Ep 14 - Ann-Maree David - The Great Resignation...or the Great Realignment
Philosopher John Dewey said, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”

For Ann-Maree David, who once imagined she’d be a teacher, studying law is how she discovered her outlet to educate.

The 2018 Agnes McWhinney Award winner is Executive Director at The College of Law where she has dedicated the past two decades to other lawyers’ career paths.


From the danger of perfectionism, to the nuances of networking, Ann-Maree tells Alex Correa about her own non-traditional legal career, her drive to boost equality and how the current generation simply won’t follow the mistakes of the past.

“We can actually be humans at work, that’s a big lesson for people to learn and if you’ve been a career lawyer for 30-50 years that’s not something you’re going to give up readily because it’s what you know.”


“That armour still exists .. We’ve seen a lot of people leave the profession over the last few decades because they couldn’t maintain that armour, it was too heavy.”


“We can be very good at our jobs but we can also accept that we are fallible humans.”


TOPICS

  • Career alignment through values and purpose     
  • Perfectionism in the workplace and the shift toward being our authentic selves   
  • Cultivating the next generation of legal talent
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Alternative careers in law 


Enjoyed the podcast? Share and Enjoy! 

Credits

Host: Alex Correa - Career Coach in Law

Brought to you by Alex Correa Executive 

With thanks to our guest : Ann-Maree David

Friends in Law is edited and engineered by Cold Ghost (aka Fletcher Babb) Produced by Bern Young 

Related Articles

Two professionals in a meeting
By Alex Correa September 12, 2025
This month at Alex Correa Executive, we’re celebrating an important milestone: the 7th work anniversary of Sophie Page-Warr (formerly McMenamin). As our Senior Recruitment Consultant, Sophie partners with leading Brisbane employers to connect high-calibre legal talent with private practice and in-house opportunities.
Happy lawyer
By Alex Correa August 9, 2025
Thinking about moving from private practice to in-house legal? Discover the skills, mindset, and preparation needed to make the shift successfully in Queensland.
Lawyer advising team
By Alex Correa August 9, 2025
Discover how the General Counsel role in Queensland has evolved into a strategic business leadership position, and what to look for when hiring one.
Brisbane City Landscape
By Alex Correa August 7, 2025
In this article, we pay tribute to the female legal trailblazers of Queensland and share our thoughts as to why their rise is good for the industry as a whole.
Image of Brisbane skyline
By Alex Correa July 28, 2025
Discover why in-house legal roles in Queensland are the smartest career move for lawyers in 2025. Industry trends, career pathways, and insider opportunities from Alex Correa Executive.
female in-house lawyer
By Alex Correa June 23, 2025
Discover how to recruit and retain exceptional in-house legal talent in Brisbane and Queensland with Alex Correa Executive’s proven strategies.
Black pin board with the words 'You Got This'.
By Alex Correa May 1, 2025
Confident, clear, prepared—your behavioural interview playbook for Brisbane lawyers ready to take the next career step. Learn how to answer STAR questions and prepare for legal interviews with confidence.
Lawyer dreaming about greater balance with a career in government
By Alex Correa April 17, 2025
Thinking about a career shift from private practice? Discover why more lawyers are moving into government roles and how public sector law offers impact, flexibility, and long-term career growth—plus current opportunities at Crown Law.
Female lawyer (employee) working from home
By Alex Correa April 4, 2025
The legal profession in Queensland, like many industries, has seen significant shifts in workplace expectations, particularly in the realm of hybrid and flexible working arrangements. As recruiters who specialise in the legal sector, we have witnessed firsthand how law firms and in-house legal teams are adapting to these changes—and where challenges still exist.
By Alex Correa April 1, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions on why a career in government may be your next best career move
More Posts