In this week's episode of the 'Happy Lawyer Happy Life Podcast' I had the pleasure of interviewing Danae Younger. These days Danae is a Barrister here in Brisbane with a beautifully diverse practice. Her career in law has been a fascinating one- from private practice to stints at the Public Guardian and the Crime and Corruption Commission. Danae also has a beautiful perspective on life and law and shared lots of great advice, particularly for anyone considering a move to the private Bar.
And while I thoroughly enjoyed our discussion about life in the law, I was so thrilled for the excuse to discuss my other passion in life-Dance! It turns out that Danae and I have a shared love of all things performing arts and while we are both more connoisseurs than participants these days, Danae threw on her dancing shoes this year and joined the Brisbane Festival in the 'Common People Dance Eisteddfod' something that sounds right up my ally! But for all our chat about dance, Danae's message is an important one- that when we create space for fun or even a bit of silly in our lives it has a wonderful impact on our wellbeing.
In this interview, Danae and I also chatted about-
- If Danae was not a lawyer she would have been an editor as her passion for writing has always been a part of her life.
- The performing arts and the joy that this creative outlet brings to so many in the law.
- The thrill and anxiety of performing and the advantage of this skill set in law.
- Danae was born and bred in Brisbane and shares her traditional path into the law.
- The reason Danae chose the law, as well as her time in journalism and the performing arts.
- Not everything you do needs to lead to something - there is value in passions outside of the law.
- Her time as an Article Clerk and the practice areas she enjoyed.
- Working as a paralegal for an insurance firm and how she makes connections in this field.
- Business services, wills and estates vs criminal law.
- The value of a mentor and how they are able to drive your passion.
- The importance of speaking up, which led Danae to her preferred path of Criminal Law.
- Working for the Government was a way to receive a more flexible work arrangement.
- Danne's time challenging investigative powers and testing to ensure due diligence.
- Danae's decision to join the Private Bar and her experience of the Bar Course.
- Her time as a public guardian and what is involved in this work.
- Life as a woman in the bar - the pros and cons.
- Danae pushes herself to build her skills and communication.
- Women connections and the briefing policy at the Bar.
- As a barrister, Danae enjoys the flexibility and balance in life this work brings.
- The Common People Dance Eisteddfod and the connections she has made with others who 'embrace the silly.'
- Finding joy in activities outside the law and the role of laughter on your happiness.
- Danae's Happiness Tip.
Sit back and enjoy this interview with Danae Younger.
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