, dealing with the increasing regulatory complexity and scrutiny and broader lessons she's learnt for in-house teams. Natalie also delves into how prepared Australian businesses are at this juncture, with emerging deepfake and sophisticated attacks causing sleepless nights for law department leaders. To learn more about FTI Consulting, 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!

Here, a BigLaw partner reflects on what we've learnt in the last year and a half from the Secure Jobs, Better Pay legislative changes and what it all means for the market moving forward. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Norton Rose Fulbright partner Alexandra Shields about her work in employment and labour law, the “human element” of such legal practice, what the recent Secure Jobs, Better Pay amendments are and why they were introduced, the key takeaways from the last 12 to 18 months following the passage of the amendments, and the issues and challenges that have arisen. Shields also delves into how best to respond to those issues and challenges, the more encouraging developments from the last 12 to 18 months, whether developments in the market can be attributed to the amended legislation, why changing the employment and labour market is a longer-term project, going by the “vibes”, how employers should respond to the current climate, considering their reputations, and what is best practice for lawyers in this space 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!

In this special episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, produced in partnership with Elevate Flexible Legal Resourcing, we explore why contracting roles are no longer a stopgap and how legal departments and law firms are staying ahead with adopting agile resourcing strategies. We also delve into the changing attitudes in the industry and what is driving these changes. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with the Head of APAC at Elevate Flexible Legal Resourcing, Val Pitt, about her industry insights. They discuss the catalysts for increased interest in contracting roles and what it means for the legal services marketplace; the environmental factors that make contracting more appealing right now; how contract lawyers are being integrated into law departments; and the questions lawyers should ask of themselves in order to successfully integrate into a team. Val also explains the growing recognition of flexible work as being a viable career pathway, the win-win scenario for both individual lawyers and law departments as they onboard new technologies and manage budgetary constraints, why contracting is so "transformative", why more law departments are embracing it, and what listeners should know about what makes Elevate Flexible Legal Resourcing a stand-out option. To learn more about Elevate Flexible Resourcing, click here.

In this special episode of The Corporate Counsel Show, recorded at the 2025 Corporate Counsel Summit, Professor Michael Adams reflects on the myriad issues law departments in tertiary education settings have to grapple with in terms of students' use of artificial intelligence. Host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Professor Michael Adams, a former law school dean and general counsel, about students' use of AI for exams and assessments, the questions that faculties across campuses are having to navigate, and why in-house legal teams in universities have to be part of the conversation determining the right balance for students' use of such platforms. Adams also delves into how the law departments can better collaborate with academics, the need to engage the student body as a key stakeholder, and why such questions and challenges will become increasingly pertinent for law departments in the education sphere 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!

In the modern age, we are seeing multiple examples of reactionary legislation being passed based on faulty, after-the-fact reasoning. Lawyers, among others, have a duty to speak out (as servants of the courts and communities) and educate about the implications of passing laws that do not strike the right balance. In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back JSA NSW director Andrew Tiedt to discuss the phenomenon of after-the-fact reasoning giving rise to the passage of bad legislation, how and why this occurs, the impact of social media, how key stakeholders can be left out if laws are being passed based on public perceptions and pressure, and why parliamentarians may wish to do this. Tiedt also delves into why it isn't necessarily a good thing for parliamentarians to respond to the court of public opinion, the implications of the passage of bad laws on practitioners (such as criminal lawyers), how lawyers can prevent such laws from being passed, their duty to be advocates, the longer-term dangers of such bad laws passing, who else bears responsibility for ensuring laws are measured and reasonable, and why it can be so hard to strike the right balance. 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!