In Episode 51, The Legal Genie, Lara Quie, is in conversation with Norah Durrant, a former employment lawyer turned specialist recruiter focused on helping senior female lawyers take the next bold step in their careers.

Norah speaks candidly about what it really takes to make partner in the legal world and why it’s okay if you have a squiggly career path.

She talks about the invisible barriers women still face at the top, and why sponsorship, not just mentorship, is the real game-changer.

Norah also shares what she’s seeing in the market today as a recruiter: why many senior women are reevaluating their futures, and how they can take back control of their careers - whether that’s inside or outside traditional legal practice.

With a refreshing mix of honesty and warmth, Norah reminds us that success in law isn’t just about titles - it’s about being brave and having self-belief.

You will learn these key takeaways:

• The crucial difference between mentors and sponsors – Norah explains how mentors offer guidance but sponsors actively advocate for your progression, and without one, many women get overlooked.
• Not everyone who deserves to be partner makes it - and that’s not a reflection of ability - Norah speaks frankly about how firm politics, visibility, and support networks affect who rises through the ranks.
• The partner track can be opaque and unspoken – Many lawyers are left guessing what is expected of them. Norah highlights the importance of demystifying the process.
• Why building your book of business and LinkedIn visibility is so important.

🎧 Tune in for a conversation full of clarity, courage, and career wisdom - perfect for senior women ready to own their next chapter in law.

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· If you liked this episode, please rate the show, and leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts to help the Legal Genie reach a wider audience.

· Look out for the next episode coming soon.

You can connect with Lara Quie:

· On LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraquie

· Website: The Legal Genie Podcast (buzzsprout.com)

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What happens when you combine legal expertise, LinkedIn creativity, and a Golden Retriever with serious charisma? In this milestone 50th episode, host Lara Quie chats with Yuankai Lin, Partner at RPC Premier Law in Singapore—and his four-legged co-star Buddy, the self-appointed Chief Happiness Officer.

From navigating a legal career across prestigious firms to transforming business development through a unique personal brand on LinkedIn, Yuankai shares a refreshingly candid and inspiring journey. Discover how authenticity, creativity, and a bit of canine charm can build not only visibility but real-world legal opportunities.

Whether you're a senior associate eyeing partnership, a junior lawyer exploring business development, or a seasoned practitioner curious about the power of personal branding—this episode is your guide to standing out in a saturated legal market.

What you will learn:

· The 4 A’s Corporate Counsel Value Most: Learn why Affability often beats Ability when it comes to winning client trust.

· The Power of LinkedIn for Lawyers: Yuankai’s tips on how to build a memorable and meaningful online presence—no hard sell needed.

· Buddy the Golden Retriever as a Branding Masterclass: How using light-hearted, story-driven posts made legal content more relatable—and led to real client referrals.

· From Private Practice to Partnership: Yuankai’s transition journey, the pandemic pivot, and the lessons learned from building a book of business in isolation.

· Content with Personality Wins: Why your LinkedIn posts should reflect not just your expertise, but your human side—and how to find your voice.

· Advice for Aspiring Partners: How to think like a partner before becoming one, and how to start marketing yourself meaningfully without pressure.

· Internal Networking Matters Too: Why your LinkedIn activity can raise your visibility inside the firm just as much as outside it.

· Personal Branding Isn’t Just for Influencers: Practical strategies for professionals to position themselves as approachable, memorable, and in-demand.

We hope that you will enjoy listening to this episode.

Please share it with your fellow lawyers and rate and review it to help others find it.

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Also:

· If you liked this episode, please rate the show, and leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts to help the Legal Genie reach a wider audience.

· Look out for the next episode coming soon.

You can connect with Lara Quie:

· On LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraquie

· Website: The Legal Genie Podcast (buzzsprout.com)

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In this inspiring episode of The Legal Genie Podcast, host Lara Quie sits down with Eric Sim, a LinkedIn sensation with over 2 million followers, accomplished banker, lecturer, and author of Small Actions: Leading Your Career to Big Success. From humble beginnings helping at his father's prawn noodle stand in Singapore to becoming a managing director at a global investment bank, Eric’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.

Eric shares how his early experiences in a bustling hawker center taught him invaluable life skills like observation, efficiency, and customer focus, which later translated into success in the competitive world of banking. He opens up about navigating self-doubt, pursuing lifelong learning, and ultimately building a unique portfolio career spanning teaching, writing, and public speaking.

A master storyteller, Eric reveals how he overcame personal challenges, including struggles with English, to become one of LinkedIn’s most authentic voices. He shares actionable insights on the “three Cs” of content creation—content, community, and consistency—and explains how lawyers and professionals can use LinkedIn to build a personal brand, share stories, and connect authentically.

Whether you're a legal professional looking to enhance your online presence or anyone seeking motivation to pursue your dreams, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and practical advice.

Tune in to discover how small actions can lead to big success and why authenticity and perseverance are key to building trust and influence in any profession.

Support the show

Also:

· If you liked this episode, please rate the show, and leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts to help the Legal Genie reach a wider audience.

· Look out for the next episode coming soon.

You can connect with Lara Quie:

· On LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraquie

· Website: The Legal Genie Podcast (buzzsprout.com)

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In this episode of The Legal Genie Podcast, your host, Lara Quie, sits down with David Ackert, a seasoned business development mentor and entrepreneur, to dive deep into building a robust business development pipeline.

David, founder of Pipeline Plus and a former TV actor, shares his unique journey from the entertainment world to helping professional service firms, particularly lawyers, master the art of networking and client relationships.

Listeners will learn how to identify their own business development archetype—whether they’re a "Rainmaker," "Expert," or "Service Maven"—and apply these insights to build stronger, more authentic client connections. David also reveals the importance of small, consistent actions that lead to meaningful growth, offering practical tips, like his "14 touchpoints" strategy, to stay top of mind with potential clients.

For those lawyers looking to expand their practice and refine their networking skills, this episode is packed with actionable advice on overcoming common business development hurdles. Plus, David introduces his Pipeline Plus app—a powerful tool to help lawyers track their top prospects and stay organized in their outreach efforts.

Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with insights that can transform the way you approach client relationships and business growth. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped to take your business development to the next level!

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Also:

· If you liked this episode, please rate the show, and leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts to help the Legal Genie reach a wider audience.

· Look out for the next episode coming soon.

You can connect with Lara Quie:

· On LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraquie

· Website: The Legal Genie Podcast (buzzsprout.com)

Send us a text

In Episode 47 of *The Legal Genie Podcast*, your host, Lara Quie, sits down with Gopal Sreenevasan, a highly regarded advocate with decades of experience in Malaysia and host of “Advocates, the Podcast”.

Gopal delves into his personal journey, from growing up in Kuala Lumpur and his time at Epsom College and Warwick University. The conversation touches on critical insights for lawyers, such as how to carve out your unique voice in advocacy, the importance of mentorship, and his experience balancing litigation and barrister work. He also discusses the evolution of group legal practices in Malaysia, offering a glimpse into future trends that young legal professionals should be aware of.

For those in the legal industry looking for inspiration, practical advice, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to thrive in the field, this episode offers an engaging and candid conversation. Whether you are just starting your legal career or are a seasoned professional, Gopal’s wisdom on personal growth and advocacy development is sure to resonate. Tune in for a fascinating discussion that blends legal insights with personal anecdotes and learn how to find your own unique path in law.

Listen now to discover how you can elevate your legal career and sharpen your advocacy skills!

Support the show

Also:

· If you liked this episode, please rate the show, and leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts to help the Legal Genie reach a wider audience.

· Look out for the next episode coming soon.

You can connect with Lara Quie:

· On LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraquie

· Website: The Legal Genie Podcast (buzzsprout.com)

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Episode 46: A Trusted Advisor with Good Judgment – An Exclusive Conversation with Edmund Leow SC

In this insightful episode of *The Legal Genie Podcast*, host Lara Quie sits down with the esteemed Edmund Leow SC, a Senior Partner at Dentons Rodyk and former Judicial Commissioner of the Singapore Supreme Court. With over three decades of experience in cross-border tax planning, international trade, and trust law, Edmund shares his incredible journey from his early days at Cambridge University to becoming Singapore’s first and only tax and trust lawyer awarded the Senior Counsel title.

Edmund reflects on his career with global law firm Baker McKenzie, the challenges of managing high-net-worth clients, and how lawyers can become true trusted advisors in a world where legal expertise alone isn't enough. From navigating the complexities of cross-border legal work to offering wisdom on mentoring and career progression, this episode is packed with practical insights for both seasoned professionals and aspiring lawyers.

Whether you’re interested in the evolving role of law firms in international business, managing complex client relationships, or what it takes to serve as a judge in one of the world’s top legal systems, this episode offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what it means to be a leader in the legal field. Tune in for expert advice, career-defining lessons, and strategies to become a trusted advisor in today's global legal landscape.

Don’t miss this compelling conversation—subscribe now and take your legal career to the next level!

Support the show

Also:

· If you liked this episode, please rate the show, and leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts to help the Legal Genie reach a wider audience.

· Look out for the next episode coming soon.

You can connect with Lara Quie:

· On LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraquie

· Website: The Legal Genie Podcast (buzzsprout.com)

Send us a text

In this engaging episode of The Legal Genie Podcast, your host, Lara Quie, delves into "The Makings of the Modern Lawyer" with the insightful Iain Sharp, a partner specializing in International Trade, Commodities and Dispute Resolution at Hill Dickinson, currently based in Singapore. As they celebrate the Chinese New Year, Iain shares his rich international journey, including a significant tenure in Asia which has shaped his approach to law.

The conversation illuminates the evolving landscape of legal careers, emphasizing the value of alternative paths into the profession and the indispensable role of soft skills like communication, empathy, and emotional intelligence in achieving success.

Moreover, this episode explores the necessity of continuous learning and mentorship within the legal field. Iain and Lara discuss strategies for young lawyers to develop their careers, from seeking mentors to embracing opportunities for self-improvement and understanding the commercial realities of their clients' industries.

As the discussion unfolds, it becomes clear that the essence of a successful modern lawyer transcends mere technical expertise. It encompasses a holistic set of skills, including adaptability, communication, and a deep commitment to personal growth.

Iain's journey and insights offer valuable lessons on navigating the challenges and opportunities within the dynamic world of law, making this episode a must-listen for aspiring and established legal professionals alike.

You can find Iain on LinkedIn HERE

And read more about him on his firm’s website here: Iain Sharp | Hill Dickinson

Support the show

Also:

· If you liked this episode, please rate the show, and leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts to help the Legal Genie reach a wider audience.

· Look out for the next episode coming soon.

You can connect with Lara Quie:

· On LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraquie

· Website: The Legal Genie Podcast (buzzsprout.com)

Send us a text

In Episode 44 of the Legal Genie Podcast, your host, Lara Quie, sits down with Chen Siyuan, Associate Professor and Associate Dean at SMU School of Law. Siyuan shares his intriguing journey from aspiring lawyer to Harvard graduate and Supreme Court professional, to enhancing SMU's Moots program as Director of Moots. This episode is a treasure trove of advice for young lawyers, emphasizing the importance of patience, effective time management, and adapting to AI advancements. Siyuan's story, blending tenacity, resilience, academic excellence, and foresight, offers invaluable insights into the evolving legal landscape and the art of mooting.

You can reach out to Chen Siyuan via:

His email: siyuanchen@smu.edu.sg

Or via LinkedIn: Chen Siyuan on LinkedIn

You may enjoy this documentary shot and edited by Chen Siyuan about SMU Mooters:

https://youtu.be/SGJDMM0JHTk?si=IvvXqwylY1Ch-DxQ

Support the show

Also:

· If you liked this episode, please rate the show, and leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts to help the Legal Genie reach a wider audience.

· Look out for the next episode coming soon.

You can connect with Lara Quie:

· On LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraquie

· Website: The Legal Genie Podcast (buzzsprout.com)

· Or Email at Lara@LaraQAssociates.com