Ep4 Triage Like a Pro: Navigating Urgency and Risk in Small Legal Teams
Do you find yourself struggling to stay composed in high-pressure legal scenarios? 🫣⚖️
In this exciting episode of Legal Lightbulbs, Verity White chats with shipping law expert Alison Cusack, diving into the unique challenges faced by small in-house legal teams managing global trade, tariffs, and contracts.
You’ll discover:
🔸The art of legal triage: tackling urgent deadlines without losing focus.
🔸How to cut through commercial noise and prioritise effectively.
🔸The value of niche expertise and when to bring in external support.
🔸Pro tips for training your clients and creating actionable legal guides.
🔸 Why understanding operational processes makes legal insights more impactful.
Whether you're a solo in-house lawyer or part of a small legal team, this episode is packed with actionable advice and lightbulb moments to help you thrive in fast-paced industries.
Listen Now on Spotify, Apple Podcast or Youtube
"You can't fluke seven years. Confidence comes from showing up every day and doing the work."
— Alison Cusack
In Episode 04 of Legal Lightbulbs, Verity White interviews Alison Cusack, founder of Cusack & Co and better known as The Shipping Lawyer. Alison shares her expertise in global trade, shipping, and logistics, offering practical advice for in-house legal teams dealing with the complexities of supply chains, tariffs, and contracts. From managing risks to leveraging niche experts, this episode is full of actionable insights for legal leaders.
The episode begins at [00:00], with Verity introducing Alison and highlighting her extensive background as a former in-house counsel for a global shipping line. Now running her own boutique law firm, Alison focuses on helping lean legal teams prioritise risks, manage contracts, and navigate the fast-changing world of global trade.
At [00:01], Alison discusses the unique challenges faced by importer-exporter businesses. She explains how shipping operates at two speeds, extreme urgency or unexpected luxury of time. Alison emphasises the importance of triaging tasks and calming stakeholders to ensure legal teams focus on what truly matters.
By [00:03], Alison highlights the value of operational knowledge in shipping law, sharing how understanding industry-specific processes, such as container deadlines, builds credibility with clients and helps legal professionals bridge the gap between law and logistics.
The conversation shifts at [00:04] to the whirlwind of global trade and tariffs. Alison describes the challenges in-house teams face, from locating contracts and deciphering handshake agreements, to managing force majeure clauses and unexpected regulatory changes. She offers strategies to cut through the noise and focus on high-impact risks.
At [00:05], Alison provides practical tips for in-house teams:
Train your clients: Teach them how to identify risks and when to consult legal.
Build pre-emptive disclaimers: Address common issues like switching bills of lading or tariff-avoidance tactics.
Leverage external opinions: Use niche experts to confirm advice, calm stakeholders, and ensure compliance.
By [00:27], Verity and Alison explore the role of technology and AI in shipping law. Alison critiques the hype around blockchain, explaining why it often fails to align with the fluid nature of supply chains. She advocates for innovation grounded in real-world understanding, ensuring tech solutions are practical and adaptable.
The discussion continues at [00:35] with the famous Lightning Round. Alison shares:
Go-to productivity tool: The Notes app for mental decluttering and task triaging.
Wish for in-house lawyers: Train your clients to be the type of clients you want.
One thing to stop doing: Stop dabbling in areas where you lack expertise, especially shipping law.
Recommended resources: Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski for personal growth and Atomic Habits by James Clear for building effective habits.
Finally, at [00:37], Alison reflects on her Legal Lightbulb moment: celebrating seven years of running her own law firm and overcoming imposter syndrome. She describes how she’s embraced a calm confidence, rooted in experience and hard work, and encourages others to trust their ability to figure things out.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by global trade complexities or unsure where to start, this episode offers the tools and strategies to navigate with confidence. Verity and Alison’s conversation will inspire you to empower your legal team and tackle shipping law challenges head-on.
Key Takeaways
Understand the Pace of Shipping Law
The shipping industry operates at two speeds: urgent and slow. Lawyers must master the art of triage to avoid costly mistakes.Master Contracts
Always start with the basics. Locate contracts, ensure clarity on terms, and proactively address risks like tariffs or force majeure events.Train Your Clients
Empower your team and stakeholders with training sessions and guides to reduce repetitive questions and prevent costly missteps.Build Relationships and Preempt Risks
Engage with commercial managers early to address risks, and don’t hesitate to bring in niche experts for specialised challenges.Leverage External Support
Building a business case for external legal help can save money and mitigate risks. Fixed pricing and tailored advice can make external counsel more accessible.
Stay Informed on Industry Trends
Follow industry experts, stay updated on global trade developments, and proactively address emerging risks like tariffs and sanctions.
💡Legal Light Bulb Moment:
"You can’t fluke seven years of running a law firm. There’s a calm confidence that comes with knowing your worth and trusting your expertise."
- Alison Cusack
Links
Listen Now on Spotify, Apple Podcast or Youtube
Connect with Alison Cusack:
Alison Cusack: LinkedIn
Connect with Verity!
Verity White: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verityw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/checklistlegal
Recommended Resources:
Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski: Learn More
Atomic Habits by James Clear: Learn More
Head to the The Checklist Boutique for access to the other templates and examples.
