ETL Presents: Leadership, Strategy, and Real Talk from the Frontlines of Criminal Law
At Emma Turnbull Lawyers, we don’t just practice law, we shape conversations that move it forward.
Director and Accredited Criminal Law Specialist Emma Turnbull shares bold, strategic, and unfiltered insights with legal professionals across Australia.
Whether it’s on a main stage at a national conference or as part of a panel of thought leaders, Emma brings a distinctive voice: grounded in courtroom experience, sharp on business strategy, and unapologetically real about the challenges facing lawyers today.
More than a speaker. A voice for what matters
Emma’s approach to presenting at conferences is simple: no fluff, no theory without practice, and no pretending everything is fine when it isn’t. She speaks from the lived experience of running a high-performing criminal defence firm, while mentoring junior lawyers, managing complex indictable cases, and navigating the emotional weight of criminal law practice.
What sets Emma apart is her ability to:
- Cut through industry jargon to deliver practical, relatable tools
- Balance legal acumen with emotional intelligence
- Share real stories, from courtrooms, clients, and leadership, without compromising confidentiality or compassion
- Energise a room with humour, honesty, and strategic clarity
Past Presentations: What Emma Has Brought to the Stage
“Less Stress, More Success: Letting Go of Clients Who Drain Your Firm”
Law Biz Con, Brisbane 2025
Emma challenged one of law’s biggest myths: that more clients equals more success. Her presentation focused on the importance of firm growth and pivoting your practice to increase your expertise, not just to focus on profit, for a successful firm in 2025 and beyond.
“Stress, Burnout, and Working with Young Lawyers”
Law Institute of Victoria Forum 2025
Presented alongside forensic psychologist Dr Andrew Carroll, this session explored how criminal law firms can better support young lawyers facing vicarious trauma and burnout. Emma spoke about real workload management, not the kind taught in textbooks, and offered firm-tested strategies to protect and retain rising legal talent.
“Client Management: How to Handle the Hard Ones”
Legalwise Criminal Law Symposium 2025
Emma delved into the murky world of difficult clients: from those who ignore advice, to those who weaponise your time. She spoke about the intersection of professionalism and personal limits, and how to create a client base that respects your expertise.
Why Consider Emma as a Speaker?
Whether you run a firm, lead a legal team, or are just starting out in practice, Emma speaks to the real pain points, and the real potential of being a lawyer in today’s profession.
What you get with Emma Turnbull on your stage:
- A relatable expert who has built her firm from the ground up
- A criminal defence lawyer who actually works in the trenches
- A mentor who has trained dozens of graduate lawyers and interns
- A business leader who understands both private practice pressure and long-term positioning
- A speaker who leaves your audience with ideas they’ll talk about long after the session ends
ETL Presents isn’t just about sharing knowledge. It’s about shifting the legal profession toward better leadership, sustainable practice, and honest conversations. And it’s only just getting started.
