The Speakers

STEVEN BROWN

LIFE AFTER THE BILLABLE HOUR - HOW LYNN AND BROWN MADE THE TRANSITION

Steven is the Director of Perth firm, Lynn and Brown, a firm of 30 people practising in the areas of Commercial Dispute and Advisory Law, Family Law and Wills and Estates. For twenty years, his firm billed and recorded time before switching to value-based pricing.

Since making the transition nine years ago, his firm has grown and become more profitable.  With the ever-growing presence of AI, the issue of pricing is becoming more relevant than ever for law firms. At the Forum, Steven will walk you through how his firm has done it, including the everyday steps they have taken to create a value-based pricing proposition for clients.  You will learn how, as a result, Steven’s firm differentiates itself in the eyes of both its clients and its knowledge workers.

ABBAS NAZARI

TURNING ADVERSITY INTO OPPORTUNITY

Abbas fled the Taliban in Afghanistan as a child and was resettled in New Zealand after his family was rescued by the Tampa containership in 2001 – an international event widely known as the Tampa Affair. His journey from refugee to business owner and thought leader is one of the most compelling success stories in Australasia. A best-selling author, Fulbright scholar, and fitness entrepreneur, Abbas Nazari is now a sought-after keynote speaker on resilience, leadership, business growth, and high performance. In 2019, Abbas was awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to the United States, where he completed a Master’s degree in Security Studies at Georgetown University in Washington DC. His memoir, After the Tampa: From Afghanistan to New Zealand became a #1 bestselling book in New Zealand. Alongside his academic and writing achievements, Abbas is a successful franchise entrepreneur and fitness business owner. In 2022, he was named a finalist for the 2022 Young New Zealander of the Year Award.

ELWIN LOO 

IMPROVING YOUR PROFITABILITY - WHAT WORKS AND WHAT DOESN’T

Elwin is a Chartered Accountant who specialises in working with professional service firms, especially law firms. At the Forum he will share financial data and insights he has gained from research and consulting with leaders of small-mid tier law firms. Specifically, he will pinpoint trends impacting financial performance, methods to enhance profitability and practical approaches to succession. 

ELIZABETH BRODERICK AO

LEADING CHANGE, MANAGING FEAR, CREATING OPPPORTUNITY

At a time of increasing complexity, uncertainty and change, the role of leaders in shaping workplace culture has never been more critical. In this ‘fireside’ conversation, Elizabeth will explore how law firm leaders can actively embed respect, equality and safety into everyday decisions, behaviours and systems.

Drawing on her experience working alongside leaders across many sectors including law and professional services firms, Elizabeth will reflect on what it takes to build cultures of trust, accountability and inclusion — particularly in environments where pressure, fear and competing priorities can undermine progress.

The discussion will also consider how leaders can navigate moments of disruption and change, supporting teams with clarity and confidence while identifying opportunities to strengthen culture and performance. Elizabeth will share practical insights on how leader-led action can drive meaningful and sustained change in workplaces.

 Venue

The Hilton, lake taupo

The venue for this year's Future Firm Forum is the five-star Hilton, Lake Taupo, situated at the heart of the Central North Island of New Zealand.

The 19th century hotel combines Victorian charm with modern styling, just 10 minutes from Taupo town centre. It has a swimming pool, tennis courts, a fitness center, and lake-view dining from the restaurant balcony.