What a Lawyer

Sam Lindsay
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A front seat to the New Zealand legal market, its' leading individuals, topics of relevance and flourishing workplaces. We interview epic Lawyers from various practice areas who are keen to share their story. We discuss hot topics, current affairs and the rise and fall of demand for lawyers in correlation to it all. This podcast is for any budding lawyer stepping into the field, one seeking a change or simply the curious listener, keen to hear from someone who has been there and done that. We do not discuss or provide legal advice in this podcast.

  1. S4, E02 - Fiona McMillan on recent Employment Law changes in 2026

    May 21

    S4, E02 - Fiona McMillan on recent Employment Law changes in 2026

    Fiona McMillan from Lane Neave joined Sam again on the podcast. New Zealand recently introduced some changes to the Employment Relations Act with the Employment Relations Amendment Act. There were four key changes that are already in effect and they are: 1. Contractor vs Employees (Gateway test), 2. High income earners cannot raise a Personal Grievance in the event of unjustified dismissal, 3. Stricter limits on remedies and 4. A repeal of the 30-day rule. Fiona discusses these changes in detail and gives practical takeaways for our everyday lawyers.

    31 min
  2. S4, E01 - From Big Firm to Boutique with Jason Welsh

    May 3

    S4, E01 - From Big Firm to Boutique with Jason Welsh

    In the first episode of Season Four, Sam is joined by Jason Welsh - a specialist Environmental lawyer who spent time in large national firms and boutiques.‍ Jason's story is a fascinating one - from his less-than-standard start, his early specialisation, staying in NZ instead of going overseas and a decision to leave the comfort of 'big law' to found a boutique law firm, all during the GFC would you believe it! Things seem to have worked out in Jason's favour and he was kind enough to share his journey for our junior audience. Hit "Play Now" in the title, watch on Youtube or listen to Jason's story on your favourite podcast platform.

    30 min
  3. S3, E06 - Finding Opportunity in Law with Joey James

    11/04/2025

    S3, E06 - Finding Opportunity in Law with Joey James

    For our final episode of the season, Sarah sits down with Joey James, Partner at Anthony Harper, to talk about finding opportunity in law. With over a decade of experience in commercial litigation spanning insolvency, restructuring, company law and complex contractual disputes, Joey shares how opportunity has shaped every stage of his career. From his early years in Auckland and time in London with RBS, to returning home to lead the CBL Insurance liquidation and step into partnership, his story is one of timing, growth and backing yourself when new challenges arise. They also explore the creation of Discovery Specialists, an Anthony Harper initiative using smarter systems and technology to make discovery more efficient, and how innovation, leadership and lifestyle all play a role in building a sustainable legal career. Whether you’re a law student just starting out, a junior lawyer thinking about progression, or someone curious about where a career in law can take you, this episode is for you.

    33 min
  4. S3, E05 - Mental Health in the Law with Susan Rowe

    08/28/2025

    S3, E05 - Mental Health in the Law with Susan Rowe

    In the fifth episode of Season three, Sam is joined by Susan Rowe - a former lawyer of 27 years who has recently retired, opening up about her battle with depression.‍ On the surface level it would appear that Susan had all her ducks in a row, but that is what is so misguiding about mental illness - its not necessarily visible from the outside. She was a 'successful,' accomplished lawyer who poured her heart and soul into her career, only recently pivoting into the education and research space, to help the legal industry of New Zealand achieve a better way of practicing the law.‍ Susan shares everything she thought she ever wanted in a career, to melting down over a long weekend after realising she was expressing symptoms of depression. Having experienced a serious skiing accident, Susan thought she would return to work as per normal, with the same drive and tenacity as she had always had. The problem was, it didn't feel the same.‍ Hear from Susan what it was like to battle away, hide from her peers and sweep it under the rug, until it became a bit much. Learn about what she did and what she still does today to stay on top of her illness. Susan's next piece of work is a truly exciting one too, make sure you get around the data to support her next step.‍ Hit "Play Now" in the title or listen to Susan's story on your favourite podcast platform.

    1h 6m
  5. S03, E04: Navigating New Shores - Building a Legal Career in NZ with Maria Nieto

    08/04/2025

    S03, E04: Navigating New Shores - Building a Legal Career in NZ with Maria Nieto

    From Mexico to Aotearoa New Zealand, María has built a career that bridges continents, cultures and legal systems. Now part of the Corporate Advisory and Transactions team at Wynn Williams, she brings deep international experience to her work in M&A, capital raising, commercial structuring and more. But her impact doesn’t stop there. Through her initiative, Pink Fern Consulting, María supports foreign-trained lawyers navigating requalification in New Zealand. She offers practical advice, cultural insight and a much-needed sense of community. She is sharp, generous and full of insight. A great listen for any lawyer considering a move to New Zealand from overseas, or even from New Zealand to somewhere else.

    37 min
  6. S3, E03 - Acquiring skills instead of job titles with Katharine Hockly

    07/03/2025

    S3, E03 - Acquiring skills instead of job titles with Katharine Hockly

    In the third episode of Season 3 of the What a Lawyer podcast, Sam speaks with Katharine Hockly from Data Story. The conversation is based on her legal career and the skills acquired from various legal environments, and ultimately how they transfer into her new career slightly outside of the law. Katharine's journey through private practice and in-house Government roles describes opportunity, training and great people surrounding her. Putting herself in positions to learn, manage and succeed in law has given her a robust and fully transferrable skillset that means she can operate her own business, and in a totally different role. Hear about Katharine's journey and how she has made it her own. Hit "Play Now" in the title or listen on your favourite podcast platform.

    35 min
  7. Beyond Billable Hours with Keegan Jones

    06/03/2025

    Beyond Billable Hours with Keegan Jones

    In the second episode of Season 3 of the What a Lawyer podcast, Sarah sits down with Keegan Jones from WRMK Lawyers in Whangārei. Keegan’s journey into law reflects a deep sense of purpose, combining strong commercial experience with a commitment to community and kaupapa Māori values. After clerking at a commercial firm in Christchurch and completing his Law and Commerce degrees at the University of Canterbury, he moved into policy and advisory work at Te Puni Kōkiri - the Ministry of Māori Development - before returning home to Northland. Now a Senior Solicitor at WRMK Lawyers, Keegan advises across a broad mix of commercial and construction matters, including business sales, leasing, shareholder arrangements, and development projects. But it's what he’s building beyond his day job that truly sets him apart. In 2022, Keegan founded the Free Legal Clinics Project – an initiative offering free, iwi-based legal support across Northland. Since its launch, the project has helped over 500 people and is expanding into Christchurch and the Waikato. Keegan has already been recognised as a NZ Lawyer Rising Star, named among the Most Influential Lawyers in the country, and was a semi-finalist for Young New Zealander of the Year – and he’s only just getting started. Tune in to hear how Keegan is using his legal career to create meaningful change, one community at a time. Hit "Play Now" in the title or listen on your favourite podcast platform.

    31 min
  8. S3, E01 - From Lawyer to Leader to Educator with Gemma Wragg

    04/22/2025

    S3, E01 - From Lawyer to Leader to Educator with Gemma Wragg

    In the first episode of Season 3 of the What a Lawyer podcast, Sam sits down with Gemma Wragg from Tavendale & Partners in Christchurch. ‍Gemma started her career as a practicing lawyer in commercial law, property, private client and agribusiness, but also had a passion for human rights and education as a whole. She made a great start with Duncan Cotterill after clerking in Timaru, and felt she learned the basics of bigger-picture thinking from her former supervisor. ‍In moving to Tavendale & Partners, she experienced several significant role evolutions, skillset acquisitions, responsibilities and challenges. Taking on her Firms first c-suite leadership position, she set about creating an environment that fostered growth and enhanced delivery and enjoyment. ‍Now focussed on revolutionising the legal education and training space for the junior market in her Firm (and perhaps wider), Gemma is bringing all her experience in taking wider requirements and objectives and narrowing them down for our juniors to grasp. It is an exciting time is the education and congratulations to Gemma for taking a leading role.

    36 min
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About

A front seat to the New Zealand legal market, its' leading individuals, topics of relevance and flourishing workplaces. We interview epic Lawyers from various practice areas who are keen to share their story. We discuss hot topics, current affairs and the rise and fall of demand for lawyers in correlation to it all. This podcast is for any budding lawyer stepping into the field, one seeking a change or simply the curious listener, keen to hear from someone who has been there and done that. We do not discuss or provide legal advice in this podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Sam Lindsay
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    What a Lawyer

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