Brief Exchange

The Law Society of NSW has 18 policy committees across a diverse range of practice areas. The policy committees represent the Law Society and its members on a range of policy and practice issues across different areas of expertise. In this episode, Monika Matesa, Head of Commercial and Advisory Law Reform, chats about her role, the importance of advocacy, and her non-linear career path.

Richard O’Halloran is a fourth-generation solicitor living and working in Tamworth. Established in 1903, his family’s law firm is one of the oldest in Australia. In this episode, he chats about his career, what it’s like to come from a family of solicitors, the lessons his grandfather taught him, and what life is like in the regions. 

In this episode, Magistrate Kasey Pearce traces her path from USYD to criminal defence, the challenges of fighting for disadvantaged clients, and what it really takes to walk into a courtroom and advocate for someone's life. She also explains the often-misunderstood world of coronial proceedings — where the goal isn't to assign blame, but to find the truth.

From North Sydney Boys High to the Supreme Court bench, Greg James has seen it all. In this episode of Brief Exchange, the former Royal Commissioner reflects on a storied career—including becoming a QC at just 38 and navigating landmark cases like the Bathurst jail riots and the Polyukhovich war crimes trial.

In this episode, former Olympian turned lawyer Hayder Shkara, joins us to discuss his transition from the world stage to the legal profession. We explore the core values that bridge these two demanding fields and the personal mission that drives him to lead the Justice Network.

Her Honour Judge Amy McGowan of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia takes us through her compelling and diverse legal career, from her start as a solicitor and her impactful time in the not-for-profit sector, all the way to her significant role as a Senior Judicial Registrar before her appointment as a judge. She offers essential wisdom for legal professionals, emphasising the crucia...

Luke O'Kane, Partner at Clyde & Co, joins us to discuss his journey into law—from being inspired by debate and research for Chief Judge Justice Hoeben to his current role in personal injury law. Luke offers crucial advice for young lawyers to take charge of their careers and highlights regulatory efforts in New South Wales to combat claim farming.

Melini shares her intriguing journey, detailing the challenging pivot in her legal career: moving from a prosecutor to representing defendants in complex employment and safety matters. Plus, she offers crucial advice for early career lawyers on embracing change, seizing control of your professional path, and viewing every shift as an opportunity to grow.

In this episode, we chat with Joanne Sanders, a Juris Doctor student at UTS. A former executive manager at the ABC, Joanne chats about studying while working full-time and juggling competing priorities. A self-described theatre kid, Joanne impresses us with her rendition of Shakespeare.

Distinguished international jurist, educator and former Justice of the High Court of Australia (1996 to 2009), the Honourable Michael Kirby AC CMG needs no introduction. In a special episode of Brief Exchange , he sits down with LSJ Online to chat about his life, career, and the lessons he has learnt along the way.

In this episode, we speak to Law Society Student Ambassador Daphne Fong about her inspirations for studying law, the importance of marks in securing a clerkship, and how she built up her advocacy skills.

In this episode, we're joined by Samuel Chu, a Solicitor at Dentons, who shares his unique journey into law. We dive into what ignited his passion for Charities law and hear his hilarious recounts from his time as a Golden Gavel finalist. Plus, he shares his tips for other aspiring early career lawyers.

In this episode, Armin Alimardani, Senior Lecturer in Law and Emerging Technologies at the University of Wollongong, joins us in the studio to discuss the fascinating intersection of AI, neurotechnology, and the law. He also shares valuable advice for students on leveraging generative AI in their academic and professional journeys.

With experience spanning government, private practice, and the Bar, Liam Meagher has built a strong foundation in law. He joins us in the studio to share his wide-ranging legal experience and provide essential guidance for those starting their legal careers or looking for the next step.

In this episode, we're joined in the studio by Elle Belekas, an Associate at MinterEllison, who offers insights into corporate and commercial litigation, along with essential advice for aspiring and junior lawyers.

Following her appearance at the Law Society’s Annual Conference, Mara Lejins returns to the studio to discuss a range of topics, from insights gained from her fellow panelists and personality types in law, to her confronting experience traveling to North Korea and the lessons she learned about the isolated nation.

Jennifer Shaw, partner at Bartier Perry, and Paul Monaghan, senior ethics solicitor for the Law Society of NSW, delve into the captivating world of space law. Discover the unique legal challenges of this final frontier and the exciting opportunities that await aspiring space lawyers.

Dane Luo, a Doctor of Philosophy candidate at Oxford University, discusses his path to becoming a legal scholar. We explore his deep interest in constitutional law, his extensive in this field, and his insights on the future of constitutional law in Australia. 

In this episode, we hear from Jodie Sheen and Will Glowrey, who are tackling the unique challenges of legal access in regional New South Wales. They share their personal journeys, insights into their vital work, and advice for young lawyers passionate about justice for all.

As a self-proclaimed "succession law nerd," Jennifer Vuu has dedicated her career to the intricacies of wills and estates. She joins us in the studio to reflect on her early life and career inspirations to her current role as Special Counsel at HWL Ebsworth Lawyers, and provides valuable advice for aspiring young lawyers.

In this special episode, Linden Barnes, Senior Ethics Solicitor at the Law Society of NSW, joins us to chat about the ethical obligations of solicitors, how the administration of justice should inform everything a lawyer does, how to navigate social media and what to do if a family member or friend asks you for advice.

A technology lawyer by day and a programmer by night, Raymond Sun found a way to bring his passions together in a unique area of law. He joins us for a candid chat to share his remarkable journey, valuable tips for young lawyers, and even teaches us some dance moves .

From Big Law to the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) with a regular appearance on Channel 7's The Chase Australia mixed in, Mara Lejins,  joins us in the studio to share her stories, passions, and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way. 

In this episode, Principal Solicitor at The Legal Costs Consultants, Charlotte Morson, joins us in the studio to share her experience, how she got into this unique area of law,  what to expect during the costs process, and valuable tips for early career lawyers.

In this episode, President of NSW Young Lawyers for 2024, Taylah Spirovski joins us in the studio to talk about her priorities for the year and her tips for young lawyers.