Podcast · Business

The Callover

by Queensland Law Society · English · Business

The Callover is a Queensland Law Society podcast created by young lawyers, for young lawyers. The QLS Future Leaders Committee is dedicated to inspiring a generation of connected, capable and healthy young lawyers. Join us, as we invite guests to share their experiences in the law, unpack issues re

New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 47 min
Latest: 7 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

7 Sep 2026 · 52 min

Lessons from the Frontline: Law, Policing and Parole with Peter Shields

In this episode of The Callover , host Georgia Athanasellis is joined by Peter Shields, whose 40 years career in the criminal justice system includes service as a police officer, criminal defence solicitor and Deputy President of Parole Board Queensland. Peter reflects on his journey through policing and law, the lessons he has learned from working on the frontline of the justice system, and the principles that have guided his approach to advocacy, decision-making and public service. He also shares insights into the role of parole, community safety, rehabilitation, and the importance of…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S5 · E6 · 30 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 12 min
Law in the age of AI, with Chief Justice Helen Bowskill, Nicola Blade and Andrew Shute
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping the legal profession, creating new opportunities while raising ethical, practical and professional challenges. In this episode of The Callover , host Georgia Athanasellis is joined by Chief Justice Helen Bowskill, Nicola Blade and Andrew Shute. Drawing on their experience across the judiciary, legal practice and Queensland Law Society AI-focused advisory groups, the panel explores the impact of AI on legal education, practice, and the courts. Their conversation offers valuable insights into how the profession can harness the benefits of AI while…
S5 · E5 · 25 Jun 2026 · 30 min
Where Community Meets law: Louise Prychidczuk on Practising in Weipa
Practising law in one of Queensland’s most remote communities brings unique challenges and rewards. In this episode of The Callover , host Georgia Athanasellis is joined by Louise Prychidczuk, a solicitor who has spent the past 16 years in Weipa, at times as the town’s only private practitioner. Louise reflects on her journey to far north Queensland, the wide-ranging nature of her practice, and staying connected to the profession while serving a close-knit community. She also shares insights from her broader contributions across health, mental health and tribunal roles. To find…
S5 · E4 · 15 May 2026 · 52 min
Helen Garner: Where Law Meets Story
On this episode of The Callover , we are joined by acclaimed Australian writer Helen Garner. Known for her unflinching observations of human behaviour, her works Joe Cinque’s Consolation and This House of Grief are powerful accounts drawn from the courtroom. Garner has also been asked to participate in workshops, helping judges refine their writing to improve clarity and accessibility. In this conversation, she reflects on her fascination with the legal system, her observations from many hours spent in court rooms, and how storytelling, precision and clarity shape legal practice. To…
S5 · E3 · 2 Apr 2026 · 34 min
Lattouf v ABC: Shannon Chapman discusses Unlawful Termination, Political Opinion and the Modern Workplace
One of the most high-profile unlawful termination cases in recent years, Lattouf v Australian Broadcasting Corporation (No 2), thrust employment law into the national spotlight. In this episode of The Callover , host Georgia Athanasellis is joined by Shannon Chapman, a Partner practising in employment, industrial relations and safety at Lander & Rogers, to unpack the decision and its wider implications. With nearly two decades of experience, Shannon explains the background to the case, the Court’s reasoning, and what the decision means for both employees and employers, when it comes to…
S5 · E2 · 26 Feb 2026 · 40 min
The Language of Justice: Carl Gene Fordham on Interpretation, Fairness and the Courts
Interpreters play a critical role in ensuring meaningful access to justice for people who speak languages other than English. In the latest episode of The Callover , Brisbane-based court interpreter and forensic translator Carl Gene Fordham sat down with host Georgia Athanasellis to talk about the realities of interpreting in legal settings. Their discussion shed light on the often-unseen role and explores when and how lawyers should engage interpreters, the practical realities of working with clients with limited English, and the challenges that can affect accuracy and fairness in legal…
S5 · E1 · 30 Jan 2026 · 55 min
Holding Power to Account: Terry O’Gorman on Rights, Reform and the Law
The Callover returns in 2026 with Terry O’Gorman, one of Queensland’s most persistent defenders of civil liberties. As a young law student, Terry witnessed a confronting police crackdown during a protest in the Bjelke Petersen years. It set him on a path that would span five decades in criminal law and public advocacy. In this episode, he talks through some of the moments that shaped his career, the lessons learned from fighting for his clients’ rights, and why he’s still speaking out. Although retired from private practice, Terry remains deeply engaged in advocating…
S4 · E15 · 10 Dec 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
Inside the Law and Change with the Honourable Michael Kirby AC CMG
The Honourable Michael Kirby AC CMG returns to The Callover for a deeper dive into his remarkable career. From his “curtain call” case to his memorable work at the United Nations, Justice Kirby reflects on the power of multidisciplinary approaches, the role of alternative dispute resolution, and how technology continues to reshape legal practice. To find Georgia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgia-athanasellis-21713715a/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S4 · E14 · 14 Nov 2025 · 57 min
From refugee to the District Court: a conversation with Judge Dženita Balić
On this episode of The Callover, we speak with Judge Dženita Balić of the Queensland District Court about her extraordinary journey from refugee to the bench. After fleeing the Bosnian War and arriving in Australia as a teenager, Judge Balić learned English as her third language, graduated with a Bachelor of Laws in 2005, and the next 17 years at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, where she rose to the position of Principal Crown Prosecutor before being appointed as a Magistrate in 2022. In 2024, her Honour was appointed to the District Court of Queensland. We discuss her…
S4 · E13 · 22 Oct 2025 · 36 min
Succession law with Dr John de Groot AM
On this episode of The Callover, we are joined by leading wills and estates expert Dr John de Groot AM to discuss the importance of succession law, not only for our clients, but also for ourselves. John has led a distinguished career in law spanning more than 35 years, during which he has authored textbooks and looseleaf publications, and lectured at the University of Queensland. In 2024, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of his significant service to law, tertiary education, and the community. To find Georgia:…
S4 · E12 · 1 Oct 2025 · 52 min
A Life in Advocacy with Scott McDougall
On this episode of The Callover , we speak with outgoing Queensland Human Rights Commissioner Scott McDougall. With a career spanning more than 30 years in community legal advocacy, public policy and social justice, Scott has been a strong and consistent voice for human rights in Queensland. As his term as Commissioner comes to an end this month, we reflect on his journey through the law, his time at the Commission, and what lies ahead for human rights in the state. Transcript to come. To find Georgia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgia-athanasellis-21713715a/ See omnystudio.com/listener…
S4 · E11 · 11 Sep 2025 · 47 min
R U OK? Day Special with Professor David Heilpern and Melissa Sadlo
To mark R U OK? Day , The Callover presents a special reprise of an episode from our first season, featuring two guests who share their insights on managing mental health to sustain a long and fulfilling legal career. First, you’ll hear from Professor David Heilpern, a former magistrate now working in academia, who will also be a guest panellist at QLS’s upcoming Mental Health Breakfast on 9 October 2025. Professor Heilpern inspired many in the profession to engage in honest conversations about mental health after his powerful 2017 lecture, “ Lifting the Judicial Veil…
S4 · E10 · 2 Sep 2025 · 17 min
Conflict of interest, with Stafford Shepherd
On this episode of The Callover, we are once again joined by Stafford Shepherd, the Principal Ethics and Practice Counsel of the Queensland Law Society Ethics and Practice Centre and the Legal Practitioner Director of QLS Solicitor Support Pty Ltd, a wholly owned incorporated legal practice of QLS. Stafford talks about conflicts of interest – including how to identify them, the different kinds of conflicts that might arise, and what our professional obligations are. To find Georgia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgia-athanasellis-21713715a/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy…
S4 · E9 · 31 Jul 2025 · 53 min
Championing the Regions with Former Judge Alexander (Sandy) Horneman-Wren SC
On this episode of The Callover, we are thrilled to speak with Former Judge Alexander (Sandy) Horneman-Wren SC. A champion of all things regional Queensland – whether that be the development of the legal profession or the arts – he is known for his excellent humour, generosity of spirit and eloquence. Former Judge Horneman-Wren was called to the bar in 1993, took silk in 2009 and was appointed as Judge of the District Court of Queensland in 2012 where he served until December 2024. He has also held appointments in the Children’s Court, the Planning and Environment Court and…
S4 · E8 · 10 Jul 2025 · 45 min
Inspiring the next generation with Judge Jarro
On this episode of The Callover we have the immense privilege of speaking with Judge Nathan Jarro. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Jarro practiced as a solicitor, a barrister and a deputy public interest monitor. He has also served as a member of various tribunals, including the Children Services Tribunal, the Mental Health Review Tribunal, and the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal. When, on 26 March 2018, he was appointed as a judge of the Queensland District Court, he became the first person of Aboriginal heritage to be appointed as a judge of this State. We are…
S4 · E7 · 24 Jun 2025 · 44 min
The Art of Taking Witness Statements with Emma Hoiberg
On this episode of The Callover, we are joined by Emma Hoiberg, Barrister at Level 17 Chambers, to discuss preparing high-quality witness statements — a fundamental skill for effective litigation. Emma’s legal career has spanned a range of impressive roles — from Associate to a High Court Judge, to solicitor at Clayton Utz, and policy officer at the New South Wales Law Reform Commission. Since being called to the Bar in 2015, she has built a strong practice in commercial and public law, with particular expertise in government matters and appellate advocacy. Whether you're…
S4 · E6 · 26 May 2025 · 25 min
Protecting Legal Professional Privilege, with Stafford Shepherd
On this episode of The Callover, we speak with Stafford Shepherd, the Principal Ethics Solicitor of the Queensland Law Society Ethics and Practice Centre and the foundation Legal Practitioner Director of QLS Solicitor Support Pty Ltd, a wholly owned incorporated legal practice of QLS, about what Legal Professional Privilege is, why it is such a fundamental part of the legal profession, how we can protect it and when - and by whom - it can be waived. To read a transcript of this episode: https://www.qls.com.au/Membership/The-Hub/The-Callover To find Stafford:…
S4 · E5 · 1 May 2025 · 52 min
Stop and Think with Peter Applegarth AM
On this episode of The Callover, Peter Applegarth, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland, takes us inside the mind of a judge. He shares important insights on how judges deal with problems such as information overload, time-pressured decision-making and cognitive biases. He also explains the importance of lawyers crafting submissions based on how judges think, and the difference this can make to a client’s case before the Court. Justice Applegarth’s insights are valuable to lawyers at all stages of their career. To read a transcript of this episode:…
S4 · E4 · 4 Apr 2025 · 31 min
Billing 101, with Stafford Shepherd
On this episode of The Callover, we speak with Stafford Shepherd, the Principal Ethics and Practice Counsel of the Queensland Law Society Ethics and Practice Centre and the Legal Practitioner Director of QLS Solicitor Support Pty Ltd, a wholly owned incorporated legal practice of QLS, about the fundamentals of billing as a legal practitioner. Billing is not just a financial practice but a critical component of maintaining clients’ trust and upholding ethical standards in the legal profession. In this conversation, we explore the ethical obligations and professional standards that…
S4 · E3 · 18 Mar 2025 · 47 min
Changing the Game, with Moya Dodd
On this episode of The Callover, to celebrate International Women’s Day for 2025, we have the privilege of speaking with a trailblazer for women in sport and the legal profession, Moya Dodd AO. Moya has been a Matilda, a football administrator and is now a partner at Gilbert & Tobin. In 2018, she was ranked 7th in Forbes list of Most Powerful Women in International Sports and, in 2023, was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia for her "distinguished service to football as a player and administrator at the national and international level, as a role model to women, and to…
S4 · E2 · 17 Feb 2025 · 38 min
Getting the most out of psychiatric evidence with Honourable Justice Elizabeth Wilson and Dr Jane Phillips
On this episode of The Callover, we are joined the Honourable Justice Elizabeth Wilson and Dr Jane Phillips to discuss the value of expert psychiatric evidence in legal proceedings. Justice Wilson graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (with Honours) at the Queensland University of Technology in 1995, was admitted to the Bar the following year and, in 2011, was appointed as senior counsel. While at the bar, her Honour practiced in criminal, administrative and constitutional matters. Before being appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court in 2018 and the President of the Mental Health Court in…
S4 · E1 · 23 Jan 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
Artificial Intelligence and the law, with Edward Santow
On this episode of The Callover, we speak with Edward Santow, a leading voice in human rights and technology to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and the law, human rights and ethics. We discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping the legal landscape, the challenges it presents, and the opportunities it offers for the future of law. Edward Santow is the Director of Policy and Governance at the Human Technology Institute and an Industry Professor of Responsible Technology at the University of Technology, Sydney. Before that he served as Australia's Human Rights…
S3 · E12 · 5 Dec 2024 · 58 min
Dissent, Democratic Ideals and Delivering Justice: A Conversation with Michael Kirby AC CMG
In our season finale for 2024, we have the immense honour of speaking with the Honourable Justice Michael Kirby AC CGM. Michael Kirby is a man who needs no introduction. He was called to the Bar in 1967, and in 1975, became the youngest man to hold a federal judicial office when he was appointed as the Deputy President of the Australian Conciliation and Arbitration Commission. Later that year he was also appointed as the inaugural Chair of the Australian Law Reform Commission. In 1983, he was appointed as a judge of the Federal Court of Australia and in 1984, became the President of the New…
S3 · E11 · 12 Nov 2024 · 46 min
More than a game: Exploring the intersection between sport and law, with Ben Ihle KC
On this episode of The Callover, we speak with Ben Ihle KC, about what sports law actually is and the key legal issues that arise within it. Ben was admitted in 2004, called to the bar the following year and made silk in 2020. He has cultivated a broad practice with a particular focus on tort, criminal, administrative and sports law and appears at both trial and appellate levels. He is recognised internationally as a leading sports lawyer, and regularly represents athletes and sporting associations domestically and internationally, in a variety of tribunals (including the FIFA Dispute…
S3 · E10 · 17 Oct 2024 · 54 min
Beyond the Headlines: Understanding Defamation, with Gavin Rebetzke
On this episode of The Callover, we speak with Gavin Rebetzke about the key principles of defamation law, along with some of the recent cases in this space. Gavin grew up in Townsville, studied at James Cook University and the University of Queensland before undertaking his articles at Roberts & Kane Solicitors in 1993. He was admitted in 1995 and continued to work in that general practice in Brisbane, where he later became partner in 2000. In 2007, Gavin was called to the Bar and has been practicing in a variety of matters since, with a special interest in defamation. See…
S3 · E9 · 26 Sep 2024 · 42 min
The lawyer who ran around the world, with Tim Franklin
As we continue this month of promoting health and wellbeing in the profession, we speak with Tim Franklin, the lawyer turned ultra-marathon runner, triathlon coach and motivational speaker who has recently become one of 8 people to have quite literally run around the world. Join us as we discuss his incredible adventure and what we, as a profession, can learn from it. Stay connected! Follow us for new episode releases: https://www.instagram.com/qldlawsociety/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S3 · E6 · 25 Sep 2024 · 25 min
Young Migration Lawyer Making a Difference, with Palwasha Nawabi
Palwasha Nawabi is part of a generation of young lawyers seeking to make a positive impact on society. In 2023, Palwasha was awarded the Law Council of Australia – Australian Young Lawyers Award in recognition of her significant achievement in leading the operational and administrative aspect of a pro bono initiative which resulted in the successful procurement of 90 subclass 449 visas for many Afghan women and their families and permanent residence visas for those who chose to settle in Australia. Listen more episodes here:https://www.qls.com.au/Membership/The-Hub/The-Callover See…
S3 · E8 · 12 Sep 2024 · 53 min
Prioritising Wellness this RUOK Day, with Desi Vlahos
To mark RUOK Day 2024, we speak with Desi Vlahos, a lawyer, academic and two-time recipient of the Women in Law Award for “Wellness Advocate of the Year”. As a mental health first aider, the founder of Wellceum, a company that aims to help other organisations improve wellbeing, health and safety outcomes, and a Commissioner of the International Bar Associations’ Wellbeing Commission, Desi has dedicated her career to tackling poor mental health among lawyers globally. On this episode of The Callover, join us as we speak about the current state of the profession and how we can do more to…
S3 · E6 · 9 Jul 2024 · 49 min
Keep the Fire Burning this NAIDOC Week, with Justice Crowley
In celebration of NAIDOC Week, we have the pleasure of speaking with the Honourable Justice Lincoln Crowley. His Honour grew up in Charters Towers and is a proud descendant of the Warramunga peoples. Since joining the legal profession in 1996, Justice Crowley has had a varied and impressive career. He has worked at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service in Townsville, for the Queensland and Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, within the New South Wales’ Crown Solicitors’ Office, at the private bar and as the senior counsel assisting the Royal Commission into…
S3 · E5 · 13 Jun 2024 · 30 min
Insights into Legal Aid Queensland and the work of Independent Children’s Lawyers with Nicky Davies
Nicky Davies is a Family Lawyer, Independent Children’s Lawyer, and Chief Executive Officer of Legal Aid Queensland. Earlier this year, she was recognised for her contribution to the legal profession when she was awarded the Queensland Law Society’s President’s Medal. On this episode of The Callover, we discuss the work of Legal Aid and explore the important role that independent children’s lawyers play in in court proceedings. Find the transcript here . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About The Callover

The Callover is a English business podcast from Queensland Law Society. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Queensland Law Society
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 47 min
Latest episode: 7 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1591523119
Rights: 2026 Queensland Law Society

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