So, You Want to Be a General Counsel?
For many senior lawyers, becoming a General Counsel (GC) feels like the natural next step. You’ve mastered complex transactions or disputes. You’ve built strong stakeholder relationships, and you understand risk. But the transition from senior lawyer to GC is not a linear promotion. It’s a fundamental shift in identity. It’s amazing how many GC’s comment […]
Lawyers Aren’t Trained to Lead — But Partnership Demands It
Lawyers spend years mastering black-letter law, drafting precision, negotiation strategy, and risk analysis. When you transition into partnership you are not just a technical expert you are now responsible for: Leading teams Developing talent Managing performance Setting culture Influencing peers Growing revenue Leadership is a skill and you can learn it. I have listed some […]
Moving Back from Overseas? Why a Contract Role Might Be the Smartest First Move
Returning home after working overseas is exciting — and disorienting. Whether you’ve spent time in London, New York, Singapore, Hong Kong or Dubai, coming back to Australia often brings a mix of ambition and uncertainty. The market has shifted, your peers have been promoted, firms have restructured, key partners have moved on and opportunities seem […]
Business Development Tips for Senior Associates and Special Counsel Looking to Make Partner
For many Senior Associates and Special Counsel, the technical pathway to partnership is clear: excellent legal work, strong internal relationships, and consistent performance. The commercial pathway is less obvious, however, safe to say a key component is your ability to build and sustain revenue. When you are busy on the tools with a relentless work […]
Career pathways for mid-career Australian lawyers
For many Australian lawyers, the mid-career phase is both rewarding and confronting. You have solid experience, commercial awareness, and credibility, but the path ahead is no longer automatic. Partnership is no longer the only marker of success, and staying put without direction can feel as risky as making a change. Understanding your options is the […]
What you should consider before switching firms
Switching law firms mid-career is a significant decision. While it can unlock better opportunities, it can also introduce unexpected challenges if not approached carefully. Before making a move, it’s worth stepping back and considering what you are really trying to change. Clarify the real reason for moving Many lawyers say they want to leave because […]
Legal networking and how to expand your professional contacts in Australia
For many lawyers, networking feels uncomfortable or transactional. Yet in Australia’s relationship-driven legal market, strong professional connections are one of the most valuable career assets you can build. Networking does not need to be forced. Done well, it becomes a natural extension of how you work. Shift your mindset around networking Effective networking is not […]