Maddocks on the Mic

Maddocks

Welcome to Maddocks on the Mic — the official podcast of Maddocks, the modern Australian law firm — operating in Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney, Australia. Dive into bite-sized series from around the firm aimed at educating and hopefully entertaining too!

  1. 2d ago

    Watchdog | Down, down, but is it genuine? The ACCC v Coles pricing decision explained

    What makes a discount genuine?   In this episode of the Watchdog series, Partner and host Shaun Temby is joined by Associate Ashley Frost to unpack the Federal Court's decision in ACCC v Coles, which examined Coles' "Down Down" promotional campaign and the use of was-now pricing. Their discussion explores when discount representations maybecome misleading, how businesses should think about price establishment periods, and what practical lessons organisations can take from the Court's reasoning. Whether your business regularly runs sales campaigns or promotional pricing strategies, this episode offers practical guidance on navigating Australian Consumer Law obligations.   In this episode: 01:17 – Overview of the ACCC's case against Coles 02:05 – Australian Consumer Law obligations and the ACCC's allegations 03:16 – What is a price establishment period and why does it matter? 04:30 – The Court's 12-week benchmark and why it isn't a universal rule 05:31 – The significance of Coles' internal pricing policies 06:53 – The role of the ordinary and reasonable consumer 08:25 – Practical compliance tips for businesses using was-now pricing 10:04 – Internal safeguards, monitoring, and promotion governance 11:20 – Key takeaways and final thoughts   Read the companion article on the Maddockswebsite here for a deeper analysis of the decision and its implications for businesses using promotional pricing strategies.

    Watchdog | Down, down, but is it genuine? The ACCC v Coles pricing decision explained
  2. Aug 25

    Do What Matters | Pro Bono, Diversity & Inclusion with Greg Palumbo

    In this episode, hosts Emily Kidd and Pete Gavralas sit down with Greg Palumbo, Partner in Maddocks' Technology, Media & Telecommunications team, and Chair of Maddocks Pride. Greg shares his unique career journey from New York's legalmarket to Australia, discusses the diverse and innovative work he leads at Maddocks, and explores how pro bono, diversity and inclusion initiatives contribute to a stronger, more connected culture at the law firm. The conversation also highlights how lawyers at every stageof their career can make a meaningful impact through pro bono work, while developing valuable skills and supporting important community causes.   In this episode you’ll hear: Greg's journey from New York law firms to MaddocksBuilding a career across technology, media, and hospitalityLeading Maddocks Pride and fostering an inclusive workplaceThe importance of diversity, inclusion, and authenticity at workPro bono opportunities for Maddocks lawyers and graduatesSupporting artists, musicians, and community organisations through legal servicesHow pro bono work helps develop legal and leadership skillsWhat matters most about working at Maddocks About the guest Greg Palumbo is a Partner in Maddocks' Technology, Media & Telecommunications team and Chair of Maddocks Pride. Greg advises clients across technology, intellectual property, media and hospitality matters, and is passionate about pro bono work, diversity and inclusion, and creating opportunities for people to thrive both inside and outside the workplace. Hosted by: Emily Kidd and Pete GavralasGuest: Greg PalumboProduced by: Charlotte Verley To learn more about Maddocks, visit www.maddocks.com.au.

    Do What Matters | Pro Bono, Diversity & Inclusion with Greg Palumbo
  3. Aug 18

    Watchdog | Amazon, Microsoft and the ACCC's Subscription Crackdown

    In this episode of Watchdog, host and Partner, Shaun Temby, is joined by Partner, Brendan Tomlinson, to unpack two significant ACCC proceedings against Microsoft and Amazon, which could reshape how subscription businesses communicate with customers and manage contract changes. Brendan and Shaun’s discussion explores allegations that Microsoft failed to adequately disclose subscription options when introducing its AI-powered Copilot product, and the ACCC's action against Amazon – the first major unfair contract terms action since significant reforms to the regime came into effect. Together, Shaun and Brendan examine what these cases reveal about the ACCC's evolving approach to consumer protection, transparency, subscription models and unfair contract terms, along with the potential implications for businesses across technology, streaming, software and retail sectors. Key Topics Discussed Microsoft Copilot subscription changes and ACCC allegationsMisleading and deceptive conduct by omissionConsumer expectations in subscription-based software servicesThe role of retention offers and legacy product optionsAmazon Prime Video advertising changesAustralia's strengthened unfair contract terms regimeUnilateral variation clauses in customer contractsLegitimate business interests and contract reviewsThe ACCC's increasing focus on subscription business modelsWhat businesses should do to prepare for regulatory scrutinyRelated Insights Necessary Innovation or Hidden Choices? Microsoft's defence in the ACCC Subscription caseIs this the Prime example of unfair contract terms?

    Watchdog | Amazon, Microsoft and the ACCC's Subscription Crackdown
  4. Jul 30

    Do What Matters | AI, Innovation and the Future of Law with Director Mitch Grant

    In this episode of the Do What Matters podcast, hosts PeteGavralas, Emily Kidd and producer Charlotte Verley are joined by Maddocks' Director of Operational Excellence Mitch Grant, to explore how technology and AI are transforming the legal profession. Mitch shares his career journey, discusses the opportunities presented by AI, examines the future of legal careers and graduate recruitment, and highlights the importance of balancing innovation with strong governance with professional responsibility. Drawing on his experience leading legal operations and technology initiatives, Mitch also reflects on what matters most in creating a better experience for lawyers and clients alike. 00:18 – Introductions 01:12 – Mitch’s career journey to Director of Operational Excellence at Maddocks 02:42 – How technology has transformed legal practice 04:34 – How real-time access to information is changing client expectations 05:19 – How AI tools are reshaping the way lawyers work 06:00 – The value that AI delivers 07:38 – AI's impact on the future of legal careers 08:57 – AI training through the Maddocks graduate program 10:49 – Advice for students and junior lawyers on preparing for a technology-enabledlegal profession 11:31 – The skills that matter most in an AI-driven future 13:02 – Governance and professional obligations when using AI 15:45 – How AI stories encourage law teams to innovate together 16:18 – What ‘Do What Matters’ means to Mitch 17:59 – Key takeaways on AI, innovation, and the future of legal practice at Maddocks Learn more about Maddocks' early career programs here: https://www.maddocks.com.au/careers/clerkship-graduate-program

    Do What Matters | AI, Innovation and the Future of Law with Director Mitch Grant
  5. Jun 3

    Do What Matters | Inside the Clerkship & Graduate Program: Real stories, real insights

    The Do What Matters podcast series is back for 2026! In this episode, returning hosts Emily Kidd and Pete Gavralas and producer Charlotte Verley sit down with Maddocks Graduates Isabella Best and Maatharan Maheswaran to talk about their experiences as law clerks and share their key takeaways from the Maddocks Graduate Program. In this podcast you’ll hear: 00:50 – A quick background about the hosts and producer 01:11 – What we’ve got planned for this year’s podcast episodes 01:52 – Meet our two guests, current graduates: Isabella Best and Maatharan Maheswaran 02:18 – Our guests tell us about themselves and their journeys to Maddocks 03:55 – What the grad process looks like: Practical Legal Training (PLT), national induction and settling into teams 05:00 – This year’s inaugural National Induction in Melbourne 06:14 – The clerkship process 07:11 – How the clerkship prepares you for the transition from student to full time work 08:28 – Why Maddocks was the right fit and what the graduate offer process looks like 09:50 – What our graduates wish they knew as a clerkship applicant 11:36 – Working in a commercial law firm vs. expectations at university 12:58 – What our graduates are most excited about this year 14:26 – How ‘Do What Matters’ relates to our guest graduates Listen to our past episodes and subscribe to this series by following Maddocks on the Mic. Learn more about the Maddocks clerkship & graduate program on our website.

    Do What Matters | Inside the Clerkship & Graduate Program: Real stories, real insights

About

Welcome to Maddocks on the Mic — the official podcast of Maddocks, the modern Australian law firm — operating in Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney, Australia. Dive into bite-sized series from around the firm aimed at educating and hopefully entertaining too!

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