SpotlightAIJA

To close Season 5 of Spotlight AIJA, we bring you a special bonus episode dedicated to the academic programme of the 63rd International Young Lawyers’ Congress, taking place in Washington, D.C., from 25 to 30 August 2025. Under the theme “Empower NextGen – Meeting Young Lawyers Where They Are,” this Congress is all about preparing the next generation of legal professionals for a dynamic, future-ready career. In this episode, host Jonathan Bench is joined by the four academic coordinators - Timothée Giard, Friederike Henke, Christian Ritschka, and Radina Tomanova - to explore: ✔️ The inspiration behind this year’s Congress theme ✔️ The structure of the academic programme, including the Legal Tracks and Business Skills Track ✔️ How AIJA aims to empower young lawyers through mentorship, practical skills, and intergenerational learning ✔️ Why this year’s Congress is a must-attend event for young legal professionals across the globe Tune in to discover what awaits you in Washington and why this is not just a Congress - it is your next step forward. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

In this episode of Spotlight AIJA, host Jonathan Bench speaks with Agata Perepechko, a business psychologist specialising in resilience and mental health in high-pressure professions. They discuss the impact of stress in the legal profession, the concept of secondary trauma, and the importance of building resilience at both an individual and team level. Agata shares insights on workplace culture, leadership, and strategies to prevent burnout, offering valuable advice for legal professionals navigating demanding careers. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

Host Jonathan Bench welcomes Chris Owen, a member of the Professional Wellbeing Commission of the International Bar Association and former corporate partner at an international law firm in London. In this episode, they delve into the crucial topic of mental well-being within the legal profession, exploring practical and thought-provoking insights. The discussion covers: * How organisations can move beyond mere box-ticking to foster a genuine culture of mental well-being, ensuring that well-being is embedded into every aspect of professional life. * The power of mindfulness and the importance of recognising the fear of failure, enabling individuals to reconnect with themselves and those around them. * Approaching the "failure room" – the concept of embracing imperfection and cultivating self-acceptance in high-pressure environments. * Identifying a workplace that makes you feel safe, valued, and empowered, and understanding the signs of a truly supportive environment. * How to do your best work by prioritising happiness and well-being, and the significance of working in a place that nurtures both professional and personal growth. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

Host Jonathan Bench welcomes back Marco Imperiale for Episode 3 of SpotlightAIJA, featuring a thought-provoking conversation on setting boundaries in the digital workplace. From the pressures young lawyers face to always be available to managing overflowing inboxes and constant notifications, they explore how legal professionals can push back against unrealistic expectations while staying productive. How do different generations perceive and use technology? How can we take time for ourselves, set limits, and know when to ask for help in a high-pressure environment? Tune in for valuable insights on navigating the tech-driven legal world. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

Host Jonathan Bench sit down with Marco Imperiale, founder and managing director of Better Ipsum, a benefit corporation focused on legal design, legal innovation, and legal wellbeing 🎙️ In this episode, we explore how young lawyers can develop a healthy relationship with technology in a 24/7 culture, discussing tools and strategies to manage stress, improve focus, and leverage tech for mental well-being—from meditation apps to screen time limits and VPNs to combat digital overload. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.