What a Lawyer

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.