Allens Confidential podcast
Hear from our team about life at Allens
Looking to embark on a career in corporate law? We know it can be hard to differentiate one firm from another, particularly when everyone says they 'do great work with great people'. But what does that mean?
Our podcast, Allens Confidential, aims to answer that question and give you real insight into what it's like to work at Allens. Join our new hosts Cat Thomas and Sam Guzman for the latest season, and listen below or on iTunes, Spotify or PodBean.
Get to know our new hosts, Cat and Sam.
Meet the hosts, Cat Thomas and Sam Guzman.
Rotation in focus: Real Estate
Cat and Sam dive into the world of real estate with Partner Annabelle Aland and Senior Associate Lauren Cutuli. What sort of work do real estate lawyers do? What skills do they require? What makes it interesting? Annabelle and Lauren share their experiences in Real Estate, what they love about their jobs and how practising real estate differs from the (often deeply unpopular) university subject.
The Allens Confidential team wants to hear from you
We want to make sure our podcast is giving you the best inside info about working at Allens.
So tell us, anonymously: what's that one, burning question you've always wanted to ask? It's a fair bet you're not the only one who wants to know, so help us make this episode really matter to you and your cohort.
And yes, we mean 'anonymous'. All questions sent to the submission box are entirely anonymous… assuming you don't sign off with your name at the end. Don't be that person.
More episodes
Australia’s energy industry is in the midst of a monumental transformation, and it's keeping lawyers busy. In this episode, Sam and Cat are joined by Projects Partner Dani Jones and Banking & Finance Partner Scott McCoy as they explore the role lawyers are playing in the energy transition. What's required for Australia's switch to clean energy? How does energy transition work differ from other work? How can junior lawyers get involved?
Receiving clerkship offers is an exciting milestone for law students, but it can also feel all-consuming. In this special live recording of Allens Confidential from our recent pre-offer event in Sydney, Cat and Sam speak with lawyer Annie Reddick and senior paralegal Kei Shishido, who give their advice on how to navigate clerkship decision-making.
Can junior lawyers work in an area of law in which they have no previous experience? Intimidating as it might seem, this week's episode reveals why diving into the unknown can often be the best move at the start of your career. In this episode, Cat and Sam meet Funds, Super and Financial Services partner Kerensa Sneyd and lawyer Curtis Haas to find out more about the practice area and what makes it special for early-career lawyers.
Picture this: you achieve your clerkship dreams, nab a spot at Allens and experience the glory of Australia's top internship program. But what happens next? In this episode, Sam and Cat speak with current graduates Fahid Ifthekhar and Ruby Evans to explore what it's really like to be a grad at Allens. Fahid and Ruby share their experiences of work hours, flexibility, legal training, dress code, choosing rotations and managing imposter syndrome.
Cat and Sam explore the wonderful world of Banking & Finance and the opportunities it offers for early career lawyers. In this episode, Partner Jo Folan and Senior Associate Brian Kirkup join the podcast to explore what Banking & Finance lawyers actually do, the benefits of working overseas, career development opportunities and transferability of skills.
As clerkship interview season kicks off, we ask a seasoned interviewer and a recent interviewee to give their top tips for making the most of your interview. In this episode, Cat and Sam are joined by Sydney staff partner Sikeli Ratu and 2022-23 summer clerk Zoe Shim, who share their experiences of interviewing for clerkships.
Workplace culture can be difficult to pin down from the outside, particularly when you're just starting out in your career. In this episode, Cat and Sam speak with Chief People Officer Sam Turner and Lawyer Tushaar Garg to get the inside track on Allens' culture and how it plays out at an individual level. What sets Allens' culture apart? Why is collaboration important? What's the deal with the non-siloed structure? Sam discusses the importance of expressing your true self and finding your people at work, while Tushaar shares his experience with Allens' Cultural Awareness Network (CAN).
Managing Partner Richard Spurio joins Mel and Tahlia to share his experience of helming Australia's oldest law firm. In this episode, Richard discusses his background, his pathway to Allens, what it's like to journey through the firm and what he's most proud of about Allens. He also shares his hot tips for prioritising wellbeing, seizing opportunities and keeping pace at Run Club.
How can lawyers contribute to reconciliation? In this episode, hosts Mel and Tahlia speak with Lawyer and First Nations Internship alumna Olivia Henderson and Community Engagement Manager Jodie Symes to discuss Allens' commitment to reconciliation and how junior lawyers can get involved.
In this episode, hosts Mel and Tahlia dive into the complex and bustling world of competition law. They're joined by Jacqui Downes (Head of Competition, Consumer and Regulatory) and Lloyd Hutson (Lawyer) to learn more about the team culture, fascinating legal issues, global opportunities and day-to-day minutiae.
In part two of a special two-part episode, Mel and Tahlia are joined by Technology, Media and Telecommunications Partner David Rountree to answer questions submitted by listeners.
In part one of a special two-part episode, Mel and Tahlia are joined by People & Development Manager Samantha Dunn and Early Careers Consultant Katrina Calder to answer questions submitted by listeners.