People in Legal

Janey Haringa, Principal at JH LAW (www.jhlaw.nz), shares her journey in law, the challenges small firms face, and the power of client communication and transparency. She highlights social media’s role in business development, AI’s impact on efficiency, and practical tips for managing cash flow and client relationships through proactive strategies.

Daniel Hobson, Head of Business of vLex and Andy discuss their experience at LawFest and the evolution of VLex. They emphasise the importance of networking and collaboration in legal tech, particularly around AI integration and user-centric design. The conversation highlights future trends, stressing the need for vendor integration and improved communication to enhance user experience.

At LawFest, Casey Burns, Director of MatterX, shares insights into the evolution of legal practice management and how MatterX leverages Microsoft Dynamics to provide a highly configurable CRM and finance solution for law firms. Key discussion points:✅ Why law firms choose Microsoft-based solutions – Familiarity with Teams, Outlook, Word, and Excel makes adoption seamless.✅ Scalability – Suitable...

In this conversation, Dennis Wade, Country Manager for InfoTrack in New Zealand, discusses the evolution of LawFest and the increasing engagement of legal professionals with technology. He highlights the role of InfoTrack as a comprehensive solution for law firms, integrating various services to enhance efficiency. The discussion also touches on the future of legal technology, particularly the int...

At LawFest, we caught up with Chantal, who shared her incredible transition from practicing immigration law in Australia to leading the Client Success Team at LEAP Legal Software New Zealand. With cutting-edge AI-powered legal practice management software, LEAP is transforming how legal professionals work—boosting efficiency and streamlining processes like never before.

In this People in Legal episode, Rob Lynch, CRO of Spinika, explores the role of AML software in legal tech. He shares how Spinika helps firms simplify compliance, adapt to evolving regulations, and combat financial crime—ensuring a secure and efficient legal industry.

Colin from Dye & Durham shares his background, the evolution of legal tech, and AI’s impact on the industry. He discusses the shift from billable hours to subscription models, the role of tech in improving access to justice, and why AI will complement, not replace, lawyers. He also highlights Dye & Durham’s focus on practice management and property transactions.

In this conversation, Jennifer Cathcart - Regional Manager APAC of NetDocuments and David discuss the evolution of legal technology, the impact of AI on the legal profession, and the trends shaping the future of legal services. They share insights from a recent conference, emphasising the importance of authenticity and passion in the legal tech space. The discussion highlights the shift towards cl...

In this conversation, the Andy and David discuss the nuances of entering the New Zealand market, particularly for international businesses. They explore the cultural differences, the importance of understanding the local market, and the role of AI in transforming the legal tech landscape. The discussion emphasises the need for businesses to adopt AI and integrate it into their operations while als...

In this conversation, Sarah Whaley shares her extensive experience in branding and marketing within the professional services sector. She emphasizes the importance of personal branding, the role of authenticity, and effective strategies for leveraging platforms like LinkedIn. Sarah discusses how understanding client needs and creating engaging content can significantly impact a firm's growth and r...

In this conversation, Ava shares her journey from a background in tech and international business to her current role in legal marketing. She discusses the importance of understanding the legal landscape, effective marketing strategies for law firms, and the role of technology in enhancing client engagement. Ava also highlights the challenges and opportunities for legal tech companies looking to e...

Curious about transitioning from law to legal tech? Check out the latest People in Legal episode featuring Catherine Bamford, CEO and Founder of BamLegal—a leader in Legal Technology Advisory. Catherine swapped real estate law for legal tech, focusing on Document Automation and Contract Review. Her impressive accolades include being a Financial Times Top Ten Legal Technologist and a Women of Legal...

In this episode, barrister James Scovell discusses his career spanning over 20 years in corporate disputes, insolvency, and white-collar crime. Hosted by Andrew Hay, James shares his perspectives on handling high-pressure, high-demand legal work, his approach to navigating complex litigation, and the collaborative nature of his practice. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with one of Australia’...

In this episode of People in Legal , we sit down with Lucas Garlepp, a seasoned legal tech professional and the COO of Cosine. Lucas shares his fascinating journey from studying evolutionary biology and animal behavior to transforming IT operations at law firms, and now leading global growth strategies in legal tech. 🚀 Hear Lucas discuss how his background shaped his approach to leadership, innov...

Jim Penman, founder of Jim’s Group—the largest franchising chain in the southern hemisphere. 🌏 More than an iconic entrepreneur, Jim is a thought leader, author, and champion of fairness and exceptional customer service. In this episode, he shares his business journey, his philosophy on customer satisfaction, and the story behind his latest venture, Jim's Legal . Discover why Jim believes fai...

We had the pleasure of interviewing James Markham, co-author of The Legal MBA Essentials and a consultant with 15 years of experience helping law firms boost profitability. James shares practical insights on building smarter legal operating models, his approach to innovation, and why The Legal MBA Essentials is a must-read for legal professionals. Don’t miss this conversation with one of the sharp...

Meet Reuben Manning: The Man Behind the Project Leading this expansion is Reuben Manning, Managing Consultant. Reuben has been with Xperate since January 2022 and has extensive experience in the legal tech industry. His technical and operational expertise will be essential as he nurtures relationships with new firms and provides top-class service to their clients in the region.   Reuben shared his...

In this episode of People in Legal, Timothy Toner, Founder and CEO of Affinda and Draftable, shares his fascinating journey from the world of investment banking at Macquarie to his 10+ year overnight success story in legal technology and innovation. Tim reveals key moments that shaped his career, including how his brother Ben’s poker winnings fuelled the early stages of their business and their gr...

In this episode of People in Legal , let's meet Col Secomb , a practicing lawyer and the co-founder of Yao , a game-changing practice management system which is transforming the future of how law firms operate. Col, frustrated with the limitations of existing legal tech, took matters into his own hands and built Yao – a cloud-based platform designed by lawyers, for lawyers. Yao streamlines everyth...

In this episode of People in Legal, we are extremely honoured to have Joy Heath Rush, CEO of ILTA (International Legal Technology Association), with us. With a career dedicated to supporting lawyers and a deep passion for legal technology, Joy shares her inspiring journey—from her beginnings in facilities and document processing to her current leadership role. Along the way, she reflects on the im...

In this episode of People in Legal , we feature Myfanwy Wallwork , who began her career at LexisNexis straight out of university and rose to the position of Vice President, Regulatory Compliance Global. Now serving as AI Governance Lead at the UTS Human Technology Institute , Myfanwy shares her insights on leadership, innovation, and the importance of building strategic partnerships. Tune in to he...

In this episode, People in Legal sits down with Nnamdi, CEO and Co-Founder of legal tech scale-up Definely. Nnamdi shares his journey from the early days of entrepreneurship, overcoming financial challenges, to scaling Definely to nearly 70 team members and securing household names as clients like Ericsson, Barclays, and top-tier law firms. Tune in as he reflects on the lessons learned in staying...

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Hay, a business leader with vast experience in driving software growth, market development, and regional expansion. Andrew has led teams across various areas, including product management, go-to-market strategy, and general management. We’ll discuss how he’s helped clients leverage technology to streamline operations and drive sustainable growth for SAAS an...

Ebere Josephine Uba is a dynamic Digital Innovation & Transformation Leader, Marketing & Business Development Expert, and Sustainability Marketing Specialist. She has successfully driven digital growth across sectors, pioneering virtual workspaces and advising clients on digital strategies. As a Cybersecurity & AI Thought Leader and SEO, UI/UX, and Website Design expert, Uba enhances o...

So They Can is changing lives in Kenya and Tanzania by empowering children and families to break the cycle of poverty through education. They work hand-in-hand with vulnerable communities, listening to their needs and creating lasting change through sustainable development projects. Over 7-10 years, So They Can transfers skills and knowledge to ensure these communities can thrive long after the pr...