What a Lawyer

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.