Ep 4 | Chance, Change and the Thrill of a Challenge with Margo Harris

Alex Correa • October 13, 2020

The typical career progression for a barrister involves admission to the bar after paying your dues as an instructing solicitor. Margo Harris is not your typical barrister.


Her work in-house, both in the high specialised field of maritime law in London and as a generalist in Australia, has given her a depth of knowledge that is, without a doubt, an extra tool on her belt. It's not how she planned her career, because Margo never had a business plan for her career. Her move to the bar at a later stage in her life was the new challenge she craved and the opportunities that followed include ticking off roles she'd only ever dreamed of. 


Topics



  • Specialist versus generalist
  • Women at the bar, do they get fewer briefs?
  • The overseas experience - an Australian lawyer abroad and the return ticket
  • Networking and finding the next brief
  • The role of chance in career plans
  • Transition from solicitor to barrister


"I was wanting a change, I wanted to do something different as a new way of refreshing or finding a new challenge."


"As a young solicitor I thought, "wouldn't it be marvelous to work at the United Nations and how sexy that would be but how thrilling would that be to meet all those people from all over the world ... I just thought, I'm just a kid from the bush, as if I'd get a look in."


"You can never have too much experience and whatever ghastly job someone asks you to do, instead of thinking how ghastly is this? Think about what I can learn from this."

Enjoyed the podcast? Share & Enjoy! 


  • Please don't forget to leave a rating via Apple Podcasts
  • Never miss a drop by subscribing on Spotify, Apple or Google Podcasts
  • If you want to talk about your career in law, reach out to us here
  • Or why not connect with Alex on Linkedin

Share this article

Recent Posts

Four office workers lean forward in a modern conference room, focused on something ahead.
By Alex Correa • September 22, 2026
Why applying for every legal role isn't the best strategy. Practical advice for Queensland lawyers on job searching with clarity, not volume.
Yellow stairway with patterned side walls leading up to a small person at the top
By Alex Correa • September 22, 2026
Why better questions, not just gut instinct or spreadsheets, lead to stronger legal career decisions. Insights including Georgia Huf's move into projects law.
Crowd of people in grayscale with one highlighted yellow figure standing out in the center
By Alex Correa • September 22, 2026
Why quiet confidence, personal brand and values alignment now set lawyers apart in the Queensland legal market, beyond technical skill alone.
Jennifer Tsatsaronis is a smiling woman in a dark blazer posing against a grey background
By Alex Correa • September 22, 2026
Meet Jennifer Tsatsaronis, Associate Candidate Relationship Manager at Alex Correa Executive, supporting Queensland legal professionals at every career stage.
Human hand reaching to shake a robot hand on a grey background in reference to AI and ageism in legal recruitment
By Alex Correa • September 22, 2026
Is AI making it harder for experienced lawyers to find roles? Alex Correa on AI, ageism and what's really shaping legal hiring in Queensland.
Black pebbles arranged in a winding line across calm water, with soft reflections about  in-house counsel role
By Alex Correa • September 22, 2026
Why the most influential in-house and private practice lawyers today lead through trust and communication, not volume. Insights from Alex Correa.
Black letter board on a wooden table reads “YOU GOT THIS” with small smiley faces encouraging behavioural interview playbook
By Alex Correa • September 22, 2026
Preparing for a behavioural interview? Learn how Brisbane lawyers can use the STAR method and real examples to interview with confidence.
Laptop, coffee mug, notebook, and smartphone on a wooden desk by a window.
By Alex Correa • September 22, 2026
Learn how to tailor your legal CV for the role you want, including format choice, length guidance and a pre-submission checklist for Queensland lawyers.
Woman a lightbulb drawing in front of a whiteboard covered with notes about career planning for Australian Lawyers.
By Alex Correa • September 22, 2026
General Counsel Marcus Payne shares practical career planning advice for Australian lawyers, from goal setting to why work should be genuinely enjoyable.
two piles of coins to represent values us bigger than a salary survey
By Alex Correa • September 22, 2026
Disappointed with your salary review? Learn why salary surveys only tell part of the story, and how to understand your real value in the legal market.
Show More