The Happy Lawyer Happy Life Podcast

Clarissa J Rayward
  • 4.9 (98)
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The Happy Lawyer Happy Life Podcast

The rates of depression and unhappiness amongst the legal profession worldwide are far too high. Clarissa Rayward is a divorce lawyer based in Brisbane, Australia and is best known as 'The Happy Family Lawyer'. Clarissa's own challenges with unhappiness during her legal career have inspired her to launch this Podcast which explores how we can all find a positive way of being great lawyers while having a great life. Join Clarissa on the airwaves each week as she interviews many great lawyers worldwide who share their tips on finding happiness in law and life.

  1. 07/09/2022

    Episode 237 – Clarissa Rayward & Jennifer Harris – That’s a Wrap! Wellness in Law: Where Are We Now & Where to Next?

    So we made it to then end!  In this very last episode of the Happy Lawyer Happy Life podcast I sat down with my now very dear friend Jennifer Harris.  Jen and I met thanks to this show and her friendship will forever be one of the greatest things that has come as a result.  When I was trying to work out who would be the perfect person to help me wrap this all up I immediately thought of Jen.  So here we are!  Talking all things happiness in law, what we have both learned over 237 episodes and 6 years of podcasting. Before publishing this episode today I was listening back to Episode 1 to remind myself of what I set out to explore with this show.  Now, 6 years later I can say with confidence that there are so many happy lawyers out there.  Sure they all have their ups and downs but each of them has found a way to build a career in this profession that they (mostly) love. These stories have show us that happiness really is different for all of us.  I have had the chance to speak with some extraordinary people in our profession- some are famous, some are hardly known and all are going about their work with meaning, purpose and conviction and doing great things in the world. We can build careers in law that enable us to pursue a meaningful and happy life- just listen back to my many guests and you will find out how. That’s a wrap. It is finally time to say goodbye, and I won’t be seeing you on the airwaves next week. A lot of you are asking ‘what’s next?’ for me, and as much as I’d love to tell you there’s some great plan to do something fascinating, interesting and grand, there actually isn’t. Over the last six years, I have really explored what it takes for me to build a life that has at the heart of it, happiness. My kids are that bit older. My business works well. I know that I need craft, sparkles and colour in my life. And so, I’m actually going to take a bit of a step back from this law land stuff. These days I spend most of my free time hanging out with my girls, being a dance mum, watching them build lives that have at the heart of them their happiness. For the next few years, that’s all I really want to do. I love law, I love the careers that we all get to build, and I hope I’ve done my little bit to make an impact in the profession that we’re all part of. For now, I just want to go and be Clarissa, that happy lawyer who loves that sparkly stuff and enjoys the people closest to her. Maybe a new project will come along, but I’m pretty content if it doesn’t. I want to say thank you to a few people that have made this project what it is. Firstly, to Amelia Rees, the silent mind behind each and every one of these episodes. Amelia and I’ve worked together for many years. Some years ago, I ran a cafe and she was the manager of that cafe before she transitioned to a receptionist in my law firm. Thanks to some challenges in her own life, she had to step away from working within my business, but in her time there, she’d built the skills to become a podcast producer. Having navigated some health challenges, she fast set up a business using all of the skills that she and I had learned together. Amelia runs a great little business called ‘Pretty Podcasts’. She’s the back end now of a whole bunch of successful podcasts all around this country. Amelia, you have been such a wonderful part of my life. You and Marshall have been there since the beginning of my businesses and I’m so grateful that you are still involved today. Thank you for all your work in producing this show and making it the great thing that it has been. To my other creative sidekick, Sarah Follent, who has also been there with me the whole time through this journey, the brains behind all of the pretty pictures and all of the nice things that come out of my two businesses I ...

    1h 6m

  2. 06/09/2022

    Episode 236 – Do the Things You Want to Do with Claudia Maw

    In this final guest episode of the ‘Happy Lawyer Happy Life Podcast’ I had the pleasure of interviewing Claudia Maw.  If there was a person I could pick to be our final story on this show then Claudia is that person- she optimises all of the things I think about when I picture a ‘happy lawyer’ and is a true example of what I think we have come to learn from this show- there is no one way to be a lawyer! Claudia is based in a little town of Albany in WA where she has built a bustling estate planning practice. But she is not from Albany, and not even from Australia!  Claudia has lived a most interesting life and it makes for a fascinating story. It was fantastic to learn more about her background in both law and life, and how she came from a travelling military family in the UK to set up a small firm in rural WA. Claudia absolutely embodies all the things I love about the ‘new law’ movement. She has taken her incredible life experiences, her passions and her interests, and created a boutique firm that fits her definition of success perfectly. Claudia’s advice? ‘Do the things you want to do’, and I couldn’t agree more. In this interview, Claudia and I also chatted about- * If Claudia was not a lawyer, she would have been a set or costume designer. * With a choice of a Masters in Political Science or Law and, in the end, she did her post-graduate studies in the UK. * The connection with an interest in the arts and the correlating skills you learn for life. * Claudia was born in Germany and later lived between the UK and the USA as her father was in the army. * Claudia attended boarding school from the age of 8 and described her experience of boarding school. * How Claudia came to study law. * The practice and the study of law in the UK and some of Claudia’s early experiences. * When the GFC hit, Claudia and her husband moved to Perth, Australia. *  The challenges of moving country and but the power of a knitting group! * Her time re-qualifying as a lawyer here in Australia and her first legal role at the environmental defender’s office. * Structure and succession law ultimately led her down the path of Wills and Estates. * Claudia has a strong inner self-belief that she can, and she will do what she needs to do to achieve her goals. * The beginnings of ‘South Coast Legal’ in Albany, 5 hours out of Perth in 2017. * Claudia’s firm direction, and name change – Demeter Legal an online firm. * Make changes to ensure your life reflects how you want it to look. * Claudia’s Happiness Tip. Sit back and enjoy this interview with Claudia Maw *** Learn more here about upcoming events and courses and connect with Clarissa Rayward at the ‘Happy Lawyer Happy Life’ knowledge centre-  A community for lawyers who want to make the best out of their life in and outside of the law.    Listen to last week’s episode here

    1h 4m

  3. 05/09/2022

    Episode 235 – Deep Thinking & Soul Searching With a Sense of Humour with Andrew McCormack

    In this second last episode of the ‘Happy Lawyer Happy Life Podcast’ I had the pleasure of interviewing Andrew McCormack, family lawyer with Thynne + Macartney Lawyers. Andrew is a great friend of mine, who like me is a Family Lawyer in #brisvegas! Andrew has has been a big part of my legal career, and I am so glad to be able to interview him before this Podcast comes to a close. His story-telling, his sense of humour and his ‘law nerd’ abilities are things that I greatly appreciate, and this interview really embodies these amazing qualities.  Andrew has also been a wonderful friend to me particularly during the challenges of 2020 and 2021 so I am glad I got to say ‘Thank you’ and have that recorded for good. This episode brought a lot of laughter, but also a lot of learnings on everything from entomology to looking after your mental health in #lawland. Andrew openly speaks about his own neurodiversity, burn out and the steps he takes each day to keep at it in #Lawland. In this interview, Andrew and I also chatted about- * If Andrew was not a lawyer he would have been an entomologist. (I did have to ask what that was….) * Andrew is a natural lover of knowledge and shares his interest in all things insects. * Son of a lawyer, Andrew grew up in a small community on the  North Coast of NSW and from the age of 4 was hanging out in his Dad’s law firm. * Andrew’s father has been a practicing lawyer for over 40 years and Andrew shares what he has learnt from him over the years. * Small town legal practices vs those in more urban areas. * His father’s general law practice was established in 1910. * Andrew attended University where he studied political science and then law. * How Andrew found himself in Family Law and the aspects of this work that he loves. * Andrew describes himself as a #lawnerd and loves complex problem-solving. * The often distressing nature of family law matters and the high rate of burn-out in the field. * Andrew is the father of 3 daughters and openly says he is outnumbered and absolutely loves it! * Andrew experienced burnout in 2019 which resulted in taking 3 months of leave. * The impacts he felt during this time and using this time to find balance again. * The difference between Dispute Management vs Dispute Resolution. * Right before the pandemic hit in 2020, Andrew had plans to complete the Bar exam, which was ultimately cancelled. * Needing to pivot Andrew joined the team at Thynne + Macartney Lawyers. and loves the culture and collaboration of the team. * Andrew openly takes about his struggles with being risk-averse and how he has learnt to overcome his catastrophising. * The now out phased Article Clerkship and the value of mentorship. * Andrew shares that it takes courage to look within and then take the steps to look after yourself. * The conversation shifts around Mental Health and Neurodiversity and Andrew’s experience in both these areas. * The importance of fostering conversations with younger generation lawyers and keeping the dialogue open. * Andrew’s Happiness Tip. Sit back and enjoy this interview with Andrew McCormack. *** Learn more here about upcoming events and courses and connect with Clarissa Rayward at the ‘Happy Lawyer Happy Life’ knowledge centre-  A community for lawyers who want to make the best out of their life in and outside of the law.    Listen to last week’s episode here

    55 min

  4. 02/09/2022

    Episode 234 – Taking The Time For You First with Kate Sherburn

    In this episode of the ‘Happy Lawyer Happy Life Podcast’ I had the pleasure of interviewing Kate Sherburn.  Kate is an inhouse lawyer at a company I am a raving fan for- ‘Who Gives a Crap’- a company who despite a pandemic have a product that sure has been in high demand!! Kate and I have chatted a few times over the pandemic years and it was great to catch up with her in the last few weeks as we close out this show.  Like anyone who lived in Victoria, the last few years have taken a toll but Kate’s positive mindset explains so much about why she and her team have been able to navigate their way through. Kate is such a great example of someone who has pursued a career in law, found what she loves in an unexpected place, and is absolutely thriving in her career and life. In this episode, we discuss Kate’s experiences in different companies, the incredible teams she works with and has worked with in the past, and what experience and life is like when you’re working as an in-house lawyer in businesses, particular at ‘Who Gives a Crap!’ (As an aside, I would love to work in a company that manages to appropriately get the word ‘crap’ into the title!) Kate is such an interesting, personable and articulate human, and I am excited to share her story with you! In this interview, Kate and I also chatted about- * If Kate was not a lawyer she would have been a psychologist. * The skills which she used in psychology have been applicable to the law. * Kate grew up in Victoria and enjoyed legal studies in high school. * She completed a 13-month paralegal course for Cadbury Schweppes and fell in love with the business/team environment. * Knowing she wanted to work in-house as a lawyer, Kate set off to gain the experience she needed for the role and started Corporate Advisory. * The shift in conversation, and opportunity for those seeking in-house roles in the law. * After having her children, Kate became the first lawyer in-house at TAFE, a role which was minutes from her home. * The opportunity to work in-house at ‘Who gives a Crap’ came up and Kate jumped at it. * The impact of the pandemic as Kate already was able to work from home. * The work culture of Who Gives a Crap and the valuable work they are doing in the commuity. * The importance of purpose in your work – no matter the subject matter. * One of Kates’s relational and collaborative working strategies involves assuming good intent from those you work with. * The concept of a ‘no week’ and a ‘slow week’. * Thinking differently about your time and productivity. * By working in-house you are able to see a project from start to finish. * Overall happiness and recognising that everything needs to have a boundary. * Surviving the Melbourne lockdown and the toilet paper wrapper dress Kate designed. * The valuable life lessons Kate has learnt in the recent past. * The future for Kate as an in-house lawyer. * Kate’s Happiness Tip. Sit back and enjoy this interview with Kate Sherburn *** Learn more here about upcoming events and courses and connect with Clarissa Rayward at the ‘Happy Lawyer Happy Life’ knowledge centre-  A community for lawyers who want to make the best out of their life in and outside of the law.    Listen to last week’s episode here

    55 min

  5. 01/09/2022

    Episode 233 – Chasing Your Passions Like You Chase Your Dog & Kids with Elspeth Finney

    In this episode of the ‘Happy Lawyer Happy Life Podcast’ I had the pleasure of interviewing Elspeth Finney, director of Shoalhaven Family Law on the south coast of NSW. Elspeth is someone I’ve known for a few years, and while this interview was recorded all the way back in the Covid-scape of 2021, I am so pleased to have been able to get this episode out there to you all. Elspeth is such an incredible woman, and is absolutely someone to watch in the legal space moving forward! In this interview, it was such a pleasure to learn more about her. We discussed Elspeth’s earlier life, her love of remote coastal NSW and competitive fishing, and how she has crafted her life, practice and team around the things she values most. While many of us with our own practices take the leap later in our careers, Elspeth knew what she wanted from very early on in law, and made it work (and succeed!) with incredible determination. But while she has built one great law firm down on the South Coast of NSW, it is her life out of the law that has always made me smile.  Elspeth has a love of family, dogs and fishing (yes out in the ocean ‘Big’ fish type fishing!).  I think we can all learn from Elspeth’s self-awareness, drive, and in crafting her work and life around the people and things she loves. In this interview, Elspeth and I also chatted about- * If Elspeth was not a lawyer she would have been a marriage celebrant, or perhaps a fisherwoman. * Elspeth grew up in Nowra and, against the odds started her degree in rural Australia. * She had a passion and focus was Family Law and helping families. * Following a difficult working environment, Elspeth started her own firm to support her loyal clients. * Determination and advocacy was a strength for Elspeth and early on she realised she enjoyed strategic work. * Elspeth’s passion for game fishing has now morphed into a nice family event. * Elspeth’s decision-making around her career has been based around her life – not the other way around. * 3 years post-submission Elspeth started her own firm – ‘Shoalhaven Family Law’ * The highlights, and challenges of starting her own business. * Contingency plans for business – can someone else do the work for the benefit of clients and the rest of the team? * Elspeth became a mother at the beginning of the pandemic and the changes she implemented in her firm. * The advantages she has seen by establishing practices for her team to support their work-life balance. * Her advice for those looking to step out on their own. * Sparking joy in all aspects of life and becoming clear on the meaning. * The future of law-land from a young lawyer. * Elspeth’s approach to team culture and her advice to others. * Making decisions and pushing boundaries. * Elspeth’s Happiness Tip. Sit back and enjoy this interview with Elspeth Finney. *** Learn more here about upcoming events and courses and connect with Clarissa Rayward at the ‘Happy Lawyer Happy Life’ knowledge centre-  A community for lawyers who want to make the best out of their life in and outside of the law.    Listen to last week’s episode here

    1h 18m

  6. 31/08/2022

    Episode 232 – It’s All About Those Magical Morning Moments with Elizabeth Fairon

    In this episode of the ‘Happy Lawyer Happy Life Podcast’ I had the pleasure of interviewing Elizabeth Fairon, business owner extraordinaire of both Life Law Solutions and Acumen Leadership. You may not know too much about Elizabeth if you live outside of Queensland, but I can say she is one of the most talented lawyers and business owners I know. In this interview, Elizabeth takes us through so many of the things that makes her such a fantastic leader, business owner and person. From her non-linear journey into law, her love for learning and writing, and her new business ‘Acumen Leadership’ that is helping us all be better leaders in law. She also discusses the attrition rates in law, how to avoid burnout, where she’s going next, and where she finds her peace – in creativity, connection, and those magical morning moments! She has also just launched her own podcast so because you need a new show to listen to I can highly recommend hers- ‘Life Law and Leadership’. Elizabeth really is just such a cool human and I am so glad I managed to sneak in this interview! In this interview, Elizabeth and I also chatted about- * If Elizabeth was not a lawyer she would have been a teacher or a writer. * Elizabeth’s craving for creativity and the peace she finds in reading. * Born in NSW, Elizabeth lived in Thailand for her first 5 years and came back to Australia to study and live in Toowoomba. * Her high school experience and the variety of roles she had during the first 2 years out of school. * After attending a law lecture, Elizabeth’s interest was piqued and she made the shift from teaching to law. * The non-linear pathway of Elizabeth’s journey and the value of finding your passion first. * Interest and curiosity make anything possible. * After finishing her law degree in Cairns, Elizabeth completed her PLT at Queensland University. * Receiving a traineeship in family law, in a firm she now owns. * ‘Life Law Solutions’ and the advantages of staying on and taking the challenges head-on. * Elizabeth’s dream is to focus on the side of the law which affects people’s lives and the niching the firm. * ‘Acumen’ – the leadership program for lawyers. * Elizabeth saw a gap in the law and the reason she chose this space to share with the legal community. * Psychological safety within the legal profession. * The definition of innovation and the natural curiosity of learning from all areas. * Elizabeth shares with us a sneak peek of her new book concept. * The attrition rate of lawyers is age 32 for women and 38 for men. * Finding your way through a crisis and, strategies to keep motivation for a life in the law. * Recognising the signs of overwhelm to counteract attrition rates. * The future for Elizabeth, including a book and a Podcast. * It’s all about those magical morning moments. * Elizabeth’s Happiness Tip. Sit back and enjoy this interview with Elizabeth Fairon. *** Learn more here about upcoming events and courses and connect with Clarissa Rayward at the ‘Happy Lawyer Happy Life’ knowledge centre-  A community for lawyers who want to make the best out of their life in and outside of the law.    Listen to last week’s episode here

    56 min

  7. 30/08/2022

    Episode 231 – The Pieces that Make Up the People with Perpetua Kish and Jonathon Naef

    In this week’s episode of the ‘Happy Lawyer Happy Life Podcast’ I had the pleasure of interviewing Perpetua Kish (Pepe) and Jonathon Naef (Jono) Co-founders of Balance Family Law. I’ve known Pepe and Jono for a few years now, and it’s been incredible watching them from afar as they have built and created their firm. This was recorded quite a while ago, so apologies to you both that this episode has taken me so long to publish! What really stood out for me in this chat was how Pepe and Jono have found themselves working in Family Law with such a similar vision, but with such different strengths and experiences. We don’t see many partnerships in newer law firms emerging, but Pepe and Jono truly embody the spirit of why and how these partnerships can come together and bring out the best in us. Their mutual vision, respect, and helping one another in realising their complimentary strengths is absolutely something we can all learn from – in life both inside and outside the law. In this interview, Pepe, Jono and I also chatted about- * If Jono was not a lawyer he envisions himself in the teaching space or as a Lego Master. * If Pepe was not a lawyer, she would be a creator of any description – she is highly creative and originally pursued a career in acting. * Pepe grew up in Canberra, but moved to Sydney after university and shares how acting led to  her to pursue a career in the law. * The re-occurring correlation between creatives and the law. * Jono grew up in Canberra and had the goal of joining the police force so he enrolled in Justice Studies as a way to kick-start his career. * He decided to make the switch to law after a year of study, and has never looked back. * Discussing how things fall into place – the tragedies and the wonderful things Pepe experienced in her journey to where she is now. * The reflection on the life events that change our path but, if it were not for those events, we wouldn’t be where we are today. * The pieces that make up the people. * Pepe and Jono embracing the attitude of ‘Let’s just try it, and see how it goes.’ * Family law and Estate Law, and the focus on problem-solving is the aspect of the work that Jono loves most. * Pepe’s experience in being an associate to the Children’s Magistrate Court where casework captured her heart. * After the emotional drain of working with children, Pepe made the switch to a Family Law firm where she met Jono in 2016. * Identifying what you don’t like and moving toward what you do enjoy. * Systems, processes and numbers are Jono’s strengths, complimented with Pepe’s passion for humanity and social work. * Progression from working together in larger firms, and the decision to open Balance Family Law on the 1st of March 2019. * The strong common purpose in the partnership between Pepe and Jono. * Dealing with imposter syndrome and some of the challenges of starting a law firm. * Some of the highlights and how to move forward in a practical way by sharing common goals. * Winning awards and celebrating the wins each day. * Traditionally Partnerships in law were common, however Pepe and Jono are no longer the norm. * Their top tips for working together as a team and finding the right partner. * Pepe’s Happiness Tip * Jono’s Happiness Tip. Sit back and enjoy this interview with Pepe and Jono from Balance Family Law. *** Learn more here about upcoming events and courses and connect with Clarissa Rayward at the ‘Happy Lawyer Happy Life’ knowledge centre-  A community for lawyers who want to make the best out of their life in and outside of the law.    a href="http://www.happylawyerhappylife.

    55 min

  8. 29/08/2022

    Episode 230 – ‘Do your own thing and take a different path’ with Rachael Bosnjak

    In this week’s episode of the ‘Happy Lawyer Happy Life Podcast’ I had the pleasure of interviewing immigration lawyer, Rachael Bosnjak. Rachael is someone who I’ve gotten to know through this Podcast as a dedicated listener so it is fitting that she is bringing home our last 7 episodes ever! About a year ago now, right in the midst of the pandemic with international borders closed, Rachael took a giant leap and opened her own law firm, Passage Migration.  Now you might think opening a migration practice at a time when migration was near impossible was a little left of centre but a year down the track and we can now say that Rachael was ahead of the curve, literally! Rachael’s creativity is the heart of her success in designing and operating her own business- her recent sketches in a workshop we both attended made me jealous! As I’m starting to wrap up the Happy Lawyer Happy Life Podcast after 6 wonderful years, this chat with Rachael was fantastic in discussing where the conversation around lawyers finding happiness began all those years ago, compared to where it is now. I had so many moments through this Podcast recording where I was reminded why I started this whole thing – the chance to talk to incredible people across the world that I otherwise would not have met, and all of the incredible listeners out there- Rachael being one of them. Thank you for this wonderful interview Rachael, and I look forward to seeing the Aston Martin goal come to life! In this interview, Rachael and I also chatted about – * If Rachael was not a lawyer she would have been an academic, and she finds joy in seeing someone’s marks improve. * Memories from her childhood growing up in sunny Brisbane. * Rachael was 12 when she decided she wanted to become a lawyer, and later attended law school at Griffith University. * With a mixed heritage of Irish and Croatian, Rachael’s interest in Immigration Law was sparked at University. * Experience is the best teacher and Rachael’s first few years were spent dabbling in Criminal Law and Personal Injury in addition to Immigration Law. * Rachael understands why there is such a large rate of graduate lawyer dropouts and shares some of her own experiences. * Working in Immigration Law and the diverse range of work she put her hand up for. * After completing an MBA and managing a practice, Rachael briefly left the law to start on her own path. * Coming across The Club community and finding her love for law again. * Launching ‘Passage Migration’ on 2021 and the ‘solopreneur’ model. * The perks of working for herself, in contrast with the challenges of owning a business. * Being your own boss and, the importance of your financial choices in the early days. * Rachael gives her tips for living out your values and purpose in business. * Being vulnerable isn’t a weakness and the value of sharing with like-minded people in law. * Setting up students for success at University. * #lawpreneur and Rachel’s perspective on alternative pathways, work structure and culture. * Rachael’s words of wisdom; ‘Do your own thing and take a different path.’ * Rachael’s Happiness Tip. Sit back and enjoy this interview with Rachael Bosnjak. There are still a couple more interviews to come before this show comes to an end, but fret not – I am still doing all of the Happy Lawyer things! In true Clarissa style we will be celebrating the end of the Podcast with a party alongside the incredible College of Law, not to mention the upcoming Retreat in November. If you want to stay in the loop, just check out my Instagram @thehappyfamilylawyer. ***

    55 min
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    About

    The rates of depression and unhappiness amongst the legal profession worldwide are far too high. Clarissa Rayward is a divorce lawyer based in Brisbane, Australia and is best known as 'The Happy Family Lawyer'. Clarissa's own challenges with unhappiness during her legal career have inspired her to launch this Podcast which explores how we can all find a positive way of being great lawyers while having a great life. Join Clarissa on the airwaves each week as she interviews many great lawyers worldwide who share their tips on finding happiness in law and life.

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