About this post: In our Q&A, Gilchrist Connell CEO Belinda Cohen – who was the firm’s Chief People Officer before taking on her current role – outlines strategies for better people management in law firms, and she explains why intellectual discussions are so critical to business success.

In our Q&A series, we're speaking to Belinda Cohen, the CEO of Gilchrist Connell and an executive with great experience in people management roles. In this interview, Belinda shares her strategies for getting the most out of legal practice teams and she explains how intellectual conversations can be the kickstarter for success in firms.

In this candid interview with the AUSTRAC CEO himself, law firms hear firsthand from Brendan Thomas how the regulator is approaching the AML rollout. From client checks and suspicious matter reporting to the new compliance tools designed with the Law Council, this episode offers clear, practical guidance ahead of the July 2026 start date.

Law firm consultant Joel Barolsky explains why better collaboration between law firm leaders and their employees could define their success as they seek to thrive on the back of a technology transformation.

North American legal sector analyst Jordan Furlong explains why he believes branding some law firm tasks and functions as ’non-billable’ can be damaging for the firm and the morale of its employees.

IT service delivery expert Mark Andrews argues that law firms must rethink the notion of value in the age of generative AI, and appreciate that relying on time-based billing could stymie the adoption of AI innovations.

Marketing consultant Trish Carroll explains why law firms need to quickly get up to speed with GenAI as a work tool – including training staff on its use – to streamline internal work processes and maximise marketing clout.

While there are undeniable benefits for law firms that successfully adopt and use AI technology, they must take decisive actions to combat any associated risks, writes Simone Herbert-Lowe.*

Talent management expert Daljit Singh takes aim at toxic workplace cultures. Three key takeaways are: • make compassion, respect, responsibility, fairness and honesty pillars of your culture • having few complaints about value breaches does not prove that a culture is healthy • ensure that behavioural expectations within a firm are crystal clear.

Cyber resilience consultant Simone Herbert-Lowe explains how to prevent and respond to cyber threats. Three key takeaways are: • consider using audit teams to check cybersecurity compliance after major projects • develop more comprehensive plans to protect sensitive client information • discuss in advance your firm’s stance on paying ransoms if cyber extortion occurs.

Pricing expert Colin Jasper explains how to achieve pricing certainty and win more work. Three key takeaways are: • resist over-scoping a project as it can make your price seem higher • limit a list of assumptions to no more than three key assumptions • provide potential clients with pricing options, not one take-it-or-leave it offer.

Wotton + Kearney chief executive partner David Kearney shares his insights on cyber risks and flexible workplaces.