Finding your voice as a lawyer

There are times, in the course of legal practice, where lawyers will have to push back against rudeness, aggression, combativeness or intimidation. Knowing how and when to push, without disadvantaging one’s clients, is a skill learned over time. On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy welcomes back Executive Legal managing partner Jahan Kalantar, who recounts stories of pushing back against judicial officers, legal practitioners and clients where the moment calls for it due to perceived inappropriate behaviour or conduct. The pair talk about what it means to find one’s voice and stand up for one’s self in the context of day-to-day legal practice, how this has manifested for Jahan and what the consequences have been. Mr Kalantar also details why finding one’s voice is so inextricably linked to one’s duties as a legal professional, how it makes one feel to stand up for one’s self, knowing when to take a stand, whether the mainstreaming of virtual proceedings makes it easier or harder to take a stand, and broader reflections on the need to uphold one’s responsibilities as a lawyer. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!