Lawyer on Air podcast
 

WELCOME TO THE Lawyer on air podcast

I’m Catherine, the host of Lawyer on Air, the #1 podcast for legal careers in Japan. In each episode, I bring you award-winning insights and inspirational inside stories about working in law as a woman in Japan. Whether you’re dreaming of a career here or already practicing, this is your go-to guide for finding your place in Japan’s legal landscape. We’ll dive into what hiring managers look for, emerging trends in the legal market, what it takes to earn a seat on a Japanese corporate board, and how to thrive personally and professionally.

Tune in and join the Lawyer on Air community by subscribing on your favorite podcast app below.

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TOPICS YOU’LL HEAR ON THE SHOW…

Navigating your legal career


Leadership in law


Life as a woman lawyer

Podcast Accolades

Best Podcast by a Kiwi Abroad | Bronze Award

2021 Quill Podcast Awards Nominee

2022 Quill Podcast Awards Nominee


Lawyer on Air is produced by award winning Jayne Nakata of PodLaunch with Jayne, winner of the BCCJ BBA Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2022.

Our special thanks to Kristen McQuillin for the design of our Lawyer on Air podcast logo! 

 Recent Episodes

Catherine O'Connell Catherine O'Connell

S2 Episode Seven: Leading the way in legal tech adoption with Angela Yuen

If you have wondered how to make use of more legal tech for the benefit of the people and the organisation you work for, my guest Angela Yuen opens a door for us into the world of one of the biggest energy companies in Japan. Angela, a powerhouse herself, is a tireless supporter of women in law and championing young professionals to be the best they can be.

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Catherine O'Connell Catherine O'Connell

The power of reflection and paying attention in building your law career in M&A with Jessika Colthurst

Jessika Colthurst did not start out her university career thinking she would be a lawyer, in fact she was studying accounting and psychology when an introduction to law lecturer piqued her interest. That was a catalyst for a series of decisions which has led Jessika to become an M&A rising star here in Tokyo. If you are feeling behind in your law studies or career or out of alignment with what you are doing, then this episode is for you.

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Catherine O'Connell Catherine O'Connell

S2 Episode Five: Driving the future of work in the law featuring Nicole Scoble-Williams

Have you always wanted to be a lawyer but given up on your dream thinking it was too late? Well, my guest, Nicole Scoble-Williams is going to show you how absolutely anything is possible with her amazing career to date that traverses software engineering and IT, genetic counselling to law and the future of work. We certainly have a futuristic episode for you!

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Catherine O'Connell Catherine O'Connell

S2 Episode Four: Combining engineering and Japanese with law to create a unique lawyer career with Celeste Koravos

If you have ever wondered how your interests might intersect with a legal career, then this is the episode for you. My guest is Celeste Koravos, not only is she a lawyer but a certified engineer and skilled Japanese linguist. How did she create a unique career with her varied interests and talents? Listen to find out!

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Catherine O'Connell Catherine O'Connell

S2 Episode Three: Boost your law career through adventure and seizing opportunities to become a top level M&A lawyer with Pavitra Iyer

What do sailing the seven seas for many months, learning Japanese from scratch and working at the top law firm in two different countries have in common? My guest Pavitra Iyer has done them all! If you believe there is only one path to being a top level lawyer, then her story will definitely show you otherwise! Pavitra will show you that truly anything is possible with her fascinating lawyer life as an M&A lawyer in both India and Japan.

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Catherine O'Connell Catherine O'Connell

S2 Episode Two: From General Counsel to CEO of an international organisation with Mitsuru Claire Chino

Becoming CEO of an international organisation is probably not on young lawyer’s minds as they graduate from law school and find their first law job. Mitsuru Claire Chino shares with us her path from working in a law firm to General Counsel to CEO. Claire has some absolute nuggets of wisdom that you won’t want to miss on how she sees that anyone can be their best, and it might surprise you some of the people she looks up to!

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Catherine O'Connell Catherine O'Connell

S2 Episode One: Top law career advice for Corporate Governance specialist lawyers and Outside Board Directors with Royanne Doi

Legal career advice and stories of how to get yourself noticed for positions you can only dream of abound in Season Two Episode One with Lawyer Extraordinaire, Royanne Doi. Royanne has a way of explaining concepts that make you want to grab a pen and paper so you don’t miss anything. Make sure you have some ready for all the gold nuggets she has prepared for you. Royanne is not only a champion planner, and self-named “process queen” but also a master of noticing those moments of serendipity that have led her to land a dream job she didn’t know existed without even interviewing. How did she do it? Listen and find out!

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Catherine O'Connell Catherine O'Connell

Bonus Episode: Planning your estate when you live an international life

Just when you thought Season One was finished and there would be no more Lawyer on Air until after the summer, we have a surprise bonus episode. Yuka Hongo and I spoke in Episode Seven about her area of the law which is Estate Planning. As more people live international lives, Estate planning also needs to become international. Yuka gives us a window into what she sees in her work and we hope that it will help you on your way to finding out what you need in your own plans too.

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Catherine O'Connell Catherine O'Connell

Episode Ten: Leading your own unique lawyer life with Catherine O'Connell

Here it is by popular demand! Episode 10 of Lawyer on Air, featuring none other than Catherine herself in the hot seat. Who better to interview Catherine than Lawyer on Air’s very first guest - Angela Krantz. We know you are going to love this episode and make sure you listen to the end for some surprises!!

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Catherine O'Connell Catherine O'Connell

Episode Nine: How to take a leadership role in your law career with Jenifer Rogers

I know there are so many lawyers who have been waiting to hear from our guest today: Jenifer Rogers. Sit back, buckle up and be prepared to be amazed and dazzled as we traverse her career in the law and hear about how she has found and made opportunities work for her. Jenifer is not only a powerhouse in the legal world but also turns her skills to help non-profits in areas she is passionate about. If you didn’t know Jenifer you might not realise just how big her heart is and how seriously she takes her impact on the world.

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