The Callover

The Callover

The Callover is a Queensland Law Society podcast created by young lawyers, for young lawyers. 

The QLS Future Leaders Committee is dedicated to inspiring a generation of connected, capable and healthy young lawyers. 

Join us, as we invite guests to share their experiences in the law, unpack issues relevant to young lawyers and gain some insights into the future of lawyering.

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QLS and the Future Leaders Committee understand that the first few years of practise can be among the most challenging in a lawyer's career. It’s base camp and the path to the summit can seem daunting!

We are here to keep you connected, be it through social networking events, bespoke professional development courses or information and resources that will help your career development.

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Meet the host

Georgia is a young lawyer working in house at the University of Queensland. She joined FLC Committee in the hope that members can work together to ensure that young lawyers from Queensland are offered opportunities to connect and learn.

She's really passionate about FLC’s The Callover, a podcast created for young lawyers, by young lawyers.

Connect with Georgia

Future Leaders Committee

Right now, nearly 40% of Practising Certificate holders in Queensland are either 35 years old or under, or have less than 5 years post admission experience (PAE). This demographic, with their unique needs and expectations, are the profession’s new voices and they need to be heard.

The Future Leaders Committee (FLC) is a platform for next generation lawyers to launch their dreams, ideas and thinking for our profession. A democratically elected committee of members who will represent and advocate on behalf of their peers for two years. The next FLC election will take place in February 2024.

Learn more about the Future Leaders Committee 

Episode of the month


Season 3

Season Finale

Dissent, Democratic Ideals and Delivering Justice: A Conversation with Michael Kirby AC CMG



In our season finale for 2024, we have the immense honour of speaking with the Honourable Justice Michael Kirby AC CGM.

Michael Kirby is a man who needs no introduction. He was called to the Bar in 1967, and in 1975, became the youngest man to hold a federal judicial office when he was appointed as the Deputy President of the Australian Conciliation and Arbitration Commission. Later that year he was also appointed as the inaugural Chair of the Australian Law Reform Commission.

In 1983, he was appointed as a judge of the Federal Court of Australia and in 1984, became the President of the New South Wales Court of Appeal. There he served until 1996, when he was appointed as a Justice of the High Court of Australia, a position he held until his retirement from the bench in 2009. In addition to his immense impact on Australia’s jurisprudence, Michael Kirby's career has been marked by a commitment to human rights law reform and social justice.

On this episode of The Callover, we discussed his reflections on what has been truly remarkable career and hope for the future of the legal profession.

Read more about Justice Kirby here: https://www.michaelkirby.com.au/


Episode 11

More than a game: Exploring the intersection between sport and law, with Ben Ihle KC


On this episode of The Callover, we speak with Ben Ihle KC, about what sports law actually is and the key legal issues that arise within it.

Ben was admitted in 2004, called to the bar the following year and made silk in 2020. He has cultivated a broad practice with a particular focus on tort, criminal, administrative and sports law and appears at both trial and appellate levels. He is recognised internationally as a leading sports lawyer, and regularly represents athletes and sporting associations domestically and internationally, in a variety of tribunals (including the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber, the AFL Tribunal and Appeals Board and before the Court of Arbitration for Sport).



Episode 10

Beyond the Headlines: Understanding Defamation, with Gavin Rebetzke


On this episode of The Callover, we speak with Gavin Rebetzke about the key principles of defamation law, along with some of the recent cases in this space. Gavin grew up in Townsville, studied at James Cook University and the University of Queensland before undertaking his articles at Roberts & Kane Solicitors in 1993.

He was admitted in 1995 and continued to work in that general practice in Brisbane, where he later became partner in 2000. In 2007, Gavin was called to the Bar and has been practicing in a variety of matters since, with a special interest in defamation.

Episode 9

The lawyer who ran around the world, with Tim Franklin


As we continue this month of promoting health and wellbeing in the profession, we speak with Tim Franklin, the lawyer turned ultra-marathon runner, triathlon coach and motivational speaker who has recently become one of 8 people to have quite literally run around the world.

Join us as we discuss his incredible adventure and what we, as a profession, can learn from it.


Episode 8

Prioritising Wellness this RUOK Day, with Desi Vlahos


To mark RUOK Day 2024, we speak with Desi Vlahos, a lawyer, academic and two-time recipient of the Women in Law Award for “Wellness Advocate of the Year”.

As a mental health first aider, the founder of Wellceum, a company that aims to help other organisations improve wellbeing, health and safety outcomes, and a Commissioner of the International Bar Associations’ Wellbeing Commission, Desi has dedicated her career to tackling poor mental health among lawyers globally.


On this episode of The Callover, join us as we speak about the current state of the profession and how we can do more to increase mental wellbeing across the profession.


Episode 7

Young Migration Lawyer Making a Difference, with Palwasha Nawabi

Palwasha Nawabi is part of a generation of young lawyers seeking to make a positive impact on society.

In 2023, Palwasha was awarded the Law Council of Australia – Australian Young Lawyers Award in recognition of her significant achievement in leading the operational and administrative aspect of a pro bono initiative which resulted in the successful procurement of 90 subclass 449 visas for many Afghan women and their families and permanent residence visas for those who chose to settle in Australia.


Episode 6

Keep the Fire Burning this NAIDOC Week, with Justice Crowley

In celebration of NAIDOC Week, we have the pleasure of speaking with the Honourable Justice Lincoln Crowley.


His Honour grew up in Charters Towers and is a proud descendant of the Warramunga peoples. Since joining the legal profession in 1996, Justice Crowley has had a varied and impressive career. He has worked at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service in Townsville, for the Queensland and Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, within the New South Wales’ Crown Solicitors’ Office, at the private bar and as the senior counsel assisting the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.


In 2018, Justice Crowley became the first Indigenous person to be appointed as Queen's Counsel in Queensland, and on 13 June 2022, became Australia’s first Indigenous judge of a superior court when he was appointed to the Supreme Court of Queensland.


On this episode of The Callover, we discuss his life in the law and why representation and diversity are important within the legal profession.


Episode 5

Insights into Legal Aid Queensland and the work of Independent Children’s Lawyers with Nicky Davies



Nicky Davies is a Family Lawyer, Independent Children’s Lawyer, and Chief Executive Officer of Legal Aid Queensland. Earlier this year, she was recognised for her contribution to the legal profession when she was awarded the Queensland Law Society’s President’s Medal. On this episode of The Callover, we discuss the work of Legal Aid and explore the important role that independent children’s lawyers play in in court proceedings.


Episode 4

Lessons for lawyers from Robodebt with Justin Greggery KC

 

The Robodebt Scheme, introduced in late 2016, used income averaging techniques derived from data held by the ATO to raise debts and implement a reverse onus on recipients to disprove the amounts owed. The Scheme was ultimately found to have been unlawful and the failings of the scheme were far reaching. On this episode of The Callover, hear from Justin Greggery KC, the Senior Counsel Assisting in the Royal Commission into Robodebt Scheme as he explains what lawyers should learn from the Royal Commission’s findings.


Justin has been practicing for over 20 years. From 2000 to 2006, he prosecuted numerous trials and appeals for the Director of Public Prosecution in Queensland before commencing private practice in 2006 and developing additional areas of practice including tort, administrative, commercial and succession law.   In 2017, Justin was appointed as a King’s Counsel. He has served on the Bar Council for the Bar Association of Queensland and is currently the Ethics Counsellor for the Bar Association Queensland and the President of the North Queensland Bar Association.



Episode 3

Insights into the Queensland Law Reform Commission with Chair Fleur Kingham

On this episode of The Callover, we have the Honourable Fleur Kingham to discuss her life in the law, her most recent appointment as Chair of the Queensland Law Reform Commission, and the criminal defences review that is currently underway.

Chair Kingham’s extensive contributions to the legal community in Queensland are quite remarkable. She graduated from law at the University of Queensland in 1982 and went on to become a founding member of the Women's Legal Service in Queensland and the Arts Law Centre of Queensland. She has been a barrister, university lecturer, mediator and facilitator, the first deputy president of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, a Judge of the Queensland District Court, the Children's Court of Queensland and the Planning and Environment Court and the President of the Land Court. Most recently, in April 2023, she was appointed Chair of the Queensland Law Reform Commission.


Episode 2

Inspiring Inclusion this International Women's Day with Michelle May AM KC

On this International Women's Day, we celebrate the extraordinary strides of women across social, economic, cultural, legal, and political spheres. In keeping with this spirit, we bring you a true leader of the legal profession, the Honourable Michelle May AM KC, on The Callover podcast to take us through her life in the law.

Michelle was admitted to the bar in 1978 and when she became Queen's Counsel in 1993, she was the first barrister with a predominantly family law practice to achieve that level of seniority. In 1995, she became the first female judge of the Family Court, and after 22 years, she retired from the bench in 2017, and returned to the Bar. In that year, she was also appointed a member of the Order of Australia in recognition of her significant service to law, judicial administration and professional associations.



Episode 1

Unpacking the Job Readiness Survey with Rolf Moses

On this episode of The Callover, we speak with the Queensland Law Society’s outgoing CEO Rolf Moses to discuss the 2022 Job Readiness Survey conducted by the QLS in conjunction with researchers at Bond University. 


Rolf explains the survey results and what the QLS hope to achieve with this added insight into the profession's views on law graduates and newly admitted lawyers entering the profession.


Season 2

Episode 13

Reflections on Life in the Law with Walter Sofronoff KC

 
Walter Sofronoff KC has a formidable resume. He was called to the Bar in 1978, made silk ten years later and went on to become the President of the Bar Association, the President of the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Tribunal, the Solicitor General of Queensland, and then in 2017, the President of the Queensland Court of Appeal. 


Since his retirement from the bench in 2022, Mr Sofronoff has led the Commission of Inquiry into Forensic DNA Testing in Queensland and, most recently, the Board of Inquiry into the criminal justice system in the Australian Capital Territory.

On this episode of The Callover, he joins us to discuss the art of advocacy, the importance of professional ethics and other lessons learned from his incredible career.

 


Episode 12

Life as an In-House Lawyer with Mel Scott

 

On this episode of The Callover, we speak to Mel Scott, Senior Legal Counsel at Megaport, a global technology company. Mel has worked in-house for nearly a decade, after deciding to take the leap from a top tier firm just three years post admission. Long before she was awarded the Queensland Law Society’s 2023 In-House Counsel of the Year Award, Mel has been a passional advocate for in-house lawyers.  You may have also seen her on Instagram and TikTok under the moniker @inhouselawyer or heard her on her podcast, Counsel.

 

On each platform – and in this interview – she shares insights into life as an in-house lawyer and demystifies (and destigmatises) the move in house for law students and young lawyers.


Episode 11


Going to the Bar with Melia Benn, Patrick Nevard and Georgina Morgan

 

On this episode of The Callover, we hear from three junior barristers in Queensland - Melia Benn, Patrick Nevard and Georgina Morgan, about how they made the transition from the solicitor’s branch of the profession to the Bar. This episode is a must-listen for young law students or lawyers thinking about a career at the Bar. 


Additionally, it also provides some useful insights into how to prepare a brief to ensure you get off to a good start with your junior counsel.



Episode 10

Understanding Mental Health First Aid this R U OK? Day with Denise Marshall

Trigger warning!

This episode contains content about mental health and suicide. If you need to talk to someone, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

R U OK Day is held annually on the second Thursday of September. It is a day to remind us to check in with ourselves, our friends, family and colleagues and encourage us to connect with those around us on the topic of mental health and aim to prevent social isolation and suicide.

On this episode of The Callover, we hear from Denise Marshall, a Legal & Workplace Culture Consultant with the Queensland Law Society. Denise will share the importance of protecting our mental health as legal professionals, why R U OK Day matters and provide us with some practical tips and key takeaways from the QLS Mental Health First Aid Course.


Episode 9

War, Law and Business: A conversation about International humanitarian law with Fauve Kurnadi

On this episode of The Callover, we speak with Fauve Kurnadi, the International Humanitarian Law Coordinator for Australian Red Cross about International Humanitarian Law, what it is, how it’s relevant in 2023 and how it impacts war, law and business.

Fauve has a Master of Laws in Public and International Law from the University of Melbourne and was a Pro Bono Australia Impact 25 Winner in 2022.


Episode 8

The findings of the Commission of Inquiry into forensic DNA testing with the Honourable Justice David Boddice

 

On this episode of The Callover, we speak with the Honourable Justice David Boddice about the findings of the Commission of Inquiry into Forensic DNA Testing in Queensland and the Court’s approach to dealing with them.

Admitted as barrister in 1984, Boddice JA developed a busy practice in civil and criminal matters, appearing in state and federal courts and the High Court of Australia. 

Special thanks must go to Ella Thomas, Ashleigh Fanning, Georgina Peereboom and especially, Geoff McLeod, for their contributions to the production of this episode.


Episode 7

Good journalism and the legal system with Russell Marks

Good journalism is fundamental to a democratic society. On this episode of The Callover, we unpack what constitutes good journalism, how it has shaped Australia and why it is so important to our legal system, with special guest, Russell Marks. 

Russell Marks, an author, adjunct Research Fellow at La Trobe University, journalist for The Monthly and criminal defence lawyer practising in the Northern Territory.

Special thanks must go to Ella Thomas, Ashleigh Fanning, Georgina Peereboom and especially, Geoff McLeod, for their contributions to the production of this episode.


Episode 6

Climate justice with Jo-Anne Bragg OAM

Jo-Anne Bragg OAM has been advocating in public interest environmental law for more than three decades. In 2022, she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her services to environmental law and is currently serving as the General Counsel of the Environmental Defenders Office.

She is the perfect person to speak to in celebration of World Environment Day 2023, about the state of environmental law in Australia, the challenges that it is facing and where to from here.

Special thanks must go to Ella Thomas, Ashleigh Fanning, Georgina Peereboom, Miranda Unwin and Geoff McLeod for their contributions to the production of this episode.


Episode 5

The future of continuing legal education with Professor Nick James

Lawyers are lifelong learners. Legal education traditionally consists of three stages: the law degree, practical legal training and the continuing legal education that occurs post-admission.

On this episode of The Callover, we focus on that final (yet never-ending) stage of a lawyer’s education in our conversation with Professor Nick James, the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Law at Bond University.

Special thanks must go to Ella Thomas, Ashleigh Fanning, Georgina Peereboom, Miranda Unwin and Geoff McLeod for their contributions to the production of this episode.


Episode 4

How to prepare for your first trial or sentence with Nick Dore

Preparing for your first trial or sentence can be intimidating and stressful, but on this episode of The Callover, we try to make it a little easier by seeking advice from Nick Dore, Managing Principal of Fisher Dore Lawyers, a leading criminal law firm in Queensland.  

Nick has been practising since 2000, is an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law and a well-regarded and respected solicitor in the area.

Special thanks must go to Ella Thomas, Eve Anderson and Geoff McLeod for their contributions to the production of this episode.


Episode 3

Youth Justice Law reform with QLS Vice President, Rebecca Fogerty

On this episode of The Callover, we speak to Rebecca Fogerty, an accredited criminal law specialist, a partner at Jasper Fogerty Lawyers and the current Vice President of the Queensland Law Society 2022.

We discuss the Queensland Government’s changes to the Youth Justice Act, as well as why it is so important that the profession stand up to protect judicial independence.

Special thanks must go to Ella Thomas, Eve Anderson and Geoff McLeod for their contributions to the production of this episode.


Episode 2

The benefits of a diverse profession with The Honourable Anthe Philippides

On International Women’s Day, we had the pleasure of speaking with The Honourable Anthe Philippides, a retired judge of the Queensland Court of Appeal, about the benefits of and need for a diverse legal profession and bench.

Justice Philippides was the first woman of Hellenic heritage to be admitted as a barrister in Queensland in 1984 and to attain silk in Australia in 1999.

Many would know her for her efforts to increase diversity in the profession and bring like-minded lawyers together to promote mental wellbeing and social inclusion

Special thanks must go to Ella Thomas, Eve Anderson and Geoff McLeod for their contributions to the production of this episode.


Episode 1

The Forensic Disability Service (FDS) and why it's so important with Dr John Chesterman, the Public Advocate

Most people have never heard of the Forensic Disability Service but if you are alleged to have committed a crime in Queensland and deemed unfit for trial because of an intellectual or cognitive disability, you may find yourself as one of its residents.

On this episode of The Callover, we are joined by John Chesterman, the Public Advocate for Queensland, who will explain what the FDS is and why it is so important that someone looks out for its vulnerable residents.

John was appointed as the Public Advocate for Queensland in 2021 after having acted as Victoria’s Deputy Public Advocate. He has extensive experience and expertise in areas of law including human rights, guardianship and supported decision-making.

If you’d like to read the 2019 Ombudsman’s report that is referred to in this episode, you can find it here: The Forensic Disability Service report - Queensland Ombudsman

Special thanks must go to Ella Thomas, Eve Anderson and Geoff McLeod for their contributions to the production of this episode.

Season 1

Episode 12

Season Finale with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland, the Honourable Helen Bowskill

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland, the Honourable Helen Bowskill, needs no introduction.

Before Her Honour was appointed as the Chief Justice in 2021, she was a University medallist, a successful barrister and a judge of both the Queensland District Court and the trial division of the Supreme Court.

Her Honour is committed to supporting (and inspiring) a community of connected and capable lawyers.

We are delighted that Chief Justice Bowskill has joined us as our final guest for the first season of The Callover, to discuss her illustrious career, her advice for young lawyers and her hope for the profession in years to come.


Special thanks must go to Janine Mitchell, Zoe Navarro, Ella Thomas, Rebecca Murray, Eve Anderson, Geoff McLeod, for their contributions to the production of this episode. 


Episode 11

Mentoring and keeping a “smile file” with Joelene Nel

Joelene has worked in family law for almost 20 years and is a mediator and an Associate Director at McLaughlins Lawyers on the Gold Coast. Joelene spearheaded the Gold Coast District Law Association’s mentoring program in 2016 which is an ongoing initiative they provide today.

We talk about when Joelene was first a mentee in law and her more recent experiences as a mentor and some of the questions she is asked to answer in that role.

Joelene shares her advice with us about the benefits of keeping a “smile file”, something to remind you of some of the great days when you’re having a not so great one. 

Special thanks must go to Zoe Navarro, Ella Thomas, Rebecca Murray, Eve Anderson, Geoff McLeod for their contributions to the production of this episode. 


Episode 10

R UOK Day special with retired Magistrate, David Heilpern AM, and Psychologist, Melissa Sadlo

In honour of R U Ok Day episode, our newest episode features two special guests who offer their insights into how to manage our mental health to ensure we can sustain a long and fulfilling legal career.

Retired Magistrate David Heilpern AM, who served in the New South Wales local court from 1998 to 2020 is our first guest. In 2017 when he delivered a lecture entitled, “Lifting the judicial veil - vicarious trauma, PTSD and the judiciary”, it was one of the first times that a sitting judicial officer had expressed such frank reflections, publicly, on the impact that their work had on their mental health. It inspired many within the profession to begin honest conversations about mental health.

Then we hear from Melissa Sadlo, a psychologist who works with LawCare, about when and how to ask a friend, colleague or yourself, RUOK?

Special thanks must go to Zoe Navarro, Ella Thomas, Rebecca Murray, Eve Anderson, Geoff McLeod, for their contributions to the production of this episode.


Episode 9

Taking combat out of conflict with Anne-Marie Rice

If there’s anyone who knows about how to take the combat out of legal conflict, it’s Anne-Marie Rice. She’s now a Senior Judicial Registrar of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and before that she was a director of Rice Dispute Resolution and the principal mediator at Rice Mediations.

She’s been practicing in Family Law for 20 years, is an accredited specialist in family law and a nationally accredited mediator and a registered FDRP and Arbitrator.

In 2018, Anne-Marie won the WLAQ Leneen Ford AC Woman Lawyer of the Year and has otherwise been involved in QLS Committees and Family Law Practitioners Association of QLD.  For more than 10 years she has practiced and taught practitioners in mediation, arbitration and collaborative practice. In other words, she promotes a “positive approach” to problem solving and invites others to embrace the idea that “conflict can be resolved without combat”.

On this episode, we unpack what it means to take a positive approach to problem solving and the benefits of taking the combat out of conflict.

Special thanks must go to Zoe Navarro, Ella Thomas, Rebecca Murray, Eve Anderson, Geoff McLeod, for their contributions to the production of this episode.


Episode 8

First Nations People and our Legal System with Joshua Creamer

In celebration of NAIDOC Week we welcome Joshua Creamer to The Callover. Josh is a barrister specialising in human rights class actions and native title.

He is a proud descendant of the Waanyi and Kalkadoon people from North Western Queensland, received the National Indigenous Legal Professional of the Year Award in 2017 and sits on the Board of Legal Aid Queensland. 

On this episode, Josh shares his insights into the barriers faced by first nation’s people when entering the legal profession or interacting with it, and what can be done to improve. He also provides some great resources for young lawyers looking to educate themselves about the plight of indigenous Australians.

Special thanks must go to Zoe Navarro, Ella Thomas, Rebecca Murray, Eve Anderson and Geoff McLeod, for their contributions to the production of this episode.


Episode 7

Career growth and alternative career paths with Midja Fisher

After spending 20 years as a partner at a large law firm, Midja Fisher took a leap into a new career with a specific focus on building leaders with career confidence. Midja shares her insights about stepping away from a career in the law, imposter syndrome and how she uses the book, “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”, to help her clients. 


Special thanks must go to Zoe Navarro, Ella Thomas, Rebecca Murray, Eve Anderson and Geoff McLeod, for their contributions to the production of this episode 


Episode 6

Reflections on a life in the law with Bruce Cowley

Bruce Cowley takes us on a walk through his life in the law from when he began his articles in 1981 to his retirement from the very same firm some 40 years on. Bruce’s passion for the law oozes through in our conversation while he shares his insight into the changes, both positive and not so positive, that he has observed over his life in the law.  

If you would like to know more about the 2022 Queensland Law Society’s President’s Medal awardee, this article in Proctor is a wonderful read.

Special thanks must go to Zoe Navarro, Ella Thomas, Rebecca Murray, Eve Anderson and Geoff McLeod, for their contributions to the production of this episode. 


Episode 5

Making mistakes and navigating ethical issues

We all make mistakes. What’s important is what you do when you’ve discovered it. Dan Rogers is the Principal and Legal Director at Robertson O’Gorman Solicitors and regularly represents lawyers in professional discipline matters.

On this episode, Dan talks about some practical steps you can take when you realise you’ve made a mistake to ensure you’re complying with all your ethical and profession obligations and how to seek practical help if you need it.

For more about the QLS Senior Counsellors program Dan mentioned and how they can provide guidance to practitioners on professional or ethical problems, visit   QLS Senior Counsellors.

Special thanks must go to Zoe Navarro, Ella Thomas, Rebecca Murray, Eve Anderson and Geoff McLeod, for their contributions to the production of this episode. 


Episode 4

International Women's Day Special with the Honourable Margaret McMurdo AC

The Hon Margaret McMurdo AC is a trailblazer.

When her Honour finished law school, she was one of a handful of women at the Bar. In 1991, she went on to become the youngest person appointed to Queensland’s District Court (and the first woman ever to sit on that Bench), before becoming the first (and still only) female President of Queensland’s Court of Appeal in 1998. Since her Honour's retirement from the Bench, Justice McMurdo has continued to serve the community in many ways.

On this very special episode of The Callover, in honour of International Women’s Day, we have the privilege of speaking with Justice McMurdo about her incredible journey in the legal profession.


Special thanks must go to Zoe Navarro, Ella Thomas, Rebecca Murray, Eve Anderson, Geoff McLeod, for their contributions to the production of this episode.


Episode 3

Dealing with controversial clients and the adversarial courtroom

Whether appearing in the Magistrates Court as duty lawyer or the Supreme Court in a high profile trial, it’s fair to say the Kristy Bell spends her days on the front lines of the criminal justice system.

On this episode, we discuss her experiences working for both sides of the criminal justice system and how she deals with maintaining her objectivity and professional obligations when dealing with controversial clients. 

Kirsty Bell has been practising in criminal law since 2011is an accredited criminal law specialist, a current member of the QLS Criminal Law Committee and is currently a partner at Howden Saggers Lawyer. 


Special thanks must go to Zoe Navarro, Ella Thomas, Rebecca Murray, Eve Anderson, Geoff McLeod, for their contributions to the production of this episode. 


Episode 2

How to make it as a young lawyer

Michael Murray wasn’t sure he wanted to be a lawyer, particularly not after he failed two subjects in his first semester. But that was before he decided to buy into the university experience and give “making it as a young lawyer” all he had.

We talk about what young lawyers can do to best prepare for life as a lawyer, the benefits of engaging in community law and local district law associations.  

Michael is now a supervising solicitor with Townsville Community Law, academic and lecturer at James Cook University and the winner of the QLS Young Lawyer Award for 2020.  

If you were inspired by Michael’s advice, you may want to check out your local community legal centre and your local district law association.

Special thanks must go to Zoe Navarro, Ella Thomas, Rebecca Murray, Eve Anderson, Geoff McLeod, for their contributions to the production of this episode. 


Episode 1

What does a Lawyer look like in 2022?

Ann-Maree champions the idea that the law is fundamentally a service profession so the more diverse the profession, the better we can serve clients from all walks of life. 

We talk about how the face of the legal profession has changed since she began 40 years ago, why young lawyers should feel comfortable being themselves at work and how we can tackle that niggling imposter syndrome. 

Ann-Maree has worked across public and private sector roles and is now leading legal education as an Executive Director at the College of Law. She was previously a founding director of the Australian Gender Equality Council, is the immediate past President of Australian Women Lawyers and in 2018, won the Agnes McWhinney Award. 

If you were inspired by Ann-Maree’s wisdom, you may want to get your hands on a copy of A Woman’s Place: 100 Years of Queensland Women Lawyers by Purdon and Rahemtula (2005). 

Special thanks must go to Zoe Navarro, Ella Thomas, Rebecca Murray, Eve Anderson, Geoff McLeod, for their contributions to the production of this episode. 


Acknowledgement of Country

The Callover pays respect to elders past, present and emerging, and to the law men and law women who for tens of thousands of years ensured the peace, order and good governance of this place long before it became known as Queensland.


The Callover