Folgen

  • Blanca Leon is a UK based lawyer who offers legal consulting support on commercial matters and solutions, combining purpose and values with plain language drafting and visual design to create clear, collaborative and human centric legal documents.

    In January 2021, after nearly 10 years, she left a corporate in-house role to explore a holistic approach to practising law.

    In this episode, we talk about how Blanca came to her decision and made the leap from corporate to purpose-driven, and what her experience has been thus far.

    Show notes:

    [2:13] Blanca relates how her involvement in the Conscious ContractsÂź course helped her develop her vision, mission and values.

    [6:46] Blanca describes some of the tools she used to learn what her values were.

    [9:40] In starting her purpose-driven legal practice, Blanca's vision and mission became clearer.

    [14:15] Blanca reflects on how she evolved from an inhouse paralegal , to an in-house counsel, to where she is now and how she was driven by one of her values - curiosity.

    [24:37] Blanca talks about what her purpose-driven legal practice looks like, who her clients are, and how she is creating it - including how she is expressing herself authentically so the 'right' people find her.

    [30:22] In discovering her purpose, and aligning with it, Blanca has also had insight into how to apply her unique gifts to her work.

    [34:55] Blanca offers her advice to anyone seeking to take the leap into a purpose-driven legal path.

    For more please visit the episode page on the New Earth lawyer website.


  • Sylvia Clute is the founder of a revolutionary model of criminal justice, know as unitive justice. A former trial attorney, she has devoted her life to justice – but unlike many she has truly reflected on the meaning of this word - justice.

    For Sylvia, there are two fundamental models of justice, one grounded in fear that seeks retribution and revenge and one grounded in love that seeks healing and transformation--what she calls "Unitive Justice”.

    In this episode, Sylvia shares her vision and the work she does in not just formulating the model but bringing it to life.

    Show notes

    [1:45] Sylvia relates how she transformed from being a trial attorney who 'went for the jugular' to the founder of a kinder, more loving and healing model of justice with no punitive elements.

    [7:30] Through remaining actively practising as a trial attorney, Sylvia built up her model of unitive justice. She identified non-punitive counterparts to correspond to the 14 punitive elements she found in traditional justice models.

    [11:35] We need new language to discuss unitive justice because we lack even the words to describe the different concepts it represents.

    [17:20] Sylvia relates how she came across 'circle processes', which she sought to take into a public housing project. This introduced her to two convicted felons who had themselves discovered the power of unitive justice concepts via a method they called 'radical tenderness'..

    [24:26] With Paul Taylor and Weldon 'Prince' Bunn, Sylvia has co-created a programme called Unity Prison Culture Change which they are piloting in prisons and eventually will take to the community.

    [28:07] We discuss the empowerment that unitive justice gives to victims, when we understand that many victims go on to become offenders, and then can use their experiences to be 'credible messengers of change'

    [35:43] Sylvia talks about the work she is doing in education, with troubled schools. arming teachers with tools to engender culture change.

    For more, please visit the episode page on the New Earth lawyer website.

  • Fehlende Folgen?

    Hier klicken, um den Feed zu aktualisieren.

  • In this series, two lawyers come together to explore what it could look like if the law as we know it shifted toward a more unified Law of One in our near future.

    In this fifth episode, our two Lawyers, Virginia Robin and Geraldine Johns-Putra discuss climate change and whether the 'enemy' is climate change.

    Virginia, co-founder of Lawyers for Love, defies labels but is best recognised as being a lawyer, modern shaman, author and TEDx’er. Lawyers for Love offers a unique yet radically alternative dispute resolution platform that supports the discovery of our authentic selves, by using existing conflict as a catalyst to do so.

    Geraldine is a practicing lawyer with her own firm specialising in governance, the impact economy and business & human rights. Her New Earth lawyer podcast features conversations with lawyers who are changing the practice of law to change the world.

    Virginia believes that by replacing our existing legal system with a platform that is more compassionate and validating and most of all, directed by the more highly conscious state of love, we will create a more optimal society.

    Geraldine advises clients who are currently engaged in positive transformation of their own businesses, the wider economy, the environment and communities. She sees a world already changing for the better and the law and lawyers adapting in the right direction.

    Show notes

    [0:49] Although climate change originates from people's concern and compassion for the planet, it results in divisive and polarised debate.

    [5:47] We can leverage expanding environmental awareness to focus away from minimising carbon towards a broader focus on regeneration.

    [9:50] Mass consumerism and extractive thinking to fill spiritual emptiness contributes to environmental degradation.

    [10:57] Using legal compliance as a way to force companies to demonstrate their environmental and social credentials via ESG regulations encourages separational thinking rather than a unified effort towards healing the planet.

    [14:22] Additionally, compliance driven thinking leads to greenwashing., which is fear-based thinking.

    [17:11] Unfortunately, our media's focus on climate change has led to climate hysteria and an increase in depression and anxiety especially among young people,

    [18:30] Centring in love and peace and having compassion for other's choices rather than fighting is more effective as a spiritual tool to achieve any aim.​

    [22:39] If we regard ourselves as cells of a body, then we each have our unique role to play and express ourselves which will result in equilibrium and optimal health of our home.

    [30:52] By being more unified and loving, we will also create space for inspired ideas to blossom that will lead to better and cleaner technologies, including clean energy, that will help protect our planet.

    For more, please visit the episode page on the New Earth lawyer website.

  • We can use laws to nurture our common humanity or create divisions between us.

    Intellectual property laws offer us a fine example of how we can unite, rather than separate.

    Ariadni Athanassiadis is a Canadian intellectual property and contracts legal professional practising to support solopreneurs, creatives and small business. Her passion has always been to creatively empower others. Her wisdom path as a professional nomad has guided her to appreciate how our joyful expression in relationship with one another can bring about creative harmonics and generative outcomes for communities

    In this show, we delve into Ariadni's reimagined IP paradigm, which is a much more effective and productive approach to nurturing the wellspring of creativity that lies in each of us, for the collective good.

    Show notes

    [2:17] Ariadni describes her vision of intellectual property laws which honours the creativity of our Source essence and empowers the flow of that wellspring of creativity through us.

    [11:22] Ariadni explains how she deals with notions of fear, scarcity and protection through her unique method which blends coaching and legal advice.

    [19:37] How Ariadni's vision can be maintained even by large corporations dealing with IP in addition to solopreneurs and smaller enterprises.

    [27:16] A beautiful retelling from Ariadni of how she shaped her vision of a new approach to IP laws, taking in Indigenous approaches and her own Greek heritage.

    [39:14] Ariadni has practical advice for lawyers looking to practise IP law differently - get out into the community and learn from your clients!

    For more information, please visit the episode page on the New Earth lawyer website.

  • In this ten part series, two lawyers come together to explore what it could look like if the law as we know it shifted toward a more unified Law of One in our near future.

    In this fourth episode, our two Lawyers, Virginia Robin and Geraldine Johns-Putra contrast the punitive based criminal law system with the unifying premises found in the Law of One.

    Virginia, co-founder of Lawyers for Love, defies labels but is best recognised as being a lawyer, modern shaman, author and TEDx’er. Lawyers for Love offers a unique, alternate dispute resolution platform that supports the discovery of our authentic selves, by using existing conflict as a catalyst to do so.

    Geraldine is a practicing lawyer with her own firm specialising in governance, the impact economy and business & human rights. Her New Earth lawyer podcast features conversations with lawyers who are changing the practice of law to change the world.

    Virginia believes that by replacing our existing legal system with one that is more compassionate and validating and most of all, directed by the more highly conscious state of love, we will create a more optimal society.

    Geraldine advises clients who are currently engaged in positive transformation of their own businesses, the wider economy, the environment and communities. She sees a world already changing for the better and the law and lawyers adapting in the right direction

    Show notes

    [0:01] Virginia reflects on how our criminal law systems embody separation, judgment and enforcement of rules, instead of love and understanding.[6:01] In a transition towards unity consciousness, criminal law needs urgent reform. It addresses how we deal with free will but could do so in a fairer and wiser way.[10:38] We can start by taking a holistic approach and collective responsibility for crimes, as some Indigenous groups do.[13:29] Criminal law currently separates the individual by pitting the machinery of the State against him or her.. Restorative justice is an example of redressing this imbalance.[17:12] Trauma-informed law is another reform that extends compassion to those who commit and are affected by crimes.[21:22] A reformed criminal law system that aligns with the Law of One would encourage a multi-dimensional approach from lawyers.[26:48] Privatised correctional facilities also encourages an industry of creating criminals and recividists, [29:44] In stigmatising crime, our current system punishes and separates,​ [34:27] Criminalising social issues, like drugs and abortion, removes the opportunity to examine why we have created those issues as a collective.[41:32] The opportunity to examine why a criminal incident has been created extends to the victim. A restorative justice or truth and reconciliation path helps victims to be heard, but there is a deeper healing for victims to be supported to understand why they co-created the incident in the first place.

    For more information, please visit the episode page on the New Earth lawyer website.

  • Chuck Menahem Kanafi is a values-based, purpose driven lawyer. He specialises in conflict prevention and management and contracts.

    ​He is a Certified Mediator and brings an intentional and mindful approach to mediation. He is a Certified Conscious Contracts¼ practitioner and trainer.

    We discuss his insights into new ways of addressing conflicts in mediation and ​through Conscious Contracting¼ as well as his plans to assist impactful businesses through more compassionate contracts.

    Show notes

    [2:17] Chuck describes how transformative mediation works to deliver better solutions than traditional dispute settlement.

    [8:00] Chuck relates how he came to mindful meditation and his inclusion of mindfulness practices including meditation and Vipassana yoga.

    [14:09] We drill into how legal representatives can help or hinder transformative mediation. and how best for lawyers to train for this approach.

    [20:03] Chuck shares about his journey to becoming interested in Conscious ContractsÂź which started with Brexit.

    [27:48] Chuck explains how Conscious ContractsÂź help prevent conflicts, and how traditional lawyers react to them, in his experience.

    [33:07] Chuck's latest plans are to assist conscious businesses, such as B-Corps and social enterprises, to integrate Conscious ContractsÂź into their operations, so they don't omit their conscious approach from their legal frameworks.

    To learn more, please visit the episode page on the New Earth lawyer website.



  • In this ten part series, two lawyers come together to explore what it could look like if the law as we know it shifted toward a more unified Law of One in our near future.

    In this third episode, our two Lawyers, Virginia Robin and Geraldine Johns-Putra consider approaching our engagement with money from an energetic perspective, and its relationship with our current systems.

    Virginia, co-founder of Lawyers for Love, defies labels but is best recognised as being a lawyer, modern shaman, author and TEDx’er. Lawyers for Love offers a unique yet radically alternative dispute resolution platform that supports the discovery of our authentic selves, by using existing conflict as a catalyst to do so.

    Geraldine is a practicing lawyer with her own firm specialising in governance, the impact economy and business & human rights. Her New Earth lawyer podcast features conversations with lawyers who are changing the practice of law to change the world.

    Virginia believes that by replacing our existing legal system with a platform that is more compassionate and validating and most of all, directed by the more highly conscious state of love, we will create a more optimal society.

    Geraldine advises clients who are currently engaged in positive transformation of their own businesses, the wider economy, the environment and communities. She sees a world already changing for the better and the law and lawyers adapting in the right direction.

    Show notes

    [0:01] We share our individual stories of our relationship to money, from our childhoods and through adulthood. Almost everyone has a strong energetic attachment to money.

    [9:26] Collectively, we are taking the next step by working through our fear-based associations with money. We are learning to see money as energy.

    [18:43] The mainstream messaging around money challenges us, so we would do well to switch off from external messaging and focus on our own personal value.

    [22:31] We have fears around having enough money for the future and as a collective it keeps us stagnant and prevents money from being consciously invested in meaningful projects.

    [27:58] Philanthropy often comes with strings attached - if we have excess money to give away we should do so out of love and with intent.

    [33:12] The value of money should incorporate a love-based element, such as the impact it has on the planet and people, This would extend to investment returns.

    [41:09] A systemic change is underway as young people switch to impact investing and wish to earn their money from working for companies that care.

    [48:58] A reflection of the awakening is that people are beginning to think about how the things they buy have real repercussions on others such as workers in the supply chain and the planet.

    To learn more, visit the episode page on the New Earth lawyer website.

  • Nigel Clark is the CEO of nexa law, an innovative and fast-growing UK-based law business.

    He is an international lawyer and an expert in New Law business models. He has had a curiosity about legal business structures for many years and managed cross-border legal services businesses in cities from London and Beijing for a large international law firm.

    ​Nigel most recently co-founded and managed Peregrine Law in London which was acquired by nexa law in January 2020.

    In this episode, I pick Nigel's brains on New Law structures and learn more about what nexa law offers - especially how it promotes choice and collegiality.

    Show notes

    [2:27] Nigel describes how he came to develop the nexa law model with his initial business partner as a back-office platform and connector for lawyers.

    [6:33] Nigel talks about the difference between rainmakers and technicians, and how the nexa law model tries to meet the needs of both while growing its business platform.

    [9:14] Nigel explains the New Law market and some of the different models and drivers.

    [14:03] Connex, the nexa law combined practice offering, balances the rainmakers with technicians.

    [17:13] A huge advantage of nexa is choice - choice for lawyers and choice for consumers of legal services from City to High Street.

    [21:01] nexa lawyers work in teams and as individuals - Nigel explains how. COVID and innovations in precedent development has accelerated alternative law models.

    [26:54] We talk culture, collaboration and collegiality - alll strengths of nexa.

    [29:47] Alternative models like nexa also promote diversity - from gender to age to career paths.

    For more, please visit the episode page on the New Earth lawyer website.

  • In this ten part series, two lawyers come together to explore what it could look like if the law as we know it shifted toward a more unified Law of One in our near future.

    In the second episode, our two Lawyers, Virginia Warren and Geraldine Johns-Putra reflect on the family dynamic and how the Law of One would approach disputes concerning close family members.

    Speakers:

    Virginia, co-founder of Lawyers for Love, defies labels but is best recognised as being a lawyer, modern shaman, author and TEDx’er. Lawyers for Love offers a unique, alternate dispute resolution platform that supports the discovery of our authentic selves, by using existing conflict as a catalyst to do so.

    Geraldine is a practicing lawyer with her own firm specialising in governance, the impact economy and business & human rights.

    Her New Earth lawyer podcast features conversations with lawyers who are changing the practice of law to change the world.

    Virginia believes that by replacing our existing legal system with one that is more compassionate and validating and most of all, directed by the more highly conscious state of love, we will create a more optimal society.

    Geraldine advises clients who are currently engaged in positive transformation of their own businesses, the wider economy, the environment and communities. She sees a world already changing for the better and the law and lawyers adapting in the right direction.


  • Maureen Ngozi Obi-Ezekpazu is a barrister with her own chambers in London, England.

    Her life story shines with love, courage and service. She is no mystic, guru, or sage. She is a practising lawyer who happens to function with higher awareness of her connection to spirit and lives and breathes it in all her dealings.

    She experienced a harrowing childhood of under-privilege, prejudice and abuse growing up in 1960s England as a child of Nigerian migrants. She overcame all of it and today is a successful civil rights lawyer.

    Maureen offers holistic legal services to professional and lay clients in the law relating to children and families. She offers services in advice and advocacy, mediation and training workshops. She provides advice directly to the public through the Public Direct access scheme operated by the UK Bar Council.

    Her story is bound to amaze and inspire but, as she says herself, everyone has to find their own path and contribute their own unique gifts to the whole.

    Show notes

    [2:30] Maureen's shares her early years as a child of Nigerian migrants in England, and her experiences of being placed in foster care at 6 weeks old.

    [5:06] Maureen returned to her mother at age 5, after her father departed for Nigeria for mental health reasons.

    [8:34] Maureen's experiences as an intelligent and gifted child taught her the world insisted on conformance and passed judgment easily.

    [13:00] How Maureen first encountered her natural affinity for law at secondary school.

    [15:46] Maureen spread her knowledge into business and learned about the incredible power some people have over others.

    [17:57] Maureen began work in a law office, but not as a lawyer - her journey to that was just beginning.

    [22:34] Maureen applies for the Access to Law course - an unconventional route to law practice which exposed her to social justice and civil rights issues in a remarkable way.

    [26:08] Qualifying as a solicitor, Maureen embarks on 18 years of dealing with clients in a heart-centred way.

    [34:01] Maureen fulfils her dream of becoming a barrister and secures a place with a prestigious civil rights barristers' chambers.

    [37:14] Maureen establishes her own chambers and truly sets about on her mission to be God's instrument in her work.

    [40:27] Maureen's work is to help bring about the end of a need for lawyers, as humanity becomes self-governing.

    [43:20] Maureen shares her wisdom around learning to honour one's uniqueness and to preserve all of life and nature.

    For more, please visit the episode page on the New Earth lawyer website.

  • In this ten-part series, two lawyers come together to explore what it could look like if the law as we know it shifted toward a more unified Law of One in our near future.

    In our first episode, our two Lawyers, Virginia Warren and Geraldine Johns-Putra will introduce the idea of the Law of One and discuss its potential place in society juxtaposed the Rule of Law.

    Speakers:

    Virginia, co-founder of Lawyers for Love, defies labels but is best recognised as being a lawyer, modern shaman, author and TEDx’er. Lawyers for Love offers a unique, alternate dispute resolution platform that supports the discovery of our authentic selves, by using existing conflict as a catalyst to do so.

    Geraldine is a practicing lawyer with her own firm specialising in governance, the impact economy and business & human rights. Her New Earth lawyer podcast features conversations with lawyers who are changing the practice of law to change the world.

    Virginia believes that by replacing our existing legal system with one that is more compassionate and validating and most of all, directed by the more highly conscious state of love, we will create a more optimal society.

    Geraldine advises clients who are currently engaged in positive transformation of their own businesses, the wider economy, the environment and communities. She sees a world already changing for the better and the law and lawyers adapting in the right direction.

    Show Notes:

    [5:46] Virginia discusses her view of the alternative legal platform based on love and Law of One and how the Rule of Law prevents that.

    [12:20] Geraldine's observation is that Rule of Law can be aligned to Law of One while providing equality and certainty but requires a higher consciousness.

    [18:07] We discuss how Rule of Law applies to inter-personal conflicts, like family law disputes, and can be punitive.

    [27:11] How can we move to a system where people live in love rather than punish them for breaking rules.

    [36:38] Currently, laws that are created and applied without due process are not aligned to the Rule of Law or the Law of One.

    [41:21] To achieve a better approach to law, we ourselves have to live in oneness and model this to others. The Law of One requires us to recognise there is no us vs them, it is all One.

    [50:18] From a place of oneness within, we recognise our power and truth, and honour everyone else's power and truth.

    For more, please visit the episode page of the New Earth lawyer website.

  • Emily Knowles is a trained lawyer who practises as an organisational psychologist.

    One of her favourite perspectives is the interplay between organisational psychology and spirituality.

    We talk about how the world of work is transforming for everyone. Emily provides helpful tools from the world of organisational psychology to help us navigate our work-lives, deal with the enormous changes in the why, where, how, and when we work, and be more impactful as lawyers.

    Emily is a Psychologist, Consultant & Researcher at the Human Link in Melbourne, Australia and National Convener of the Buddhism and Psychology Interest Group of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

    Show notes

    [2:59] Emily dissects the changes in work from 3 perspectives: the work, the worker, and the workplace.

    [7:37] We talk about internal and external influences. Emily discusses the 3 things that impact wellbeing: the intrapersonal, the interpersonal and the environment.

    [9:13] For Emily, environmental factors for a worker include individual space, shared space and natural environment.

    [12:48] Emily talks about transformations affecting why we work, and how and when we work.

    [15:27] Emily suggests we think about a to-be list, rather than a to-do list.

    [18:46] How can we navigate tension between our organisations and individual workers? For lawyers, Emily has developed what she calls 'practice-area psychology'.

    [23:49] Emily mentions Minds Count, a foundation that law firms can sign up to for supporting lawyer wellbeing at work .

    [26:42] Practice area psychology allows lawyers to expand their influence beyond themselves to the norms of their legal practice.

    [29:12] A practice like yoga can help professionals be more mindful of their bodies, minds and breath and impact how we show up,

    [33:09] In our virtual world, Emily reminds us that it's more important than ever to be more than a head in a virtual box!

    For more, visit the episode page on the New Earth lawyer website.

  • After 50 podcast episodes, I'm taking a break before returning with a new format in 2022.

    ​I talk about what I've learned from recording 50 podcast episodes - from my guests who are brilliant lawyers doing amazing things in law, to the experience of opening up about myself, my beliefs and vision for a new legal system, to the feedback from everyone who has taken the time to provide it.

    Thank you to everyone who listened, watched, downloaded, commented, subscribed, followed and liked these episodes. It's given me much more than I expected and I'm extremely grateful.

    Show notes

    [1:48] My expectations when I started the podcast in May 2021 were to explore my interest in the development of new legal practices.

    [2:40] One benefit was building a great network of like-minded lawyers all over the world and learning what was innovative in legal practice.

    [5:23] Practically, I have learned about podcasting - what works and what doesn't.

    [7:16] It was important for me to be transparent and authentic about my personal, spiritual beliefs although it was challenging to do that.

    [9:30] Those of us who have deeper spiritual beliefs can support others who are speaking up about their own beliefs - it will help make the world a better place.

    [12:18] I sum up the simple lessons I learned for anyone who might be thinking of pursuing a similar path.

    To learn more, please visit the episode page of the New Earth lawyer website.

  • Katherine Thomas is the CEO of Free Range Lawyers, a collective of people who believe in the power of distributed and remote working to make lives and businesses better. The business connects freelance lawyers who work outside the office with legal service providers looking to flex their resource.

    In her role, Katherine has her finger on the pulse of a movement to a different working style, as reflected in the Great Resignation. Katherine provides her informed views on the future of remote and independent working.

    Show notes

    [1:46] Katherine explains what Free Range Lawyers offers to its law firm clients, generally small and medium sized law firms.

    [7:02] Katherine details the onboarding process for lawyers.

    [10:04] Katherine shares what personality type suits a 'free range' lawyer.

    [14:51] A key benefit and quality of a free range lawyer is autonomy, but it can also be a pitfall.

    [19:44] Katherine observes that free range lawyers have a powerful ability to align their work with purpose and values, but it can be a journey to realise this.

    [22:35] The collective of lawyers and clients at Free Range Lawyers share a philosophy of seeking ways to make work more sustainable.

    [26:42] Katherine discusses the trends and factors she has seen in people being attracted to this style of work.

    [30:57] Maintaining a network is an important part of making independent work sustainable, and Katherine explains how this happens and how it can be done.

    [34:00] Katherine reveals how she came up with the name Free Range Lawyers!

    [36:34] Katherine talks about her future plans for the business.

    For more information, please visit the episode page of the New Earth lawyer.

  • As more of us step away from traditional jobs working for an employer, I relate my experiences as an independent worker - working for myself, performing multiple roles, freelancing, participating in the gig economy - however you want to describe it.

    ​For me, this style of working means I get to align with my purpose and create my own routines and networks. The freedom and autonomy outweigh any insecurity that comes with not having a 'regular' job.

    Show notes

    [0:32] For the past year, I have not worked in a traditional job and instead have a number of different roles.

    [4:05] The freedom I have in this style of working is far removed from the master-servant relationship, an archaic legal concept where the employer controls the employee.

    [5:50] I have learned to be a self-starter and reliant on myself for marketing, strategising and networking.

    [7:06] I have found it important to establish routines and a fixed place where I do all my work in my multiple roles.

    [9:02] The alignment between my purpose and my work is absolute now. My work does not even feel like 'work' in the way we are used to thinking about it. I work hard but am not drained.

    [10:58] I have created networks of like-minded people to sustain and inspire me.

    [13:10] In the future, I predict more of us will work like this, expressing our purpose and our true selves through our work, and contributing to society in this way, instead of being paid to do what someone else tells us to do.

    For more information, please visit the episode page on the New Earth lawyer website.

  • Sarah Dadush is a professor with Rutgers University in the US. She writes and teaches in the areas of business and human rights, consumer law, and social enterprise law.

    ​Sarah is a member of the American Bar Association's project to develop Model Contract Clauses for human rights due diligence for business. We discuss how these clauses adopt a revolutionary approach to contracting, one of shared responsibility and collaboration to achieve meaningful change in human rights including modern slavery.

    ** The ABA's project on Model Contract Clauses for Human Rights Due Diligence can be found here. **

    Show notes:

    ​[2:17] Sarah explains the background of the American Bar Association's Business Law Section's working group Contractual Clauses Project.

    [6:11] I share the Australian experience with contract clauses when our Modern Slavery Act was introduced.

    [9:01] Contracts can be used to implement the spirit of legislation intended to improve corporate responsibility.

    [13:13] Sarah shares her insight in how contracts are powerful vessels for norms in law and society, because of their flexibility.

    [17:56] Contracts can be a way of resetting the transactional nature of relationships, from corporates to government institutions to international agencies.

    [20:26] When an entity has a powerful environmental or social purpose, if its contracts are drafted in a transactional way, this can undermine the purpose.

    [23:41] Sarah explains how the ABA's Model Contractual Clauses follow a shared responsibility model to address human rights issues.

    [27:57] We discuss how the Model Contractual Clauses translate the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights into contractual terms.

    [35:45] The Model Contractual Clauses can also be scaled to any company, of any size, in any industry and are entirely customisable.

    [41:09] Sarah describes the response the ABA has had to its initiative - which has been positive - from companies, industry associations, international groups like the OECD, and law firms.

    For more information, please visit the episode page of the New Earth lawyer website.

  • We have passed a point now where it's time stop sitting on the fence, stop waiting and stop fighting the old. It's time to use our intent and free will, take action and start creating the New Earth. That's the true choice at this moment.

    Show notes

    [0:30] I have returned to working on positive things, with clients like not-for-profits, social enterprises and companies seeking to make positive impact.

    [3:06] When working on building the new, I am energised and uplifted. When working on fighting things, I am depressed and drained.

    [4:56] It's time for all of us awakening, who are being challenged to change things, to start contributing towards building the new, to start using our intention and move towards it.

    [7:11] It's time to stop waiting for someone to save us or for something external to change.

    [9:19] It's time to stop fighting, because fighting the old reality keeps it in place. By fighting we also maintain separation.

    [11:37] We have had enough assistance and enough energy coming through to us - the real choice point we are faced with now is to choose to step into the new and start contributing to it, with all of our essence and resources.

    For more details, please visit the episode page of the New Earth lawyer website.

  • Paul Knowlton is a lawyer based in Atlanta, Georgia. He is Of Counsel with a firm called Stanton Law LLC and is a specialist in IP law.

    ​We discuss the book that he has recently co-authored, titled Better Capitalism: Jesus, Adam Smith, Ayn Rand, and MLK Jr. on Moving from Plantation to Partnership Economics.

    ​Show notes:

    [2:19] Paul explains his family background including his mother's Cuban immigrant roots and why he is not anti-capitalist.

    [5:20] The purpose of Better Capitalism is to get upstream and influence the theology and philosophies of business leaders.

    [8:35] Paul details some of the book's practical solutions for businesses to move towards a mutuality mindset.

    [13:01] The same narrow thinking of maximising profits play out in law firms too.

    [15:23] Paul explains tells the story of where the expression 'plantation economics' comes from, as used in the book.

    [19:31] Viewing lawyers as 'fungible billing units' undermines the nobility and service element of the profession.

    [22:59] Paul discusses how the billable hour model came to be and some practical alternatives.

    [30:00] Paul's view is that government must contribute to the solution and be measured by the happiness of the people .

    [35:41] Better Capitalism aims to step upstream and find solutions at the root of the problems, which means changing mindsets.

    [40:51] The work of changing mindsets has a spiritual and theological element to it.

    For more information, please visit the episode page of the New Earth lawyer website.



  • I discuss the various legal challenges to public health directions that are underway in Australia, in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

    I also provide some information to clarify the inaccurate claim that the Australian Constitution contains a provision banning mandatory vaccination.

    Show notes

    [1:10] I discuss the New South Wales cases, involving multiple plaintiffs such as a construction worker, paramedic and teacher, against orders requiring them to be vaccinated to attend work. The trial concluded this week and the court is now preparing its judgment.

    [4:10] In Victoria, a teacher and her husband have challenged the public health orders. That case is due for trial on 25 October 2021.

    [4:59] The extension of Victorian public health orders from healthcare, aged-care, construction and education to other workers was announced by the Premier but not released as orders yet.

    [5:43] In Queensland, 7 police officers have launched a case against the Chief Commissioner of Police.

    [6:17] There are claims circulating that mandatory vaccination is unconstitutional in Australia. This is based on a misunderstanding of section 51 (xxiiia) of the Constitution.

    [8:12] That section of the Constitution was inserted to allow the Commonwealth government to implement the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

    [9:13] The High Court interpreted the section to protect doctors from conscription, not the public.

    [10:40] Fear is as bad as divisiveness. We all have a choice and we need to trust we will be able to deal with whatever comes our way.

    For more, please visit the episode page on the New Earth lawyer website.

  • Jacqueline Horani is a lawyer and the founder of Horani Law, PLLC - the law firm think tank hub for the work she does through her ‘Legally Unconventional’ work.

    Show notes

    [2:15] Jacqueline discusses her journey from a law student at NYU, learning about the integrative law movement, then going on to join a Legal Aid unit practising impact litigation.

    [6:26] Law students are ready for alternative pathways to enter into changemaking areas of practice.

    [8:31] Jacqueline details the rampant corruption she witnessed in the New York Housing Court system. all while her father was suffering a terminal illness.

    [14:48] Jacqueline realised soon after her father passed away that she had to do different work.

    [18:24] In her work, Jacqueline addresses alternatives to BigLaw for law graduates. This includes simplifying the hiring process so more alternative lawyers can hire graduates.

    [22:38] Through Legally Unconventional (the brand her law firm works under), Jacqueline advises on law and business consulting, or Conscious ContractsÂź consulting.

    [23:57] Jacqueline describes her Conscious ContractsÂź practice and how the values approach is not 'soft' but a hard-core critical component of contractual relationships.

    [26:49] Conscious ContractsÂź offers innovative ways to address change in contractual relationships, which do not have to lead to conflicts.

    [31:09] I ask Jacqueline what her peers think of the alternative pathway she carved out for herself after leaving law school.

    [35:47] We talk about the need to redesign the law school offering, with more focus on clinical experience, mental wellbeing and sustainability.

    For more please visit the episode page of the New Earth lawyer website.