Lawyers Weekly Podcast Network

Too often, professional services firms view staff wellbeing as "something extra" rather than a matter that is inextricably linked to the function and success of that firm. In this episode, Jerome and R U OK? non-executive director Graeme Cowan discuss the mistakes that workplaces make when it comes to looking after staff wellbeing, the fiscal cost of not creating collegiate, hospitable environments, and the responsibility of boards to not only avoid health issues but proactively promote optimal wellness.

In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Viridian Lawyers director Richard Prangell and Kinny Legal director Jessica Kinny. Both Rich and Jess started their careers in the BigLaw environment, but within a few years, had left their respective firms to start their own boutique practices. By the age of 30, both had set up - and continue to run - successful sole practitioner businesses. In conversation with Jerome, Rich and Jess reflect on their vocational journeys, why sole practice was an appealing pathway, and how young lawyers can do the same.

Kate Cliff took an interest in a career in the social justice system after having two family members killed in a car accident caused by a drunk driver who was let off on a lenient sentence when she was just 14. She dedicated herself to her law studies, had her future in the sector mapped out, and was then herself hit by a car while crossing the road.

In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, Kate revisits her extensive time recovering from the resulting injuries, and how being told that "the old Kate doesn't exist anymore" and that she would need to give up on her hopes and dreams instead triggered a drive for her to live her best life.

Kate discusses the role that meditation played in her recovery, the turning point that made her realise that meditation was instead how she would help others, and why she believes that it is the path to becoming a "multi-dimensional" human.

In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Colin Biggers Paisley partner, Paul O'Halloran. Jerome and Paul discuss some of the major current issues pertaining to IR law in Australia, how the looming federal election may change the landscape, the influence of IR law on businesses in 2019, and how recent events – such as the Banking Royal Commission can and have impacted upon IR law.

In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Keypoint Law CEO, Warren Kalinko. Jerome and Warren discuss pathways to success for those traversing a "non-traditional" career in law, new and exciting opportunities in "challenger" firms, and the importance of "rehumanising" the legal profession.

In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Gilbert + Tobin tax partner, Muhunthan Kanagaratnam.

Recorded just over 12 hours after Treasurer Josh Frydenberg delivered the Coalition Government's economic blueprint in the House of Representatives, Jerome and Muhunthan unpack the proposals that will impact upon lawyers and the legal profession, particularly tax changes for SME firms, superannuation updates for senior lawyers eyeing off retirement, and the lack of funding for legal assistance services.

In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Griffith Hack associate, Dr Stefan Paterson. Intellectual property and patenting in space is a litigious space that will soon be getting far more attention. But what is also clear, when one examines space law more closely, is that questions around who owns what extends much further into cross-border disputes, mining rights and even military concerns. With so much international legislation in this area still to be determined, it is very much a "watch this space" issue.

In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Marque Lawyers managing partner, Michael Bradley. Australia's defamation laws are an ongoing source of debate in professional and political circles, particularly in light of our lack of constitutionally-enshrined protections for free speech. The recent emergence of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements have done more than bring allegations of sexual harassment, assault and bullying into the public fore - they have also painted a new picture of defamation law in this country, and highlighted the need for law reform in relation to such misconduct and criminal behaviour, in order to better level the playing field for victims.

In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Auckland-based legal researcher and #MeToo activist, Zoe Lawton. In recent years, Zoe has been a leading voice in calling out sexual harassment in New Zealand's legal profession and has helped facilitate other victims of such misconduct come forward. This conversation touches on what the Australian legal profession can learn from our neighbours across the ditch, navigating concerns about career progression, evaluating our progress with cultural change, and ensuring that lawyers never again have to deal with such harassment and misconduct.

In this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, Jerome welcomes back Swaab partner, Michael Byrnes. Jerome and Michael discuss the WHS issues that law firms across the board need to be aware of when it comes to idiosyncratic issues affecting younger lawyers in the workplace, particularly the impacts of fatigue, sustained stress, bullying and exploitative interactions with clients.