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In this week’s episode of the ‘Happy Lawyer Happy Life Podcast’ I had the pleasure of interviewing Barrister Nathan Laing.  This interview was a joy for so many reasons- firstly because this was my first in person podcast interview since all things COVID took over our world and secondly because Nathan is such a gem of a guest!  Nathan’s life in law is not new but his career has taken him on a fascinating path- from the police, to life as a criminal lawyer, to the Navy, to the Army and now circling back to all things law again!  Nathan’s career made for some great annecdotes and he really has such an interesting series of adventures but it was his perspective on life, both in and out of the law that I just loved in this chat.

Nathan and I tackle some of the challenges we are living through right now including the very public conversation about sexual harassment, bullying and other systematic challenges in our profession.   Nathan’s thoughts on what this all means for the future of our profession left me feeling a great sense of faith that all this upheavel is well overdue and much needed and with leaders like Nathan coming through, the legal profession is in good hands.

In this interview, Nathan and I also chatted about-

• If Nathan was not a lawyer he would still be in the military.
• Nathan was born in New Zealand and moved to the Gold Coast at age 10.
• He became a police officer at age 20 and shares the impact this career had on his life.
• The social expectations placed on members of the police force.
• Nathan studied at Bond University in an accelerated course and started his legal career at the Beenleigh Magistrates Court working in criminal law.
• After a few years, Nathan had a career pivot and started his journey in the military.
• A day in the life of Nathan as he completed his military training in Duntroon, and his postings between Australia and New Zealand.
• The decision to come back to private practice and leave the military.
• Law, by nature, is traditional and we discuss the changes Nathan has seen in law during his career.
• The ‘traditional’ path to law looks different for everyone and how life experiences create better lawyers.
• “The standard you walk past is the standard you accept” and Nathan’s perspective on leadership and vulnerability and the law.
• Currently, Nathan is a Barrister working in family, crime, and mediation.
• Mediation is driven by the human challenge and deeper issues.
• Change management, millennials and the impact that young lawyers are having on the future of our profession.
• The future for Nathan is to further develop his practice as he is content in the law!
• The value of ‘soft skills’ and the growing consideration of these skills in law firms.
• The intentional care that the French Quater Chambers brings to its clients.
• Nathan’s Happiness Tip (it’s one of my favourites!)

Sit back and enjoy this interview with Nathan Laing.

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Learn more here about upcoming events and courses and connect with Clarissa Rayward at the ‘Happy Lawyer Happy Life’ knowledge centre-  A community for lawyers who want to make the best out of their life in and outside of the law.   

Listen to last week’s episode here