Nicole Russell and her husband tried, for years, to have a child. The IVF journey took an enormous toll on her – emotionally and professionally – until finally, a friend volunteered to be a surrogate for her. This experience, including the legal processes, inspired her to shift her practice area to supporting families, as hers was supported. (Content warning: this episode may be distressing for some listeners. Discretion is advised.) On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Russell Walker Lawyers founder and director Nicole Russell to discuss her journey to conception, the hardship involved with so many years of trying to have a child whilst working as a lawyer, the vocational thought process that led to her setting up her own firm and why practising in surrogacy law made sense for her. Ms Russell also outlines how she managed the journey in the context of legal workplaces, how she navigates any potentially triggering matters that come across her desk, her reflections on the level of stigma that still exists regarding conception for lawyers, how male legal professionals can be champions for their colleagues and their own partners, and why any lawyer experiencing a similar journey to her should "have trust in the process". Help is available via The Amber Network or Happy Minds for those seeking support and/or further information. Russell Walker Surrogacy also provides resources. 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!

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