Delving into legal tech trends, CIO Matthew Vaughan shares Tompkins Wake's shift to cloud-based tools, overcoming COVID-19 challenges, selection of vendors, and the importance of understanding internal processes. The discussion covers balancing systems and intuition in problem-solving, navigating large-scale projects, and addressing technological advancements in law firms through AI integration.

Your host for this episode is ⁠Sophie Svenson⁠ and⁠ Luke Campbell. ‍ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Colin Levy⁠⁠ Colin Levy, a prominent figure in the legal tech field, has a compelling story that weaves together his lively upbringing in Boston with his current roles as Director of Legal at Malbec, a legal tech company, and as a notable legal/tech personality on social media. His journey is marked by passion, resilience, and purpose. In his early career, Colin discovered his inclination toward in-house counsel work focused on technology, diverging from the traditional norms of law firm culture. Reflecting on his experiences in law school and an exchange program at the London School of Economics, he shares pivotal moments that shaped his perspective, emphasizing a practical and tech-centric approach to legal practice. As the Director of Legal at Malbec, Colin not only navigates the complexities of contract lifecycle management but also actively engages in content marketing and relationship-building. His goal is to showcase the dynamic landscape of legal tech through insightful interviews. The episode explores a crucial aspect of professional life—addressing mental health challenges. Colin candidly shares his experience with burnout early in his career, highlighting the importance of normalizing discussions around mental health and actively listening to issues before they escalate. Colin then guides us through his strategic approach to building a thought leadership presence. From intentional growth on social media by engaging with others' content to crafting his own focused content on legal tech, Colin explains how he cultivated an online personal brand and community. This journey culminated in the authorship of a book introducing the legal tech landscape. Mentorship and networking play a pivotal role in Colin's journey as he actively forges relationships within the legal tech community. The conversation touches on the crucial need for industry-wide discussions on mental health, advocating for breaks and humanity in the workplace for sustained success. Join us for this insightful conversation with Colin Levy, where career decisions, mentorship, mental health advocacy, and thought leadership converge in a narrative that offers valuable lessons for all. This episode is brought to you by VXT, the leading VoIP phone system for lawyers.

Episode 11 with ⁠Maria Sopoaga. Your host for this episode is Sophie Svenson and Ella Cleary. In this episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Maria, as she shares her inspiring journey navigating the legal landscape. Join us as Maria candidly shares the reality of inequality and the lack of representation in the legal profession, delving into her isolating law school experience, her transition from in-house to private practice, and the critical importance of mentors and networks. The heart of our discussion revolves around the significance of mentors in Maria's journey. Maria advocates for the power of starting small with quality mentoring relationships and cherishing multi-industry perspectives from individuals in different life stages. Maria candidly addresses diversity issues within the legal profession, expressing skepticism about performative efforts focused solely on numbers. She advocates for blind spot awareness and active listening as transformative tools to foster genuine inclusivity. The episode also explores Maria's candid approach to speaking out on diversity issues, particularly on LinkedIn, where she invites people to reflect on blind spots, fostering a safe and inclusive dialogue rather than confrontational debates. As Maria shares her motivation for community service, we delve into the empowering aspects of volunteering and governance roles. Closing our conversation, Maria imparts wisdom on achieving work-life balance, emphasizing the importance of boundaries, celebrating small wins, and distinguishing between her job and a richer life purpose outside of law. Join us in this thought-provoking conversation with Maria, where her journey serves as a beacon for addressing diversity challenges and moving beyond performative efforts toward genuine cultural change in the legal profession. This episode is brought to you by VXT, the VoIP phone system built for lawyers.

Episode Ten Your host for this episode is Sophie Svenson and Ella Cleary. ‍⁠Josh Seidenfeld⁠ In this episode, we sit down with Josh Seidenfeld, a partner at Cooley, a prominent Silicon Valley law firm deeply entrenched in the startup ecosystem. Join us as Josh unravels his captivating journey from college athlete to holding dual MBA/JD degrees, delving into pivotal experiences that have shaped his trajectory in the world of startups. Our conversation kicks off with Josh's athletic and academic background—his initial pursuit of a professional athlete's career, a college sports journey, and a resilient shift to academia and law school. Josh navigated his way to a dual MBA/JD degree, setting the stage for a multifaceted career. Josh recounts the twists and turns that led him to Cooley from his summer associate role, and a subsequent deferral to join a startup during the 2008 financial crisis. Josh takes us through his transition back to Cooley, exploring the considerations of sacrificing startup leadership opportunities for Big Law training and credibility. He provides an inside look into Cooley's partnership process, shedding light on practice group focus, internal feedback, and the formal review that propelled him to partnership. The heart of the conversation revolves around Josh's current role advising startups and high-growth companies. He shares insights into guiding companies through the entire lifecycle—from formation to IPO—focusing on critical areas like employment, expansion, and strategic financing decisions. Josh provides valuable perspectives on avoiding common startup mistakes and the importance of long-term client relationships. Delving into the innovative side of legal practice, Josh shares his approach to creatively interpreting regulations to foster innovative business models while demonstrating good faith efforts to comply. He underlines the dynamic intersection of legal compliance and innovation. As we wrap up, Josh reflects on the rewarding aspects of long-term client relationships, drawing parallels to his inspiration in advising founders over the years, witnessing product launches, and contributing to the success of startups. This episode is brought to you by VXT, the leading VoIP phone system for lawyers.

Episode Nine Your host for this episode is Sophie Svenson and Ella Cleary. ‍ ⁠Anna Ryan⁠ In this episode, we speak with Anna Ryan, the brilliant mind and seasoned competition law expert at Lane Neave, one of New Zealand's top law firms. Anna takes us through her career and shares insights and pieces of advice you can only gain from 16 years in the legal trenches. Our conversation kicks off with Anna's early days at Lane Neave as a graduate, initially planning a two-year stint before global events reshaped her career trajectory. Instead of heading abroad, she found herself rising through the ranks, becoming partner, and developing a passion for cultivating enduring client relationships—a hallmark of her time at Lane Neave. Anna shares the story of her academic pursuits, particularly her Masters in competition law at Melbourne University. This academic venture laid the groundwork for founding Lane Neave's competition law practice, where Anna advises on complex issues related to cartels and misuse of market power under New Zealand's Commerce Act. Beyond the legal nuances, Anna emphasizes the crucial role of soft skills and relationships in a lawyer's success, especially as they progress into senior roles. Drawing from her wealth of experience, she shares practical insights into understanding diverse personalities and adapting one's approach for maximum effectiveness. The episode also explores alternative career pathways for lawyers not aspiring to traditional partner roles. From special counsel to consultancy, in-house positions, or becoming a barrister, Anna provides a nuanced perspective on the diverse avenues available within the legal profession. This episode is brought to you by VXT, the leading VoIP phone system for lawyers.

Episode Eight Your host for this episode is ⁠Luke Campbell ⁠and ⁠Ella Cleary. ⁠⁠Natasha Blycha ⁠ In this episode, we're joined by Natasha Blycha, a globally recognized expert in smart contracts and distributed ledger technology. Ranked in the Chambers 2023 FinTech Legal Practice Area, Natasha is a leading authority on blockchain, digital assets, and web 3.0. Born in Australia to a Christian mother and an atheist father, Natasha's unique upbringing fueled her interest in ethics and comparative religions. After studying economics and law at the University of Newcastle, Natasha secured 8 job offers at top law firms! Natasha took a decade-long hiatus from 2005 to 2015 to raise her four children across different countries. Despite the break, she kept her mind active by learning Mandarin, running a nonprofit, and reading over 1000 books! Returning to law in 2015 at Herbert Smith Freehills, Natasha faced uncertainties about her marketability. However, Natasha soon progressed to the forefront of tech and digital law as she built Herbert Smith Freehills digital law group across multiple countries. Natasha's entrepreneurial spirit shines as she shares the inspiration behind starting her own law firm, Sterling and Rose. Conceived on a napkin during a week in Denmark (the Australian Denmark!), she reflects on the challenges and emphasizes the importance of diversity at the top. Beyond law, Natasha discusses her tech venture, Nooriam, focused on creating infrastructure for digitizing assets. Natasha shares her views on the rapid adoption of AI in legal services. While acknowledging its efficiency, she highlights the critical issues of responsibility and intent when AI operates autonomously, advocating for a reevaluation of societal values. This episode is brought to you by VXT, the leading VoIP phone system for lawyers.

Episode Seven Your host for this episode is Sophie Svenson and Luke Campbell. ‍ Nicola Tiffin is a trailblazer in immigration law and partner at a major New Zealand law firm, Duncan Cotterill. Recently recognized by NZ Lawyer’s 2023 list of 26 ‘Most Influential Lawyers’, Nicola has over 20 years of experience and leads Duncan Cotterill’s national immigration team across five offices. Join us as Nicola recounts her transition from a small-town upbringing to studying law and politics at the University of Canterbury. Nicola's tale takes an unexpected turn when she relocates to London at the urging of her best friend, embarking on a career that lands her in the realm of immigration law. The narrative takes a riveting twist when Nicola uncovers a shocking scandal involving forged work visas within her London firm. We explore the challenges she faced in taking over the practice and supporting impacted clients, a pivotal moment that shaped her resilience and risk-taking attitude in her later career. Returning to New Zealand, Nicola's story unfolds against the backdrop of significant events, including the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes, where Nicola played a crucial role in assisting immigration clients amidst the chaos. From supporting clients after the Christchurch mosque shootings to navigating the complexities of immigration law during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicola's story is one of determination, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to her clients. Nicola shares insights into overcoming challenges and self-doubt, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and resilience. Join us for an engaging conversation, offering valuable advice for aspiring legal professionals and shedding light on the ongoing gender imbalance in law firms. This episode is brought to you by VXT, the leading VoIP phone system for lawyers.

Your host for this episode is Sophie Svenson. Angus Grayson is the visionary behind HouseMe Legal, a legal practice revolutionizing the home-buying experience for first-time buyers in Auckland. Angus has successfully crafted a legal practice that uses technology to deliver efficient and transparent services tailored to the evolving needs of the next generation of homeowners. In a departure from the traditional processes long employed by large firms, Angus's innovative approach resonates with the shifting attitudes of millennials. Join us as we explore the intricacies of launching your own practice, identifying niche markets, mastering the art of technological integration, and the role of mentorship in an environment that requires both entrepreneurial and legal skills. We delve into the strategic decisions that led Angus to start his own practice and the principles that guide HouseMe Legal in delivering exceptional services to a niche market. ‍ Transcription Summary From dissecting the steps of entrepreneurship to understanding the strategic decisions that underpin HouseMe Legal's success, this conversation is a deep dive into the dynamic intersection of law and business, showcasing Angus's innovative approach to legal services for the next generation of homeowners Angus takes us through the hurdles he encountered after graduating, navigating an oversaturated job market and finding his footing in a boutique firm before making a strategic move to Buddle Finlay. Six years into his career in commercial property law, Angus was poised for the next step when the unforeseen impact of COVID-19 altered his course. HouseMe Legal emerged from Angus's realization that first-home buyers deserved a more personalized and transparent home-buying experience. We discuss Angus's step-by-step process in establishing his practice, from courses with the New Zealand Law Society to leveraging technology at each stage of his processes for optimal efficiency. Throughout the conversation, Angus underscores the importance of transparency and education in providing clients with certainty during their home-buying journey. Key takeaways include the significance of building systems early on, maintaining work-life balance, and the strategic selection of mentors who offer guidance in both legal and business aspects. Angus shares tactics for organic personal brand growth and targeted outreach to find ideal clients. In just over a year, House Me Legal has carved a niche by staying laser-focused on delivering exceptional service to first home buyers, embodying the spirit of innovation in the legal landscape. ‍ Message Angus Grayson on LinkedIn if you would like to discuss starting your own firm, and receive a copy of his guide to starting your own practice. This episode is sponsored by VXT, the leading VoIP phone system for lawyers.

Episode Five Your host for this episode is Luke Campbell and Ella Cleary. In this episode of File Notes, we embark on a captivating narrative that unfolds the life of Anastasia Gamble, a woman whose journey from the heart of Ukraine to becoming a partner at Simpson Grierson in 2022 is marked by courage and resilience. Anastasia's journey unfolds against the backdrop of her nation's transition from the Soviet Union to independence. Her story is one of audacious decisions and the unwavering pursuit of professional excellence. Join us as we traverse the chapters of her life - her childhood in Ukraine, a daring move to the U.S. at 15, studying law in the scenic landscapes of New Zealand, the pivotal moments of mentorship, and the profound impact of the invasion of Ukraine, coinciding with her ascent to partnership. ‍ Transcription Summary Growing up in Ukraine, Anastasiya bore witness to a nation undergoing significant transitions during the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Demonstrating remarkable courage at the age of 15, Anastasiya, already a high school graduate, embarked on a year-long exchange in the United States. Fueling her academic pursuits, at 17, Anastasiya set her course for New Zealand, where she chose to delve into the realms of law and economics at the University of Auckland, ultimately establishing it as her newfound home. During her university years, Anastasiya showcased her proactive spirit by securing a legal position at Madison Hardy, with Principal Geoff Hardy recognized her potential. This encounter paved the way for a mentorship that would significantly shape the trajectory of her early career. Opting to further enrich her professional journey, she later joined Simpson Grierson. After eight years of unwavering dedication, Anastasiya achieved the momentous milestone of becoming partner. Anastasiya takes the audience behind the scenes of corporate and transactional legal work, discussing the intricacies of typical M&A deals from inception to completion. Beyond her legal acumen, she reveals the indispensable skills—ranging from business development to profile elevation—that proved instrumental on her path to partnership. Delving into the inner workings of legal partnerships, she sheds light on the critical factors that partners weigh when determining new appointments. The discussion further delves into the intensity of the partnership nomination process, emphasizing the pivotal support Anastasiya received from her peers during the challenging period coinciding with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The conversation touches upon Anastasiya's impactful endeavors to support Ukraine, spanning from governmental lobbying to fundraising initiatives through the charity she co-founded, Mahi for Ukraine. The episode culminates in Anastasiya sharing her personal experience with the war in Ukraine, highlighting it as her greatest life challenge, profoundly shaping her perspective on life. Connect with Anastasiya on LinkedIn or find her details on the Simpson Grierson website. ‍ This podcast is sponsored by VXT, the leading VoIP phone system for legal professionals.

Make sure you ⁠Subscribe to FileNotes⁠ on the VXT website for exclusive subscriber only content in your inbox. In this episode, we dive into the intriguing career journey of Jordan Cole, the Operations Director at MinterEllisonRuddWatts, a leading law firm in New Zealand. Starting with a background in commerce and accounting, Jordan found his true calling in the legal realm after realizing the traditional path wasn't for him. From the mailroom of Meredith Connell law firm, he climbed the ladder over eight years, taking on a broad range of operations roles. Jordan shares with us his experiences in handling the firm's response to COVID-19, influencing decisions without formal authority, and the transformative power of volunteering. Join us as we unravel the layers of Jordan's career and discover the lessons he's learned along the way. ‍ Joining MinterEllisonRuddWatts in late 2019 as Operations Manager, Jordan faced an unexpected twist—the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. He shares insights into managing the firm's rapid response to the crisis, navigating remote work challenges, and leading major initiatives, including a significant office move. Jordan delves into the art of influencing without formal authority, a crucial skill in his role. He highlights the importance of honesty and adaptability, especially when things don't go as planned during crises. On a personal note, Jordan opens up about being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes during the pandemic, a life-changing experience that added a unique layer to his professional journey. Drawing from his two years of volunteering for Lifeline, he reflects on the invaluable skill of listening without immediately offering solutions. Currently serving on the board of Waitamatā Community Law, Jordan discusses the significance of providing accessible legal help to those in need. Through his experiences, he emphasizes the importance of adaptability, honesty, and the power of truly listening in both personal and professional growth. In this episode, Jordan mentions the ways in which you can volunteer at Lifeline and Waitematā Community Law. Click these links to find out more. Your host for this episode is ⁠Luke Campbell⁠ and ⁠Ella Cleary.⁠ ‍This episode is sponsored by VXT, the leading VoIP phone system for legal professionals.