S3, E06 - Finding Opportunity in Law with Joey James
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.
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33:25
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33:25
S3, E06 - Finding Opportunity in Law with Joey James
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.
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33:30
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33:30
S3, E05 - Mental Health in the Law with Susan Rowe
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.
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1:05:49
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1:05:49
S03, E04: Navigating New Shores - Building a Legal Career in NZ with Maria Nieto
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.
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37:21
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37:21
S3, E03 - Acquiring skills instead of job titles with Katharine Hockly
In the third episode of Season 3 of the What a Lawyer podcast, Sam speaks with Katharine Hockly from Data Story. The conversation is based on her legal career and the skills acquired from various legal environments, and ultimately how they transfer into her new career slightly outside of the law.
Katharine's journey through private practice and in-house Government roles describes opportunity, training and great people surrounding her. Putting herself in positions to learn, manage and succeed in law has given her a robust and fully transferrable skillset that means she can operate her own business, and in a totally different role.
Hear about Katharine's journey and how she has made it her own.
Hit "Play Now" in the title or listen on your favourite podcast platform.
A front seat to the New Zealand legal market, its' leading individuals, topics of relevance and flourishing workplaces.
We interview epic Lawyers from various practice areas who are keen to share their story. We discuss hot topics, current affairs and the rise and fall of demand for lawyers in correlation to it all.
This podcast is for any budding lawyer stepping into the field, one seeking a change or simply the curious listener, keen to hear from someone who has been there and done that.
We do not discuss or provide legal advice in this podcast.
New Zealand