Episode 97 – When life as a lawyer is not really the plan but then becomes so much more than the plan with legal entrepreneur Demetrio Zema
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In this week’s episode of the ‘Happy Lawyer Happy Life Podcast’ I had the pleasure of interviewing legal entrepreneur, Demetrio Zema. Over the past (almost) 2 years of interviews for this show I have had the chance to meet so many wonderful lawyers and Demetrio is someone I was so thrilled to learn more about. As the creator of the unique and innovative firm Law Squared, Demetrio is a talented entrepreneur and a leader in our industry. But aside from his talents in the world of law, I learned in this interview that Demetrio is a deeply thoughtful person, whose approach to life and business is deeply rooted in his connection with his family.
Demetrio set out to be a Diplomat and never intended to be a lawyer but I for one am grateful that what may have initially seemed a dissappointment to him, kickstarted a legal career that I sense will leave a significant legacy in ‘law land’!
Demetrio grew up in Melbourne with fortnightly trips to the family winery in beautiful South Australia- Zema Estate. It is clear that he has learned so much through this experience- watching and learning from his mother, father and grandparents. All of that wisdom has come together as he planned, launched and has grown Law Squared over the past 2 years from a solo firm to now a team of 18 across 3 states.
To grow from scratch a strong brand, deliver innovative legal solutions and build offices between Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne all in the space of 2 years tells us all so much about the talent within this lawyer, but it is his thoughtfulness, kindness and perspective on life that I think will have you hooked to the end.
Demetrio Zema and I also spoke about:
- How Demetrio set out to be a diplomat and never intended to be a lawyer but a few twists and turns along the way have turned out for the best in the end!
- Demetrio’s early life growing up in Melbourne in a strong Italian family.
- Growing up in the family business and the impact this has had on Demetrio’s perspective on work and life as he grows his own business now.
- Demetrio last his father only recently, a very significant role model in his life and has since taken on a more active role at Zema Estate.
- How ‘If you love what you do you never work a day in your life’ and Demetrio’s perspective on that famous old phrase ‘work life balance’.
- Demetrio’s early life in the law as an insurance litigator before making a shift to commercial litigation.
- How Demetrio’s decision to leave the law led to his decision to create a law firm!
- In March 2016 Law Squared was launched after Demetrio spent 6 weeks in Bali creating his business plan!
- How Demetrio started his firm with only a logo and an email address!
- Demetrio shared many insights into the operations at Law Squared- from fixed pricing to flexible work arrangements- this is a contemporary law practice at its best.
- How Demetrio gives back to his clients, his team and the broader legal community.
- The future of law- Branding, innovation, client centric practice and the importance of sharing knowledge to the future of law.
- How Demetrio deals with the resistance that comes from not only the legal community but also insurers and other business leaders when innovating in law.
- Demetrio enjoys spending time with the people he loves and exercise has become a large part of his relaxation and invigoration.
- He gives us some tips on how we can change our own happiness – despite the highs and lows of being in the legal profession.
- The future for Demetrio and Law Squared-his plan to make this happen – as well as some job openings for any listeners that are equally inspired!
- Demetrio’s Happiness Tip.
Demetrio Zema was both candid and insightful in this wonderful conversation that I know you will thoroughly enjoy.
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