Brief Exchange

From a career in public service to the Local Court bench, Judge Jacquie Trad’s journey is anything but ordinary. Based in Broken Hill, her Honour was appointed to the bench not long after her admission. 

The Law Society of NSW has 18 policy committees across a diverse range of practice areas. The policy committees represent the Law Society and its members on a range of policy and practice issues across different areas of expertise. In this episode, Monika Matesa, Head of Commercial and Advisory Law Reform, chats about her role, the importance of advocacy, and her non-linear career path.

Richard O’Halloran is a fourth-generation solicitor living and working in Tamworth. Established in 1903, his family’s law firm is one of the oldest in Australia. In this episode, he chats about his career, what it’s like to come from a family of solicitors, the lessons his grandfather taught him, and what life is like in the regions. 

In this episode, Magistrate Kasey Pearce traces her path from USYD to criminal defence, the challenges of fighting for disadvantaged clients, and what it really takes to walk into a courtroom and advocate for someone's life. She also explains the often-misunderstood world of coronial proceedings — where the goal isn't to assign blame, but to find the truth.

From North Sydney Boys High to the Supreme Court bench, Greg James has seen it all. In this episode of Brief Exchange, the former Royal Commissioner reflects on a storied career—including becoming a QC at just 38 and navigating landmark cases like the Bathurst jail riots and the Polyukhovich war crimes trial.

In this episode, former Olympian turned lawyer Hayder Shkara, joins us to discuss his transition from the world stage to the legal profession. We explore the core values that bridge these two demanding fields and the personal mission that drives him to lead the Justice Network.

Her Honour Judge Amy McGowan of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia takes us through her compelling and diverse legal career, from her start as a solicitor and her impactful time in the not-for-profit sector, all the way to her significant role as a Senior Judicial Registrar before her appointment as a judge. She offers essential wisdom for legal professionals, emphasising the crucial role of ethical practice and the emotional resilience required to navigate the complex landscape of family law.

Luke O'Kane, Partner at Clyde & Co, joins us to discuss his journey into law—from being inspired by debate and research for Chief Judge Justice Hoeben to his current role in personal injury law. Luke offers crucial advice for young lawyers to take charge of their careers and highlights regulatory efforts in New South Wales to combat claim farming.

Melini shares her intriguing journey, detailing the challenging pivot in her legal career: moving from a prosecutor to representing defendants in complex employment and safety matters. Plus, she offers crucial advice for early career lawyers on embracing change, seizing control of your professional path, and viewing every shift as an opportunity to grow.

In this episode, we chat with Joanne Sanders, a Juris Doctor student at UTS. A former executive manager at the ABC, Joanne chats about studying while working full-time and juggling competing priorities. A self-described theatre kid, Joanne impresses us with her rendition of Shakespeare.