E36 Employment Law and Legal Education - with Joseph Catanzariti AM

In this episode we are joined by Joseph Catanzariti AM — former Vice President of the Fair Work Commission, long‑time workplace relations leader, mediator and current Chair of the College of Law — for a wide‑ranging conversation about law, work and social change in Australia and New Zealand.

We start with Joseph’s personal story from his immigrant family background and upbringing in Bondi Junction, through his pathway into law and his long career at the intersection of industrial relations and employment law, including his time as a senior partner at Clayton Utz and eleven years at the Fair Work Commission.

The discussion covers practical dispute‑resolution themes (mediation versus adjudication), the value of early triage, and the benefits of an inquisitorial approach in workplace disputes. Joseph explains why employment law matters, how anti‑bullying and discrimination jurisdictions work, and why timely, empathetic processes and remedies are essential to restore working relationships.

We also explore professional culture: the role of mentoring and championing young lawyers, how firms should value education and pastoral leadership, and the ongoing challenge of bullying and bystander behaviour within the legal profession and other workplaces.

The topic of legal education and reform is covered including the College of Law’s priorities, ESG and the oft‑neglected social element of governance — and the practical and ethical implications of AI for legal practice, assessment and training.

This episode contains some candid examples, practical tips for advocates and mediators, reflections on fairness and social justice, and key takeaways for lawyers, managers and anyone interested in how law shapes modern workplaces Down Under.