In this episode, we sit down with Renika Siciliano, the Executive Director of McCaw Lewis. Renika leads the firm's exceptional and passionate lawyers in the Te Tiriti o Waitangi and workplace law areas. Renika provides legal and strategic advice to clients across Aotearoa, New Zealand and has extensive experience in matters relating to Treaty settlement negotiations, Māori governance and iwi disputes.

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Growing up in a tight-knit community of just 3000 people, Renika shares her journey into law and why she's remained dedicated to McCaw Lewis throughout her career. We explore her remarkable rise to Executive Director in just 12 years and the pivotal matters she's been involved in, including the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act.

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Renika offers fascinating insights into negotiating with the Crown, shedding light on common misconceptions about treaty settlements.

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Renika has been recognized as one of NZ Lawyer's Most Influential Lawyers and Elite Women, as well as a Doyles Leading Māori Law practitioner.

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Joshua Reimer

In this episode, we sit down with Joshua Reimer, the managing director and founder of Johnston Reimer Lawyers, for an insightful conversation about building and scaling a successful law firm from the ground up.

Starting with just a small corner office 8 years ago, Joshua and his team at Johnston Reimer Lawyers have grown exponentially over the years, now boasting a team of 50 employees. Rapid growth comes with it's own unique set of challenges. Joshua's shares his insights on navigating these hurdles from managing cash flow, selecting technology to maintaining a positive workplace culture.

One of the firm's key areas of focus is providing justice and support to victims of crime, a mission that drives much of their work. Joshua shares the unique challenges and rewards of this practice area, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in serving clients who have experienced trauma.

A core pillar of Johnston Reimer Lawyers' success lies in their innovative approach to technology. By putting in place cloud-based systems right from the very start, Joshua and his team are at the forefront of leveraging technology to streamline legal processes and better serve their clients. We explore their tech stack, including tools like Actionstep and VXT and discuss the potential impact of AI on the future of the legal industry.

As the firm continues to grow, Joshua reflects on the challenges ahead and shares valuable advice for aspiring lawyers. His insights into maintaining workplace culture, embracing innovation, and prioritizing personal growth offer invaluable lessons for anyone on the path to success in the legal world.

This episode is brought to you by VXT, the leading VoIP phone system for lawyers.

In this episode, we speak with Sarah Salmond, a commercial lawyer and Partner at MinterEllisonRuddWatts. Sarah found her calling in the world of international trade through a chance encounter while waitressing.

Sarah gives us an insider's view of her intriguing journey, from her first exposure to World Trade Organization meetings in Geneva, to her stint at the OECD in Paris, and her transformative decision to retrain as a lawyer in her early 30s. She shares her experiences of establishing new law firm practices and advising clients on the full spectrum of public, regulatory and international trade law matters.

A significant portion of our discussion addresses the tightrope women walk as they juggle work and family responsibilities. Sarah emphasizes the critical role of mentorship and strategic support systems in fostering women's advancement in the legal profession. She candidly discusses the pressing issue of burnout and overwork, underscoring the need for organizations to monitor work patterns and enforce policies to prevent burnout.

As we navigate the complexities of international trade, Sarah sheds light on emerging trends and challenges, including the proliferation of sanctions, the imperative for businesses to diversify and hedge risks in the current geopolitical climate, and the need for innovative market access strategies to supplement traditional trade agreements. Sarah speaks about shares her active governance roles with the New Zealand International Business Forum and AmCham New Zealand, and her passionate advocacy for law reforms that will deliver widespread benefits for New Zealand businesses, like enabling paperless trade.