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The Legal Eagle Podcast

The Legal Eagle Podcast

By Sarah-Mae Thomas

Sarah-Mae Thomas presents a podcast on various legal and social issues. Sarah-Mae specialises in family law, personal injury law and insurance litigation, with a keen interest in issues surrounding children and women.

Information provided in this podcast does not constitute legal advice and does not create a solicitor-client relationship with listeners.
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Divorce Series: International Perspectives// Sonny Patel on the United Kingdom & Wales

The Legal Eagle PodcastJun 05, 2020

00:00
44:24
Tackling Child Abduction under The Hague Convention
Feb 06, 202422:10
Barrister to Barista Series // Eugene Low of The Lawful Good on his exciting side hustle(s), bravery and running his own law firm

Barrister to Barista Series // Eugene Low of The Lawful Good on his exciting side hustle(s), bravery and running his own law firm

In this episode I speak to Eugene who is a superstar lawyer who runs his own law firm and sells coffee machines as a side hustle. In this episode we explore how we can practice law effectively and still have side hustle(s). Tune in to this interesting conversation as Eugene shares on how to he sparks joy in his legal career.


Special Promo code for listeners: Sarahmae

@ https://thelawfulgood.sg to get 20% off machines, and grinder coffees and 5% off accessories 

@https://www.arklaw.com.sg/our-team/


Tune in to find out more. 



Feb 09, 202223:58
Barrister to Barista Series // Denise Lum of Maxi Coffee Bar on opportunities during Covid, joy in entrepreneurship and building your tribe

Barrister to Barista Series // Denise Lum of Maxi Coffee Bar on opportunities during Covid, joy in entrepreneurship and building your tribe

Happy New Year Everyone! I am so excited to kick off 2022 with a new podcast series called ‘Barrister to Barista’ where we hear stories of featured Singapore lawyers who have ventured out into the coffee scene and pursued a coffee business.

Denise Lum is a former corporate lawyer at Shearman & Sterling LLP and is now a proud co-founder of Maxi Coffee Bar here in Singapore. Denise graduated from University College London in 2011 with a Bachelor of Law (LLB) and soon after, she passed the New York Bar in 2012. Being a young successful female entrepreneur in the F&B space, she is certainly an inspiration!

“Be very sure of your WHY because that is the one thing that will keep you anchored and that you have to come back to regardless of whatever uncertainties and circumstances and whatever it is that life throws at you”.

Denise always felt like she wanted to wear a different hat and together with her business partner, Joy, they have created an organic community with tremendous support. Denise shared with us that they had to get creative during these uncertain times and ended up building an online delivery platform that caters both their drinks and full café menu.

Despite her significant career change, Denise managed to strike the balance to lead as a boss of her business. What impressed me the most was her sharing that we should hold onto that authenticity while staying humble and wanting to grow and learn!

Check out Maxi Coffee Bar on Instagram @maxi.coffeebar and visit their coffee shop at 6 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069787.

Jan 04, 202222:01
Should Kids Have A Voice In A Divorce?

Should Kids Have A Voice In A Divorce?

Let’s talk about it! Welcome to our new podcast series where we have short conversations with our guests on the latest trending law topics here in Singapore and around the world.

In this episode, I am joined by my legal intern Kok Chee, a Year 2 law student at National University of Singapore (NUS). We will be discussing whether children do, and should get a say during divorce proceedings.

Tune in to find out more.

Dec 10, 202108:45
Men(tenance)

Men(tenance)

Let’s talk about it! Welcome to our new podcast series where we have short conversations with our guests on the latest trending law topics here in Singapore and around the world.

In this episode, I am joined by my legal intern Michelle Lynn Fernandez, we will be discussing an area where some critics might say the current scheme is too female-centric, and does not reflect changing norms and paradigms- should wives have to pay maintenance to their ex-husbands, if they are earning more than their ex-husbands?

Tune in to find out more.

Nov 02, 202106:55
Discipline or Violence?

Discipline or Violence?

Let’s talk about it! Welcome to our new podcast series where we have short conversations with our guests on the latest trending law topics here in Singapore and around the world.

In this episode, I am joined by my legal intern Matthew Chu, a Year 3 law student at Singapore Management University (SMU). We will be discussing physical discipline in the context of family law - looking at current societal perceptions of corporal punishment towards children.

Tune in to find out more.

Oct 05, 202107:11
Sole Custody

Sole Custody

Let’s talk about it! Welcome to our new podcast series where we have short conversations with our guests on the latest trending law topics here in Singapore and around the world.

In this episode, I am joined by my legal intern Eileen Lim, a Year 3 law student at Singapore Management University (SMU). We will be discussing the concept of sole custody - specifically couples, whether they are married or unmarried and are going through a separation.

Tune in to find out more.

Sep 07, 202106:32
All My Single Parents

All My Single Parents

Let’s talk about it! Welcome to our new podcast series where we have short conversations with our guests on the latest trending law topics here in Singapore and around the world.

In this episode, I am joined by Danisha Thadani who is a qualified lawyer with a keen interest in family law. We will be discussing the rights of unmarried couples who have children - in relation to child maintenance, assets and custody, care and control. 

Tune in to find out more.

Aug 03, 202107:19
Dear Sirs, it's time to make a change.

Dear Sirs, it's time to make a change.

Let’s talk about it! Welcome to our new podcast series where we have short conversations with our guests on the latest trending law topics here in Singapore and around the world.

Is it time to do away with “Dear Sirs”? The Singapore legal industry has certainly seen more female practitioners today than before. We can do better by not addressing and grouping all female practitioners into a standardised template of “Dear Sirs”. Shouldn’t this be the moment to act upon the principles of inclusivity and gender equality by addressing both male and female professionals respectfully? In this episode, we discuss the possibility of introducing a change like this to improve workplace inclusivity.  

Our special guest is Marianne Marchesi, Founder and Principal Lawyer of Legalite - a new kind of law firm that aims to simplify legal services. She was also awarded Sole Practitioner of the Year at the Lawyer’s Weekly Australian Law Awards, and more recently, she won Partner of the Year (SME) in the 2019 Lawyer's Weekly Women in Law Awards.


Tune in to find out more.

You can reach out to Marianne through the following platforms:

Website: www.legalite.com.au

Instagram: @legalite_au

Jul 06, 202110:03
Divorce, no longer a blame game?
Jun 01, 202109:52
Law and Technology Series: Eimear McCann (Manchester, UK), Head of Strategy at Summize

Law and Technology Series: Eimear McCann (Manchester, UK), Head of Strategy at Summize

In this final law and technology episode, our guest is from Manchester, England in United Kingdom. Eimear McCann is a former lawyer who is currently Head of Strategy at Summize and a visiting Lecturer at the University of Law.

Eimear was always up for the challenge and wanted to be a part of the ongoing digital revolution. She saw passion and energy in the legal-tech space and knew that new and upcoming tech-innovative tools were there to help businesses transform and streamline their processes. 

Eimear shared that if we can just get the repetitive stuff automated, we can get back to relationship building. The design element matters and should be the starting point to helping businesses adopt technology catered to their business needs. One thing is for certain and that is the usage of technology bridges the communication channel efficiently between lawyer and client.

You can reach out to Eimear through the following platforms:  

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/eimear-mccann-79b171109/ 

Website: www.summize.com 


May 04, 202123:05
Law and Technology Series: Erin Levine (California, USA), CEO of Hello Divorce and Levine Family Law Group

Law and Technology Series: Erin Levine (California, USA), CEO of Hello Divorce and Levine Family Law Group

In this new law & technology episode, our special guest is from the San Francisco Bay area in California, USA. Erin Levine is the CEO of Hello Divorce and Levine Family Law Group, a certified family law specialist, a Duke law & tech accelerator grand prize winner and a mother to two beautiful children. 

Erin inspires us all with running her own legal tech company despite not having a technology background. As an entrepreneurial woman, she believes nothing is stopping you from starting your own business. All you need is consistency and be willing to keep at it. Hello Divorce, an accessible online legal software and transparent document system was really designed to be a viable product to help people avoid the stress and high costs but still get lawyer results. 

Faced with the challenge to convince lawyers that legal software will not destroy them but contrary, Erin believes people would always need lawyers regardless. She sees this as a unique opportunity to show lawyers that there is a sustainable way to practice law – to have a well-designed product that is both accessible and affordable for consumers. Ultimately, Hello Divorce is a legal platform intended to serve the clients’ needs no matter what stage of the divorce they are in.

You can reach out to Erin through the following platforms:  

E-mail: erin@hellodivorce.com 

Website: www.hellodivorce.com 

Podcast: https://spoti.fi/3cweRPh 

Instagram: @hellodivorce 


Apr 06, 202136:11
Law and Technology Series: Kelly Forbes (Singapore), Co-Founder & Director of AI Asia Pacific Institute

Law and Technology Series: Kelly Forbes (Singapore), Co-Founder & Director of AI Asia Pacific Institute

In this new episode of Law and Technology series, I got to interview Kelly Forbes, Co-Founder and Director of the AI Asia Pacific Institute, a non-profit, independent organisation working to build an inclusive and responsible AI ecosystem. She is also a dual qualified lawyer (Common and Civil Law) and has led the International Law Association (ILA) as President of the Victorian Chapter in Australia. She even served as one of the ILA founding members in Singapore.

Kelly Forbes’s journey has taken her from Brazil to New Zealand to Australia and finally to Singapore. Her switch from being a lawyer to a law-tech entrepreneur started out when she worked with a start-up company that investigated challenges with technology. Her fascination grew and she began to focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential, risks and implications surrounding legal, social, and ethical issues. 

The question remains if there are laws in place that will respond to new arriving systems with the right kind of ethical frameworks. What are the set guidelines and implications? Kelly addresses the principle of human intracity and stresses the need for stronger conversations and better understanding around AI. 

As much as AI is being adopted everywhere today, does this foundational technology provide solutions as well as its own challenges and liabilities? Tune in to hear Kelly share on two big cases involving artificial intelligence and which country has it down well with both AI ethics and framework. 

 

You can reach out to Kelly through the following platforms:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-forbes-62453450 

Podcast: https://spoti.fi/3kiG8Hl 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AIAsiaPacific 

Website: www.aiasiapacific.org 

Mar 02, 202147:21
#Law and #Technology Series: Ana María Alvarez (Netherlands)

#Law and #Technology Series: Ana María Alvarez (Netherlands)

In this new episode of Law and Technology series, I got to interview Ana María Alvarez, a dynamic individual whom I had connected with at a FLIP (Future Legal Innovation Program) networking event here in Singapore. She is a qualified lawyer in Colombia and practiced for 2.5 years before shifting her career to the legal tech space. 

Ana aspired for a better story and launched a legal tech challenge on LinkedIn to give visibility to legal tech startups with customer-centric products. It got traction and soon after, she transitioned into the role of legal content and community manager at BRYTER (Berlin, Germany). 

Ana gained a multitude of experience from connecting with people that she has met along the way. She strives to be a team player by working with the technology, supporting the lawyer users, and implementing new products and processes. She believes that changing the minds of those who deliver these legal services are a critical part of the legal tech evolvement.

Ana also reveals the side to upscaling oneself through initiative, and to not forsake the business side of things because there is always potential for growth and opportunities. 

Tune in to hear Ana share more about her journey and hear her thoughts on where the legal landscape is going in the next 3 to 5 years. 

You can reach out to Ana through the following platforms: 

Email: pam.alvarezm@gmail.com 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ana-alvarezm 

Feb 02, 202146:36
Law and Technology Series: Akshat Singhal (India)// CEO and Founder of Legistify.com

Law and Technology Series: Akshat Singhal (India)// CEO and Founder of Legistify.com

In this new episode of Law and Technology series, my intern, Matthew, and I have the privilege of interviewing Akshat Singhal. He is the CEO and founder of Legistify.com, a tech-enabled, on-demand legal concierge platform that uses technology to effectively connect lawyers with users in need of legal help. It has over one million users on the platform and 5000 new enquiries generated every month. Akshat was also nominated by Asia Law Portal as one of the 30 people to watch in the business of law (Asia) in 2017.

Akshat Singhal always had an interest in building something on his own and even worked on different start-ups during his sophomore year in college. With a background in civil engineering, he somehow found himself in the legal sector where he noticed the prospect of supplying conventional processes with efficient technology. Akshat shares with us the initial days of building Legistify and despite criticism along the way, he handles it with the right attitude and in so doing, maintains the true entrepreneurial spirit.

Tune in to hear Akshat share more about the legal services Legistify provides as well as their ongoing projects. One thing is for certain, legal businesses have the potential to grow by actively incorporating the usage of technology. 

You can reach out to Akshat through the following platforms: 

Email:  contact@legistify.com 

Website: https://www.legistify.com/legalservices 

Jan 05, 202125:27
#Law & #Technology Series: Chan Yuk Lun (Singapore)// Founder of SingaporeLegalAdvice.com
Dec 04, 202032:22
#Divorce Series: International Perspectives with Ian Kennedy AM (Melbourne)// Founder and Senior Partner of Kennedy Partners

#Divorce Series: International Perspectives with Ian Kennedy AM (Melbourne)// Founder and Senior Partner of Kennedy Partners

In this new episode of the divorce series, I have the privilege of interviewing Ian Kennedy AM, a founder and Senior Partner of Kennedy Partners, a forefront leader in the development of family law and a member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Australia Day Honours List for his services to the law, legal education and national and international professional organisations.

Ian’s legal career evolved from being an industrial advocate in the national scene to handling white-collar crimes and then finally settling in family law. He reminisced on how it was a fantastic time to be learning family law back in 1976 as it was a collaborative effort and it provided the opportunity to break down the barrier between bench, bar and solicitors. 

Not only is Ian highly recognized by his peers, his love for teaching and learning is also paired with mentoring, where many under his wings have succeeded. Indeed, family law is unique in its own field and most people are willing to share their experience, knowledge and ideas. Tune in to hear Ian share more about his written papers on law reform, his experience taking on interesting cases and his advice to law students and upcoming young lawyers. 


You can reach out to Ian Kennedy AM through the following platforms: 

Email: ian.kennedy@kennedylaw.com.au 

Website: www.kennedypartnerslawyers.com.au 


Nov 20, 202039:31
#Divorce Series: International Perspectives with Clarissa Rayward (Queensland)// Director, Brisbane Family Law Centre and Founder/Host, Happy Lawyer Happy Life Podcast

#Divorce Series: International Perspectives with Clarissa Rayward (Queensland)// Director, Brisbane Family Law Centre and Founder/Host, Happy Lawyer Happy Life Podcast

In this new episode of the divorce series, I have the privilege of interviewing Clarissa Rayward. She is the Director of Brisbane Family Law Centre as well as a podcaster, author, business coach and speaker. It is evident that she loves people and has fun working and doing what she does best. Her motivation comes from her desire to make a difference in the world and to bring about social justice. At an earlier stage of almost letting go of her practice, Clarissa journeyed down a path of discovering the psychology behind happiness and positivity. Tune in to find out the five key things mentioned in her book “Happy Lawyer, Happy Life – How to be happy in Law and in Life” that will give you the best chance of happiness as you navigate between work and relationships. You cannot take emotions out of family law but you can begin to learn and practice the technique of differentiating empathy versus sympathy. Clarissa reminds us to never forget the beautiful and good things, and if you are thinking of pursuing law or are at a crossroad to start your own firm, just do it!

You can reach out to Clarissa Rayward through the following platforms: 

Email: hello@happylawyerhappylife.com

Website: www.happylawyerhappylife.com

Podcast: www.thehappyfamilylawyer.com/podcast

Webinar replay: https://youtu.be/K-5BU3PooJc

Books: “Happy Lawyer Happy Life- How to be happy in Law and in Life” https://bit.ly/2Hnry1R

“Splitsville - How to separate, stay out of Court and stay friends” https://bit.ly/3klRWrc

Nov 06, 202041:24
Divorce Series // Aaron Ng and Delia Ng - The Bold and Beautiful # 3:
Oct 02, 202052:19
#Divorce Series: International Perspectives with the Honourable Diana Bryant AO, QC // Former Chief Justice of the Family Court of Australia
Sep 04, 202040:18
Finding Spark in your Legal Career

Finding Spark in your Legal Career

25th August, 2020: Admission day for new qualified Singaporean Lawyers

Are you a student thinking of pursuing law? If you are just about to embark on your legal career, do you wonder if you are suited to a career in law? Or are you a lawyer who is jaded by legal practice?

In homage of all the Singapore lawyers getting called to the bar today, here is a bonus episode where I got to interview my childhood friend Candice Tan, founder and blogger of Legal Brew, a lawyer with a passion for learning, an educator and a could-have-been astrophysicist.

These are just some questions you may have asked yourself from time to time. In today’s episode, we discuss our different paths we took towards becoming lawyers and rediscover our passion behind it. Travel with us down memory lane as we share about our experiences from our international exchanges in Hong Kong, Italy, West Africa, Australia, Malaysia and Switzerland.

In the cases that Candice takes on, she sheds light on the reality of mental health battles that Clients go through and the power of redemption during her time spent working at the homeless clinic.

I love what she shared on the episode: ”You empower your practice when you realise that you actually need a team and you cannot do it all by yourself.”

By acknowledging a crisis moment in her life, Candice goes on her new journey of finding her life’s purpose again. If you have a general curiosity of the law, the Legal Brew is a blog that helps to demystify the whole process of law through engaging articles and interesting stories. What is that legal spark for you? Tune in as we talk about the importance of mentorship and how we navigate and balance our fulfilling careers.

You can reach out to Candice Tan through the following platforms:

Blog website: www.legalbrew.com.au

Email: hello@legalbrew.com.au

Recommended book: Mindset - Changing The Way You Think To Fulfil Your Potential https://www.bookdepository.com/Mindset-Updated-Edition-Dr-Carol Dweck/9781472139955?ref=grid-view&qid=1597825945768&sr=1-9


#singapore #legal #career #lawyer #masscallday2020 #legalbrew #blog #australia

Aug 25, 202001:00:08
#Divorce Series: International Perspectives with Jeremy Morley (New York)// Attorney, Law Office of Jeremy D. Morley

#Divorce Series: International Perspectives with Jeremy Morley (New York)// Attorney, Law Office of Jeremy D. Morley

In this new episode of the divorce series, I have the privilege of interviewing Jeremy Morley, an international family law attorney from the US who is an expert in international relocation and international child abduction matters. Jeremy’s strong passion for helping families and children translates through his participation as an expert witness in so many international cases. Out of the topic of The Hague Abduction Convention arises the interesting question of how Courts determine 'habitual residence'. In the midst of intense preparation for these cases, Jeremy highlights the need to be honest and empathetic with your clients. Certainly, as countries are still tackling Covid, the normality of work has shifted drastically to bridging platforms such as Skype and Zoom calls for remote mediation and hearings. As a firm believer in mastery, Jeremy Morley ends this podcast session with a few words of wisdom for the upcoming aspiring lawyers.


You can reach out to Jeremy Morley through the following platforms: 

Firm website: www.international-divorce.com

Email: jmorley@international-divorce.com

His books: International Family Law Practice: https://store.legal.thomsonreuters.com/lawproducts/Treatises/International-Family-Law-Practice-2020-ed/p/106660958

The Hague Abduction Convention: Practical Issues and Procedures for Family Lawyers:https://www.amazon.sg/Hague-Abduction-Convention-Practical-Procedures/dp/1634255690

Singapore case referenced: TUC v TUD [2017] SGHCF 15

Aug 07, 202047:02
Divorce Series // Maneesha Grace: The Bold and Beautiful # 2:
Jul 03, 202034:40
Divorce Series: International Perspectives// Sonny Patel on the United Kingdom & Wales

Divorce Series: International Perspectives// Sonny Patel on the United Kingdom & Wales

Sonny Patel is an experienced family lawyer who specialises in English Law. He has a niche focus on international matters. In this podcast episode, he provides a unique insight into the divorce process in the UK and we have a chat on the key differences between divorce in Singapore and UK.


Podcast and video skilfully edited by @Matthew Chu

Graphics by @Neeshu Mathew


You can reach out to Sonny Patel through the following platform : - 

Firm website: https://expatriatelaw.com/our-lawyers/sonny-patel/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnyexpatriatelaw/



Jun 05, 202044:24
Quarantine Special: Knowledge Management using INTELLLEX
May 28, 202019:16
Divorce Series: International Perspectives // Faiza Gabriel on Western Australia
May 07, 202045:06
#WFH: Working hard or hardly working?

#WFH: Working hard or hardly working?

Most of us are working from home these to flatten the curve during this Covid-19 season. In this episode, I explore the impact that this could have on work culture generally but more specifically I talk about the the silver lining that this could bring to law firms.

Apr 03, 202014:20
An International Women's Day Special! An exclusive interview with Dr Anamah Tan

An International Women's Day Special! An exclusive interview with Dr Anamah Tan

An exclusive interview with Dr Anamah Tan. Dr Anamah Tan is the only Singaporean to be nominated to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women ('CEDAW').  Dr Anamah Tan was also appointed as Council Member at the International Council of Women (ICW) (Paris). For the full list of papers and publications just google her! Dr Tan shares her insights on the state of women's rights as it stands in 2020 with me in this exclusive interview.

Mar 06, 202001:08:11
Divorce Series// The Bold and Beautiful #1 :  Shivon Gunalan
Jan 24, 202029:55
Divorce 101
Dec 23, 201906:12
Introduction to the Legal Eagle

Introduction to the Legal Eagle

In this first episode, I talk with Cindy Chua, a law student at Singapore Management University. I share about my inspiration for the Podcast generally and what listeners can expect in future episodes. Hope you enjoy the show! Visit my firm website at https://www.sarahmaethomasllc.com; Sarah-Mae Thomas LLC on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Sarah-Mae-Thomas-LLC-105981457431505/; Sarah-Mae Thomas LLC on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sarahmaethomasllc

Strumming music by George Naveen Thomas

Hymn by Scott Buckley https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley

Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 

Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/hymn-scott-buckley 

Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/7Y_V17M_IqQ


Dec 16, 201919:28