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Ep#12 Navigating a Career in Government Legal with Mel Nebhrajani
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My guest today is Mel Nebhrajani, Director General - Litigation with Justice and Security in the Government Legal Department. The episode delves into Mel's unconventional journey into law, starting from her study of English to a brief stint in publishing, and eventually practising as a barrister before joining the Government Legal Department. Mel shares her experiences and insights on the challenges and rewards of working within the Government Legal Department, including as the senior legal Director at the Department of Health during the COVID-19 response, which presented a myriad of challenging legal and legislative issues not previously encountered or anticipated. The discussion covers the importance of adaptability, risk-taking, and aligning professional roles with personal values. Mel offers advice for lawyers contemplating a career in Government and reflects on leadership, dealing with high-pressure scenarios, and maintaining work-life balance. The conversation aims to highlight the unique aspects of work within the Government Legal Department and inspire listeners to consider diverse paths in their legal careers.
00:00 Introduction to the Government Legal Department and Special Guest Mel Nebhrajani
01:37 Mel's Unique Journey to Law and Government Legal
04:11 The Leap of Faith: Transitioning Careers and Embracing Change
05:17 The Impact of Early Career Decisions and Building Self-Confidence
06:25 From the Chancery Bar to Government Legal: A Path of Service
11:20 Exploring the Varied Landscape of Government Legal Work
12:48 The Fascination and Challenges of Working in the Government Legal Department
15:22 Dealing with Politicians: Respect and Understanding
16:51 Navigating Risks and Decision-Making in Government Legal Work
17:31 The Art of Identifying and Communicating Risks
19:44 Rapid Response and Decision-Making Under Pressure
20:34 The COVID-19 Challenge: Adapting to Unprecedented Times
24:02 Building Resilience and Supporting Teams During Crisis
26:15 Embracing Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
28:32 Reflections on Career Challenges and the Value of Experience
30:16 Final 3 Pieces of Advice
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