Summit Speakers 

JULIE BARBER

JOEL BAROLSKY

Joel Barolsky is a specialist adviser and facilitator on issues of business strategy, culture, governance, partner remuneration, succession and capability development. He has advised over 100 of Australia's leading law, accounting and advisory firms. Around 70% of his clients are repeat clients or come directly from referrals from existing clients. Joel writes a regular opinion piece for the Australian Financial Review Legal Affairs section. He is a Principal of Edge International, and a Senior Fellow of the University of Melbourne Law School. For the past 7 years, Joel has co-authored the Thompson Reuters State of the Legal Market report. Previously he was head of the strategy practice of Beaton Research & Consulting.

DR. JUDITH BENNETT

Dr Judith Bennett is a lawyer and business advisor with deep expertise in legal practice management, strategy, operations, human resources and change management. Judith has over 20 years experience in business consulting across public and private industries with a focus on professional services.  Her roles include specialist consulting companies, Deloitte Consulting and business advisor with the Department of Industry and Innovation.  Judith has carried out industry relevant research and academic teaching across legal and management subjects at tertiary institutions including the University of Melbourne. This builds on Judith’s over 10 years work experience as a legal manager, law reform policy advisor, plain language advisor and solicitor – admitted in NSW and Victoria.  Judith is an active volunteer including the executive committee of the Technology & Innovation Section LIV and author of the Technophile column LIJ.Judith recently completed her PhD thesis on better ways of designing and managing legal professional organisations.  The thesis explored NewLaw legal services organisations (Chin, 2016) who deliver legal services with a significantly different approach “than what the legal profession traditionally has employed” (Furlong, 2014).  This workshop draws on Judith’s thesis as to examples of different business models compared to the traditional law firm pyramid.

RAFE BERDING

Rafe is a data-driven senior executive with extensive experience working across high growth technology and services organisations. With over 10 years experience, Rafe has a flair for business development, operations, marketing, corporate communications and strategic management. Rafe has held senior executive roles in high growth Australian technology companies including Chief Customer Officer of Dye & Durham Australia and Chief Marketing Officer of GlobalX.

ANTHONY BLEASDALE

KIRI BRAIN

Kiri is the first non-lawyer to head Turks and has a wealth of experience in professional services management and innovation. Kiri has spent more than 20 years in corporate management and five years and Chief Operating Officer at an innovative national accounting and consulting firm, and part of a successful international accountancy network.

Kiri has a strong background in HR, Marketing and Operations and holds a Business Diploma from the New Zealand Institute of Management.

CHRIS BULL

UK-based Chris Bull is Principal of Edge International and author of 'The Agile Law Firm' – a comprehensive step-by-step guide to building a client-centric, flexible, intrapreneurial, and continuously improving law firm. Chris advises law firms in 4 areas:

• Strategy execution
• Legal operations
• Business cervices
• Performance improvement 

He has worked for all four of the Big 4 professional firms including being legal operations architect in Deloitte Legal. For 12 years Chris was COO and Board member at leading European law firm Osborne Clarke.

LUKE CAMPBELL

Luke is an entrepreneurial force propelled by his lifelong dream of space exploration. Despite facing the challenges of scoliosis and 18 metal implants in his back, Luke's determination drove him to find his own path to the stars; by starting his own business. During his pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in physics and economics, Luke co-founded VXT at 22 years old. Initially tackling the issue of his dissatisfaction with voicemail, VXT evolved into a VoIP phone system that helps legal professionals automatically record time and notes from phone calls using practice management integrations and AI tools. Luke's achievements led to him being named Student Entrepreneur of the Year by the Kiwi Innovation Network. In VXT’s beginnings, Luke recognized that a start-up couldn't rely solely on high pay or job security. Instead, he focused on what matters most; fostering a culture where individuals feel valued and love their work. VXT's commitment to its employees placed them in the Top 50 Tech Companies to Work for in New Zealand for the last two years. Luke shares his insights on what makes the workplace tick for the next generation so you can attract and retain top talent for your firm.

JOHN CHISHOLM

John Chisholm established his own consultancy in 2005 to share his expertise and experience with professional firms and in-house legal teams looking for better results by adopting better and different business models and mindsets. For 18 years he has worked with many professional firms and their customers around the world equipping them to transform for success by helping them to understand the value they collectively create with strategic pricing and more collaborative working relationships. He is internationally recognized as being at the forefront of value based pricing in the legal profession.

NINA CHRISTIAN

Nina Christian is a Marketing & Brand Strategist who helps business leaders and experts get their message to more and widen their impact. For over 25 years she’s helped 1000 brands build their audience, authority and connect authentically with prospects and customers. After 20 years of running a marketing agency Braveda, (est 2000), which was recognized as "Best Marketing Agency" at the Australian Marketing Excellence Awards in 2018 Nina could see the world of marketing, sales and customer relationships shifting – this time as people became their own brands. Combining her expertise in brand building with personal positioning and customer attraction she developed a breakthrough praxis known as Marketing Me®, which she have delivered for several years to business leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs globally. She is a Certified Practicing Marketer (CPM), a Fellow & State Chair (Vic)  and and in 2022 was recognised by the industry as Life Member of the AMI. Being a hands-on mum of five children, her systems and processes are practical, accessible and impactful.

TIM CORCORAN

Tim Corcoran is a former CEO who now guides law firm and law department leaders through the profitable disruption of outdated business models. Tim is a Fellow of the College of Law Practice Management, an American Lawyer Research Fellow, a Teaching Fellow in the Australia College of Law Masters in Legal Business program, Past President and member of the Hall of Fame of the Legal Marketing Association, former committee chair for the Association of Legal Administrators, and a nominee for the APAC Legal Awards 2023. Tim is a frequent presenter at lawyer retreats and legal conferences and a regular contributor to leading legal publications.

FIONA CROSWELL

EMMA ELLIOTT

PETER FARELLY

Peter is a proven CISO and cyber security executive with 20 years’ experience across the public and private sectors. He has held senior roles within several Federal Government agencies, securing systems of national significance and working on many high-profile events. Peter has a proven track record in leading and  delivering comprehensive cyber security programs in medium to large organisations, including complex security transformation projects. He leverages this experience to continually evolve security practices and company culture to keep pace with a dynamic threat environment.

DEBRA FILIPPIN

KYLIE FLYNN

Kylie Flynn is an experienced and passionate connection and culture specialist, dedicated to creating thriving workplaces that prioritize the well-being and growth of their employees. With a decade of expertise in the field, Kylie has made a significant impact in transforming organizational cultures and fostering strong team connections. As a trailblazer in the realm of workplace culture, Kylie has developed innovative programs and workshops that go beyond the traditional notions of business, bringing a deeper understanding of human values and connection to the forefront of the corporate landscape.  Bridging the gap between work and humanity. Drawing upon a rich and diverse background, Kylie has honed an exceptional skill set that blends psychology, leadership development, and organizational behaviour. This unique combination allows Kylie to approach culture and connection from a holistic perspective, resulting in impactful strategies tailored to the specific needs of each organization. 

AMANDA GOODFELLOW

Amanda Goodfellow is an experienced presenter, facilitator and TEDx speaker. She is a meditation teacher and the founder of Agile Mind; a business helping professionals manage stress and reach high-performance states through the practices of meditation, mindfulness and gratitude. She holds a Certificate in Meditation Teaching from Lifeflow Meditation Centre, and from the Australian Centre for Meditation and Mindfulness (ACMM) as well as post-graduate qualifications in Management.

LOVY GOUNDAN

TIM GRIFFIN

ANNIE HAGGAR

Annie Haggar is the Principal of Cyber GC, a specialist legal and consulting practice dedicated to helping Australian businesses prepare for, defend and recover from cybersecurity attacks. With over 15 years specialist experience, Annie is an award-winning lawyer having worked for DLAPiper and Accenture. 

STEVE HANTOS

LESLEY HAYS

DAVID HEPBURN

David Hepburn is Global President of Actionstep. As President, David leads all operational aspects of Actionstep’s business and is responsible for ANZ and UK markets.Prior to Actionstep, David spent more than 15 years in leadership roles for a range of software solution providers. Focused on business transformation, his experience spans product development, solution design, customer success, sales, and market engagement. His passion is making a difference and helping customers deliver better outcomes for their clients.

RICHARD JENNINGS

Richard has been working to make organisations more sustainable since 1995.He left his previous career as a corporate and institutional banker with the National Australia Bank to complete a Master of Environmental Science focused on organisational change and adapting ISO 14000 environmental management systems to businesses operating in the real world.

After returning from lecturing at the University of Papua New Guinea Richard first joined local government where he managed the formation of the Australian Energy Foundation and developed Moreland’s first Climate Change Strategy and Water Action Plan. 

Richard begun developing sustainability programs for organisations as a manager with Sustainability Victoria where he delivered the Victorian Governments first energy efficiency targets. He followed this with the development and delivery of a bespoke environmental management system for government departments and agencies. Richard built on his appreciation of the rigour and standards required to deliver environmental outcomes as a manager with the Victorian Auditor General’s Office while leading performance audits in the Environmental and Planning section. 

Since joining the Australian Legal Sector Alliance Richard has expanded on its environmental programs to a broader ESG scope incorporating workplace, community, and governance pillars. AusLSA’s current priority is working with its members to accelerate and streamline their climate action commitments. 

When Richard isn’t in the office or driving kids to basketball he escapes to the outdoors; paddling on the ocean, riding though the mountains or running in the forest. 

LIAM JOHNSTONE

RICHARD JONES

JACQUI JUBB

NATHAN KENNEDY

Nathan is a partner and Head of Pro Bono & Community at Hall & Wilcox.  He is also co-lead of the ESG industry group.  Nathan holds an LLM (Human Rights & Social Justice) from the University of New South Wales. He was a member of the National Committee of Australian Lawyers for Human Rights for almost 10 years, including holding the position of President for two years. He began serving on the Australian Human Rights Institute Advisory Committee in 2021.  Nathan has practical experience with United Nations human rights processes, including having presented to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child.  He has an interest in business and human rights and prevention of modern slavery. Nathan works with various parts of the firm such as management, risk and operations to ensure the firm’s better compliance with ESG principles and its obligations under the UN Global Compact. 

PETER MALONEY

Peter is CEO and Managing Director of AUCloud. Protecting Australia’s digital economy, AUCloud is a leading provider of sovereign cloud solutions. We focus on data security & location. We wrap our solutions in trusted controls which are compliant with regulations, supporting Australia’s national interests. Peter has over 20 years of experience as a CEO, with a proven track record of leading various tech companies in Australia. Prior to joining AUCloud in 2023, Peter was CEO of leading legal & prop-tech company; GlobalX. In 2021, Peter led the sale of GlobalX to Dye & Durham for A$170M, and was subsequently appointed Managing Director Dye & Durham Australia, overseeing the ownership transition and merger with SAI Global Property Division. Peter previously was COO of iCare Solutions which built electronic health records for residential aged care, and Director Credit & Information Services with Dun & Bradstreet where Peter was part of the Management Buyout Team which acquired the Australian & New Zealand operations from D&B Corporation.

ANDREW MCDUFF

FIONA MCLAY

Fiona spent 25 years as a dispute resolution lawyer working across the legal industry in top tier, mid tier, small firm, a NewLaw firm and in-house. Now working as a legal tech consultant, she has an insider’s view as to how firms across the industry are actually using (or not using) tech. Long hours, inefficient processes and constant pressure to do more with less drove her to find ways to use tech to work more efficiently. With no budget, no IT support and (possibly because of) no innovation committee, she discovered how powerful a tech-enabled lawyer could be when up against a much better resourced opponent. She regularly presents to lawyers on common sense ways to adopt new ways of working. She has written a book that is a practical guide on becoming a tech enabled lawyer in any law firm. It offers practical framework on how to get the most out of the tech you have and how to spot the tech you need.

TERRI MOTTERSHEAD

As the Executive Director for the Centre for Legal Innovation (Australia, New Zealand and Asia) at the College of Law, Terri collaborates internationally with legal business leaders, supporting them in identifying trends, developing strategies, and transforming their capabilities and practices to deliver legal services/products/solutions in the new legal ecosystem. She leads CLI’s global initiatives, networks, and programs including the Legalpreneurs Lab, the Innovation Incubator Program and the Generative AI in Legal Practice Initiative. Terri is a passionate proponent of people centred legal practice innovation and a frequent keynote speaker on legal ecosystem trends and their practical impact on legal practice at global, regional and local industry events.

EMILIYA PENEVA

DANIEL PETRUCCI

JO RENKIN

VERONICA RIOS

TENILLE SAFFIN

RICHARD SCOTT

ANGELA SMITH

Angela is a mindset and sustainability coach, supporting high-achieving professionals who operate in high demand environments to stay committed to what’s important, without becoming consumed, overwhelmed, and burned out. Her Mind Your Mojo offerings are focused on supporting professionals, from psychologists to diplomats, to mindfully attend to their personal sustainability, their vitality, their mojo. Mind Your Mojo is informed by the Eastern contemplative traditions Angela has practiced and studied for 40+ years, along with embodied self-awareness and self-regulation practices, as well as the contemporary neuroscience that explains and validates the benefits of these practices. Earlier this year, Angela completed training on ‘brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma’ with world renowned psychiatrist, author, and researcher Dr Bessel van der Kolk. She is currently participating in a year-long international community of practice focused on cross-cultural practices that bridge the perennial wisdoms found among the Indigenous peoples of each continent with realities and inevitable stresses of contemporary times. Angela is a Hatha Yoga teacher recognised by Yoga Australia; a meditation teacher recognised by the Meditation Association of Australia. Easy-going with a good sense of humour, Angela is a natural storyteller who brings a whole-hearted, practical approach to personal sustainability.

PROF. JOHN SWINSON

John is a professor of law at The University of Queensland. John is course coordinator for Privacy Law and Business in a Borderless World.  John also teaches cybersecurity law, Internet law, and AI law.  John runs seminars for the legal profession on the impacts of AI on legal practice. John Swinson was a partner at King & Wood Mallesons for over 20 years with principle focus on technology law and intellectual property law. John has computer science and law degrees from UQ, and received his LLM from Harvard Law School where he was a Fulbright and Frank Knox Scholar.   John passed the NY bar examination and practiced technology law in NY State for six years during the first dot com boom. Since 2000, John has been an arbitrator for the World Intellectual Property Organisation.  As Panelist, John has decided over 650 domain name disputes.

KATHERINE THOMAS

Katherine Thomas loves working with SME law firms so much that she runs not one, but two businesses that help this sector. She consults to law firms on strategy, sales and innovation and also runs the contract lawyer service, Free Range Lawyers.  She is currently advising a generative AI business on its go-to-market strategy and is also advising a law firm on the adoption of generative AI.

NAM TRUONG

SIMON TUPMAN

Simon is an author, speaker and mentor to law firms and legal professionals  He speaks at industry events, facilitates high-impact workshops and retreats and mentors professionals who are looking to energise their workplaces and put their firms ahead of the curve. One of Australasia’s most experienced speakers, he has been called on by clients in 14 countries over a 30-year career. He has helped thousands of professionals leave their mark on the world. Simon is the author of four books, 'Why Lawyers Should Eat Bananas', 'Why Entrepreneurs Should Eat Bananas', 'Legal Eagles' and 'The Heart of Practice'.  He is a member of the international Law Consultancy Network.

GENE TURNER

Gene Turner is the Managing Director of LawHawk, a company on a mission to revolutionize the legal industry through automation. With a focus on outcomes, Gene and his team at LawHawk help lawyers and businesses streamline and optimize their processes. Gene is a multi-talented individual, holding a Bcom/LLB (Hons) from Otago University and an MBA (Distinction) from Victoria University. His unwavering commitment to innovation has earned LawHawk recognition as a World Commerce & Contracting Award winner for Operational Improvement in both 2019 and 2021.Gene's expertise has earned him a place on the Advisory Board for the College of Law's Centre for Legal Innovation since 2017.

LEONIE VALENTINE

TESSA VAN DUYN

Tessa is a leading human rights and public law expert with over 15 years’ experience providing expert legal and strategic solutions. Previously head of the legal team at the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission, Tessa joined Moores to continue her commitment to social justice, equality and inclusion. Tessa brings to Moores a strong record in governance support, developing collaborative partners and leading innovative projects to be impactful and effect social change. As a skilled litigator Tessa enjoys advocating for her clients in a variety of tribunal and court settings. She helps resolve complex discrimination and administrative law disputes - but she adds the most value by helping her clients to avoid litigation in the first place. Tessa van Duyn thrives on building successful relationships. She is known for being a talented leader and people manager, with a focus on enabling people to bring their best to work.

VERITY WHITE