The SSQ Podcast

Head of SSQ's Australia office Kumara Mallikaaratchi joins host Ben Quarry in this episode of The SSQ Podcast, for a discussion about the forces reshaping the Australian legal market. Together they explore how the rapid growth of renewable energy is driving demand across the profession, why challenger firms are increasingly competing with traditional market leaders, and how changing client ex...

In this episode of The SSQ Podcast, host Ben Quarry is joined by Saad Akhtar from SSQ’s Dubai office for an in-depth look at the rapidly evolving legal market across the GCC. Together they discuss: - Why Abu Dhabi and Riyadh are now some of the fastest-growing legal markets globally - How the Middle East legal market has evolved far beyond construction and energy - The rise of sovereign wealth fun...

In this episode of The SSQ Podcast , host Ben Quarry is joined by James Newton, Head of SSQ New York, and Kumara Mallikaaratchi, Head of SSQ Australia, for a conversation on international relocation and global legal careers. Drawing on their own experiences of building careers across London, New York, Australia and beyond, they explore what it really takes to move jurisdictions — and why successfu...

In this episode of The SSQ Podcast, host Ben Quarry is joined by Kumara Mallikaaratchi, Head of SSQ Australia, to explore how Australian and New Zealand lawyers build international careers — and what really determines whether a relocation succeeds. Kumara shares insight from launching SSQ’s Sydney office and from more than a decade advising lawyers on moves to London, New York, the UAE and beyond....

In this episode of The SSQ Podcast, Ben Quarry is joined once again by Valentina Dunn, Co-Head of SSQ’s Private Practice Associate team, for a deep dive into the London legal market.  Together they explore: - US firms and the Cravath lockstep: pay scales, bonuses, sector focus and work expectations - Magic Circle & Silver Circle: how they compare on hours, pay and breadth of work - Boutiques:...

Thinking about going in-house? Wondering whether interim work is worth it? Curious how overseas lawyers can break into London?  Host and Senior Director Ben Quarry is joined by Interims Director Isobel Lovell and In-House Manager Poppy Taylor for a deep dive into the other half of London’s legal market. From 4–8 PQE sweet spots and how GCs really hire, to why some teams lean heavily on flexible ta...

In our first episode of The SSQ Podcast , host and Senior Director Ben Quarry sits down with Valentina Dunn, Co-Head of SSQ’s Private Practice Associate team, to explore why great recruitment requires more than simply matching CVs to roles. They discuss trust, transparency and the long-term relationships that shape successful legal careers.  Find us at ssq.com and subscribe to us here or on our ot...