What a Lawyer

Jeremy Johnson is a distinguished litigation expert in New Zealand. His career spans civil and commercial litigation in private practice, further overseas education, partnership and now Barrister Sole. His practice encompasses private wealth, contentious trusts and estates, relationship property, commercial law and trust arbitration. He is widely regarded as one of the Asia-Pacific's foremost specialists in trust arbitration and is instructed on complex matters across New Zealand, Singapore and the wider region. Jeremy also spends a significant amount of time in the community and on various boards and committees and has been recognised by Chambers and Partners, Legal 500 Asia-Pacific and Doyle's Guide, and in 2024 he was appointed to the Advisory Board of the International Trust Arbitration Organisation. In the 2025 New Year Honours, Jeremy was awarded the King's Service Medal for services to the community.

In the fifth episode of season four, Erica Burke joins Sam for chat about self awareness as a practicing lawyer. This one is invaluable for those seeking to understand what's important in the early stages of their careers. Erica began her career in Family law with two renowned Auckland private practices - those of McVeagh Fleming and Haigh Lyon. ‍After nearly a decade in firms, she started her own practice to create a values-driven, intentional way of working; one where she could offer clients expertise alongside empathy, trust and guidance. Erica specialises in relationship property, family violence, and care of children matters, bringing strong preparation, pragmatic advice, and advocacy that puts people at the centre. Her appointment as Lawyer for the Child in the Family Court reflects balanced judgement and deep understanding of complex family dynamics.​She works collaboratively with solicitors, and other professionals, taking care to ensure clients feel informed, heard, and supported every step of the way. Beyond the courtroom, she is actively involved in advancing gender equity as Vice President of the Auckland Women Lawyers' Association and was Co Editor-in-Chief of Te Aho Kawe Kaupapa Ture a Ngā Wāhine | New Zealand Women's Law Journal. She is also a mentor with the He Ira Wāhine University of Auckland Law Women Mentoring Programme.‍Erica's unique perspective of a legal career, not just in family, is one everyone could learn from. It's not just about the technical, but how the layers underneath matter so much more.

In this episode of Season Four, Sam caught up with Alasdair Christie - a former Partner of 27 years at Sharp Tudhope in Tauranga. Alasdair has recently retired having spent a whopping 39 years with the same firm.

Alasdair reflects on his journey, the lessons he has learned, his intentions for post-practicing life outside of law and leaves our listeners with some solid advice for a long and fruitful career.

Cam Madgwick is the CEO of Gibson Sheat, a medium sized law firm that has serviced the Wellington, Hutt Valley and Wairarapa regions for the last 100 years.‍Cam began his career as a practising lawyer and has built an impressive career spanning private practice, in-house legal roles, governance, and executive leadership. Over the years he has worked across a diverse range of organisations and industries, giving him a unique perspective on the legal profession from both inside and outside traditional law firm environments. His experience extends well beyond the technical practice of law, encompassing strategy, organisational leadership, client service, and the broader role lawyers play in helping organisations and communities thrive.‍ Today, Cam is best known for his leadership within the legal sector and his commitment to building high-performing, people-centred organisations. As CEO of Gibson Sheat, he has become a respected voice on law firm culture, leadership, and the future of professional services. He is also widely recognised for his governance and community contributions, including many years of service supporting access to justice and community organisations throughout New Zealand.‍ Cam discusses his background, practicing law in private practice and in-house environments, key leadership ideas and the detail around them and some practical tools that our lawyers of tomorrow could implement today.

Fiona McMillan from Lane Neave joined Sam again on the podcast.

New Zealand recently introduced some changes to the Employment Relations Act with the Employment Relations Amendment Act. There were four key changes that are already in effect and they are: 1. Contractor vs Employees (Gateway test), 2. High income earners cannot raise a Personal Grievance in the event of unjustified dismissal, 3. Stricter limits on remedies and 4. A repeal of the 30-day rule. Fiona discusses these changes in detail and gives practical takeaways for our everyday lawyers.

In the first episode of Season Four, Sam is joined by Jason Welsh - a specialist Environmental lawyer who spent time in large national firms and boutiques.‍

Jason's story is a fascinating one - from his less-than-standard start, his early specialisation, staying in NZ instead of going overseas and a decision to leave the comfort of 'big law' to found a boutique law firm, all during the GFC would you believe it!

Things seem to have worked out in Jason's favour and he was kind enough to share his journey for our junior audience.

Hit "Play Now" in the title, watch on Youtube or listen to Jason's story on your favourite podcast platform.

For our final episode of the season, Sarah sits down with Joey James, Partner at Anthony Harper, to talk about finding opportunity in law.

With over a decade of experience in commercial litigation spanning insolvency, restructuring, company law and complex contractual disputes, Joey shares how opportunity has shaped every stage of his career. From his early years in Auckland and time in London with RBS, to returning home to lead the CBL Insurance liquidation and step into partnership, his story is one of timing, growth and backing yourself when new challenges arise.

They also explore the creation of Discovery Specialists, an Anthony Harper initiative using smarter systems and technology to make discovery more efficient, and how innovation, leadership and lifestyle all play a role in building a sustainable legal career.

Whether you’re a law student just starting out, a junior lawyer thinking about progression, or someone curious about where a career in law can take you, this episode is for you.

For our final episode of the season, Sarah sits down with Joey James, Partner at Anthony Harper, to talk about finding opportunity in law.

With over a decade of experience in commercial litigation spanning insolvency, restructuring, company law and complex contractual disputes, Joey shares how opportunity has shaped every stage of his career. From his early years in Auckland and time in London with RBS, to returning home to lead the CBL Insurance liquidation and step into partnership, his story is one of timing, growth and backing yourself when new challenges arise.

They also explore the creation of Discovery Specialists, an Anthony Harper initiative using smarter systems and technology to make discovery more efficient, and how innovation, leadership and lifestyle all play a role in building a sustainable legal career.

Whether you’re a law student just starting out, a junior lawyer thinking about progression, or someone curious about where a career in law can take you, this episode is for you.

In the fifth episode of Season three, Sam is joined by Susan Rowe - a former lawyer of 27 years who has recently retired, opening up about her battle with depression.‍ On the surface level it would appear that Susan had all her ducks in a row, but that is what is so misguiding about mental illness - its not necessarily visible from the outside. She was a 'successful,' accomplished lawyer who poured her heart and soul into her career, only recently pivoting into the education and research space, to help the legal industry of New Zealand achieve a better way of practicing the law.‍ Susan shares everything she thought she ever wanted in a career, to melting down over a long weekend after realising she was expressing symptoms of depression. Having experienced a serious skiing accident, Susan thought she would return to work as per normal, with the same drive and tenacity as she had always had. The problem was, it didn't feel the same.‍ Hear from Susan what it was like to battle away, hide from her peers and sweep it under the rug, until it became a bit much. Learn about what she did and what she still does today to stay on top of her illness. Susan's next piece of work is a truly exciting one too, make sure you get around the data to support her next step.‍ Hit "Play Now" in the title or listen to Susan's story on your favourite podcast platform.

From Mexico to Aotearoa New Zealand, María has built a career that bridges continents, cultures and legal systems. Now part of the Corporate Advisory and Transactions team at Wynn Williams, she brings deep international experience to her work in M&A, capital raising, commercial structuring and more.

But her impact doesn’t stop there.

Through her initiative, Pink Fern Consulting, María supports foreign-trained lawyers navigating requalification in New Zealand. She offers practical advice, cultural insight and a much-needed sense of community. She is sharp, generous and full of insight.

A great listen for any lawyer considering a move to New Zealand from overseas, or even from New Zealand to somewhere else.