Ben McDermott first picked up a guitar when he was seven years old and started playing publicly in his early teens. After studying music and the arts, he eventually pivoted to law. Now an associate at Hewitt Glass, who specialises in Intellectual Property and corporate and entertainment law, Ben reflects on his musical roots and the different worlds of music and law. 

Anna Brown has been involved in most milestones of the LGBTQI+ in Australia, from the apology for the Tasty nightclub raids to the successful Marriage Equality campaign. As the co-founder and CEO of Equality Australia, she talks to Just Chat about how her career led her to social justice, how the plebiscite affected the community, and why Australia should adopt a Bill of Rights.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the country has faced immense challenges to its democratic institutions. How can a country maintain the rule of law when its courts and legal professionals are targeted? In this special episode of Just Chat, guest host and president of the Law Society of NSW, Ronan MacSweeney, talks with two people who have been at the centre of the resilience of the Ukrainian legal system: the president of the Ukrainian Bar Association (UBA), Mykola Stetsenko, and the Director of the Institute of Human Rights of the UBA, Inna Liniova. 

Early in his career, Eamon Waterford’s involvement in a street count of homeless people in Sydney’s west made him angry. Today, equity and fairness are at the heart of his role as CEO of the Committee for Sydney. In this episode of Just Chat, Waterford discusses infrastructure, investment and why we should be talking more about what Sydney does well.  

Describing in-house legal counsel as the “Jack and Jill of all trades,” Ivana Kovacevic, multi-award-winning group general counsel and non-executive director, joins us to chat about the difference between private practice and in-house practice and she shares how in-house legal counsel are in a unique position to shape advice from the outset.

In this episode, we sit down with human rights lawyer Anthony Levin for a deep dive into the experiences that forged his 20-year career at Legal Aid NSW. From his upbringing in Australia to the profound influence of his grandparents’ Holocaust survival stories, Anthony reflects on how these experiences shaped his perception of justice and his commitment to fighting for the marginalised and disadvantaged.

The Hon. Justice Ian Harrison has presided over a number of high-profile cases including the trial of Chris Dawson, speaking to us shortly before his swearing out ceremony late last year, he reflects on his career spanning five decades. He chats about the role of technology in the legal process, scrutiny by the public and the media, and diversity in the profession. 

As President of the Law Council of Australia, Juliana Warner has represented the legal profession on a series of important issues, during a period of great change. In this episode, she returns to the Law Society of NSW to discuss the looming impact of the new AML/CTF legislation, the work of solicitors in local communities and the unfinished business for the profession.

After the shooting of young Warlpiri-Luritja man Kumanjayi Walker by NT police officer Zachary Rolfe, investigative journalist Kate Wild spent some time in that community broken not only by that tragic event but by generations of continuous systemic violence. The result is Wild's new shattering book The Red House. She joined us in the studio to talk about her experience and how it connects with "everywhen", the Aboriginal concept that past, present and future are intertwined.

Ko Ko Aung, recipient of the 2023 ‘John Gibson AM Young Australian Migration Lawyer of the Year', joins us to chat about what brought him to Australia from his native Myanmar, how his parents did not want him to study law, his passion for advocacy, social justice and the importance of making a difference.

On this very special episode of Just Chat, guest host, and President of the Law Society of NSW, Jennifer Ball, interviews Baroness Helena Kennedy KC. Scottish Barrister, member of the House of Lords and Human Rights Activist, talks about her distinguished career and the importance of lawyers in maintaining the rule of law.

Gravamen Principal Lawyer, and 'Coffee and a case note' podcast host, James d'Apice, comes to our studio to talk about the challenges in setting up his firm, how he used social media for good, and the other Australian law-based podcasts he can't live without.

Louise Buckingham is CEO of Arts Law, Australia’s only community legal centre for artists and arts organisations. As creative industries face multiple headwinds, Louise discusses the impact of technology, how legal matters can be overwhelming for young artists and the vital role of pro bono lawyers.

In this episode, we sit down with Justice Hament Dhanji, of the Supreme Court of NSW. We explore everything from the impact of racial discrimination, to trust in institutions and the rule of law. In addition to his extensive background in criminal law as a solicitor, barrister and then Senior Counsel, on the bench, Justice Dhanji has played an active role in supporting diversity and inclusion.

Justine Zhou is Special Counsel at Speirs Ryan, with expertise across corporate, cyber and property law, and success in several legal awards. She talks with LSJ about her career experiences, beginning with an internship in Singapore, and how to turn crisis into opportunity. 

Executive Counsel for Nine Media talks about her career from legal receptionist to being involved with some of the most biggest defamation cases in the recent years, and her experience working directly with court journalists.

Before presenting his keynote at last year's Law Society Conference, U.S. Environmental lawyer Robert Bilott stopped by the Just Chat studio to talk about how he got involved in class action against DuPont chemicals, the effect it's having around the world on the fight against forever chemicals, and how it feels to have two Hollywood stars having dinner at his home in preparation for a film about the case.

Law Society outgoing President, Brett McGrath, reflects on his time in the role, and the changes facing the profession - from reaching out to our rural communities, to how AI can be used as a helpful professional tool. Finally he leaves a message to next year's President, Jennifer Ball. This episode is supported by NobleOak.

In this episode, we sit down for a captivating conversation with Professor Mimi Zou, Head of the School of Private & Commercial Law at UNSW Law & Justice. From her unique early experiences to her rise as a leading expert in the legal implications of AI, Professor Zou shares her remarkable journey. Hear the challenges, motivations, and compelling stories that have shaped her influential career, and her tips for those wishing to pursue a career in academia.

In this special U.S. Election episode, Special Correspondent and guest host Joseph Friedman talks with author and journalist Nick Bryant about Australia's fascination with the U.S. election, the strategies both candidates should follow, and what he is looking for on November 5.
This episode is supported by NobleOak.

Appointed as a university lecturer-in-law at 23 and a barrister at 25, Jason Donnelly has worked tirelessly to become one of Australia’s leading immigration and public law academics and barristers. From the most vulnerable members of society to the music and sporting world’s biggest names, he has represented them. He reflects on his remarkable journey, overcoming his challenges, and shares valuable advice for those wanting to follow in his footsteps. Supported by NobleOak.

The Industrial Relations Court of NSW is back in operation, marking a significant shift in the state's approach to resolving workplace disputes and upholding work health and safety standards. As this new chapter begins, the President of the Industrial Relations Commission, Justice Ingmar Taylor, joins us to discuss his new role and the positive impact the court aims to have on all stakeholders. Supported by NobleOak.

Six months into her five-year term as Australia's Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Rosemary joins us in the studio to share her insights into the role, the challenges she's encountered, and the progress being made to advance the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities in Australia. Supported by NobleOak.

Stepping into the CEO role of the Tenants Union of NSW during COVID-19 presented many challenges for Leo. In this episode, he shares with us his journey from a social worker passionately fighting for renters’ rights to leading an organisation dedicated to housing justice for all. Supported by NobleOak.

In this episode, Chief Justice of NSW Andrew Bell shares his thoughts on the bicentenary of the Supreme Court of NSW. He reflects on the court's rich history including the most challenging moments (and colourful characters) of the past 200 years, the significance of being a part of this moment in history, what's next for the court, and the potential issues lawyers and court users could face with the rise of artificial intelligence. Supported by NobleOak.

Ex-socceroo Craig Foster is a busy person. Nowadays a sports commentator, he plays soccer as a hobby, and complements it with activism, helping Hakeem al-Araibi return to Australia, and his work in the Australian Republican movement. He dials in with Just Chat to talk about refugee rights in Australia and playing against one of the best soccer teams of all time. Supported by NobleOak.

As the Senior Court Reporter for the ABC, Jamelle Wells has a privileged point of view on the mechanisms of justice in New South Wales. She has seen both the most thrilling, and most mundane court sessions, but always kept her curiosity. In this episode Jamelle reminisces with ex court reporter, Amy Dale, and talks about what she learned about Australia's justice system researching her new book, The Outback Court Reporter.  This episode is supported by NobleOak.

The start of the pandemic brought rapidly changing and confusing regulations. Jahan saw a gap that needed to be filled and decided to make daily videos explaining the updates to the everyday person. This gave birth to the "TikTok lawyer”, who garnered a following of over 350K and was featured in a Netflix documentary.
He discusses the importance of social media for solicitors and the value of an audience who understands their rights.
This episode is supported by NobleOak.

Before she passes the baton of the Law Society Presidency, Cassandra Banks sits with Amy Dale to talk about her experience as the President, her proudest achievements, how to overcome the fear of speaking in public, and her message to the next president, Brett McGrath.
Sponsored by NobleOak. 

Speaking on the eve of his retirement, Justice Steven Rares shares what it's been like to spend 17 years on the Federal Court of Australia. He also speaks about his interest in defamation law and the high profile cases he has worked on, plus what's driven him personally in law. Sponsored by NobleOak. 

With two weeks to go before the referendum on the Voice to Parliament, Amy Dale talks with activist, community leader, and signatory of the Uluru Statement From The Heart, Thomas Mayo about the referendum, the elders who have inspired him and how he fights back against trolling and misinformation. Supported by NobleOak.

In this episode, NSW Director of Public Prosecutions Sally Dowling chats about the best advice she has received as a legal practitioner, what justice means to her and her 'must watch' tv and movie recommendations. Supported by NobleOak.

The 2022 winner of the Law Society's President's Medal, Nicholas Stewart, returns to Just Chat to discuss the cases and causes close to his heart, the aftermath of his win and recent trips to the cinema. Episode supported by NobleOak. 

Andrew Tiedt has regularly helped LSJ in articles about Criminal Law. Now he sits down with Francisco Silva to talk about his journey into the profession, his thoughts about the jury system, and the moral conundrums of a criminal lawyer. Episode supported by NobleOak. 

Dom Knight was studying law when he founded The Chaser with a group of friends. In this episode of Just Chat, he talks with Floyd Alexander-Hunt about his career with the satirical group, from how it runs as a business to how he almost got arrested. Supported by NobleOak

James Allsop was Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Australia for 10 years. One month after leaving the role, he talks about how technology is changing the court system, his work in native title cases, and his proudest moments. Supported by NobleOak.

For this week, Just Chat becomes Just Yarn. Trent Wallace now lives in Brisbane, but his journey in law went from his community in the Central Coast, to the legal centres in Sydney. He sits down with Francisco Silva for a yarn on his experience as a queer First Nations man, and the importance of pro-bono work. Supported by NobleOak

For the first episode of 2023, Keely McDonough sits down with NSW Supreme Court Justice Dina Yehia for a discussion about the moments that have shaped her career and how to make the profession more inclusive. Supported by NobleOak. 

For our final episode of 2022, Keely McDonough speaks to the Law Society's outgoing president, Joanne van der Plaat. Joanne reflects on navigating the profession out of COVID, the toll of natural disasters and a year of advocacy on many fronts. This episode is supported by NobleOak

Playwriter Suzie Miller worked as a lawyer in King's Cross when she got the calling to write a play about the stories she was living. Since then, her career has skyrocketed commercially and critically. As her play Prima Facie is about to start a Broadway run, Suzie releases her one-woman show about Ruth Bader Ginsberg, RBG: Of Many, One, currently playing at the Sydney Theatre Company.
This episode is supported by NobleOak

Bill Browder is a financier turned political activist, dubbed a chief enemy of Vladimir Putin. Dialling in from London, he tells Amy Dale about how the murder of his lawyer inspired a global campaign for Magnitsky laws. ​

The Murugappan family became the face of Australia's tough asylum-seeker policies. Their lawyer Carina Ford dials in to talk about the family's return to Biloela, the unspoken trauma of immigrants, and the policies needed to support refugees.

Lawyer, author and advocate Bri Lee sits down with Amy Dale to discuss her new book Who Gets To Be Smart, her response to the NSW Government’s proposed consent law changes and why she leaves the room when The Simpsons is on.

Who Gets To Be Smart can be purchased here: https://www.booktopia.com.au/who-gets-to-be-smart-bri-lee/book/9781760879808.html